I have to say that the two most useful contributors to any forum I'm into are a guy called Bob Barnes over on the EpicSki (which I'm sure ya'll are totally unfamiliar) and John McGann over on the buffet.  

I'm trying a couple of McGann's practice tips right now.  He mentioned recently in a thread that 15-minute very concentrated practice sessions are better than hours unfocused plunking in front of the TV.  He also said about an hour a day is needed for real improvement.  Now that's tough when you consider that it'd be nice to spend some time building and maintaining repertoire and just playing for fun and not just working on technique.  

But, what I'm trying now is 15 minutes before work of exercises out the NH's BGUtN book and one fiddle tune player slowly, carefully, and precisely with a metronome or background track.  Then I do the same thing after work before dinner for 15 minutes.  Then another session after the kid's in bed which is around 8:30-8:45.  Of course I'm pretty tired by then but I try to practice and then play for fun a bit.

Been at this routine for just three days but I'll see how long I can keep it up.  Going to NJ for Mem Day; don't know if I'm going to bring the mando or not.  I really should just to practice my drills but it's tedious to hide in the den and practice when visiting family.