Iron Cross aka Felix Update

Just a note for those of you following the progress of this magnificent animal. He seems to be moving more slowly over the last few weeks. I had the vet out to do a rescope and general update. He said while the pharynx hasnt gotten worse - 20% of normal diameter, the palette is having trouble moving, letting food be diverted in the pharynx rather than just the esophagus. All this would make Felix frustrated, but not in pain. He coughs when all this is happening. With all this in mind, we feel it is time for us to let him go. Sarah had a great "last ride" with Patty for old times sake. God certainly blessed us with a beautiful day, and both Sarh and Felix enjoyed themselves. Felix has been a great horse with a big heart, taking both Sarah and me everywhere we would have wanted to go on horseback!

Dé la bienvenida a nuestras huéspedes... Yoselyn & Ximena!

Ximena (left) and Yoselyn (right) are visiting from the beautiful country of Chile. We have had fun learning about each other's cultures. The Lutheran Church of America brought them here for our National Youth Gathering which will take place in July. Our youth will travel to San Antonio to meet with all the other youth including the other international guests. We are happy they are here! Maybe we will become more prficient in Spanish before they leave!

Ximena (dejado) y Yoselyn (derecho) están visitando del país hermoso de Chile. Hemos tenido diversión que aprendían sobre uno a culturas. La iglesia lutheran de América las trajo aquí para nuestra reunión nacional de la juventud que ocurrirá en julio. Nuestra juventud viajará a San Antonio a la reunión con el resto de juventud incluyendo las otras huéspedes internacionales. ¡Somos felices que están aquí! ¡Haremos quizá ma's prficient en español antes de que se vayan!

Come sail away...

The Captain allowed two First Mates to help guide Short Wave on her 2006 Inaugural Sail. A great day was had by all! While the young mates were hoping for fog,(allowing them to ring the bell incessantly) fortunately for the rest of the crew's sanity the sun shone bright all day long with an intermitent breeze. The new slip is going to work out well, and we look forward to more happy sailing days! Thanks Papa!

The Launch!

She's in! That's right, Short Wave has been launched, and settled into her new home. The day was a spectacular, sunny 75 degrees with a mild breeze. (No, you sailors, I don't know the knots!) Not a curse word was heard, and no new dings were inflicted by the ignorant help. Now, if only the "old" folks could swap a right arm for a left knee, one successfully working body could be had! (Don't feel bad, Kevie could use a couple of new elbows right now and he's not even approaching 50 yet!)
After Monroe, we still had time for the Bluejays to win a baseball game by the ten run rule, Eric to pass a Board of Review at Boy Scouts so he was promoted to First Class, and Sarah to complete her first day of Driver's Ed. Wow! The only sad thing was that Dad had to miss all the activity since he had to be in the Motor City having a little visit with Scott's buddies. Speaking of Scott, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of The Fishers! We've ordered good weather so a boat ride could be on the agenda, and Kevie's World Famous Fireball Spaggetti is on the menu!
A quick note on Felix...he is slowly getting over his loss of Cash, and his breathing has stabilized, even though the tumor is becoming much larger. He is content.

Heavy Hearts

It's with a heavy heart I write this update for you keeping track of things here at When Pigs Fly. On Friday, May 26th, at 11:37 AM, our beloved Cash left us for a much better place. He had a horrific accident which we still can hardly fathom, but his death was quick. His last thought must have been..."oops", then nothing. Yes, it is extremely ironic that the terminally ill Iron Cross is still with us even though his burial plans are in place. Needless to say, heavy hearts and many tears have been prevalent here.
Thank you to all of you who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. It is really appreciated. Patty and Jim went way above the call of "Friendship Duty", with their tried and true help, which is why they are so dear to us. A special thanks, as usual, to my dear Kate, who brought this wonderful, full of personality, stomach centered creature to live here with us. Her support is constant, loving, and unconditional. I know that the happy memories of Cash, who was such a good boy, will last forever, and I can only hope these painful days will subside with time. Here are a few photos of Cash, who we'll always love.