I want to give a big Attaboyto Jack Hise and WarrenP. I finally got to get outside for a breath of fresh air today and practiced casting with the rod Jack loaned me and I have been tying flies with the stuff Warren gave me. I also want to say shame on me, for not haveing posted this sooner. It felt great to get outside for a few minutes finally, though I am not sure practicing casting with a crutch under one arm is good for my casting, and I am not sure trying to cast that way is good on my knee, but it sure felt good to me. 
thanks guys,
Jason