Many of us delight in the process of choosing a word or phrase to express our appreciation of natural beauty, wildlife or weather--I've heard us described as 'word-smiths.'

The rich heritage of the English language offers us a vast range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to cover every nuance of perception.

I tend to pounce on a new word and either reject it or tuck it away in my personal lexicon.

I have to add that nearly 5 years in Kentucky have introduced me to local figures of speech which may at first be confusing. The one that still trips me is 'I wouldn't care to do that.' To make sure I understand I usually ask, 'Do you mean you don't mind doing that--or would you rather not?' --Sharon Whitehurst