Awake at 4:45 this morning and at my laptop at 5:03.

Why? Why do it? I’m going to be dog-tired this afternoon. It’ll be a little tougher during a workout. I may get short with the kids (still off for the Silly Season break). I’ll definitely be yawning when I read them tonight, in another 13 hours. I’m always yawning these days. Why do it?

Because my fourth novel “Tempest Road” is a bit of a mess and I’m excited about correcting it.

Because the work needs full attention before kids roam the house.

Because my various to-do lists – that amorphous storm of obligations and desires – will be calling once the sun is up.

Tired and groggy and inspired (or not) this is my time.

And it may be all the time I have.