Well, as part of the process of getting off to Portugal, on my way to Santiago, I have to do what smart people do and make sure the doctor gives me a "thumbs up" for the journey.  Since I work with the VA system (retired Army) that means that nothing is easy.  My doctor (actually a Nurse Practitioner) of several years has just recently left the VA system.  That means I don't have a "doc" at the very time when it is most important for me to see one.  I guess that's the VA system at its normal condition. 
      All that to say I'm up so early this morning because I'm on my way to give blood (and whatever other body fluid they want) as part of the work-up for when I finally see a new doctor in the system.  Now is as good as any time to make sure that my cholesterol stays low and my bad cholesterol doesn't get so high that I have to take medicine. Hopefully, my faithful regimen of Vitamin D and Fish Oil will continue to do the trick!
      Other than the blood tests, the next step will be to get my back to cooperate.  It's now been about a month since I redid the stupid back injury from years ago.  It rears its ugly head every year or two and this year, in conjunction with a trip to Detroit for a church related meeting, I aggrivated it much worse than usual. Now, getting out with my pack and "just getting in some miles with it" has been delayed.  Soon, it seems, it will be good enough to let me do some "training" - just not quite yet!
      Well, I'm soon off to the doc for the blood work.  I'm going to really enjoy some breakfast and a cup of coffee when it finally comes time this morning.