DURING THE SUMMER, Scott and Jana spent many happy days at Lacey's house and on her boat, the big cruiser that Lacey now handled like a pro.

The three of them went locking in the Severn River system and slept on the boat overnight. It was an exciting experience for Scott. He reveled in this exposure to nature and wondered how he had lived for so long without it. He marveled at the myriad green trees, was hypnotized by the dark, still waters in the canals, and gazed in fascination at the smooth rock formations and tiny islands they passed.

All his life he had lived in the city and had immersed himself in his work. Now he craved the outdoors. Walking along the road and in the woods near Lacey's house, hand in hand with Jana, brought him the peace he had been searching for.

He learned that he did not need to abandon his life's work, but that he merely needed to incorporate free time into his routine - especially time outdoors.

He smelled the trees and flowers around him. Sitting on the dock at night with Jana, he stared in wonder at the stars above. He sat under cover in the cabana as a thunderstorm crashed across the lake, and grinned like a kid when a rainbow appeared over the water.

He wondered about camping, or a road trip, but then decided to invite Jana to go with him on a cruise to Alaska. He was delighted with her ecstatic response.