Hello summer

You've wondered where I've been, I bet. Ok, maybe you haven't... But I'm still here, and very much content that I can work outside, on the back deck. It's a mite muggy, but there's a nice breeze that's acting in my favour. It's not a very productive morning in terms of the work I need to do, so instead I'm working on my "personal writing" projects, which at least makes me feel the day is not a total waste. And I've got a full afternoon of reading ahead of me. (I got my running out of the way this morning when I first dragged myself out of bed, so no need to exercise at lunchtime.)

It's been a good couple of months since I last checked in. There was some travel: a glorious trip out to the Pacific Northwest that began in Portland, took in the Oregon coast, and eventually up and around (and in!) Olympic State Park/Forest in Washington, before landing for a few days in Seattle. Much hiking was done, along with eating plenty of seafood and quaffing pints of beer and glasses of wine. I was feeling a bit "off" before the journey, especially with work, but the trip seemed to refocus me. That's not to say I've bee super-productive since my return, but I have managed to get myself back on track with my various projects. (And I need to remind myself: what a privilege it is to be able to take this leave from work!)

Anyway this is nothing more than providing a very quick update. I will be more diligent about posting through the summer, especially since I don't plan on doing any long-distance travels until the fall.