…and for a good reason.  Or not, depending on how you want to look at it. 

My day job is in academia.  Normally, the first part of January is a little hectic as things gear up for the new semester.  When I came back from the break, I discovered I had a new class to teach in addition to my regular class and supervisory duties.  One of our faculty was awarded an endowed chair at another institution, and he and his wife, also a faculty member, are in the process of relocating even as I type this.  I was assigned one of her classes.  It’s intro planetary astronomy, a course I’ve taught before, but it’s been a few years, and I don’t have lecture notes ready.  Classes just started, so once I get the holes filled in the TA teaching schedule, things should fall into a routine.

Also, my in-laws are celebrating their 50th anniversary, and we’re traveling this weekend for the dinner.  I hope to get some reading and writing done while I’m gone.  We’ll see.

Anyway, I’ve spent three weeks trying to finish two books, one for review at Futures Past and Present, and one for Amazing Stories (TM).  Normally, I would finish both within a week.  I think I can finish them this weekend.  Then I’ll dive into the stack waiting for me that just keeps getting larger.

I’ll try to get a short fiction review or two up here in the next few days as well.  As well as writing some of my own.

Anyway, that’s why I’ve been kinda quiet except for a couple of news items.  Thanks for your patience.