What do you mean, no vacation?

We’re introducing a new subject today at Just Wright Citrus, entitled:

What to do about Mike’s vacation.

All my adult life I've had a job that included some paid vacation. A week, two weeks, something to rest the gears a little before jumping back into the fray. The newspaper would get along just fine without me for a spell.

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It’s clockwork that I take vacation every two years between Election Day and Thanksgiving. Anyone who spends even a few moments with me the last few weeks before an election quickly realizes my need to shut down once that all ends.

Which it did last Tuesday. So now I’m off on vacation…

Except.

I can’t. You see, those first two words of my business, “Just Wright” are spot on. It’s literally just me. There is no stable of guest writers ready to jump in should I head off to Alaska or Alabama or, as is the case later this week, Detroit.

And I can’t leave the space empty. I promised blogs five days a week, excluding holidays, and I intend to fulfill that. Exactly how that happens is the subject of today’s blog.

(Yes, I can write an entire blog about taking a vacation from blog writing.)

Just like the dumbfounding decision to accept political ads on a blog where a single source is writing political opinions, I likewise did not think through certain aspects of blazing out on my own.

Some were obviously cool right away and gotten better each day: Set my own hours, no boss, write what I want, that sort of thing.

But owning a business is much different than having a stake in someone else’s success. Look at the Just Wright Citrus website and you’ll see numerous logos of local businesses that support this effort. Loyal readers such as yourself participate in the discussion, and that supports the effort.

It’s more than just financial. Commitments are made. Habits formed. It is pretty darn cool when people I’ve never met stop me in the grocery store to say they read my blog first thing every weekday morning. 

Just Wright Citrus thrives on daily interaction with sponsors and a growing reader base. I don’t feel comfortable taking days off from blogging unless you’re off that day as well. 

On the other hand, if I don’t get out of town or remove myself from reality every so often, I’ll begin to think I alone can save Citrus County and — BELIEVE ME — we don’t want to go there.

So here’s what I’ve come up with. I’m going to occasionally post old blogs with updated notes atop them. They’ll be timely and I’ll have a relevant angle for each one. I’ll avoid contentious subjects (you won’t see Library Guy in a vacation blog) and I’ll definitely stay away from politics.

Don’t expect these very often, especially after this week. A new county commission era starts Tuesday; also new and soon in office: state senator, congressman, school board member, Inverness councilwoman. Expect plenty of lively, timely conversation here.

And, of course, I have this brand-spankin’ new phone to keep me in contact with the Citrus County world at all times. Even on vacation, I’m right there with you.

So, listen up: Behave while I’m gone. Be nice to one another. And no parties!

— Inverness Councilman Dave Ryan bid adieu to his fellow council members Tuesday night. Ryan, who served nine years, lost his re-election attempt to Crystal Lizanich.

All were appreciative of Ryan, who choked up saying goodbye. Councilwoman Linda Bega noted Ryan didn’t miss a single meeting all his time in office. He was truly dedicated.

Ryan congratulated Lizanich, and she returned the favor with nice words of her own.

“You’re a really sweet guy,” she said. “I hope I can be half the councilman you are.”

As an Inverness resident, business owner, taxpayer and voter, this was good to see. Felt like community.

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