Vacation at the Neighbor's

Welcome back from your long weekend.

Several months ago, cable's chattering class was predicting a lot less flying and a lot more driving for summer vacations this year in America. As the price of gasoline continued to climb predictions became that Americans wouldn't drive too far for vacation. Now, however, with the price of gas bringing on elevation sickness people can't afford to drive anywhere that's not absolutely necessary. So I suggest a variation of the staycation: Swap houses with your neighbor.

Pick a house on your street or the next one over, no further, that you've always admired and pitch the swap to the owner. Nothing complicated. Just an even swap. You get his house, food and drink for a week and he/she gets yours. You will be surprised how different it feels and how far away from your regular routine it gets you.

The TV's in a different place. Different video games. Different food. Different and funny smells. More (or less) space. Different furniture. And the best part is, it doesn't cost a dime and the TV channels are all the same. What more could you want?

I have to get to my 5 o'clock newscast now. But think about it.