My injured pinky toe is on the mend. It is more colorful and less swollen than it was earlier this week. I think my odds favor a return to the soccer pitch this weekend. I was able to complete my routine 4-mile run on the elliptical this morning with only moderate discomfort. The real test will come when I try to squeeze into my tight-fitting soccer shoes on match day.

On an aesthetically more pleasing note, I received the birthday card below this morning, hand-painted by my cousin Heather.