All the posts are very thoughtful, and as Freshstart says, they speak to our expectations. Pick whichever type of cloud you want, and make it so!
I have found that, in general, "things" keep getting better. I did have a few "on top of the clouds" experiences very early in sobriety, and some bummers too. Now, the highs and lows have evened out--but I seem better equipped to handle the the threats to my life.