One upside in failing to sleep through the night is being able to walk out onto my porch and look at the pasture behind my house in the light of a nearly full moon. It’s a bonus when the temperature is in the 40s and there’s no breeze. That’s how it is this morning. It’s me and my cats who take any motion from me to mean they might get fed. That will come later. There’s also a small bird sleeping in a notch of a cedar porch post. All I see is the bird’s back and wings. He looks comfortable and out of the weather.

The downside is the sumacs that line the fence and block my view. I think I’ll take most of them down this winter. I’ve enjoyed them, but I also like the view. And the view might be gone sooner than I’d like. My neighbor’s ranch is for sale. It’s a nice piece of property and will fetch a pretty penny and I can’t really blame the family for cashing in. Dirt farming isn’t what it used to be if it ever was anything. The husband passed away a while back and the wife is in a nursing home. So, it’s time. And it will be interesting to see what develops. I suppose the little road in front of my house may fulfill it’s destiny and become a real street.

Of course there are other downsides to rising too early. This afternoon I’ll probably feel the need for a nap, and when the sun sets around five, I’ll be ready for bed. But it is a less than optimal plan to slip into be earlier than seven. If I did, I’d be up at one. Doctors harp on the need for sleep and I’d be more than happy to oblige, but my body does what my body does. I mostly do my part. I limit my caffeine, food, and alcohol intake in the evening, but I suspect I need more exercise. That will come. For now I’m happy with my night view of the pasture and watching the moon slip behind the trees.