7/31 Gus's health

Gus got a clean bill of health (thank you, God). He just has seasonal allergies and the vet gave him a steroid shot which will last 4 to 6 weeks. He's already scratching and sneezing less. I'm so grateful.

As for me, my back's been bad the last three weeks or so. So maybe the good treatment Dr. Ghalimbour gave me is starting to wear off. Who knows... it's just a day to day thing I guess.

My article tonight is President Obama's inauguration one of the happiest days

7/27 Poor little Gus

He's been breathing kind of weird lately so I made an appointment for him on Friday morning. Then when I got home today he had thrown up on the couch. I knew it was him because there were no hairballs in it. I can't remember the last time he threw up, so I knew the little guy was sick. BUT that must have made him feel a lot better because he finally showed some energy and acted like he felt good. So I took him to the dog park (couldn't make myself take him for a mile walk tonight). He had fun there. Besides a Rhodesian Ridgeback, there was an Afghan and a Great Dane. Such huge dogs. I tried but I couldn't get them in a picture together. He's sound asleep now at my feet. I can't get him to move at all.


Tonight's article is City Secrets: More than 2,000 psychoanalysts converge on Chicago

7/25 A good day except for WW

I've loved today. This morning I went to WW and gained a half pound--BUT it was my only gain in 11 weeks and I feel really good about that. Today I'm starting counting my points using my iPhone and that will make things easier. No excuses.

Then Sarah and I took Gussie to lunch and to the dog park. Dropped him back at home and we went to see The Ugly Truth--probably the funniest chick flick I've ever seen. Sarah and I were embarrassingly LOUD with our laughter. We both heartily recommend it. Especially the panties part. (I'm laughing out loud just thinking about it.)

After I dropped Sarah off, I again picked up Gussie and we went to the park to the Curran family reunion, at Mark's invitation. I saw so many people that I knew (especially Cathy, with whom I went to school, and Mark of course). Mark's daughter Nikki is absolutely stunning with stunning children too. Such fun.

Then Gus and I came home and walked for a mile using my iPhone GPS pedometer. It only cost $1.99 and is fantastic.

A truly good day.

Tonight's article is: Obama, Crowley, and Gates: Let's sit down and have a beer

7-20 Weekend

It ended up being a good weekend, topped off with taking Gus to the dog park, swimming at Jan's, and eating a GREAT meal at her house. I think I like it when Tim goes out of town--Jan cooked vegetarian. I'm a lucky bug.

Tonight's article is Chris Brown apologizes: Is it enough?

7/17 Gussie's friend, Chance

He is adorable but he's marking his territory all over my house. I can't stand it. I've left both dogs outside as much as I can but they are both crying to get in. I'm going to put him in a crate and then will try to sleep. Hope it works.

Tonight's article: Feel-good Friday: Four types of food that slim your belly

7/14 Dog park

Yesterday Gus and I went to the dog park again after I got home from work. Some of his pals from the previous day were there, and it's becoming a social event for me as well as for him. Nice to see people I already "knew."

Today, I don't need to take him because he was at doggy day care and is already tired out.

The article tonight is called Trichotillomania: Pulling your hair out.

7/12 Dog park

The dog park opened today, and Gussie and I were there. For about 90 minutes he ran with other dogs and seemed to have so much fun. It tired me out just watching.

Tonight's article is The deadliest day of the week.

7/11 Does size really matter?

Thought that would get your attention. That's the title of my article tonight--Clothing labels: Does size really matter?

On another note, just returned from a wonderful, wonderful dinner at Debbie's. She and her two girls really put on a spread. Wish I could have eaten more, it was that good. Thanks so much for inviting me.

Tomorrow the dog park opens and I'm really happy. For $10 a year your pooch and run and play with other dogs. I love keeping Gussie socialized. Plus I haven't felt like walking him all week, and I feel guilty. Feel okay tonight, courtesy of sangria.

Gotta run. Bed is calling.

7/7 The good and bad

It's been wonderful seeing our old friend, Ron Johnson, these past few days. He, Tim, and Phil were army buddies, stationed together in Hawaii. Ron knew Robbie really well as a little guy, because after I had major surgery Phil had to go to the field and Ron came back to Hawaii and took care of Robbie (and me) until Phil got back.

Plus he was instrumental in us getting Jill. There's a longer story there that I'll save for another time. He's a great guy.

Just returned from Tiramisu where Jan, Tim, Ron, Uncle Bill and I had dinner. Delicioso!

Tonight's article is Michael Jackson media coverage: Stick a fork in it, it's done.

7/1 Humor about death

My family is always making morbid jokes. The body will be hardly cold before we start cracking jokes. So--this is all about Michael...

How soon is too soon to laugh about Michael Jackson's death?