Hospitalized entertainer expected to go home by Thursday

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. - Hospitalized entertainer Bob Hope should be going home by Thursday.

The 97-year-old Hope ''responded with a resounding, 'Yes!''' when asked if he would like to go home, Dr. Gary Annunziata said Tuesday, adding it was likely Hope would be released within 48 hours.

Hope was taken to Eisenhower Regional Medical Center in critical condition with gastrointestinal bleeding on June 1. The entertainer's doctor marveled at Hope's quick recovery.

And his hearty appetite has been noted in news briefings this week: oatmeal, eggs, lamb, spinach, lemon meringue pie, even an In-N-Out Burger and milkshake.

''He is more awake, alert and talkative than I've seen him in a long time,'' Annunziata said Tuesday. Hope was up and out of bed, visiting with his wife Dolores.

When he returns to his mountainside estate, Hope will continue to receive physical therapy to improve his strength and motor coordination, the doctor said.

On the Net:

http://www.bobhope.com