BOISE - Sen. Bob Nonini plans to return to the Idaho Legislature on Monday, said the Coeur d'Alene Republican's wife, Cathyanne.

She said Nonini - a fifth-term state legislator and first-term senator - has bounced back from his recent health problems.

"He's strong and healthy again and ready to come back to work," Cathyanne said. "And anxious."

She has been her husband's temporary replacement in the Idaho Senate since Jan. 6 - the first day of this year's legislative session.

Following a Tuesday Senate Education Committee meeting, she said her time in Boise has been "a great learning experience."

"And, I've really enjoyed it. People are just so incredibly kind and helpful."

The committee assignments have been eye-opening, she said.

"Being a city girl, being on agriculture, (the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee), I didn't even know what a noxious weed was," said Cathyanne, a professional violinist and violin teacher, who also mentioned her temporary work on the Senate Transportation Committee. "And, I've learned so many new things. The presentations were great ... It just really opened your eyes to what's going on in the state."

She added: "I've always respected the Legislature and the process, but even more so now."

In addition to her work at the Legislature, Cathyanne has also been caring for her recovering husband at their Boise condominium. Nonini has been in Boise since the start of the current legislative session, she said.

Nonini was hospitalized for an undisclosed affliction in mid-November, Cathyanne said. Earlier reports indicated that he suffered from flu-like symptoms.

She declined further comment on her husband's health issues.