It's 5 a.m.

I've been awake since 1:30 a.m., three and a half hours ago. I've been to the gym; I've baked one and a half pounds of glazed pecans. I have worked on my computer and am now composing a blog entry.

I'm very excited about today. My mother should be getting out of the hospital today. She went in with heart problems last week, and after some complications, is expected to be released today.

Just in time for Thanksgiving.

So now there's another reason to be thankful. Not only have the democrats started on the journey to bring the country back to a position of respect and dignity on the world stage, but my mother is going to be OK.