I hate to begin a journal entry with an apology, but I feel I should. Sorry it's been so long since the last one. But for several days I had nothing new to say - and who wants to read my whining and complaining?

But a lot's happened the last couple of days to lift my spirits, at least, so I'm anxious to share it all with you.

First of all, I'm a "grandpa" again. Dixie had her puppies yesterday morning at 7:20 and 8:50. I've included a few pictures to give you an idea. They're both boys. The sable colored one is the first -- and smallest. He's 6.5 ounces. The one that looks like he was grabbed by somebody with black ink on their fingers is a hefty 8.2 ounces. That's bigger than Carl's Jr.'s $6 burger! A half-pounder! And mom is only six pounds herself! But mom and the kids are all healthy and strong. And Jenny, the Midwife, is exhausted but happy, too. She did a great job assisting with the deliveries. And Dixie's a great mom. We don't have names for the puppies, yet, but we're working on it. And no, we're not going to keep them. (An aside here for my buddy Darlene White and my other friends who say adopt rather than breed: Most of our dogs are rescues, but when you have two as smart, perfectly tempered and adorable as our Papillons, you want to make sure that gets passed along.)

Now to the other "events" of recent days. The long-awaited Union-Tribune article is due this Sunday, the 18th, I understand. Things can change in the "news biz," but as of now, look for Jenny's and my smiling faces (with hair, thank you), in the Arts & Entertainment Section Sunday. As previously warned, get your copy early, before my mom grabs 'em all. (Thanks, Mom)

Now, ordinarily something like the puppies would be enough to get me out of the doldrums I've been in since Chemo No. 3, but those of you who read between my lines know that this last time around was particularly trying. That's why I'm so glad the Lord sent something extra this week: Jenny's brother, Alan, and his family from North Carolina stayed with us a couple of days. His wife Mebane (pronounced MEH-bin) and daughter Roxanna even helped with the puppy births. Soon Woody joined the rest of us viewing from a distance. (Also pacing around outside the "delivery room" were, from left to right, Hercules, Buckley, Roxy and Papa Diego)

We really enjoy being with the "N.C. Boyds". Alan grew up here, and still has several close friends who are well known members of the community. We went to SeaWorld, and although I got tired and had to leave after an hour, it was a lot of fun. They've added a bunch of things since I was there last, and sometimes I think we who live here neglect things which we view as "tourist attractions." Now I'm anxious to go back when I can stay longer.

Which brings me to the least favorite thing to share with you this visit ... my health. As I said, my spirits have "soared on wings like eagles," but I've been unable to walk without "growing faint." I think I alarmed some of you when I complained about "fever and chills." It's not a real fever, it's more like hot flashes. I'll be sitting in a comfortable room and suddenly turn red and break out in a sweat. Or start quivering and feel like I'm freezing. The aches and pains are beginning to subside -- as is the extreme sensivity to the paint fumes -- but I've put off going back in to have my white cells checked, because just the thought of being in that Infusion Room makes my stomach flip! I know I have to do it soon, but not today.

Still, when I get "down" (as opposed to "git DOWN!"), some things keep me going. My wife's love and tender care, your notes and prayers, and God's word. Let me share this pithy and encouraging e-mail from a viewer named Dennis D. "Dear Bill, What battle? You have always been a winner and now is no different. Bill....1 Cancer....0 End of story. Dennis."

And the verse I've been leaning on this week comes from James 1:12 (By the way, this is James the half-brother of Jesus, not Quinones!). "Blessed is the person who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the Crown of Life that God promises those who love Him." That'll keep you going through a tough round of chemo -- or depression, or kidney failure, or anything life throws at you.

God bless, and I promise not to wait so long for the next installment.

Bill