is it really half way over? We take it in small pieces.

I take my time away very seriously. I don't regret it or bemoan it. I do usually want more because it is such a creative intimate time. It's a crucial part of a full productive life.

I often spoke and written of respite's, mini-vacation and even weekends. The reality is vacation can be a different kind of work when it involves seeing the sites, touring and the like -- it's educational; it can stimulate; but it remains important that any vacation recharges the vacationer. Do not know about Fred or Scott or others but when I play ball, i know the exertion and wear and tear but find real joy in the competition (especially when you hit the game winning basket) wether a Tuesday eve or Saturday morning. Ditto on my weekend swims. And always following a concert, even one midweek. The key for me involving "battery re-charging."

I think scheduling time away is very important. We need time to recharge.

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us! Go and enjoy!