Whirlwind catch up

It has been over 6 months since that last posting. Work in NC became unworkable and I although I was offered several other positions, the money was very low....too low for me to even meet my commitments. So, after many sleepless nights, overwhelming sadness and butt-loads of guilt, I decided to come back to Seattle; that is, after my parents' 50th wedding anniversary (which was amazing and so much fun) and my niece Zoe's Bat Mitzvah (she did us all proud and it was truly lovely). I took one more trip east to Wilmington to see my parents and then, in early October, took off back to Seattle. At first, it was great. Now, well, what is it they say about the grass always being greener.....?