It is wonderful to wake up in the morning greeted by daylight after a night of good sleep. Please take note of the fact that I did not write “after a good night of sleep.” There is a difference, you know, and it matters. The radio was on, as it always is, and the lovely announcer was saying that McDonald had issued a recall of 12 million 16 ounce commemorative glasses it sold for $2 each. I think she is lovely because she has a lovely voice. Lovely voice notwithstanding, she then said that the company was asking people to not let their children drink from these glasses. That spoiled my mood. Why did she not say that the company was asking people not to let their children drink from them? The radio station does not have a grammar czar but it should have one. I suppose the radio boss does not think that grammar matters. We have more important things to worry about. There is a terrible oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Israelis are killing people in the Mediterranean Ocean, banks are still collapsing, people are unemployed and losing their homes, and all this is just the tip of the greenberg. Our problems are deep and many. Why, then, should we worry about split infinitives? I agree, but it is not by choice that I worry; it is by nature. The announcer continued: police in Detroit are harassing the citizens by issuing them nuisance misdemeanor tickets by the tens of thousands. For example, a man was issued a summons for using his laptop computer while sitting in a park. I do not know why this is unlawful but it is. I am sure that for every ticket a police officer issues a crime is committed because harassment is against the law. So, my grammar worry was replaced by never-ending anger at cops – the worst criminals in the land. Soon, however, the announcer said that many people are complaining that this treatment was very unfair. That remark caused me to remember that several decades ago the Green Bay Packers football star, Henry Jordan, said “Coach Lombardi is a very fair man; he treats us all like dogs.” Henry knew philosophy. If everyone is being treated badly, but in the same way, then the treatment is wrong but fair.

With all this preying on my mind, I sprang from bed, raced to the computer and there you have it – the first post of the morning. It is not as if I want to write about words and concepts at 6 A.M. I simply have no choice. It is very nice not to wake before the dawn and I am not in a grouchy mood. Before arriving at the computer, I prepared a cup of hot coffee and began my day’s work. I suppose I could have prepared a hot cup of coffee but wouldn’t I have burned my fingers? I am away winging and have to get on with my so-called life but I promise to return within two hours.

Leaving tomorrow on a jet place; won’t be home again for 5 days, so this is my last post until Tuesday.   What will I be doing?  Well, my principal goal is to lie in bed.  In my fantasy, I will get 6 hours of sleep per night but, realistically, I will be thrilled with a little over 5 hours.  I’ll be feeling like a young buckaroo if I manage to do that.  My heels will be clicking together and I’ll be singin’ and dancin’ in the rain upon my return.

I’m hoping to get in some good dream time.  I’ve heard much about that experience and want to try it out.  Sam Spade and Batman ballyhooed it, so it has pretty good bona fides.  I want especially to have glorious, even if impossible, dreams like Alonso Quixano had.  The man from La Mancha sets a standard I can not really hope to meet but the quest is the thing.  Thursday!, Friday!!, Saturday!!! and Sunday nights!!!!.  Ah, to bed or not to bed – that’s no question.  ‘Tis noble to lie in bed.  Think Oblomov.

Yes, this will be a wonderful vacation.  And during the day?  Where will I be and what will I be doing?  Now, truly, does that matter?

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Okay, Budd.  What makes Sammy sing?  Talent, that’s what.  LISTEN!

There’s been a change in the weather; there’s gonna be a change in me.  From now on, I’ll be fancy free.

My walk will be different, my back will be fine.  No osteopaths will hear me whine.

I’m goin’ to change my diet and if that ain’t enough, I’ll change the way I strut my stuff.

I’m goin’ to run a mile and maybe more.   No more lyin’ on the kitchen floor.

I’m gonna change my style and wear a smile.

Doggone, there’ll be some change made today.

There’ll be some changes made.

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Okay, it can be done better.   Here’s Miss Peggy Lee.

The first thing I did this morning upon rising was to check the many medical newsletters I get by e-mail every day.  I always learn something.   I used to think darkness was romantic.  I should have paid closer attention to Popeye and noticed he wooed Olive Oyl under sunlight.

A study reported in medicine. net reveals that spinach flourishes only in bright light.   Spinach stored in continuous darkness had declining levels of nutrients, the study found.

I may never again sing along with Al Martino when he warbles

The night is like a lovely tune
Beware my foolish heart
How white the ever constant moon
Take care my foolish heart

There’s a line between love and fascination
That’s hard to find on a moment such as this
And they all have the very same sensation
When you’re lost in the magic of a kiss   [etcetera, etcetera, etcetera]

But here’s Al and, let’s face it, he’s so great, you are almost willing to give up spinach. 

So, give a little click right here, will ya, huh? But, if the link doesn’t work, (as it doesn’t for me),  then go to your browser and  go directly to Youtube.com, find Al singing and think romance.

Here’s to you, Popeye.