In early November I started to have this thought that I wanted to take a trip for Christmas.  Reason argued with me that I should not spend money like that; it wasn’t practical and did not fit my long term goals. Peace of Mind countered with the fact that I had taken little to no time off this past year in advance of the paid time off of work I would need in early 2016.  Practicality chimed in with the fact that as the office would be mandatorily closed on the 24 & 25th of December I should take advantage of that.  Frivolity contributed that I had been pretty financially responsible for a while now and there should be some room in the budget for an expedition.  And thus the decision was made.  The rental of a charming cottage 30 minutes from Acadia National Park was arranged and here I sit before the lovely stove enjoying…. well everything.