There are times lately when I simply have to stop thinking about everything going on. It’s all too overwhelming. I have found walks in the park extremely helpful. Reading a book hasn’t helped. Unfortunately, I can’t get lost in my current novel because the recent ones I’ve downloaded on my Kindle are all about the French Resistance. So there’s no real respite there. But there is a delightful way I can escape reality. It’s to go to a local coffee shop and order a croissant and coffee.

If I can resist taking out my phone to look at the news, or my watch for any push notifications from the New York Times, I’m good for at least an hour of solid escape from all the craziness. I thoroughly recommend it.