President George H.W. Bush spotted after hospital release

Former President George H.W. Bush was spotted Saturday night out to dinner in Houston, an encouraging sign after an intense hospitalization that lasted nearly two months.

President George H.W. Bush out to dinner Saturday night in Houston, first since hospitalization. #nbcnews… instagr.am/p/VUNFuBC0xN/

— Janet Shamlian (@JanetShamlian) February 4, 2013

Bush, 88, was discharged late last month after seven weeks of treatment for bronchitis, a bacterial infection and a persistent cough. For a time he was in a Houston-area hospital's intensive care unit, and treatment was expected to continue back at his private home.

In a statement released at the time, Bush thanked supporters and well-wishers. 

"I am deeply grateful for the wonderful doctors and nurses at Methodist who took such good care of me," Bush said. "Let me add just how touched we were by the many get-well messages we received from our friends and fellow Americans. Your prayers and good wishes helped more than you know, and as I head home my only concern is that I will not be able to thank each of you for your kind words."

Bush and his son, former President George W. Bush, both skipped last month's inaugural ceremony, citing the elder president's illness.

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