The Days Are Just Packed (part 2)

I guess it was my turn to have time off from work.  Mike was off for five months with his hip replacements (if you remember his blog "The Days Are Just Packed").  I just spent two months off on "garden leave." (Wikipedia definition of "garden leave")  But, I didn't hang out in the garden.

I spent time with Ashley, Alex, Michael, Liam, and John Paul in Colorado.   It was so much fun!

 

 

 





 

Michael's telling of "Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses" by James and Kimberly Dean

May be my all-time-favorite-thing-ever (click on the link)

I drove across the Rocky Mountains to see my Aunt Mary (my dad's sister) and my cousin, Sandy in Grand Junction, CO. 



I drove through the mountains to see my stepdad.  I didn't know what I was getting into, but it was gorgeous.

 

Just entering the mountains

The picture I couldn't get from my car:  How is this allowed? (click on the link)

 Near the top of Red Mountain Pass (old silver mine)

 

I had a wonderful visit with Jim!

I had an obligation at church for which I had to get home which made the trip to see Mary and Jim kind of rushed, but still so good to see them.  I drove the mountain route north of Santa Fe through Taos on the way home.



I was home for a couple of weeks (or so--time has kind of melded together) before I flew to Alabama to be with Dene', Tyler, and James.  I was there three weeks; Mike joined us for the last week.  Again, we had such a good time!  (Dene's blogs about our visits: First Steps and Other Adventures and   Loving Life with the Grandparents)

Blowing kisses

 

Look who's walking!!

Sweet home Alabama

 

I spent the two months mostly ignoring that I was loosing my job, allowing myself to spend my garden leave having a real break.  I was planning on getting into the job search mode the beginning of September.  I need to say that I was inspired by Whitney's blog "On Directing" to not get stressed because it is worth waiting for the right opportunity.  (Thanks, Whit!) 

Just before I left for my visit with Dene' I got a call from GSK HR and was invited to come back temporarily to work on a project (as backfill for a guy to do his job while he works on the project).   We think it is a great opportunity during which I will continue to work on what I want to be in my next career.