Two weeks from today, I'll be backpacking up and around Kilauea volcano (Hawaii). I'm trying to get in shape. I learned from a previous backpacking trip, it's harder than you think.

So I've filled my backpack with nearly 40 lbs of golf balls and a heavy log (simulating my tent) and have been walking with it down the county road. Luckily, there's few vehicles to give me the stare. "What the hell's that lunatic doing out there, Maud?" In a little while, I'm going for a 3.5 mile hike with it strapped to my back. I need to get up to about 6 mi. I've added backpack hiking to my usual daily exercise regimen of boxing, lifting weights, and 1000 crunches.

I'm scheduled to have my annual physical in 3 days which may be a mistake. I'd hate for the doctor to diagnose something wrong and order me not to go on my trip! I know my BP has been high, regardless of the medicine I'm taking. Had blood drawn this morning for the doc's perusal (the results, not the actual blood).

My sister has been staying full time with my Dad the past week. He's not sick or anything, so I wonder if she's mad at me for something. Men are the last to know when we've done or said something wrong.

My daughter and 4 mo. old grandson visited yesterday. He took to me as if he sees me every day, laughing and snuggling with me the whole time. Did I mention I bought him a "Jack-in-the-Box" which he loves? (A monkey pops out)

Tomorrow's George Frederick Handel's birthday. My ex-wife's, too, but I'll celebrate the former's, instead.