There are plenty of reasons to get up at dawn, and at least six simple ways to make the most of it when you do.

I love the quality of the air at sunrise; no matter the season, it's always colder, crispier and more energizing than at any other time of the day.

There's something just plain special about the start of a new day.

I do something physical most days: spin on Pinkie Patti's back in the morning while she's still asleep, walk in the afternoon, or  swim in nearby Lake Memphremagog.

Sometimes Pinkie Patti and I play a few holes of golf in the late afternoon (amazingly, she still hits a good ball at 84, despite her Alzheimer's).

“Do you want to take this with you?” the esthetician offers.

I pause mid-shuffle, and look down at her outstretched hand. “Whatever would I do with a plaster-cast-like impression of my face?” I wonder, never imagining The Mask will end up starring in a homemade micro version of a horror movie trailer.

“Do you want to take this with you?” the esthetician offers.

I pause mid-shuffle, and look down at her outstretched hand. “Whatever would I do with a plaster-cast-like impression of my face?” I wonder, never imagining The Mask will end up starring in a homemade micro version of a horror movie trailer.