Oh Beth, that is so sad. (and didn't seem melodramtic to me at all)

As for the birthday flying, bummer you had to spend your day traveling, but the tombstone thing made me smile....sorry if that sounds flip, but I like the way you think. :-)

I saw your State of the Union from the other day -- maybe your brain is working on something in the background, keeping you distracted. At least I've noticed that's what happens to me.

Hope you're having a good trip, wherever you are! (where are you? *g*)