Thanks for the condolences and congratulations, everyone.

It is sad about my uncle but my mother wasn't close to her brothers when I was growing up so I just barely remember them from my childhood. It wasn't until I was in my 20's that the youngest brother, the one who introduced my parents to each other, staged a reunion.

It was a strange tableau looking at my mother and her 4 brothers interact after all that time. Being of Irish descent it involved a lot of drink and getting "things off their chests".

I realized that we had really missed out on the simple joys of an extended family. All of the Grandparents were gone by the time I was 7. And we almost never saw any of my father's family either.

So, when Uncles Bill and Jim showed up for both of my parents funerals it was a chance to reconnect. Uncle Jim, the one still living has made a real effort to stay in touch and offer support to us orphans.

So, I'm sad my uncle is dead, but I didn't know him that well and know none of my cousins. I'm mostly sad for Uncle Jim, who is now the last of my parents generation.

As for little Amelia Jayne, her parents are indeed with us in spirit. They introduced my brother to the joys of the Whedon-verse. He's never seen Buffy or Angel or Dollhouse but he is a big Firefly and Dr. Horrible fan.

Katy (the new mom) and her husband were also big BSG and Eureka fans. I actually suggested a name for the baby when we were having the contest to see who could guess the closest birth date, time and name. The one I suggested was Kaley Zoe Six Athena. Close!

I was the Buffista that originally raised the point, Steph, and it was entirely as you read it. I would never mean something that patently ludicrous.

Well, I like to think not.

I was the Buffista that originally raised the point, Steph, and it was entirely as you read it.

Thanks for reassuring me that my brain isn't tapioca. Right now I'm running on insomnia, allergy meds, and antidepressant withdrawal. I'm amazed I even know my name.

It booted fine for me, but IT sent it out since the keyboard was so messed up and they declared it a total loss.

WTH? Keyboards on most laptops are replaceable by the average howler monkey.

It was a strange tableau looking at my mother and her 4 brothers interact after all that time. Being of Irish descent it involved a lot of drink and getting "things off their chests".

I can imagine. You could write a play.

Quester: so sorry about your Uncle. Congrats to Niece on producing Amelia Jayne.

Laga: May your best friend's Mother's chest pains turn out to be nothing, or something easily fixed without long term consequences.

Much ~ma for your friend's mom, and for her doctors, that they quickly find out precisely what is wrong, and offer the best treatment.

Health~ma to Laga's friend's mother.

Thanks for the ~ma. It's not a heart attack. No other news yet.

Minnesota: Snow's gone by June...mostly.

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