Now that we have had my birthday party and made our announcement, at last I can divulge--we eloped! The WBB and I got married on Wednesday. Just us and a notary marrying dude who was a failed actor and was hilariously hammy. The BF had been planning this for a while and sprang it on me last Saturday. It almost KILLED me not telling anyone, but it was such fun to spring it on everyone who was here for my little birthday shindig. The BF's mom and sisters were here, so there was a lot oif crying and hugging. After 13 years, it doesn't feel any different, but it's still lovely to be married.

Bay Area-istas, I'll be in town from August 31 - September 4. Not nearly long enough for my taste, but it's a miracle they gave me five days off in a row from work in the first place. I want to see you all! As I think the F2F thread is where these discussions go, I'll post this there, too.

Jacqueline has been released from the hospital. She's just waiting for the priest to swing by and give her communion. Then I'll go pick her up.

She'll be on bedrest for the rest of this week at the very least, and we'll know more after our regularly scheduled doctor's appointment on Thursday.

Thank goodness for hospitals, I guess. Any of that patented Buffista ~ma will be greatly appreciated.

Just got back from ICU. StE borrowed StY's scooter, came off it and hit his head. If he hadn't worn the helmet he wouldn't be in ICU.

He's comatose, not breathing on his own, they're fiddling with the medicines trying to get him to breathe, and will call us if there's any change.

Sleeping on a four-foot couch with the teevee on in a room full of other ICU relatives yapping just can't be done.

Any vibes you can spare are appreciated. Updates as I have them. Right now? We're going to try sleeping before heading back to the hospital.

Small update: StE's breathing on his own, and is "stable", though still critical. They're keeping him on the vent for now, to supplement his breathing. But his nurse sounds very positive. We're breathing a bit easier. I believe all the good wishes help, I really do. Thank you all.

Any vibes or ~ma that you could aim toward Boston would be greatly appreciated. My sister's surgery and cancer staging is today.

I have been and will be grey for the next few weeks as I've had to leave my new, stuff-still-in-boxes apartment to come to the Vineyard to take care of my niece and nephew (my sister got her diagnosis two days after taking the kids on vacation). Don't know when I'll be back home but I'll try to check email every few days at the library.

Posting on Calli's behalf:

Calli's mother died early Sunday morning, surrounded by her family. I saw Calli tonight at her mother's visitation, and asked for permission to post this here, because I knew that you all were keeping her in your thoughts. She asked me to thank all of you for all of the kind words and thoughts and hugs you've already given.

Calli is doing OK, all things considered. She expects to be back at home on Friday.

Some ~ma please. I have to take S to the ER right now. I won't go into detail, but it's for something we've been to the hospital twice already this year, and something we thought was finally taken care of. I'm really frightened and freaked out.

Many of you have my cell number, but I lost that cell, so I can't be reached there, sorry.