Bionic Boy!

The $26,000 screws!


Our Michael had a little mishap during football practice Monday. He was jumping for the ball and unfortunately (for all but the orthopedic surgeon) landed on his right elbow. The doctor's appointment on Tuesday revealed what the doctor described as "an unusual and worrisome break." He broke off a portion of his humerus right where it connects to the elbow joint (that was the worrisome part). An appointment to see the orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday was followed by out patient surgery on Thursday. The surgery was VERY successful, better than Dr. Farr had anticipated. The break came together like a puzzle and most importantly the cartilage cap came together (that's what might have given him trouble in the future).
Michael is now the proud owner of two screws valued at $26,000! He will get a brace/cast type thingy at his post-op appt. on May 19th and after that begin physical therapy. Dr. Farr was very pleased and now thinks Michael will have full range of motion in his elbow. And believe it or not, he said Michael should be ready for fall football (job security?)!
Michael's attitude and cooperation through this has been stellar. He is getting use to doing many things left handed and is good at figuring out how to do things with the ability he has. He is careful and conscientious to keep his arm elevated, take his medicine, etc. The good news is that he can still hold the controller for his XBOX 360 and now has a little extra time to play (-;

Busch Gardens

We ended our spring break with a trip to Busch Gardens. It was cold and rainy, but not crowded (-; We had a great time spinning and swirling on the roller coasters. Here's a shot of us looking up at Sheikra (check out the Youtube video link on the right) as it plummets straight down toward earth!

They have a special for FL residents, you pay for a day and you can come back all year for free! Hopefully we will catch a few sunnier days between now and then. Come visit and we'll go!

Three Sisters Spring

Our dear friends, Capt. Michael and 1st Mate Luanne, along with their deck scrubbers, Matthew, Paul, and Jonathan, invited us to share a day of their Crystal River vacation! We kayaked and swam into Three Sisters Spring, I felt like I was in another world.




Gracie is in the spring...not a swimming pool! The water was sparkling. We also saw a momma and baby manatee in the canal on the way to the spring, very cool!



Later that day we went out fishing, or shrimp donating....many fish went to bed with full tummies that night...we had enchiladas (-: But it was sure fun to try. The 'deck scrubbers' were very patient with the less experienced Yak kids, they shared their poles, baited the hooks, and showered the Yaks with good fishing advise. Maybe next time we'll bring home some dinner!