In terms of academic
achievements, I have published a book. It was the most difficult book
I had ever written, and I am very pleased with it. It's too early to
say whether it has shifted the paradigm, but the students are
referring to it. I have also published several articles and book
chapters, most of them written so long ago that I had forgotten about
them. Still always nice to see a book with your contribution. Whatever research councils say, books are more important in our branch.
Teaching has been good.
Two PhD students have successfully completed their theses. Both have
good jobs. Of course my colleague, friend and benefactor, Morag,
retired this year, and I miss her, but we have managed to get her
replaced, and I am very pleased with my new colleague, even if at the
moment I have to do far too much before she is settled. With a newly
appointed lecturer in children's literature, chances are good that
our course will not be closed down.We also have a new Head of Faculty who so far is promising.
I have attended two
conferences, which feels reasonable. One was fun because of good
company, but a waste of time professionally. The other went well
beyond my expectations. I am going to far too many conferences next
year, which you may say is in the future, but it means I haven't been
as good as I should have been in saying no this year.
Travel highlight was
doubtless Madagascar, but I won't repeat what I have already written.
Closer to home, I spent
some lovely days in Kent. An unexpected bonus there was E. Nesbit'sgrave.
I have only been to
theatre a couple of times. Emil and the Detectives was great.
Blithe Spirit was fun too. I haven't been to a movie, and I
haven't watched as many movies at home this year. I think the one
that made strongest impression on me was The Pianist, mostly
because I had not read the blurb and didn't know that it was a true
story and that the protagonist survives. The exhibition Silent
Partners at Firzwilliam Museum was fascinating. Otherwise, I am
not very good at museums. I don't think I've visited my favourite V&A
a single time this year.
I have already written
about books of the year.
Our children and
grandchildren visited in various constellations, but otherwise it has
been quiet on the visitors' front. There have been many parties, but
nothing extraordinary. Sadly, I missed Anton's thirtieth birthday
party. However, I've had the most extravagant gastronomic experience:
The Fat Duck. Once in a lifetime. Not just the best meal of the year,
but the best meal I have eaten in my whole life. Not just a meal, an
experience for all senses. No words to describe it.
I have been reminded of my
mortality by getting a senior bus pass. Unlike senior rail card, you
don't get it at 60, but there is a very complicated calculation: I
had to be sixty-two years, three months and eight days. I never use a
bus, but if I am entitled to it, I got my bus pass.
I bought some new
summer clothes that people noticed, and I bought a handbag which I haven't used yet.
I have exercised
regularly, but haven't been very good at power walking. This will
have to be my new year resulution.
I haven't done a lot of
gardening this year because of a bad shoulder. I started another
small flower border, and I planted a couple of shrubs. My roses were
even better this year, and two are still in bloom. There has been a
good harvest of raspberries and blackcurrants, but almost no
vegetables.
I have bought my dream dollhouse and have been working on it with great joy.
I have grown older, wiser and calmer.
Warm thanks to family,
friends and students who have made this year so pleasant.
