I am up and at ’em today at 5:00 a.m., per habit.

I don my rowing kit, come downstairs to the main floor, greet the Labs, and let them out to the back yard. I move through the basement, where I am met by the kitties. I feed and water them, escort them up the stairs to the kitchen, empty the dishwasher, and start the coffee. I put food and water down for the dogs, and let them in. The four furry friends gather in the kitchen for their morning snacks and attention.

I head upstairs with a cuppa for Karen, awaken her enough for a kiss and to let her know that the animals are happy, the back door is locked, and I shall return. Down I go to the kitchen, for my coffee and snacks, and out the front door.

Good music in the car accompanies my 38-minute drive to the boat launch at Coos Bay Yacht club. I am on the water by 6:30. Today I focus on blade depth and releases. I put in 8,000 meters, mostly at low stroke, half power, average heart rate 105. It’s a good aerobic workout for an old guy in my 72nd year.

I experience light rain today, temperature in the low 50’s, and calm water. An excitable gaggle of Canada geese flaps and honks away off my course, and I see my friend the great blue heron. Aside from the birds and the fish below, the lake is all mine.

I am standing on the dock just before the predictable 8:00 o’clock parade of bass boats roars past from town. The fishing crowd and I are happy. S. Tenmile Lake is theirs for the rest of the day.

I drive homeward though Lakeside and North Bend, and into Coos Bay. I am replete and relaxed, and grateful for all normal goodness I can hold on to.