Vacations, and especially hikes, are good times for me to take stock, to consider how I spend my non-vacation, that is, work time.

It occurred to me the other day while on such a hike that I have my life ordered so that I do not have enough time to do one of the things I enjoy most: writing. I need to find more time for reading as well, because for me, the two go hand-in-hand.

But I can always find airplane time, waiting time, and even bed time to read (some nonprofit books are great for insomnia).

What slips away is the concentrated, extended periods that are required for me to organize and write. I can read a book in ten minute snatches between phone calls and appointments, but I cannot write one.

Next year’s resolution: find the time.

I am taking a unique (for me) vacation this year. For the first time in memory my wife and I are off for our summer break without either of our daughters, who are each “doing their own thing.”

Our oldest is engaged in community service in Ecuador, building a community center while living with residents of a rural village. Our youngest is taking a two week intensive course in black and white photography.

So, Mary and I are up in Tahoe, getting up when we want, hiking a different trail each day, and going to the Tahoe Shakespeare festival.

I was almost able to forget about work, in fact had not uttered the word “nonprofit” for several days, when, in describing how to catch the shuttle to the Shakespeare festival, the young woman on the phone said we should drive to Incline, make a turn, and then look for “The Nonprofit Building.”

Monday night I will be doing just that, and trying to figure out what it holds. I’ll let you know.