As much as I hate playing the smoke filled Venetian it seems to be the only game in town. They have their Deep Stack Main Event on Monday so they should have a good crowd going into that. I will pack the aspirin and buck up to the smoke. Maybe I won’t be seated on the rail, which definitely matters. Wish me luck.

Started a big detoxing of my overwrought system last night which means today I’ll feel like hell. Just one day and then junk starts to drain and I feel human and lighter and better again. I don’t mind the process, just the first day. Can’t play today due to Don’s commitments and children’s things after school so taking advantage of it, lots of water, lots of supplements and a big headache .. but that’s just the bad stuff coming out. Will feel better at the end of the day and always glad I do it.

On the way to school this morning Lincoln asks me why the world is round. I tell him that’s a question for God. Then Sierra says if she could talk to God she would ask him if Hayden could come back down from Heaven and be with us. I say “Lincoln what would you ask God?” He doesn’t miss a beat and says “Tell me all you know.”

Well I’m back home and glad to be here. Missed my little ones and had lots of Panama made goodies for them. Every trip I usually find one thing indigenous to the country which I love, and I stock up. In Panamaa it was their straw hats and I returned with l5 colorful ones. Thanks to my good friend Joannie who acted as my mirror during the spree. Great fun.

Its rare in life to have people you can pick up with the next time you see them right where you left off. Its treasured. This group of my longest known colleagues have always been true blue. I can’t wait until next November where we meet in Paris and then in 2011 in Istanbul. Can’t wait .. until next November take care my friends.

Have a speech today talking about world politics and the wide swarth of Democracy, then a break, then a member’s meeting to induct me officially as the Tresurer (been serving as the interim as a friend had to resign due to health reasons) and the big soiree. Always a great great time with lots of love, laughter, alcohol and great food.

Am in Panama for a Board Meeting of the International Association of Political Consultants, a fun, smart, sophisticated long term friendships group. I love being with these people and relish my time with them. Rumor has it there is a poker game developing within the City of Panama on Saturday afternoon in my honor .. can’t wait and will keep you posted as things develop.