WHAT A DAY! The day started normally enough. It was our German Shepherd dog's 13th birthday. It seems like just yesterday we brought home that crazy, fuzzy puppy. She's still crazy, but she's no puppy.

Yesterday was also the 5th anniversary of M being found. He was found on an express train under a seat. He was sickly and weighed a mere 5.5 lbs, so they named him "Iron Strength." I don't think it helped his bones any, but he's been as healthy as a horse.

You see, M fractured his collarbone(clavicle for you medical types) yesterday. He attempted a quick exit from a teeter-totter and failed because his sister was on the other end. When he jumped off, the totter (teeter?) rocketed up and twisted him around in the air like a rag-doll.

Those gymnastics lessons were worth every penny. When he flipped in the air, he tucked his head; I will swear for the rest of my life that he would have broken his NECK if he didn't do that.

So, he landed solid on his shoulder and I heard an audible "pop." The whole thing transpired in front of me in super-slow motion. I knew I was processing fast when I couldn't move as fast as I was seeing things happen...

He's still in a lot of pain, but he's a tough kid. He told me at the ER "I'm never jumping again." Right. He was always at the top of my "most likely to break a bone" list. He'll jump again, I'm sure. Just not for a few weeks.

I'd even be willing to bet good money that he'll break at least one more bone before he turns 18.

I had to postpone his 5th birthday party, which was scheduled for Saturday. At the gymnastics place. I don't think it would be fair to make him watch his friends bounce around for an hour...

The final piece of news from yesterday is that Grandpa Solstice needs triple bypass surgery. My dad went in for an angioplasty, and they told him that it wouldn't work. He has surgery scheduled for Thursday, October 5th at a local, gigantic hospital Anyone who is inclined to, please pray for him. He's my last remaining ancestor. I'm not ready to say goodbye to him yet.

That's enough for now. SD out.