Dear McClellan's:

Again, thank you for sharing the pictures and information. This is the first time we have been likened to "small tug boats" but we like the feeling that all of us as a team can create great strength. I rather hoped that in light of the Olympics that the doctor responded to Donel's request for extra points for skipping with a time frame or score card - how about a 9,3 for form or a 10 minute speed record for making it the entire hallway!

Marilyn, how great to see that you are taking care of yourself as well in this journey. As strange as it looks in writing, do keep listening to those "voices" of strength.

Bruce is in South Carolina and was surprised by all of the evergreen trees. He had the chance to spend two days with five teachers and the principal - a wonderful, engaged group he says!

Safe travel to Danny, Charles and James.

Sharon

Good, though wet, Wednesday afternoon to all,

It appears from the photo that those are indoor roses Marilyn is smelling. The outside world is soupy. Back a few weeks, when the days were sweltering, Mal made us an online reservation for a lovely campsite along the river near Mt Baker. Well, it's for today, tomorrow, and Friday. We've been trying to picture setting up camp in the current downpour. It occurred to me to do a practice run in the back yard. That's become quite hypothetical, as no one seems motivated to actually go out to the garage and retrieve the tent, tarps, rain fly, and cook stove. We decided that, indeed, it could be done. We're still ruminating on the idea. Perhaps the sky will clear a bit tomorrow. In the meantime, we're still resetting clocks from the hour and a half power outage here last night. Your current residence seems immune to all this nonesence.

Yesterday found me in a barn watching a horseshoer trim and shoe a couple of horses. The horses stood still, one foot up, making soft horse noises, and occasionally shifting the load that is normally bourne by four feet. The comedy was provided by two dogs, tails wagging eagerly as they took turns darting in to grab the tasty morsels of hoof as they fell to the ground. Protein. So glad you're up and around, and eating off the hospital menu, Donel.

Have a good and healing day.

Love,
Nancy

Thank you Martin for evidence of your Mom's good spirits. Roses are a balm for many a sore spot and I am glad she can enjoy some there at the hospital. You all are continually in my heart, are all dearly loved, and Donel and Marilyn's homecoming is eagerly anticipated. I am also sending some hugs to Ally and Nicole - I bet they are having a fine time but with James leaving and life still not back to normal I'd like for you to pass on an encouraging smile from me.

O my gawd!

I was in Safeway on 15th East yesterday and was sure I was lookin' at Donel! There was this distinguished guy the right size and shape. Even had the correct color of hair and beard. Huh! I thought. He's been fakin' us out. He's been living the high and mighty life in Seattle while telling us he was in the hospital.

I got a little nearer to investigate a bit more. Something didn't look quite right and I realized this Donel was dressed in Value Village duds!

Then I followed him into the grocery store and watched while he filled his cart. He walked right past the dead animal section and headed for the tofu department. He threw some soy milk into his cart as well. Then he was snoopin' around the organic veggies. By then I knew I had been fooled!

This must have been Donel's evil twin from the planet Bizarro (Superman comics). Everything there was opposite of life on earth. So, apparently I had slipped into an alternate universe while driving around Capitol Hill. I'll start to worry if this happens too often. Although at times alternate universes seem not a bad idea!

And so it goes. Stay well and with us in the land flowing with milk, honey, and torrents of water!

Jennifer

Keep yer eyes out for a care package comin' your way... Should get to your house tomorrow.

Enjoy! :)

McClellans present & nee,

What a joy to read of Don's day by day progress. It would seem that many many prayers are being answered. Mine included.

Eric sent me this website and after a week of having a sick computer I'm finally able to experience the gifts you've given us in your narriations.

And Don - If I knew a clever pun I'd surely send it but the best I can do is quote Corita who might be quoting e.e.:

to
un
der
stand
is
to
stand
un
der
which
is
to
look
up
to
which
is
a
good
way
to
un
der
stand.

Love to all from Peggy