For friends and fans of Andre Norton....

The following is from the sfwa-news mailing list: the original message is now a week or so old. I haven't checked the link at the end, so if it kills your computer, please don't shoot the messenger....

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Jed Hartman <logos@kith.org> brought this notice to our attention.
Thanks, Jed!

"Hello Every One,

"It is of great sadness and heart ache that, I announce Miss Norton's

return home under "hospice care". She is losing the battle with her
illness and is tired of fighting. I made the decision late yesterday
evening to bring her back home to be with us, her cat and her books
when she departs. This is her wishes. You're more than welcome to
send your cards and flowers here. I want you all to know that she's
aware that you care and she appreciates it. I'll do my best to try
and keep updating you about her when I can.

"Sue"

Send cards to:

Andre Norton
c/o Sue Stewart
1007 Herron St.
Murfreesboro Tn. 37130

Check it yourself at
http://www.sf-fandom.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=17606

Crusty

Snow has deteriorated a bit since my last ski report, with patches of crust and ice degrading the adjectival experience. University forest this time. I tried one downhill turn, skidded on the ice, and ended up aimed for some trees. So I cast my dignity to the winds and sat down. No further alarums and excursions, but I declined that big downhill with thanks yet again. It has open exposure to the south and wind, therefore more ice than other sections of the trail....

Saw a flock of waxwings while I was driving up the interstate, maybe 200 birds, I could catch the general color and the crests on their heads but 55 mph ornithology has limitations -- can't tell you if they were cedar or Bohemian waxwings. We get both at this time of year. Came nose-to-nose with a whitetail deer on the Number 9 Loop trail, they like to use the packed snow for moving around when the drifts get deep. I stood there, she/he stood there, we exchanged greetings, and then he/she ambled back into the woods. Can't tell sex that easily, this time of year. Saw another deer a bit further down the trail, this one loping across the trail as if uninterested in conversation. Both looked healthy. Also heard a woodpecker drilling, loud and slow, cadence means most likely a pileated. The usual chickadees attended my route.

The Shrew is humming to herself, "Mommas, don't let your daughters grow up to be scientists. They'll let emotion intrude on a good scientific debate." I know, the scan is off a bit compared to the original -- you try and tell _her_ that. Don't think I've mentioned, but she has a PhD in Wildlife Biology....

1.5 hours, 7 miles +/-