We went for our walk earlier today than usual. Even at 66* the 86% humidity was oppressive. The forecast calls for blistering hot temps and no rain for several days. My horoscope says You've got a lot on your mind, partially because something you tried didn't work. This may not be the best time to install the DSL software that came in the mail.

Benji called from Chicago yesterday. He had a layover there before catching his plane to Memphis. I'm so glad he's back on this side of the pond, and so is he. In spite of all the criticism he levels at American politics and capitalism, he knows our country is still the most powerful human magnet in the world. It does offer significant advantages. Maybe living abroad for 5 months gave him a new appreciation for his homeland. Skip got back from his 5 week stay in Greece last week. From his email I gathered that he got a little homesick, too.

Speaking of American politics, our president happily announced the death of al-Zarqawi this morning. One of their websites proclaimed, "We want to give you the joyous news of the martyrdom of the mujahed sheik Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The death of our leaders is life for us. It will only increase our persistence in continuing holy war so that the word of God will be supreme." It will never end. At least Dubya didn't make any stupid boasts like "Mission Accomplished!"

The ban on gay marriage bill was defeated in the Senate again. That was good news. The boil-water-alert for Jackson should be cancelled by this afternoon, if they get one more clear test. Betsy and her 32 summer school students in English III will be especially glad of that. That's about all the good news I've gleaned for the day.

The call from the doctor's office was about my cholesterol being too high. It is 220, same as it's been ever since they've known how to test for it, which started back in my skinny days. Less saturated fat, less red meat, more exercise should take care of it, the nurse told me. What if I already eat very little saturated fat and red meat? We've been on a heart-healthy diet ever since I married Mike. Maybe the exercise will make a difference. The scale does show 4 lbs less than it did a week ago. It won't be that much every week, but that is encouraging.