As someone who works at home most of the time I found myself in need of places to go to get out of my own head once in a while. This is especially true as I am also an obsessive news reader and each day brings with it untold stress and worry. I walk around the lakes near my huose frequently, but sometimes it's great to venture a little further away to have some quiet moments.

I recently went to the Normandale Japanese Garden for one of these breaks. It was Sunday morning and a bit overcast and there were almost no people the entire time I was there sans an occasional walker or jogger. It's a charming little setting in an unexpected place and you can also feed the many koi fish. Bring a book and coffee and take that much needed break from reality.

I'll include links to some other posts I've done about good places to take a break during your day after the photos. Remember, breaks are very important to productivity and our society is not very good at telling us that. Working till you drop is not good for you.

Normandale Japanese Garden

A walk round the Chain of Lakes.

A jaunt to the Franconia Sculpture Garden.

A visit to the odd and beautiful Caponi Art Park.