After successful lung surgery, Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich returned to his very familiar winter stomping grounds Friday.

Since going into surgery January 14, Dmitrich had not been on the floor of the Senate. Upon his return, he said he felt lucky to be back at all, let alone in relatively good health.

"Two weeks ago I didn't think I would be back, but they operated successfully, there was no radiation, and the big "C" word was never mentioned," he said. "The worst thing is that my golf swing will suffer in the next six weeks."

He also promised that despite not being present for the first day, he will be there for the final frantic moments.

"I've never missed an opening bell during my 37 years" as a legislator, he said. "But I will be here for the closing bell."