Friday – 5/20/2011

First of all, congratulations to Katie Bradeska on her strong performance and sense of adventure in last week’s half marathon race!  She successfully completed her first ever 13.1 mile run and even managed to fit in a confirmation party and visit with me all in the same day! And a big thank you to everyone for your generous support, prayers and encouragement for both Katie and I. As always, the generosity I continue to receive it so appreciated!

Second of all, I have received numerous e-mails and messages regarding a recent story that broke yesterday about a paraplegic who received an electrical implant device that has allowed him to move his legs and walk for the first time since his accident four years ago! Remarkable story about all the technological advancements happening in the area of spinal cord research. Reading this story reminded me of my post last week when I discussed the electrical implants Metro Hospital is placing in the arms of quadriplegics allowing them to regain movement and function. In case you missed the story, you can check out by clicking on the following link:

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-05/electrical-stimulation-spinal-cord-paralyzed-man-walks-again

This is just another strong reminder that anyone living with a spinal cord injury should continue to work hard and keep the faith. Good things are happening that I truly believe will benefit most of us in our lifetime!  Our God is truly great and has bestowed upon man the intelligence to help us!

Next, as I mentioned last week, my new monkey friend and helper arrives in a few months!  To say I’m excited would be an understatement. Although I believe the monkey will already have a name, I am willing to entertain any suggestions for a “nickname” for my new helper friend — keep it clean please, unless you want to e-mail me privately!

Finally, the Preakness Stakes horse race is tomorrow. I plan to enjoy a few Black-Eyed Susan’s, the official drink of the race, while watching what hopefully will be a victory by, Animal Kingdom, on his way to winning the Triple Crown!  I am still the process of handicapping this race, but for the record, my initial bets are as follows:

Superfecta:    Animal Kingdom, Mucho Macho Man, Shackelford, Midnight Interlude
Sleepers:    Sway Away, Astrology
Longshot:    Concealed Identity

I read this morning that Randy Macho Man Savage was tragically killed in a car accident, all the more reason to look for Mucho Macho Man to have a strong performance at Pimlico!

And in case you’re wondering, the Black-Eyed Susan recipe is as follows:
3/4 ounces of chilled vodka
1 1/4 ounces of Kentucky Early Times whiskey
3 ounces sweet and sour mix
2 ounces orange juice
garnish with — orange slice, cherry, stirrer

Unfortunately, tonight is my last night with Kingsley in the house. She will be heading back to DC with Kristy this weekend. We have bonded just like we had before the injury, and I will certainly miss her company and crazy antics! She continues to find new ways to crack me up every day, and I look forward to visits with her in the future.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, all the ponies make it around the track safely, and the sunny weather continues to blanket us all. As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support!  Stand strong!

Scott