Free Man in Petoskey

One of the many nice things about vacationing away from home is removing yourself from the routine obligations and tasks of every-day life. No meetings to attend, no practices, no particular schedule to meet. The luxury of sleeping or staying up late, taking a nap, going to bed early. Having the entire day to read or watch films - broken up by meals and conversation. A day when the most important thing you have to plan is a list for the grocery store.

That's a little different than my normal routine.

Of course, there are still a few activities I would like to work in before the end of the week. But if I don't get to all of them, it won't spoil my enjoyment of the things I end up doing.

- Spend some time on the lake paddling a kayak

- Ride a bike or walk down to the beach at Petoskey State Park

- Play some cards with Leslie and Larry

- Play some tennis and/or have a swim in the (indoor) pool

It has been a bit cool and breezy lately, so outdoor swimming hasn't been an option. On the other hand, there has been little or no rain - so the weather has not much limited our ability to enjoy the outdoors. Although it wasn't warm today, Larry and I enjoyed the natural beauty of the golf course immensely. Driving through the woods quietly in an electric golf cart with the breeze in your hair and a small stream running nearby is pretty cool when you are used to lots of concrete and traffic and a hectic schedule.

My only real obligation this week is to finish memorizing my lines for the play I will be performing in on Saturday (and Friday & Saturday next weekend as well). I'm in good shape for all but my long speech that closes the play - but I made good progress on that bit tonight. I plan to work on my lines each night this week so that I will have it all down cold by the time we leave on Friday.

Having this time to relax, to reflect, to be refreshed is a great blessing. Although I can (and often) do these Three R's at home, it's quite nice to have an extended opportunity to "get away from it all".

Wherever you are, I hope you will find a way to do the Three R's too.

Take care.