So called because mute swans are said to utter a cry, the only time that they do so, when they are on the point of death. And this is, I suppose, a valediction. The MSc certificate is in the envelope with the piano and flute certificates, the post graduate diplomas and the hundred yards breast stroke.

This blog has served its purpose.

And yet.

Although it started as just a way to maintain motivation at a time when I was finding that hard, it has turned out to be more than just a plain relating of passing academic milestones. It has fulfilled its original intent. No denying that. Yet it grew, I think, along the way, and now there are some of you out there who know a little bit about me and my family, and some of the things that put me on the way to achieving something I never thought myself capable of. There is a little corner of cyberspace that is forever... Well. You know what I mean.

And some of you are now my friends.

Maybe the world shall hear from me again. In any event, a very happy 2007 to you all, and my grateful thanks to each one of you for all your kind words and encouragement during 2006.