My time

05:55 hrs.
02 Aug 14

     Yes, it is early. In fact it is too early for most of the people in this house. Obviously, they didn't inherit the RISE 'n SHINE gene from me.

     I like this time of the day. Always have.  Even when I was in The Service I was always up early. That is to say before anyone else in the group.

     Not too long. An hour at most. Just enough time to make coffee and do some reflecting or reading or both. Its like I have to be up early to watch over the everything. A protective shield. The wings of an eagle covering the brood. Or, in my case the wings of a Dragon.

     Whatever the case, I am usually found UP and AT-EM before anyone. I was once in Thule, Greenland enjoying a fine cup of drip coffee in the Northstar Hotel. No one was up but me. My roommate even slept through the sound of the coffee brewing.

     The same thing happens when I am out camping or when I am OUT IN THE WEEDS. I am always up early regardless of how late I had gone to bed. One fine morn, Jake Youngblood crawled out of his tent at about 0900 hrs and found me half way through a pot of coffee. I had been up for two hours on about four hours of sleep. I had been trying to finish Neil Peart's book "GHOST RIDER", which I think is a book that deserves to be read in quiet of the awakening dawn.

     Here in the Valley early risers can be seen out for a walk or jogging or like myself sitting on a porch sipping a coffee while perusing a paper. Not the local paper mind you. It would have to be The Times-Colonist or the National Post. Something that requires thoughtful contemplation to digest. There are some who believe that the Toronto Star is a worthy script but I believe its "Toronto is the CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE" attitude will only lead to indigestion. Its fun to watch someone purchasing THE STAR as they try to avoid the leers from true LEFT COASTERS. If you are that concerned about TO that you have to read about it on a daily basis while living in the Valley then move back.

     A word to the wise. If you are the second person UP and AT-EM do not approach the First Up. Don't even speak to him/her. Let them be the first to break the ice as they may not be ready to converse.

     Here ended the lesson.