March 03, 2016

February travels

Morning walk

February, which is usually a month I dread (because it lasts FOREVER here in Snowstorm Region) zoomed by this year.

I began the month by flying to my niece’s wedding, which was on a humid, tropical island where I began each morning by walking the beach and spent every afternoon eating snacks by the pool. Forty family members and friends in all came to this destination wedding, and it seemed unreal to hang out under palm trees on a February day. The wedding was a very happy occasion: we all love Red-haired Niece’s new husband, who is a former student of mine. (Yes, that makes two former students who have married into the family. It’s become a trend.)

Palm Trees

Shortly after I returned from that trip, I flew to the hot, dry desert to go hiking with my husband. We spent our vacation walking through the blazing sunshine of the Sonoran Desert, admiring cacti and returning each day for a swim at the hotel pool.

Sonoran Desert

Of course, the reason I was able to get away twice during February was that I’m on sabbatical. So in between these excursions into the sunshine, I’ve been writing and thinking and doing research — all activities that I love. I’m firmly convinced that every job should include a sabbatical. Everyone needs some time off for rest and renewal.

11 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Love your rest and renewal.

Revrunner said...

Nice to see these sunny skies even as we prepare for our next (last?) winter storm.

Cat Lover said...

So good to see sunshine and feel the warm temperatures I am sure. Winter has gone on too long!

DJan said...

OMG that palm tree picture is stunning! I am jealous of your travels but always happy to see your smiling "face" here in Blogaritaville. :-)

L said...

YAY! I guessed that. And as it is, I'll never have one, but I hope I'll enjoy having more of my husband when he has his... Sigh.

EXCEPT that my DREAM would be for us to go abroad with him for his sabbatical. I wonder how I could possibly go along. Maybe it could happen. Who knows?

Far Side of Fifty said...

Looks like you had a wonderfully warm February! Sabbiticals are wonderful! :)

Lomagirl said...

What a contrast with your previous post! Sounds lovely, lovely. Enjoy the Sabbatical. Get much done. (I'm kicking myself for not accomplishing more during my semester long one almost 2 years ago).

Liz said...

I am so glad you got to go away (twice!!) during your hardest month of the year

BrightenedBoy said...

It's great that your February was warm and sunny. We all remember how you usually struggle with that month, so it's lovely that you turned it into a happy time.

Jeff said...

Nice variety of images; that beach atmosphere to the dry desert! Returned from a spring break trip to the Florida Keys. I just returned from a quick trip to New York City this week and I was grumbling about still wearing a winter coat...compared to the warmer weather in Atlanta.

Vida Viajante said...

Thanks great blog post