Where did that title come from???

If you are wondering how I came up with the title of this blog, it refers to the many government and parliamentary squabbles, as well as some interesting personal squabbles, during the late Georgian and Regency eras. (Not to mention the fact that the first title I thought of was already being used.)

I had the pleasure of teaching an Honors Seminar spring semester about England during the time Jane Austen was writing her novels (1795-1817), and in my research for the course, I learnt about a number of wrangles of which I had not previously been aware. (More about the course and my research at another time.) Also, I love to knit, and I occasionally my knitting becomes a "wrangle," which invariably leads to ripping out a portion of recently knit stitches to correct the mistake. Usually the error is mine, but occasionally it is due to an incorrect pattern.

Speaking of knitting...Here's a picture of this month's socks---On-Hold Socks, from Wendy Johnson's book, Socks from the Toe Up---which I made for my mother. I finished the socks earlier today, and gave them to my mom tonight. They may end up in the "I'm saving it for a special occasion" drawer, but once she passed 70, she seems to be less inclined to save things for special occasions. I may not know for certain if the socks end up in the ISIFASO drawer, but if she wears them, I'm sure to notice. My dad is still recuperating and rehabilitating after his heart surgery, so I go down to see both of them every night, and Mom and I have dinner together.

I spent two days this past week---and will spend three days next week---teaching classes at a summer science camp for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. It's been more than a decade since my son was that age, and I'd forgotten what motormouths kids that age can be! My ears are still ringing from their non-stop chatter Friday afternoon, but I'm looking forward to working with them on their final project next week.

Susannah