Now I'm sick. Inevitable, I guess. And I'm not at my cousin Michael's wedding. Nathan and I did make the groom's dinner, a lovely and funny evening hosted by my aunt Mary and uncle Bruce. Michael (bottom) and Amanda (left) got some good ribbing during various toasts, and Nathan laughed so hard, I love seeing that. And seeing family members I don't get to see nearly often enough, like my uncle Del and cousin Maya (below left) and my cousin MaryBeth's adorable little boy Luke (below right). But oh, I was already half-down by the end of dinner. Some petty family members (does anyone escape this? Guess not...) plus a little pushback on the "inappropriateness" of Feminine Hijinx earlier in the day by someone in my world (apparently girls talking shit about sex, swearing, and cackling about everything else under the sun in public is inappropriate and embarassing to everyone who knows me, ooops; must be why it's so fun!), a fever, nasty cough, two-hour drive, and the last straw - a dark, moldy cabin to bed down in - totally did me in. I was up all night coughing, and decided at oh, about 3:30 a.m., that I had to throw in the towel and come back home. Where there's John, light, good smells, my kitchen, my bath, and my own BED. I don't know if I'll sleep one whit better tonight - the fever and cough are only worse, and when I cough, LOOK OUT, it's an evil thing - but when you're sick, there's no place like home. In fact, in general, there's no place like home. HOME! I do love being home. Especially when Suz brings me cheer-up tulips and totally brightens my day! And Kim sends me an amazing cheer-up email that fortifies my spirits! And John wraps me in a huge hug, offers to go get me matzo ball soup, takes Nathan out to grab some dinner, and insists that I rest. Lovely. Alright, I gotta get in bed.

So my best to Michael and Amanda, who are at this very moment being toasted and showered with good wishes and will soon be dancing up a storm. And who thankfully, I'm sure, have not a clue that I'm not there. I would have loved to see Amanda in her dress, I'm sure she is glorious. And there's nothing I love more than kicking up my heels at a wedding dance! LOVE to shake it on the dance floor. Damn. But, never mind, my best to you both! You're both awesome people. And Michael, remember - a Happy Wife is a Happy Life. Words to live by, I am not kidding. Amen. And don't forget to have fun!