President Bush could be released from hospital over weekend

HOUSTON (AP) -  

Former President George H.W. Bush's condition continues to improve as he recovers from pneumonia at a Houston Methodist Hospital. He has a lingering cough, but his lungs are clearing up and could possibly be released from the hospital over the upcoming weekend, according to a statement released by his spokesman Jim McGrath.

In the statement released on Tuesday, McGrath said that the 92-year-old Bush was sitting up, talking with physicians, staff and visitors, and returning phone calls. The 41st U.S. president also is working with physical therapists to help him regain strength.

Bush was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital on Jan. 14 for breathing difficulties blamed on pneumonia. He later was moved to intensive care when doctors inserted a breathing tube. He was moved from the ICU on Monday afternoon.

Former first lady Barbara Bush was discharged from the same hospital Monday after five days for treatment of bronchitis. McGrath says she returned as a visitor Tuesday to be with her husband of 72 years.