These economic times are a real downer. Worries abound about how we are going to pay for heat this winter and gas prices have certainly curtailed our summer fun travel. I refuse to sit around, though, and feel terrible. It’s been such a downer for the kids. We are so used to being able to hop in the car and vacation with abandon, but now we have to be so careful. What has come out of this is a creativity in vacation planning that I didn’t know I had. I now get always the lowest hotel rates by taking the time to research it out. And so far we have not had to skimp on any amenities. We are exploring areas closer to home that we never have before which has been a real unexpected treasure. It’s so enlightening to be able to make the best of these troubled times.