That's Good News indeed, Shaun - for you and for Mary.

Here's mine: We just spent the weekend here at the incredible historic Hinwick House for a wonderful surprise ("significant" birthday) party for my son, all cleverly but surreptitiously organised by my daughter-in-law. There was a hog roast, buffet, disco, fireworks...the lot.

One of the guests said Hinwick House is posher than the Queen's place at Balmoral! :D (Have you looked at the photos in the link? The bedroom Pete and I had is featured; I think the house has seventeen in all.)
And I did a specially written poem in front of all the friends and family there.

Jayne

I now have two beautiful granddaughters and my son has graduated from BUDS and is now training to be a Navy SEAL medic.

I have two wonderful children.

All good, John.
F.

I've managed to make enough money from occasionally published vispo, illustration, and workshops/articles/other to cut down my hours in regular paid work in 2022.

This means that I have ALL DAY Monday and Friday to work on the PhD and creative practice unfettered.

It also means that today I had time to have a proper (like proper, in a salon and everything) haircut.

Sarah-Jane

That's all GOOD, Sarah-Jane. And I think I know why you've changed your avatar now: to reflect your new haircut? :)

My first book is on its way, I found out earlier today. In 2016, I worked with Yellow Zebra Safaris' then co-owner Rory and an artist named Andre to put together a children's section for the website; now they want to turn it into a book, hooray. It'll include all the blogs, fun facts, puzzles, pictures, and a few other things (details to follow). My first task is to come up with wording for 'About the Author' (max. 120) and a photo :)

The current occupiers of the house Brother Adrian purchased in November have found a bungalow to buy, at last. He should be able to move in during late February or early March. He's looking forward to owning a shed :)

Bad news first: Despite being triple-jabbed I've had a very nasty bout of Covid, even having to go to A & E (ER) to have everything checked, particularly my lungs; I finally tested negative today but still have a relentless cough and can't manage a phone conversation yet because of it.

The good news: The hospital doctor who looked after me thought I was twenty years younger than I am. I've often been told I look ten years younger... but TWENTY??? Now, that's what I call Good News! :D

Jayne

You make me smile, Jayne.

Be well.

I successfully defended my dissertation titled Intention and the Mid-seventeenth Century Poetry Edition yesterday -- the final step in the Ph.D.

I'm probably one of the only people who can actually claim to have enjoyed writing a dissertation, but that's truly the case.

Oh, well done Shaun.