Okay, X and Edwarda, I'll say a few words about what I am "up to."
Nothing very interesting.
First of all, I am as involved as ever in Chechnya. A whole wave of visiting firemen from there is rolling in this week, so I should be busier than ever for a bit. Unfortunately, I have been unable to do any travelling myself in this connection, as my (teeth) implant surgery necessitates my keeping pretty close to the dentist's office.
Secondly, the stock market's misbehavior has required me to pay closer attention to my portfolio. I have even learned how to short stock -- which is better than sitting around and helplessly watching while the value of one's portfolio dwindles...
Thirdly, my youngest son and his wife temporarily moved in with me last month, which entailed a lot of closet-cleaning, rearranging, etc. (She got a marvellous fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, so they will be moving out there at the end of the summer. In the meanwhile, they could not sign a second year lease on the house they were renting about 20 minutes from me.) This makes life livelier around here, but also eats up free time.
Yes, X, I have heard of "Virtual War," and it sounds like a book I really should read. It seems to be relevant to my own preoccupations. (I pull a blank on the Darwin book, but if you say it is great, I will take your word for it!)
And yes, your neologism -- "stompfest" -- is brilliant.
Joan
|
