The robots will probably rise and then it’s goodbye.

We have been thoroughly enjoying the disheartening tales of woe about Violet, Klaus, and Sunny as they unsuccessfully stave off the nefarious Count Olaf.

We are on book 2 : The Reptile Room.

Chilling. And the children find it amusing to refer to me as "Count Olaf." Highly unsettling.

OF TWO-HEADED HOUNDS AND PROPHETS.

Two children, so deeply immersed in art projects that we have not yet found the necessary heart (i.e. emotional fortitude) to ship them off to slumber.

One, touching up a picture of Jesus surrounded by children holding flowers.

The other, delicately detailing an illustration of a two-headed thief named Cerberus who is cheerfully described as "not very nice."*

Think we've covered a dynamic range of themes and characters here. Sweet dreams.

A PIECE OF ADVICE IN AN AGE OF INFORMALITIES.

I guess hugs are the new handshakes. It's great to be affectionate. And it's great to say "love you, bye!" when you're leaving a voicemail for, oh say...your Mom. But try not to forget

who

you're leaving a voicemail for as you get to the end of your message, because if it's not your mom - like, oh say...a work colleague - it may sound a little...strange when you sign off with that casual

"love you!"

Particularly if you don't realise it until right after you've clicked the phone off.

So I've heard.