Last week I did something that I have not done in 13 years: I pretty much unplugged. I went on vacation to the Outer Banks, and while I checked email occasionally, I vowed to myself that I really was going to get away without my laptop connected to me like the mouse was a version of an umbilical cord. Now for humor, if you saw the car you would not have believed this. We had four laptops, a desktop and a printer for three people. I kid you not. Let's just say that having those with me was like dragging a security blanket, and for the record, I only take credit for one desktop and one laptop!

The end of August is always a time of transition. My older son Greg moved back to college earlier this week to assist the new students with orientation. It's hard to believe that this year HE is not the new student. Packing this year was much easier. He basically rounded up the boxes that were stored in the basement, plucked some clothes from his closet and was off. It was easier emotionally to say goodbye as well since he has proven he does not disappear! My younger son Cory will be starting his first year of high school. Although September is right around the corner, I still do not feel that summer should be coming to an end so soon. June in the Northeast was cooler and wetter than usual, and I was on the road for business travel for most of July, so perhaps that is why I am a bit thrown off. But for the record, the weather improved in August, and with no business travel, I finally was able to clock in some hammock and pool floating time!

One of my favorite things to do on a hot summer day is swim in my pool or just drift in the water and relax on a floating chair with a book. I can't believe it's the end of August. We know some of you are back in school already, and others, like my sons, will be heading back to school soon. Where did this summer go? To everyone, soak in these last few weeks of summer with some good books.

One of my favorite things to do on a hot summer day is swim in my pool or just drift in the water and relax on a floating chair with a book. I can't believe it's the end of August. We know some kids are back in school already, and others, like my sons, will be heading back soon. Where did this summer go? To everyone, soak in these last few weeks of summer with some good books.