How many licks does it take...?

[2thepoint]

Hello everyone! I decided to pop in just long enough to say hello and provide a brief update on things.

My 3 month consulting assignment up in the state of Maine is just about over. After receiving a 2 week extension, it looks like things will finally wrap up for me the last week of November.

There has not been a lot of movement with my W although she is considerably more friendly towards me than she was last year at this time. Her health has improved significantly considering her near death experience last February. She turned 50 two weeks ago.

My time away has been very good for my mental health and outlook on life. There is something to be said about living near the sea.

Regarding my GAL, well lets see...

* I climbed 2 mountains in NH
* Explored an island
* Rode a gondola to the top of a mountain
* Walked through a pine forest that smelled like heaven
* Visited 4 state parks & at least a dozen lighthouses
* Had a run in with a porcupine
* Walked across a 120 year old swinging bridge
* Collected a bag full of sea glass - very theraputic and highly recommended!
* Met a friend for dinner and some clubbing in Portsmouth, NH
* Stopped to smell a few roses
* Did the 3.5 mile loop around Back Cove 3 days out of 5 for 2 months straight
* Went to a community fair near a seaside village
* Took some amazing pictures
* Discovered some pretty good local brew
* Went for a walk in the woods and stumbled upon a hunter with a rifle...
* Sampled quite a few very good restaurants where Maine Lobster and New England clam chowder are never off the menu
* Saw a maple syrup store in Vermont, (Ha! Who'd a thunk it!)
* Watched the sun set at least a dozen times
* Sat on a rock and stared out to see on many a weekend afternoon
* Experienced fall color
* Found my smile!!

I'll start a new thread soon and catch everyone up on the sitch and where I think things are headed. Overall, I think I'm in a good place.