[Jayne Osborn]

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! (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

[John Riley]

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.

[F.F. Teague]

All good, John.
F.

[Sarah-Jane Crowson]

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

[F.F. Teague]

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

[F.F. Teague]

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

[Jayne Osborn]

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!

Jayne

[Max Goodman]

You make me smile, Jayne.

Be well.

[E. Shaun Russell]

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.

[Ann Drysdale]

Oh, well done Shaun.