Bob Hope says he's beating back illness

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. - Bob Hope was optimistic about his recovery Sunday, just days after being hospitalized in critical condition.

''Tell them I'm winning,'' Hope told his doctor in response to the many people asking about his health.

Hope was moved out of the critical care unit Sunday and spent part of the day watching golf on television, Eisenhower Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Lea Goodsell said.

Hope's condition was upgraded to stable Saturday, and he is scheduled to be released sometime this week.

''He's very awake, very alert,'' Goodsell said.

Hope, 97, received many faxes, cards, and flowers from well wishers around the world. Former President Gerald Ford paid a visit to the entertainer's wife, Delores, on Sunday, and Hope was expected to be able to receive visitors other than family soon.

He was hospitalized in Palm Springs Thursday after experiencing abdominal pain. He was later transferred to Eisenhower Regional with gastrointestinal bleeding.