To just head off to one tournament, the bill could be as much as $6,000. Travel, hotel and food cost money, and we try to give these young men the best.

The talent level continues to rise each and every year.

We have a very impressive schedule this year. Last season, I think we managed to sneak up on people, but this year, everyone knows exactly what we have.

Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.

Our animals in captivity don't fight for food. They don't have to travel long distances for food, water and shelter. Zoo animals have 24-hour veterinary care. They have a specially prepared diet weighed to the gram, and they have animal care staff checking them every day for injury.

Until-as often happened during those first months travel, whenever I would feel such happiness-my guilt alarm went off. I heard my ex-husband's voice speaking disdainfully in my ear: So this is what you gave up everything for? This is why you gutted our entire life together? For a few stalks of asparagus and an Italian newspaper?
I replied aloud to him: "First of all," I said, "I'm very sorry, but this isn't your business anymore. And secondly, to answer you question...yes.