January 5

Sorry I have been out of touch the last few days, but I have been enjoying my time with my daughter, family and friends. The time seems to have flown by and I have forgotten to keep in touch. My constant battle with gaining weight continues. last night I ate two steaks, two helpings of cheese mashed potatoes, and two helpings of broccoli and yet I still lost a pound. Monday, Costco has scales on sale and I intend to keep a close watch and monitor my weight with this new scale. I appreciate those people who have asked to go on walks with me, consider yourself on, I am ready to go and walk. I am continuing to average three to four miles a day. Todays walks were gorgeous since Oregon decided to let up on the weather a bit and we had dry weather. I got a kick out of comments sent, especially all of the Pro Beaver statements; like Reed said he felt like he entered a Beaver Chatroom. By the way; how do you go into double overtime if the other team only has two players left to play...only in Beaverland. As for my health; I am feeling great. I worked on the yard today; raked leaves while chatting with my daughter Tiffany, took down some of a deteriorating fence in the yard and made two trips to Costco. I did feel the ill effects of a 3.5 mile walk with Barry yesterday, but everything else has felt great. Thanks again to Barry for getting our dining room into shape to show as we are looking to sell the house in the future. Again, thanks to Carl for being ready to take me on walks and to keep me active. I look forward to walks this week with Doug and Ken and my usuals. And a special thanks to my wife for preparing high caloric, yet very tasteful edibles. I don't know how she keeps all of these pills in order. She keeps track of everything, it blows me away. Tonight I look forward to another great meal, a walk with my family and some password with Tiff, Andy and Kath. As most people know me, it will blow them away to realize that the only thing that sounds terrible to eat are pastries; usually one of my staple goods, I can't stomach them now. In the past there was nothing like a good donut to keep me going in the morning. (donut in staff room!!)

I also want to thank my mom for making me her famous homemade chicken soup and driving it down for me. I love you mom. Thanks again for all of the positive comments. I will continue to keep you informed.