Diary

Here are two examples of the types of entries you will be writing.  These examples are from a farmer's point of view.

Journal entry # 1

August 20, A.D. 79
After sunset

Dear Journal,

    Something strange is happening.  As a farmer, I have to admit I have never seen anything like it.  I don't understand what is going on.  All the cows and sheep in my pastures are acting strange.  They seem to be uneasy and I feel as if they know something I don't.  
    Here is what's happening:  The cows are lowing uneasily and seem to be on edge.  They are restless and skittish.  They have stopped eating and drinking.  Their eyes are open wide, which is a sign that they are spooked and they keep snorting.  I have never seen them this uneasy.  They are just acting crazy!
    Another thing that is happening is the well has suddenly gone dry!  What could be happening? By Jupiter!  Surely my animals will die if I can't find water.  Today I went over to Marcus Agriculae's farm, which is 20 kilometros to the west and found his family's well has also gone dry!  What strange times are these!  Surely the giants who have been imprisoned by Hercules, under Vesuvius, are getting anxious to be set free!  Either that, or our patron saint, Venus, has been angered.  What could we have done this time?  What are we to do without water?  If I don't get water soon, I will have to sell my youngest daughter into slavery in order to pay for food and taxes to the Emperor Titus.  
    Finally, I want to mention the sheep.  Honestly, I can't describe the strangeness of their behavior.  They are running around "baa-ing" and trampling each other.  Today alone, three of the eldest ewes bolted and I lost 6 lambs as the rest followed and were trampled.  If they continue to be so skittish, I will lose my flock.  By Jupiter! I do not understand what is happening!

Farewell until next time.

Entry #2

August  23, A.D. 79
At sunrise

Dear Journal,

    Life continues to be strange.  Everyone is speaking about it.  I am going to the marketplace today and hope to bring back some news to my wife and family about what must be some very angry gods.   We can now hear the mountains rumbling on a daily basis.  Everyone is talking about it.  Many of the neighbors agree that the gods must be angry with Titus, our new emperor, the son of Vespasian.  If only Vespasian were still in charge!  Since Titus has been our emperor, the gods have not stopped rumbling.  
    Everyone is asking, will there be another earthquake?   I remember my father died in that shake, just 16 years ago.  I still miss him today.  He surely  would be proud of the work we have done on the farm.  Now that Juliet, my oldest daughter has married, and her new husband, Umbricius Capulus, has bought part of the land to build a villa for my daughter, life seems to be easier.  I think my wife is secretly happy, too, to have my daughter out of her hair.  She has always had a hunger for wealth and patrician attitudes that the rest of us do not have.  They certainly have grand ideas for their new  villa.  Who would believe that a person could make so  much money from selling fish sauce!  To put a mosaic in every room!  It is unheard of  for a farmer.  A person would think we are patricians!  I will have to  stop by his  shop when I am in town.  He is becoming quite famous.  Perhaps I can drag him off to the baths with me while I am in town.  
    I have pulled the garlic, onions, and cabbage early as the ground is unusually dry and the well seems to have gone completely dry.  It is a pitiful crop, but I'm afraid that if we had not pulled the crop, we would have lost everything.  I am embarrassed to take such vegetables to market!  I heard the other day from Marcus Agriculae that the market is slow right now.  It seems that fewer people than usual are shopping.  He seems to think that people are staying close to home because of the earth's trembling.  What is happening?
      If  I do not get a good price for my vegetables, I will have to take my youngest daughter, Vespia to the slave market next market day.  I feel horrible about this as she is such a sweet little thing,  Of course it will only be until I can buy her freedom back, but such is life!  
    I have just looked off into the distance and by Juno, there is a dark cloud hanging over Vesuvio.  Is this a sign?  
Farewell.





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