Onward

[alt_sinistra]

Students - I have had a few questions about whether writing up observations about the aurora might be worthwhile (to your marks, that is.) Since I believe in encouraging you to look at the heavens and pay attention, the answer is, as always, “Yes! Please!”

Obviously, greater detail (or additional research) generally earns greater credit, but even brief observations are rewarded as long as they’re thoughtfully done and accurate. To count for this term, you can submit additional reports until the week before end-of-term exams (December 10th, this year.) If you’ve questions, please ask here, or stop by my office hours.

At any rate, I’m sorry I missed Saturday’s aurora, though Tuesday’s was delightful. Quite rare we get two inside a week. Almost makes one think there’s meat to the folklore, really.

On the rest, life does move forward, and now that matters elsewhere have settled down, I admit I’m glad to be turning my attention back to smaller and less urgent needs.

We have, in fact, formed a committee to discuss the possibility of work on an updated and significantly revised astronomy text. Due to a number of commitments for various parties, we expect this will be a lengthy project, with hopes of a new text going to print in time for the 1997-1998 school year. Cantus Deverill is chair for the project, but any of the committee (and that includes me) are glad to take comments. More info in Georg Bright’s journal.

And on a more personal note, it was a particular pleasure to see my extended family at my father’s birthday party yesterday, and an even greater joy that Raz was able to join me, and meet my aunts, uncles, and many of my cousins. (Dad: a very happy birthday and many more wonderful years to you. And to Mum, Auntie Gera, Diane, and my other siblings, brilliant show organising a lovely afternoon.)

Comments

Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

Look, the last two weeks.

I - sorry, I just couldn’t manage to talk. To pretty much anyone, about pretty much anything. (Though, Poppy, thank you, for the times at supper you and Irma had manageable topics in hand. Meals just got worse and worse, really. Making nice with Dolores is clearly necessary, but it is such hard work.)

Anyway. Improved now, and I’m hoping things stay that way for a while. Tea, sometime soon? Separately or together. I’ve stories for both of you from Dad’s party that might amuse. (And Poppy, Cousin Mel particularly wanted me to send her best, and was very glad indeed to hear you were doing well.)

I’m free any day but Tuesday or Thursday this week, after classes.

Private message to Storm Sinistra

[alt_sinistra]

Best brother -

I owe you. All of you. Don’t think I didn't notice everyone managing things - from the seating, to the timing of the mingling after. (And how on earth did you and Dad and Uncle Silvanus coordinate conversation at lunch? I thought I knew all your tricks. I was sure Auntie Alphecca was going to get mired in the difficult topics the entire time.)

And then after - Temp throwing herself on Auntie A's desire to give advice to keep her busy and then Auntie Gera redirecting Auntie Canora. (Did you spot that? It was a thing of beauty.) And don’t think I didn’t see you and Orion lurking in earshot, just in case, and keeping Theo off Raz’s back about the obvious.

We’re back to what you said last week, about family being about not having to do all the difficult parts yourself, aren’t we? Still thinking about that. I guess I didn't trust it’d be that smooth. (And yes, that’s all my own baggage about being the odd one out for so long. Old stories.)

To say what I didn't get a chance to yesterday, since we didn't get a private moment. I’m managing. It’s a lot better now he’s back, and we've had a chance to talk through enough of it. (I really envy you and Dittany, sometimes, you know? There’s so many pieces we have to be so careful about, and it’s not by either of our choice.)

Beyond that, would still like a spot on your couch soon. Next Tuesday’s probably my best bet. I should be able to get clear after about three, and stay until - well, elevenish, but you can kick me out earlier. If you’re sure Dit doesn't mind. Anything I can bring?

Private Message to Aurora Sinistra

[alt_antonin]

Dearest Auri,

To follow up on our conversation of last night: I have arranged for tea (or rather, "tea and strategy") with Minerva for tomorrow afternoon, and she seems receptive to my offers of assistance. I will not mention your name, but I will make it clear mine is not the only wand willing to stand at her service; I do not think she will mistake my meaning, as you and I are well known to be close. I will keep you informed.

As for the rest of what transpired in our absence, I am still thinking about that conversation of Dolores, Septima, Acton, and Rolanda's you relayed -- and, more importantly, about what it might portend. I have made overtures to Septima, and will continue to do so as much as I might without being obvious.

So: no true progress, but no true setbacks either, and the potential for some progress in short order. And yes, dear heart, I am resting. With a pile of essays to mark, but I am resting.

To sleep, as soon as I finish the last of the papers from the sevenths,
T