We're in the final two weeks of training for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe...Bella Bike is tuned up and happy, the weather is beautiful this weekend, and riding was glorious in nearby Franklin County. I continue to climb the seven sisters once a week for interval training and strength, but otherwise time in the saddle is key.

On June 5, we're hoping for spectacular weather, amazing energy, record-breaking funds raised by some 1500 Team in Training participants, and a sea of purple jerseys out on the course. It is a very moving scene...to be huddled together with so many TNT riders from all over the country, anticipating the start on that early Sunday morning. After all the training, week after week, longer and longer rides to train our muscles to endure for 100 miles...well, it's breathtaking. The scenery of Lake Tahoe is definitely worth all the effort.

Thanks to all who have contributed to the cause this year, and to those who have yet to make a donation, there is still time. I have reached my personal goal of $10,000, and I am basking in the blessing of it all. I've raised the goal on my page to accommodate any additional contributions. You never know when someone might like to MATCH what's been raised so far! ;)

In memory of Burt, Sarah, Helen, Mac, Mike, Kaye, and J.D.....and in honor or our team honorees Paul Zameknic and David Heilman (a student at VA Tech)...I thank you!

GO TEAM!!!

A few years ago, Kaye Kriz and I trained for the ride around Lake Tahoe...she was so committed to the training and fundraising...we made a great team. We are still a great team...but I can no longer phone or e-mail her. That summer, Kaye's blood cancer came out of remission and the next year was as bumpy as the ride had been around the lake. I miss her and all that she stood for.

One of our slogans is "Racing to find cures, one mile at a time." The same is true of the funds raised...all the dollars add up to make it possible to conduct cutting edge research, and to provide educational and family resources for all who need them.

Many of you have been even more generous than last year...and I am so grateful. Thank you for your support. Everyone else, please click on "Donate" and join this long list of supporters!

News flash! The new CD: Healing Harp Melodies: Classical Tunes & Loveabyes, has sold extremely well and still going strong. Virginia Bethune, the harpist on the CD, handed me a check this week for $1000 to add to the fundraising pot. I'm still in shock! That being the case, I've increased my fundraising goal to $8,000. We can do this!

When you think of me, please think of me climbing hills on Bella Bike as i train for the hilly terrain around Lake Tahoe. And think of the fundraising needle headed for the top. Help me get there! If you prefer to write a paper check, make it to LLS and send to me at 305 Country Club Dr., SE, Blacksburg, VA. Blessings!

Paul Z, CLL survivor.

Bella Bike is like a race horse prancing around in her stall (between my washer and dryer), just itching to get out for a ride. Gusting winds threaten to toss her rider from time to time, but so far, she has stayed in the saddle. That's what it takes to stay the course of training for a century ride, and that's what it takes to get through chemo. My cycling buddy, Paul Zamecnik of Richmond, half way through six chemo treatments, and he is anxious to ride....training for the Fletcher Flyer Century on the same day as my ride at Lake Tahoe. I have never been at a cycle event that Paul wasn't riding with me, steady and sure, always with a smile on his face.

Paul has CLL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia - and for a long time it was a watch and wait proposition. Now it's time for treatment, and we are all cheering from the sidelines and our bike saddles, hoping he'll soon be able to train again.

Help me to help Paul and all who deal with blood cancers...leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins, and myeloma. Our ability to do research that enables specialists to fine tune treatments to fit the individual is what we're aiming for. Our ability to improve quality of life before, during, and after treatment is what we're aiming for. Let's aim for the stars!

Be as generous as you can...it all adds up. Your tax-deductible contribution makes a difference! if you prefer to send a check, make it to LLS and send to me at 305 Country Club Dr., SE., Blacksburg, VA 24060.

Saint Valentine's Day is just around the corner - a day set apart to declare our love and affection for those nearest and dearest to us. I have a tradition of buying a big stack of simple Valentines to send to friends and family near and far, young and old and in between. It's an opportunity to say "I'm sending you warm thoughts" in the middle of winter.

Small gestures of care add up to expansive waves of well-being. I was reminded last week of this truth...having spent three long days in bed with an injured back, unable to do much of anything. It was humbling...I think of myself as fit and strong! Slowly but surely, I am healing and will soon be back in the bike saddle to train for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride.

I am reminded that our lives can change in a heartbeat, and that's exactly what happens when every 15 minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every 15 minutes, someone's world is turned upside down. Suddenly, the most recent research, the best oncologists, the best educational resources, and the best friends are of utmost importance.

Your best Valentine ever will be the contribution you offer to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in their efforts to provide funds for research, education, and family services. Happy Valentine's Day - You're the best! If you prefer to send a check, make it to LLS, send to 305 Country Club Dr., SE, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

A Green Christmas

Each year, I try to think of ways to celebrate the Advent season in ways that are kind to our Mother Earth. Here are a few ways in which I've tried to be more "green."

• Walking instead of driving to do errands
• Biking instead of walking - more fun and it's easier to park a bike!
• Wrapping gifts in simple, fabric cloth bags instead of paper
• Composting leaves and offering some for curbside pick-up - no plastic bags!
• Taking cloth bags to the grocery store and always turning down plastic bags
• Composting food scraps
• Sending holiday greetings by e-mail...vivid color without the paper trail!

And so I invite you this year, to be on my "Green Team in Training Team" to raise $5000 to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and secure my spot on the cycle team headed for Lake Tahoe next June - when I'm sure, it will once again, be green!

Go Team Green! I appreciate your generous contribution to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society...a charity that continues to make my heart sing with hopeful choruses....and that surrounds every patient, family member, healer, and researcher with the resources they need. Help me make that difference today. Happy Holidays!