A glorious day from start to finish

Dawn on the North Bay hills, with no smog, no fog, just clear and bright -- well, it reminded me of the inspirational nature of the world around us. (I guess you see I'm feeling great today.)

There's something about early morning light that enhances the many shades of green.

I met with my old friend Michael Rubenstein for breakfast and heard his daughter just had twins! Mazal tov to them all.

A very interesting coincidence at work in Mill Valley today - we received a postcard from a local elitist quasi-medical establishment which provides, among other services, thermography for use in diagnosing breast cancer. It works with temperature differences, not x-rays, and the photos on the postcard were convincing. What I saw were 'hot spots' on 3-dimensional pictures showing where cancer appears.

While I would never rely on this test as the only diagnostic tool, it may well be cutting edge and therefore its use could only help. I am waiting to hear the price.

Understand that Mill Valley is home to maaaaany wealthy (some also famous) people. The folks I see are extremely well-groomed. Their children are clothed in only the finest - for God's sake, there is even a store devoted to doggie couture. Still it's Marin, so health is a high priority - but it's so easy to look good when you're pampered and rich. I have never seen a famous person, but I'm keepin' my eyes peeled for Bonnie Raitt. I adore her music.

I was busy in the morning and again all afternoon, with sweet women at work keeping me focused on my strength, my courage, my organizational skills and how loved I am.

Lisa, my afternoon co-worker, presented me with a beautiful black leather-bound journal. I will write in it before bed, intimate thoughts not to be shared. Names and telephone numbers will be in there as well, and notes from all appointments and phone calls.

Many long chats during the drive back to Oakland, and then it was time for yoga. Hugs, kisses, smiling faces, and hard yoga. Great stretching and strength-building moves, relaxing when all is said and done. And as Ellen, our yoga teacher, was wrapping up, she told me that the group had raised some money to get me some gifts. Gift certificates for a 90-minute massage (eat your heart out) and services at a local spa. To say I feel loved doesn't even come close.

I am still with about-t0-get-a-cold symptoms, but tylenol has been helping and I know I'll have a great night's sleep.

Please don't expect the next post before 8 pm on Tuesday. Oh, in the Jewish culture Tuesdays as considered better days to do special things - because it was on Tuesday, the third day of the week, that "it was good" appeared twice in Bereshit (Genesis).