RISE & SHINE

First in line
I've always been a morning person.
Since a boy I've gotten up with the
sun or just prior to it's arrival. For
me those early hours are the most
decadent of indulgences. A time
when it's all about me because no
one else is awake! Throughout my
life I've protected this time and on
the occasion when I had company
resented the fact that I couldn't go
it alone. Fortunately Frank is a late
night owl. Hence we rarely bump
into each other before at least ten!

Batten the hatches
During the summer, the first thing I do
is close all the windows. In August our
temperatures slide down into the fifties
every night. With the windows left
open, even the steamiest of rooms
cool off by the next morning. Once
hermetically sealed, this house stays
in the low seventies all day long. Yet
what I enjoy most about this morning
chore is moving through our home as
the sun also rises. All I think about is
how blessed we are to live in such a
lovely place! It's truly a wake up call!

Up with the birds
What I adore most about being an
early bird is the complete isolation.
At five a.m. few are out and about.
Thus the world is mine alone. As a
boy I used to sneak out of the house
and take long bike rides with my
buddy. Without any traffic we could
traverse inaccessible or impenetrable
sanctums that were normally beyond
our reach. One Saturday we rode to
Lord & Taylor to then had breakfast
at The Bird Cage - their restaurant.
Hmm and I didn't know I was gay...

First come, first serve
Always a workaholic, I was at my desk
before dawn. The biggest benefit being
I obviously skipped rush hour. It seems
that most people prefer to sleep in and
hence the road was mine alone. Along
with all of the primo parking spaces in
the company lot. On mornings when I
had an appointment or delay, I was a
total mess. Who were these intruders
who were parked in MY space?! Their
very presence reinforcing the fact that
the early bird always catches the worm!
Or has a shorter walk into the office...

The perfect start
Once my twelve hour work day began,
it was tough to find time to do anything
but survive. During my career I've had
many "work wives." Fellow fools who
were as passionate (or driven) as I was.
These ladies were my partners in crime.
In Dallas I started each day with a call,
e-mail or text to "L." The simple act of
saying hello made us both aware that at
least someone was there. By the end of
a long day at the office, we'd sit on my
sofa and review the days sordid events.
Oh how I miss "L" - but not those days!

For us alone

There's something conspiratorial
about being an early riser. Given
few others share said predilection,
the chosen few align as members
of an adult breakfast club. Now
that I'm retired, I sleep in. Rather
than five thirty a.m., I now arise
around seven. My bestie "T" is
also an early riser. However by
the time I awaken two hours post
her start - she's already been very
busy and has plenty to tell me all
about! Early birds of a feather!

Late night special
I'm fairly certain that those who stay up
quite late feel the same way. After all,
it's awfully quiet post the witching hour.
Beyond a few random insomniacs and
drunks, few are out and about at one in
the morning. Hence the world is theirs
alone! In the end our body clocks must
recognize an individuals need for some
solace. Whenever one chills really doesn't
matter. The simple act of stepping back,
planning, or just staring into space is
something we all need once in awhile.
So whether you're early or late, enjoy!