I've been playing the saw in my treehouse regularly, but haven't heard that other saw since the first time. It's been good practice, though, and a comfort to my homesickness to play the old songs again.

But like the old saying goes: Saws are better when working together. So I'd like to put together a saw orchestra, and anyone's invited to join up. Doesn't matter if you have experience or not. I can teach you -- you just have to work at it! Maybe we could even work something out in time for this Valentine's Dance coming up. So let me know if you're interested.

Speaking of the old songs, I was in touch with my people back in Timberland, talking to friends and getting filled in on the goings on. So I thought to ask about the Iron Sequoia School, which is where I reckon my mysterious Timberjack visitor received his training. It's also the historical arch rivals of my own denomination, Yellow Birch.

"Oh, didn't you know? Iron Sequoia disbanded years ago! Remember how their High Branch just disappeared, and nobody knew where they went? Without the hieromonks, there was no teaching, so it just kinda dissolved."

Now that kinda rings a bell, but I just figured it got worked out.

Apparently not. And what's that say about my silent Timberjack drifter?

i would suggest keeping bandsaws and handsaws away

Playing at the Valentine's Heart Throb Dance was a delight. My new Saw Sisters here at school really did me proud in our saw band - they played all the old songs even more sweetly than I remembered them. Even "It Does Make a Sound," which was always my favorite.

I went ahead and played lead saw, just because I had the most experience, but with @Silvia H. and @*Atlantica* on alto saw, @Midna on tenor, @Pete the Girl on the big ol' bass saw, and @Silverfawn up in front directing us all with her little fronds, we looked as heavenly as we sounded.

Didn't stay around for the rest of the dance, though. Religious reasons.

This month I've gotten into roasting my own coffee. I get the beans straight off the airship that comes up from down south. Zephyr Air Transport Inc. They've got all kinds of interesting stuff to trade, and I seriously suggest checking them out next time their dirigible is moored on campus.