Some people would say my hubby and I have a pretty quiet, laid back life. We are empty-nesters. We live in a cottage, on a lake. We are just a few years away from retirement.(I actually stopped working last year.) We are currently not involved in a lot of community/social groups. But a quiet life doesn't mean there is lots of time for solitude and seclusion from family activities, daily responsibilities, and time that the two of us spend together. In fact, there are times I really crave solitude with God, but it just doesn't come that easily. (And when I say "solitude" I don't especially mean a devotional time in the Word and/or prayer. I am pretty much able to do that every day.) I mean just getting away from all of the schedules and business, t.v. and computer, and just making time to gather my thoughts, rest, and relax.  We have a small lot, which our cottage is situated on. There are two different patio areas - one on the lakeside of the house a