My first cousin Billy died over the weekend, at age 70. I did not know him very well but thought him a good fellow. My brother is driving to Louisiana for today's funeral. He left at dawn for the 10 hour round trip. I did not join him but will miss being with family. Billy left behind family and friends. I learned from his obituary that his friends called him "Sweetness". That reminds me of all the small town Dubs and Tigers and Stonys of my small town childhood.
My dog developed the sincere conviction that I should awake at 4 a.m. each day.