Hockey Dad - I just had to chime in here and tell you I love your great attitude and the humor you bring with it in describing what's been happening with you. Glad to hear the pain stopped somewhere in your throat but a little worried about the Q-tip in the ear. . . . I've always heard that you are not supposed to put anything in your ear bigger than your elbow but I don't know anybody that can get their elbow in their ear anyway. Hope your recovery line continues with many more ups and less of the down times.