Earlier than usual

I am an early riser. Always have been. When I was still working I longed for the day when I could sleep in. But that day never came. My inside-the-head alarm clock continues to go off sometime between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. regardless of what time I go to bed.

This morning, however, I awoke even earlier. 4:05 A.M.!! My wife, who stays up late most nights, or gets up in the middle of the night, and then returns to bed, and becomes difficult to arise, actually jumped - and I mean jumped - out of bed before me. The reason? Our garage door inexplicably went up. This, of course, can cause some fear for two old farts living alone with their equally old golden retriever, who began to bark.

Fortunately I don't own a gun, as it was the surprise arrival of my youngest son, his longtime girlfriend, and their four-month old puppy.They had made the 12 hour drive from Denver to surprise us - and the surprise worked! Mom, in her nightgown, greeted them first, as I struggled with finding the jeans I was wearing the night before.

Hugs and kisses were shared - as well as some serious butt sniffing by the two dogs, one old and frail, the other nearly as big and bounding with energy. We sat for just a while, talking and having a couple of newly acquired girl scout cookies - there wasn't much food in the house as I had just returned from a 2 week trip to Southern California visiting relatives and Laughlin, Nevada, helping to plan an upcoming high school reunion.

My son and his wonderful lady then retired to bed at about 5:00 A.M. They hadn't slept for 24 hours, as both worked yesterday, and drove through the night to visit his mom & dad. My wife had to go to her part time job, and I stayed up, since I was too excited to hit the sack. I'm about to head to the grocery store to stock up on supplies before they awake.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd be glad to get up at 4 - or 3 - or whenever - if a child who I see only a couple times a year comes calling. Those of us empty nesters realize how important these visits are.

Old Fart Mike