Last Sunday was my last solid food for several weeks. I'm having some minor surgery, and I have to go on a pre-operative diet of 3-4 protein shakes a day (160 calories each), and a lettuce salad with balsamic vinegar if I feel the need for more. So far, I've only had 3 shakes a day and about 1.5-2 cups of romaine lettuce. I can't believe how "easy" it's been. Yesterday, I waited too long to drink my lunch shake, and when I was in Guthrie I started getting sick - headache and nausea. So I stopped at Arby's for a salad. I was very proud of myself - I picked out the lettuce and cucumbers and ignored the cheese, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, boiled egg, croutons, and dressing. I never knew plain lettuce could taste so good.

I'm serious. That lettuce and those bits of cucumber might as well have been the buffet at Golden Corral. ;-)

Anyway, some friends held a "Last Supper BBQ" for me on Sunday. Jeff Cox is a superb burger griller (and his BBQ chicken is delicious as well). After we'd eaten, he suggested we take a picture - my Last Supper. So my friend, Kelly Kirk - who is the Division Chair of the LA/HUM division and an extremely talented artist, composed the picture below. I think it's a hoot. From left to right: Gail Cox, Cathy Calvin, Nina Kirk, Me, Jeff Cox, Tony Yates, and Chris Calvin.



Well, I'll be in Tucumcari, NM this evening, on my way to Mexico. I'll "see" you in 10 days.