Retirement

Yesterday was my last day of work. My parents had arranged to come up and meet me for lunch. What we didn't expect was for my brother to make a surprise trip up for the same event.

A amazing, impromptu family reunion occurred in my office.

In addition to informal gathering my colleagues hosted earlier, which I found heartwarming, lunch with my parents and my brother was exactly what I needed.

We ate in a cozy restaurant called The Bistro, and shared lots of laughs over lunch.

We returned to my office after lunch, and my family helped me pack my belongings. With my things packed in the car, it was time to say farewell to my friends at work...

Sadly, my brother had to head home, but my parents were able to help me unpack my things at home.

Between dinner and bedtime -- and lots of laughs with Nana and Pop -- Amanda took the girls out to go trick or treating.

I got up early this morning, with the Amanda's help, with the aim of watching the sunrise. With the tail of hurricane Sandy still leaving the area, it wasn't the most spectacular sunrise I've ever seen, but is probably the most meaningful.

Not a bad way to start retirement...