Latin quote in "Lonesome Dove"

[Dan Electro]

Over the holiday I rented Lonesome Dove after reading the book, and I was struck by the quote they had on their sign in Texas, which wasn't translated anywhere in the book. it reads:

"Uva Uvam Vivendo Varia Fit"

I'm really curious what this means. Thanks for any help.

Dan

[Zumba The Cat]

It isn't a quote, its a motto! It doesn't have to say mean anything, it is just suppose to be there.

Actually, I have always wondered too. The only reason I even finished the book was because I figured it had to tell you what the motto meant somewhere. Boy was I upset at the end.

[Earl Snake-Hips Tucker]

But this question has come up before. I couldn't find it in the archives, but IIRC, the preferred translation was "A grape matures by watching other grapes."

[Earl Snake-Hips Tucker]

And here's some more thoughts on it. . .
http://www.jps.net/callaghan/jean/uva.html