While I was in the hospital as well as once I was home being treated with antibiotics for the pneumonia the stage was being set for my next problem. It was an infection in my intestines because all the working bacteria had been killed by the antibiotics.

The first prescription for that problem caused a another serious problem so I had to stop using it. That was okay with me because those pills made me feel under the weather. I was able to get a new more expensive prescription and so far it's not causing any of the problems the first prescription did.

Our visit with Charlie worked was wonderful. Charlie was able to spend every day with us because he invited his friends to get together on the same evening. I thought that was a wonderful way to see everyone. Don drove him to the airport at 4 a.m. on Friday.

Dennis, our middle son, will be coming in a few days. He comes more often but can only stay a few days. Velvet may be coming in the day after he arrives if she's over that 10 day nasty cold that's been going around. We're hoping they'll both be here.

I still have lots of accounting type work ahead of me. I need to gather all my tax papers so I'll be busy with that for the next few days.

Thank you to all of you who left messages on my answering machine. I made a pact with myself to focus what little energy I have on Charlie since he lives so far away and hasn't been able to get to Arizona for a long time. Please understand talking takes lung power and mine is in short supply.

Pulmonary Doctor second visit

Yesterday I saw the Lung doctor and things must have improved because she changed my oxygen to night time only. They walked me in circles around the office to prove I wasn't ready to give up the oxygen completely. Also I don't have to see her again for 2 months. I see that as a sure sign that my recovery is going according to plan.

I've been able to have some lunches out with friends and that's been liberating. I hope to set up a few more. Now that I'm able to talk on the phone it's a breeze to make plans. My son, Charlie, who lives east is coming to visit in a few days so I won't be making any lunch dates while he's here. He'll be here for a week. It's been a long time since we were together so I'll treasure these moments.

Dennis is also planning a visit with us and he's planning to come late March. It'll be great to spend time with them separately now that I feel better.

I've been walking with Don around our little neighborhood and I'm working towards walking the 2 mile circle with the long range goal to get back to the gym and Spinning classes. I've been able to gain a little weight and my eating is getting better although how a chocolataholic like me can have a pantry full of dark chocolate even I can't understand. I don't crave it and I guess that's the difference. Look out when my appetite for chocolate comes back.

Thanks again for all your good wishes for my recovery. I just had to let you know your wishes are working.