At 9:00 a.m. this morning, I finally rejoined the human race. After two and a half days, extra probiotics, vitamin D and gallons of hot Tulsi tea, I have declared victory over my head cold. Well, almost. OK... 90%... well... maybe. Tomorrow I may take a short 3 mile walk to get my feet warmed up for a longer walk. Tuesday, it's back to Crull Fitness for more torture...err... I mean toning and exercise! ha.

Friday, January 30th
I had intended to talk a 9 mile walk today, but instead woke up like I had been run

over by a freight train. Actually, it was a full blown head cold. So, I stayed in bed all day with my box of kleenex.

Tuesday, January 27th

I met up with Janie at Crull Fitness at 9:00 a.m. We had a great work out with Julian as usual. With all of the unique and challenging exercises Julian comes up with, surely there will be an end to the soreness I wake up the morning after each session!

Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25
My buddy Ruth Ann and I drove to Houston for the Avon Walk's Great Start Party. It was held at MD Anderson on Saturday. We met lots of walkers and also crew volunteers for the walk. One lady is either walking or volunteering in all nine Avon Walks throughout the U.S. this year. Now THAT is a commitment to the cause! I also met three nice ladies who will be at rest stop number 5 for my Houston walk. I don't remember their names, but I will surely recognize them by their enthusiasm and energy!

And, since neither Ruth Ann or I had ever been to MD Anderson, it was nice to finally see the awesome sprawling medical campus we have always heard so much about. Overall, it was a good trip for us to take so we could spend time together and also for such a great cause. I had my first lumpectomy in 1999 and Ruth Ann had her first mastectomy in 2003. Then, on 10/3/06, Ruth Ann had her second mastectomy and just 16 days later, I had my bi-lateral mastectomy. As much as I hated us both having breast cancer at the same time, we made the best of it. I was at the hospital for her surgery and she came to mine. As the song says "that's what friends are for".

Our hotel overlooked the Galleria and on Saturday evening, we went window sticker shock shopping. Saw a stunning leather purse at Saks for $3,800 and no, it didn't come home with me! We also strolled through Dior, Armani, Burberry, Coach and others... mostly wide -eyed!

On Sunday, we lucked on the weather. Although it was overcast, not a single drop of rain for the entire drive back to Dallas. We even stopped at the Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana. Ruth Ann bought goodies to take to her husband and I bought stuff for Janie who was dogsitting and for Richard and our Italian exchange student Umbi. Too bad I can't eat the wonderful breads and pastries I brought home was diagnosed dairy and gluten intolerant two years ago. My almonds, applies and bananas are good, but just not the same...

I must get back to Crull Fitness and get moving pronto!