Barbara Bush in good condition after heart surgery

Former first lady Barbara Bush was in good condition and resting comfortably Thursday following 2 1/2-hour heart surgery to replace her aortic valve, a hospital official said.

Mrs. Bush, 83, was being monitored in the intensive care unit at The Methodist Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Gale Smith said.

Family spokesman Jim McGrath said Mrs. Bush was up and talking Wednesday night in intensive care hours after the surgery earlier in the day. He said Thursday: "Everything's status quo. She continues to recover, and everybody's pleased with her progress."

The surgery was scheduled last week after Mrs. Bush experienced a shortness of breath, …