Fall

It looks like fall has come to the trees in Raleigh, however, the weather is FAR from fallish. It's supposed to be close to 80 today, that's at least 20 degrees higher than the average. The trees did change over the weekend to some brillant yellows, oranges and reds. This morning the color was fading fast and I'm sure by the weekend most leaves will have left their branches.

The morning drive into work was quite a challenge due to very thick fog. It was pretty in some spots but very freaky in others - like you couldn't see the traffic light until you were RIGHT at it. It took me at least 10 minutes longer than usual to get to work, blah!

Here's the view of fall color from the WLOS skycam in Asheville, NC. We're headed up that way for Thanksgiving in just over 2 weeks! I can't wait.

My desk at the new office

The first 2 are what you see from the front door & my desk area. I look right at a nice cubicle wall - which is better than the back of someone's head. Everything is still a bit of a mess, but I'm getting things a bit more settled. It is dangerous for me to have a digital camera, I have way too much fun. Like my self portraits at the desk? Yay for a timer! Ok, now I really need to get to work!

Walkway landscaping

This is what we did over the weekend - it was a lot of work, but I think it will pay off.

We planted 3 azalea bushes (the "encore" variety which will bloom spring & fall), lots of pansies and my first attempt at bulbs. We'll see how those work out next spring.

Here's what you see (this is on the far right side of the house)



The brick pathway will continue around the side of the house... it's a massive project and will take a bit of time to complete.

Moving = blah!

Moving is very exhausting. I knew this long before today, but just somehow blocked out the physical pain, mental exhaustion and disorientating effects of packing up everything in sight to move it less than a mile away and spend twice as long putting it back in place. Not to mention all the details of getting a dialtone on the phone, an internet connection and attempting to adjust the new thermostat so it's not as cold as a fridge.

My office has moved less than a mile away from our old location. We technically have more square footage, but a lot less storage and "flex" space. We no longer have a kitchen, but instead a closet where 2 mini-fridges are stacked with a microwave on top. I can no longer see natural light from my desk and thus need another lamp (I've already for 2).

I am barely unpacked since everyone else in my office needs assistance to get their things in order. Several already have every book on a shelf and pictures on the wall. I haven't even unloaded my pencil drawer. UGH. If I work late today, that will make the fourth day of insane overtime - i.e. 10+ hours with NO break. I've had some food, but I haven't sat and eaten.

I can not wait to get this place back in order, but with my co-workrers inability to move a box or plug in a computer cord, that is going to take a loooooooong while.