Day 72

Hi to All,

I'm not sure anyone out there will even read this post, as most of you probably gave up on me due to my neglect these past many weeks! But several people have asked about the blog, so I finally got around to a new update. If you have missed us, please accept our apologies. There just has not been that much to write about lately.
Anyway, I hope you all had a great Fathers Day, and a fabulous 4th of July weekend! I have been feeling pretty good all along, with very minor issues to deal with, and the medical team is very pleased with my progress. I had some anemia issues for several weeks, but the counts are rising (mostly due to some shots I have received the past 4 weeks), and my energy level has improved with the treatments. While I am not going to attend my Enro sales meeting next week in Dallas, I am still shooting for a return to active duty in early August, especially for my first big show in Chicago beginning Aug. 9th. In fact, I just received my first shipment of sample cartons when we arrived home today, so things are starting to look a little more normal (at least normal for me, a very relative term).
Speaking of returning home today, I must tell you that Cookie and I spent most of the day at the U. of Chicago (a common occurance). However this was not a common day....while I got my usual blood work and examination, we joined the "family plan" again, and Cook had her annual visit with good old Dr. Baron. In addition, she had a PET scan as well and I am very thrilled to announce that she remains clean as a whistle, and her blood work was "mahvelous"!!! Let's hear it for the Cooker!!! Thank G_d for that, so we won't worry about her for at least another year!
My reports were also improved, and I get a little vacation from that place, as I don't have to go back for 2 1/2 weeks (Yipee).
Many people ask me how I spend my time at home, and I always struggle to give a good answer. Luckily, time just passes with menial tasks, puzzles, reading, T.V, walking...etc. Good thing I am easily entertained, huh? Actually, we have a new addition to the household: Cook bought me a Wii for Fathers Day, and it has really been great. Remember those couple of times I played in the hospital with Bridgette? Well, now we have our own game, and a Wii Fit board to boot. The competition is back on, and we are both always jockeying for number 1 scores in many venues now. Some of this stuff is really hard!!! Best of all, it is giving me some excersize that is sorely needed, as I need to build up to "schlepping" again for a living soon.
I also have been given the green light to go out more, and we have enjoyed several outdoor meals at restaurants lately (obviously last minute planning "weather permitting", which by the way has been pretty lousy here, as most of you know). Although I still wear a mask for most indoor visits, it's great to have a change of scenery once in a while.
I guess that wraps it up for now, and I thank all of you who are still paying attention! We love you all, and hope to see more of you soon!
Love,
Mike