Vacation—that intermission from work, study, or other productive pursuits—is an opportunity to reconnect with our “real lives.” Some people cram this time with so many activities that they end their time off needing—a vacation.

Fields ablaze with yellow goldenrod and purple loosestrife and the green-gold hues of fading grains herald summer’s end. In a few short months, the sweat-dripping, energy-sapping dog days of summer will be forgotten, and we’ll be complaining about the cold.

Empty now—the calendar, school halls, meeting rooms. Full now—the town beach, playgrounds, farm stands, gardens. The fall winds will set the balance upside down.