Great news!

I know it's been a while, but here I am (Donna) updating the blog again. That's not the great news. The great news is that I saw the oncologist on Monday and my primary care doctor on Tuesday and all reports are very good. My cholesterol is great, my blood pressure is great and generally all is in good shape. What a great way to start on our winter trek.

We leave on Monday for Victoria, B.C. to visit our friend, Barb. This is our "vacation" after working for 5 months. It's also our present to ourselves for our anniversary and birthdays. We really like this kind of present.

When we get back on the 5th, we'll spend the night here in Portland and then head out for Ukiah on Tuesday. We'll take our time getting there so probably won't be there till close to the weekend. Can't wait to see Julia again. Of course, we also look forward to seeing Beth and Jim. It will be hard to leave Sarah behind, but we're already making plans for when I return in the spring.

No other exciting news from the Clapham's, but we think of our family and friends and hope all is well with all of you. Happy Fall!!!

Anniversary and Birthday

Double click on photo to enlarge

No speeding on my watch!!!

Yesterday, Tom and I celebrated our 14th anniversary and my 62nd birthday! I'm officially eligible for Social Security and expect my first check mid November. Hurray! Also, I'll be getting my lifetime National Park Pass for only $10.00 at the first National Park we get to. There are definitely some perks to becoming a senior citizen. The next big perk will be Medicare at 65. I'm still not believing I could be this old yet. Like every other 60 something, I wonder where my life went! Luckily, I've had some great experiences with having my kids, granddaughter, traveling and getting to do some many wonderful things. Oh - and don't forget, I married Tom. Sure I've had some sad things happen too, but the good definitely has countered the bad and over all, I'm a very happy person. Anyone who knows Tom also knows that he's about the happiest person you'd ever meet. He always has a smile and good word for everyone he meets and no one ever has to worry that the conversation will lag when he's around. If there's a story to be told, he'll know and he'll tell it. He's very handy around the house too. Without him, the whole RV experience would be impossible for me. He knows more about all different kinds of things than the average bear and is always willing and ready to take care of any issues with the truck and Journey. No job is too big or too small for him! So as we look back on this last year, we are so thankful for our life together, our children, our granddaughter, our extended family and friends and look forward to another year of good times. Hope all of you are having a great day today!

Tom's Notes: My lovely bride is being awfully gracious today. What nice things she says about me. Don't know if I'm worthy of all that, but I'll TAKE IT!! She makes my life so full with all the things she teaches me everyday about being a better person. She is the most ethical and truly caring person I've ever known. She gives of herself from the heart without wanting anything in return. That's why I chose her to be my life partner! I love you honey! Tom