Happy Belated Birthday, sj!! Also, go with the naked elopements, Bev and DH! Wheee! (Conflation is fun, isn't it?)

Cindy, I'm glad the MiL is recovering well. Let's hope they can suggest ideas on how to prevent it happening again. 72 is too darn young to start having those kind of things happen.

I see I missed being timely enough to wish GC and Jen best of luck on their tests. Sending it for the next time around. And that GC's teacher grades on a curve.

I had a lovely 4th of July weekend in the wilds of Door County, WI. Ate too much, shopped too much, sat around just enough and made it home in time for fireworks in Madison. We walked from my daughter's apartment. A good half hour walk, so it helped work off the pizza we picked up on the way.

sj, depends on the situation. If the names are confidential, definitely delete or use some system so the reader can tell what you're talking about without knowing the names.

The names are not confidential, but Teacup Guy still feels uncomfortable about including some of them. Is it ok to write (name deleted).

I have rested today and feel much better.

sj, I like Rachel Ray, too. In fact, I made one of her recipes for supper tonight. She can get a bit annoying with the EVOO thing, but I like her cooking style and her recipes really are quick, easy and pretty tasty.

I also think the Food Network has her on way too much. 3 shows is one or two too many. I just want to see her 30 Minute Meals.

Kick ass ~ma was sent Jen’s way earlier. I only popped into Beep Me at that time. I’ve no doubt that the combo of Jen’s Mad Skillz and the Buffista ~ma did the job.

I read most of the day, which is a fine way to celebrate, I think.

My #1 way to celebrate. Anytime I am abandoned by my family my first thought is of peaceful reading. Tis a treasure.

Is it ok to write (name deleted).

Perfect.

Cindy, so good to read that things are going well with your MIL. My mother had a number of TIA incidents a decade or so ago. She is 85 now and hasn’t had any problem in years. Modern medicine is a cool thing.

Had more to say, but the hour she is late, and the mind, she is gone.

I found my checkbook!!!

Thank goodness my slackeriness (with the plus of forgetfulness) meant that I hadn't called my bank to cancel it all.

(I did check my account yesterday and saw no unusual activity so I hoped that I was okay and I was.)

I think that the over-exposure of Rachael Ray accounts for the extreme hatred of her in some quarters. (Check out TWoP's RR thread for a bracing taste of RR-hatred.)

Random: Chikat! I had lunch today with my ex-bro-in-law and his girlfriend. She lives in Evanston and is visiting for the summer since she is a school teacher. My mind such as it is went to the F2F where I met you and so many other beloved Buffistas. Twas a nice stroll down memory lane.

Odd thing was my dear XBIL. Really handsome man that has apparently decided that his yummy grey hair wasn't so yummy. I was kinda stunned that he was the blondish man I knew 20 years ago. Huh. One on one I would have asked him about the change, but I was meeting the girlfriend for the first time and didn't think it was the time. Huh.

I found my checkbook!!!

A big Yay! Good you hadn't called the bank. (except if Evil hands had the checks) The watch stays for the longest time.

My mind such as it is went to the F2F where I met you and so many other beloved Buffistas. Twas a nice stroll down memory lane.

Awww...And, you just sent me strolling down that lane. It is a nice place.

Yay, sumi!!!

Woot! Just got the game report from Emmett's mom, via his coach (neither parent was there today). We won by one run on Emmett's come from behind, two-run double!

As Marcelo said, "I'm bringing you home a very happy boy." Emmett's first walkoff.

On to the semis.