Texas was great.  I only opened up my laptop a total of 2 times while on the trip, and while I suffered some withdrawal symptoms, I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to leave work behind and enjoy the sun and surf as much as I was.

It sure was hot down in Texas, though somewhat more pleasant along the Gulf.  I have a peeling nose and shoulders to show for my adventure, but I at least look as though I've been outside more than once or twice in the last couple years.

My father-in-law and I found time to take a charter out and get in a little speckled trout fishing, as he put it, “We had 20 Specks in the box by 9”.  I guess that means we did ok, and though I was hoping to hook into a Red Fish, I still had a great time.  I don't know what was more fun though, catching fish myself or watching my 71 year old father-in-law have the time of his life.  It was The Old Man and The Sea all over again, and yes, he caught the largest fish.  He had on his lucky hat, so I was at a distinct disadvantage.

The highlight of the trip for me (and also my wife when asked) was playing in the outdoor pools with my son Chris, who is 2-1/2 years old.  Sometimes in the daily hustle and bustle of work, I don't spend as much time with him as I would like.  So, this was an especially nice aspect of the trip for me and a direct result of my not opening my laptop.  Chris' enthusiasm and joy while in the water is certainly infectious.

On a somewhat work related note... I've completed an article regarding GDI+ that will be appearing in an industry rag within the next month and have a few ideas for some more.  It's in the process of being edited, so the ball is no longer in my court (at least for now).  I am about the business of settling back into my usual daily grind.  All in all, it was a wonderful trip, needed, and it is good to be back home and at work.

Though I will be many miles from home, I will still be able to work.  I am simply amazed that I can be so far from the office and yet little changes.  I still have access to all of the machines through remoting.  I can check my email, update files via FTP, and my customers can still reach me by phone using my cell number.  In fact, little if anything changes for me when I am on a trip like this.  I even manage to get some productive time in on the actual voyage via my laptop or at the very least my PDA.

Internet access has become ubiquitous and allows me to connect and collaborate from nearly anywhere in the world.  The only problem that I encounter when on trips like this is my wife.   For some reason, she would like to see me spend time with her and my son while on vacation.  She's a good woman, and if it wasn't for her... I probably wouldn't have a life.  As it is, she coaxes me away from the computer just enough that I'm almost well rounded.  Well, as well rounded as a computer programmer can be.

In closing I'd say, “Talk to you all when I get back!”, but that's not really necessary given that we are connected 24/7 in this day and age.  Technology is just amazing in this regard... whether that is a good thing or bad depends on how often your spouse is able to coax you away from the screen.