I’m in the last throes of finishing my dissertation, which is due in next week – I might resume somewhat more regular blogging once it’s handed in!
“Throe” is a great word, by the way. The OED defines it as:
1. A violent spasm or pang, such as convulses the body, limbs, or face. Also, a spasm of feeling; a paroxysm; agony of mind; anguish.
b. spec. The pain and struggle of childbirth; pl. labour-pangs.
c. The agony of death; the death-struggle, death-throe (Sc. deid-thraw).
2. transf. and fig. A violent convulsion or struggle preceding or accompanying the ‘bringing forth’ of something.