I have never liked getting up late in the morning. It offends my Protestant Work Ethic. The only exception is when I am having a sound sleep – but that is a rare occasion.  Accordingly I have convinced myself that I am one of those who requires very little sleep.  As a result, if I were to linger beneath the sheets, the restraint causes enormous anxiety.  Obviously at my advanced age – and frankly having nothing of importance to do on most days – there is hardly a rush to put my feet to the floor. Nonetheless, perhaps because of historic Spartan habits, anytime after seven o’clock in the morning borders on indolence. This speedily feeds my obsessiveness – which is not necessarily a bad thing; but it is a fazed disposition. It most certainly does nothing to promote a retiring sleep.

Enraptured by this irritating condition – and flipping back and forth on the mattress –  it isn’t long before I succumb to my nature and begin the day. As I am certain you know, Dear Reader, once the shift has begun the gears soon take hold and things are set in motion – albeit with moderate hesitancy. The reward however is what makes it worth the effort. The moment the cold water shower does its magic, attacking the Universe is far less worrisome. Then the business at the sink, applying creams and lotions and blades, matting one’s hair, and grimacing in the mirror at one’s protuberant belly. It all makes for a renewed foundation for whatever fresh clothing and accessories one proposes to sport for the day. Shoes attached, then it’s a go!

Finally getting oneself to the trough – for what is now a limited consumption grâce à Ozempic – and the smugness of the early morning revival is perfected.  The thought of having escaped the greater peril of lost precious time energizes me. My routine customs instantly commence.  I have never had difficulty formulating an agenda for the day. This is not to suggest there is anything of marvel to relate; rather that the petty absorptions of my day are sufficient to qualify for an itinerary of activity including for example tricycling, sitting on the deck in the sunshine, a drive, reading, writing and perusing the latest copy of Country Life.  As I say, nothing significant; but the knowledge of having enlarged the day by the strength of those morning hours is incomparable.