Houston, Texas

I've been in Houston since Sunday, 8-16-2009. Came to visit my sister and see my nephew, Benjamin, who is visiting his dad, my brother, Van. Benjamin lives in Indianapolis, IN, but plans to go back to California. Benjamin worked with group like conservation corps and camped(lived) in woods and hills doing mountainman type work. Loved seeing him. We all met at my other brother's home in the country. His wife, Karen, and kids, Anson, Ashlen and Gillian, prepared most of the food and had beer and wine. I drove like a crazy person in order to make the trip from Louisiana for the party. Leonard's home is in the country and is on lots of property. Really cool place to visit.

Next night I had dinner with Van, Benjamin and Van's daughter, Callie, and my sister, Brenda, at Van's apt. in Houston. Sat on patio and ate grilled steak, mushrooms and Caesar salad (Van made the dressing from scratch) YUM.

Brenda took off work for three days and we worked at her house. She just moved in this year and still has boxes to unload. We did some throwing out and arranging some things. Always good to accomplish homey things.

Brenda's daughter, Cara, had wisdom teeth removed today and I'm looking after her since Brenda had to return to work. I will go home tomorrow.

Got a call from doctor re PET scan. He thinks mass has not changed but doesn't show any cancer. He will show the scan to me when I return home. Doctor recommends another followup chest x-ray in about 3-4 months to check on mass and see if it's still there, growing or shrinking. Still using inhaler and planning on trip to Maine in September. Feel really good knowing my friend the doctor is taking good care of me. How blessed am I?!!!

February is here already?

I cannot believe how this week has flown by. Finally got back to my full workout at the gym. Did very well and know I can now continue with the plan.

In addition to my gym workout I've been "working out" with our current lodger...Hambone, the beagle. When I take him for a "walk" it is more like a "run" where I'm trying to hold back a dragster flying down the strip. This little dynamo can move!! The only thing that stops him is seeing another dog or cat. He wants to play with anything that passes by. It is sad to see him trying to get to a "friend" and sad to hear him whine and sometimes bark. We have found him a home which we believe will provide a boy to play with as well as a couple of other dogs. Still working out the details and I'm trying to get ready for the separation. Hambone is so cute and affectionate but I know we cannot keep him and give him the home he needs. I know that sounds selfish but it is reality. I don't want to hold on to him just because some think we should when I know it's better he have a family who will be there for him all the time.

Richmond, Texas

I've been in Richmond, TX, since last Thursday. I'm visiting my sister. I miss my workouts but have been trying to watch what I eat. Hopefully, when I return home, I will get back to the gym and will not have gained too much weight.

I did get to see my brother and some of my friends from high school. It's great that we still get together and it's amazing that none of us has aged a day!!!

Will be going home tomorrow.