Surely you can't be serious.

I am serious. And don't call me Shirley.

So this nice guy, Martin, runs a tennis clinic in Zurich, Switzerland. (www.mgbsports.org) and coaches tennis players and gives talks and presentations all over the world. This week, he is in New York because two of his players are dueling it out in the qualifiers for the U.S.Open. So guess who, out of the kindness of his heart and in total charity, gave me a pro bono lesson in the park. You guessed it: Martin! (footnote to story: I met Martin online over a year ago and had never met him in person nor ever thought I would when he called out of the blue before his trip here. I know, how bizarre, how bizarre. I bet you want that song now, doncha?) WOW. I have to say, I was embarrassed but I was able to get past that if it meant a chance to really learn and improve. I now feel totally correct in referring to myself as Tennis Whore. (i.e., Nothing I won't do for a good swat at some balls.) He is a phenomenal and very encouraging teacher. I will be accepting donations for the Lucia to Zurich tennis fund soon. Har har. What a treat and what a gift! Speaking of gifts, any thoughts on what I could give him as a thank you goody? Though he acknowledged (shocker) that I am not really a natural born athlete, (I know, scoop your jaws off the ground) he did assure me that I can be a player. Hello, I know that. Oh, uh, er, he meant tennis player, you fool! ;)

Weight today: Holding steady at 265. My chance of hitting the goal of 260 by the end of August is looking GRIM. And this is how it goes. Work in progress.