Bill,
I understand the need to take a break once in a while.  I truly hope that you will come back.  I cope with some of the nonsense by refusing to engage with certain posters.  After a while it becomes clear who wants to have a conversation, and who just wants to bash others, or score points.  By trying not to engage with the ones who don't want dialogue, helps keep me from being drawn down the rabbit hole.  
I hope that your rest is good, but not too long.  :-)