Chirp chirp tweet tweet. Sputter, sputter, fizz. A chorus through the open bedroom window with coffee pot in the kitchen as backup.

Soon a hushed piano sonata from the clock radio. Another five minutes.

The day has opened as gently as the first glint of light on the horizon. I pad to the kitchen and pour a cup of strong dark coffee. This is the process of waking on a spring morning in May.

The music muted, I retreat with coffee to my window chair and the quiet peaceful sunrise. I think about our family and hope their morning is going well. I think about other families recently affected by wind and water. I think about Skye, our boxer, because she is begging for morning attention.

I grab a second cup of coffee and head for the computer. No e-mails. I lean back with the Journal-World. National, State, local news. Check obituaries. Plug in the player and download the pod cast on Channel 6.

I am in high gear now. Breakfast, dressed, a hug with my husband and out the door.

It is a beautiful, warm, sunny day in Lawrence Kansas.