Yesterday afternoon, I determined that this would be the morning that I would have my blood tested at the doctor's office. I am a morning coffee drinker.

Last night, I set the alarm for 7:40, crawled into bed with a book that I don't think I'll finish, and settled down to read, perchance to sleep.

I was due in the office a little after 8 a.m. I woke at 5, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7 and 7:30.

It's bad enough to wake in the dark at 5 a.m. knowing that there is not a d**ned significant thing you can accomplish for hours. Worse when you can't nurse coffee while cursing the darkness and other sleepers in the house.

Extending the topic, all would be well if this house were laid out a little differently. For instance, if Lyman and the birds slept in an annex across the street, I could get some things done.

Not much house can be kept on tiptoe.

And did I tell you I fell out of my office chair (the one with the broken back) and gave myself a black eye? I'd rather say I mouthed off to Lyman. It would be less embarrassing.