I have always had trouble sleeping. Now, with the profound increase in pain the past few weeks... sleep has become extremely elusive. I find myself staying awake all night, only to fall asleep just as the birds are chirping, and the rest of the world is coming to life. With the heat, I sometimes sleep til 1 o'clock.. but then wake up in a pool of sweat. Having worked night shift for about 17yrs, I am sorta used to this kind of schedule... but it does make living every day to day life interesting. As you would expect, most places close up around 9pm.... a very few stay open later.. but definitely close by 11pm. And unless to want to roam the aisles of Walmart, Walgreen's, or take a drive thru a 24hr McDonald's... your choices are rather limited. Fortunately for me, my very trustworthy and constant companion "Sabrina," is more than willing to go for walks at 2am, take a drive, or just lounge about with me. She is perfectly happy to sleep during the day, all curled up in a quilt. I just adore her.

photos by Elaine A. Russell