I once heard a parody - by Mark Russell, perhaps - about the travails of local aircraft carriers ... back when there were such things. It started off:

Delta's gone, they took off just after dawn ... and concludes with a suggestion to take Allegheny (aka Agony Airlines).

I've got to leave in an hour or so. I've gotten all but the trash out. 7-11 gave me a free pita sandwich. I'm kinda in pre-travel tizzy. Been running around all day: swimming, pedicure, security cable, bank, bills paid, quick vacuum, packed. I think that's everything. I hope it is.

Hope the presentation went well, lisah!

I'm sorry, Plei, but I'm distracted by the wee Lilly-beanness in that photo. It's very overwhelming.

So, not only did my team lose, but they didn't even tie, so I lost a point in the pool as well. And now, even if they beat South Africa, it will be a miracle if they advance.

Le sigh.

I'm sorry, Plei, but I'm distracted by the wee Lilly-beanness in that photo. It's very overwhelming.

Isn't it? I sometimes think I have babyfever, but then I realize I just want to be able to revisit Lillian's babydom.

So, not only did my team lose, but they didn't even tie, so I lost a point in the pool as well. And now, even if they beat South Africa, it will be a miracle if they advance.

Merde. Good thing I didn't take that bet earlier with the construction gatekeeper.

Here's my favorite Ascot hat so far: [link] It's swirly and green!

Here's my favorite Ascot hat so far: [link] It's swirly and green!

It looks like a racetrack for tiny cars.

I'm sorry, Plei, but I'm distracted by the wee Lilly-beanness in that photo. It's very overwhelming.

OMG, yes. Soooo cute! I want to squooze her and make embarrassing high-pitched noises at her.

This is not me at all. Not in the least. Nope. Nuh-uh.