When one subtracts from life infancy (which is vegeta-tion), sleep, eating and swilling, buttoning and un-buttoning - how much remains of downright existence? The summer of a dormouse." Byron, Journals
Byron, who had more lovers than most of us had common colds, may have spent much time buttoning and unbuttoning, but to have thought of his life merely as the summer of a dormouse borders on ingratitude.
Despite the mistakes I made and the stupidities I committed, despite the many shames and humiliations and the treacheries and betrayals I experienced, I, unlike Byron, look back on my few accomplishments and brief moments of real happiness as a summer of endless sunshine.
Also unlike Byron who died in a great four-poster bed in Missolonghi in Greece, aged 36, this dormouse, at least, is still enjoying a wonderful Indian summer in a rocking chair by a roaring fire in Nelligen, aged 75.
