It's Been quiet here...

It's been a quiet week here in the UK.  I have not
had to work over a weekend in quite awhile, but
I put in some hours this weekend.  I believe it
will be the last time I have to do that. 
Our (Process Group) work is winding down here.
We are approaching a major milestone and are
happily ahead of schedule.  The next big release
of funding will be in January when the detailed
design work begins in earnest.  So, the next few
months will not be as busy for those ahead of
the game.  There are still some folks putting in long
hours and hearing the clock ticking away.

My time off this weekend, when not doing my
household chores or grocery shopping, was spent
walking around town, people watching, and supporting
my local pub.  This is a great town for all three.
It is a very affluent part of the UK with a very
diverse population.

Fall is arriving here.  Just as the days got
longer faster than at home, they are now getting
shorter faster.  It will not be long before I
drive to work in the dark.  I believe I will not be
here long enough to experience driving home in the
dark (at 1630!) again. 
Speaking of not being here much longer....

They have finally started talking to me about
my repatriation date.  As of this moment,
my last day here will be November 21. 
This will be nice because I can join the family
for Thanksgiving.  I have plans for every weekend
between now and then and for most weekends through
the new year (lots of paddling to do!).  I plan on
putting at least another 10,000 miles on the rental
car between now and my departure.  Michelle has
graciously agreed to help me do that by joining me
in Scotland for two weeks in early October.  This
is a trip that I have been looking forward to for
the entire time here.  My visits to SW and SE
Scotland earlier this year have primed the pump.
We plan on seeing the mainland and then riding
ferries to the outlying islands.  With a little
luck, we will see the northern lights while we
are there.  So much to see, so little time.....

I hope this finds all well where you are.

DWR