A great deal of work-related stress had me feeling more than ready for a week's vacation. We returned to one of our favorite places on earth, an inconspicuous little campsite alongside the Metolius River.
One of the reasons one takes a vacation is to recharge the batteries. Another is to shed stress, like stepping out of an old skin. This vacation did a little of both for me. Four days of hiking, cooking over open flame, swimming in a freshwater lake, and sitting by a campfire singing folksongs with the one I love the most and falling asleep each night to the sound of flowing water turned out to be exactly what I needed. It didn't cure what ailed me -- the stresses will be there waiting for me when I return to work on Monday -- but it sure gave me a much-needed respite from the rest of my life. It also gave me and Sweetie time to be alone together in a quiet, green, beautiful place, away from social and electronic distractions; and to reaffirm what it is we appreciate about each other and cherish in our relationship.
One of the reasons one takes a vacation is to recharge the batteries. Another is to shed stress, like stepping out of an old skin. This vacation did a little of both for me. Four days of hiking, cooking over open flame, swimming in a freshwater lake, and sitting by a campfire singing folksongs with the one I love the most and falling asleep each night to the sound of flowing water turned out to be exactly what I needed. It didn't cure what ailed me -- the stresses will be there waiting for me when I return to work on Monday -- but it sure gave me a much-needed respite from the rest of my life. It also gave me and Sweetie time to be alone together in a quiet, green, beautiful place, away from social and electronic distractions; and to reaffirm what it is we appreciate about each other and cherish in our relationship.
..::sigh::..