The pool at last!!! Today Donna was allowed to get in the pool and I did 40 minutes of water aerobics. Tom wanted to take a picture but no way! This afternoon we had massages. Tonight we're having homemade pulled pork. What a perfect day.

Ongoing Recovery from Knee surgery

Tomorrow it will be 6 weeks since surgery. I am doing very well. My range of motion is at 110* degrees and I have full extension on my leg. I don't have much pain anymore either. I am working hard at physical therapy both at the gym and at home. It's difficult but worth it when I see the good results. I have been able to sleep in the bed again for about a week now. I think Tom is glad of that. At physical therapy, I rode a bicycle going forward for about 30 reps. It was okay. They are also working with me on going up and down stairs like a regular person. All in all it's good.

I attribute a lot of my good recovery this last week to our friends, Mary and Paul, who came to visit. Mary and I had some great adventures. My first outing was to Twisted, a yarn store we love. We also went to Kohl's and to Barnes and Noble. This was not all in the same day though. Mary and I had pedicures and had flowers painted on our toes!!! We went out to dinner a couple of times and also cooked here at home (Tom made his famous meaty ribs) and Mary and Paul fixed us breakfast one morning. The week flew by and we were sad to see them leave, but so glad they could take the time to come and visit.

Tom is keeping busy with his job in the evenings and doing things to the rig and vehicles. He loves to keep busy. The weather is fine - some rain some days and decent temperatures. All is well in the Clapham household.

Another Update on Donna

Donna's surgery was 3 1/2 weeks ago. Recovery is coming along. I've been going to out patient physical therapy since last week. I really like it and I think it is helping. I get homework each time and make sure I do it faithfully. Tom has a lot more freedom now and I'm able to take care of myself. Tom started water aerobics so between that and his walking group, he is getting some good exercise. Thanks again for all your support.

Outside at Last!

Today I went for a walk outside for the first time since my surgery just for the pure pleasure of it. It was so good to be able to walk around without having to go to the doctor. Instead of using the walker, I used my cane and my boyfriend. I'm practicing my walking exercises by making my leg bend when I walk. It takes a lot of concentration but I think I'm getting better at it. I think the worst of my recovery is over. Next week it's off to outpatient PT. I just want to let all of our family and friends know that Tom is THE BEST caretaker I could ever ask for. He's been so kind, sweet, patient, encouraging and thoughtful that I credit most of my recovery to him. On my worst days, he cheered me up and on my good days, he makes them even better. No, he's not for hire! I don't know where he gets the energy to keep it all going because on top of taking care of me, cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry, he's also worked every night since I've been home from the hospital. What a guy. Thanks, honey. I also want to thank all of our family and friends for your support, love, encouragement, cards and gifts throughout this time. A special thanks go to Ralph and Cheryl for the edible bouquet! How delicious and it really hit the spot. I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful circle of family and friends. Please know that I appreciate each and every one of you. Donna

Here's a short video of my second walk today with our friend Tomcat.