assorted topics

[flea]

I was surprised and saddened to learn in the NYTimes this morning of the death of Andrew Sherratt last month, at 59. If you check out his picture (it's on the web version; don't know if it made print) you can see what a pleasant fellow he was - rather hobbity! I only met him once, in graduate school. In 1997 Cincinnati hosted a huge intrenational conference on The Aegean and The Orient and after a weekend of running about, networking to the best of my limited ability, attending parties, and hosting visiting students on my floor, I came to school on Monday in my pajamas (something I had never done before or since). Of course I was invited to lunch with the Sherratts and Chris Wossname and a couple of British students of theirs, all of whom were well-dressed (tweed was predominant) and apparently well-rested. My only consolation was that Jack, my advisor, was as shabby as me (plaid flannel, jeans, and cowboy boots) - but unfortunately that was his standard look at the time. Anyway, Sherratt was kind and very British in a gentle academic/countryside sort of way. He and Susan were an unusual 2-career archaeology couple in that they had careers of equivalent levels of success, stayed married to each other, and had 3 children. I think anyone who's ever done Prehistory of Anything has read his article on the secondary products revolution. The death I am sure came as a blow to Jack (who is very sensitive about such things, despite bluff exterior) and his generational cohort, a bunch of boys (mostly) now in their late 50s. 59 is old and yet not-old; archaeologists have a tendency to live long lives.

+++++

A weekend was had, notable for the following:
1. Picking a birthday present for Ellen's party next Saturday. Casper suggested a bear, then a duck, but agreed willingly to my choice of a butterfly puzzle (with butterfly temporary tattoos as a bonus; I suspect they will be more popular than the puzzle). Casper noted that "It's a hard puzzle."
2. Excursion on foot by Casper and me to the local mall, for merry-go-round ride, purchase of sandals at Old Navy (now that it is cool again we buy sandals) and ice cream (classic, classic mess occurred.) Casper dressed herself in Norwegian knit sweater, grey with hearts, white embroidered tropical halter sundress, purple cotton tights, and the new pink sandals.
3. Mother successfully figured out how to use flickr, with only minimal phone counseling from me, and no ruffled feathers on either side.
4. Casper took no nap Sunday, so was out like a light at 8:45 and slept through, without a peep, until 7 this morning. Glorious rest! I wish they didn't have mandatory naps at school.

Comments

[jarsy.livejournal.com]

I was supposed to have Andrew for a quite a few classes this semester; he'd moved to work in Sheffield a couple of years ago. I never had the chance to speak to him, though I did see him pottering about the department. From what people have told me, it's a great loss, and I wish I'd had the chance to be taught by him.