You amaze me, Allyson. I mean, I know how passionate and articulate you are. I have some idea of how horrified you were at this news, how desperate to be able to touch and reassure yourself by proximity that your family is whole and safe. As Tamara said, Allyson, with the words.

And still. This is powerful, succinct, direct, and no-punches-pulled writing, and still, and still, respectful and polite.

You amaze me. I'm also proud to know you.

God. I've only just caught up. Allyson, I hope you and your family are as okay as possible.

There's no non-cliche way to say it, but if I can help somehow, please let me.

Allyson, that was a really strong, pitch perfect response and it comes from such a thoughtful, moral core.

Back from our umpteenth night of Little League out in Antioch. We've gone from games at 105 degrees, to 96 degrees to a blessed 85 tonight.

We won, slaugthering our nemesis Alameda 15-0.

Which means we play that same Alameda team again tomorrow for the District Four Championship.

The field in Antioch has a centerfield fence that's 227 feet. Very long for Little League. Emmett hit it about 220 feet tonight for what turned out to be an impossibly long single (due to some baserunning gaffes by the runners in front of him, and some stellar work by their centerfielder).

Pix, we are *totes* sneaky.

Allyson, that was a heart-breaking and beautiful statement to make. You are well-spoken and a lovely sister and aunt.

so far, have made delish meal for lady bandmates and have gotten drunk with them. And, Perkins, we are trying to figure out what to do in la Vegas. Ideas???

People watch! Drink! Gamble!

People watch! Drink! Gamble!

And it's a Friday night in Natter!

Still awake. Why? Do not know.

Being awake late at night is boring. So far, I've watched two episodes of A Different World, read a bit of a book I've already read twice, and drank some chocolate soy milk.

That's such an awesome response, Allyson. I fear it may be lost on most of the dittoheads, but it could bring a couple to a slamming halt, I hope!

Allyson, that was an AMAZING response. Beautifully structured, eloquent, and yet clean and elegant and most importantly, completely from the heart.

Words, they are as powerful a weapon as anything else.

Allyson, your response was terrific. I hope some of the people who need to read it do so.

Also, please add me to the list of people who would like to help, if there's a way we can do so that you'd be comfortable accepting.

What are people doing?

I have a party to go to this afternoon, and I'll probably be seeing HellBoy II this evening. In between times I'll be reading The Expected One, by Kathleen McGowan, for my book group. I've only read a little of it, but so far it's bearing an unfortunate resemblance to a feminist version of The DaVinci Code, only with slightly fewer chase scenes. And feminist issues were the least of my problems with The DaVinci Code. But I'm hosting book group next Thursday, so I figure I should make a good faith attempt to finish the book.