Purple Hats

40 Little Baby Caps!

Here's the final product. I turned the hats in today and they were happy to get them. Forty hats and I really enjoyed making them. I love thinking about those little babies in their hats.

We had a quiet weekend - Tom worked. I spent some time with my daughter, Sarah, and we just enjoyed our time. Friday evening we had happy hour with some of our friends here in the park. It turned out to be more of a dinner than happy hour - lots of good food and wine - yum. Unfortunately, they are leaving the park on Thursday and we'll miss them. It's hard to believe the summer is almost over.

Tom and some friends from the park went on an 18 mile bike ride on Saturday morning from Fairview to downtown Portland. They had a great time and didn't get back till mid afternoon. Of course, they stopped for a leisurely lunch during their trip. They rode the light rail back from downtown as they were all pretty tired. He felt a little stiff today, but it wasn't bad at all. I am encouraging him to go again.

Till next time. . .

Home Again!

I've already been home for almost a week and Tom has reminded me (several times) that I need to update the blog. My visit with my daughter and family was great. We canned many quarts of apple juice, after juicing the apples, and also pickles, beets and applesauce. We also had a great birthday pool party for Julia. She had about 15 friends over along with about 10 parents and grandparents. We had good snacks of veggies, fruit, cheese and chips and Beth and Julia made a gorgeous birthday cake - from scratch. Everyone loved it. The kids swam until they were exhausted and also visited the hot tub, slip and slide and even the trampoline! It was so much fun. While I was there we also went to Julia's school and had a work day with her teacher. Several parents showed up and in two hours we had the room all ready for the new school year, which starts tomorrow. I can't believe that Julia is already in the first grade! She's very excited because she's going to be there all day, have her own desk and her teacher is very nice. Oh to be young again!

Since I've been home, I've been very busy making baby hats for a special program through the hospital. So far I have 21 hats made and only 19 to go. It's fun and for a good cause. Tom is busy as usual. His first task when I got home was washing my car! He just couldn't let it be dirty. What would I do without him? He is working every night right now because his work partner has left to go to another job. His new partner will be starting in the next day or so. He doesn't mind as he enjoys greeting people and helping them out. They should call him "Mr. Friendly". We've also been entertaining a lot - which we really love. Life is good for the Claphams.

Ukiah, CA

My time in Reno flew by and I never even took a minute to update the blog! It was a very relaxing four days with a lot of knitting and yarn shopping. Tom will probably have to buy a trailer for me to pull behind the car! Not really, Tom, don't panic. I really enjoyed the time with Mary and Paul (and Bella, of course). They have a beautiful home in the mountains in Reno and what a view. I met some of Mary's knitting friends and even went bar knitting. Bar knitting is when a group goes to a bar (usually a sports bar with food) and has dinner, visits and knits. It was fun. The bar was very small and intimate and the owner obviously enjoys having the group come in. We were treated very well. The food was great too. On Friday, Mary and I headed out for Sacramento and after doing more yarn shopping and having lunch with her daughter, I left for Ukiah.

Now, I'm in Ukiah with Beth's family. She is in the midst of harvesting her garden. Yesterday we canned apple juice, beets, and lemon cucumbers. She has an apple tree that is very prolific. I think today may be the day for applesauce, but I'm waiting for my orders!! It's great fun and we all cool off in the pool after we're finished. Their pool is looking really great and although it's not heated, the weather has kept it warm enough to be comfortable even for me.

Time is flying by - I've been on the road for two weeks already! I'm sure this week will go just as fast. Tom is still staying very busy with his job, visiting his friends in the park, having meals out and cooking for friends, working on the rig, and even giving Tug and good wash and wax job. Busy, busy, busy. I don't think he has time to miss me!! That's good though. I'm glad he's enjoying himself so much.

Off to more adventures.