I love naps.

Maybe it’s because I grew up in a napping family. My grocer father, my farming uncles and spouses, all took regular siestas after lunch. And if we kids didn’t think we needed one, we had better be quiet while the adults did because discipline was both immediate and painful.

Charlotte and I tried the same with our children, but it never really took. Modern schedules (including our own jobs) didn’t allow naps. Besides societal norms were changing. Napping for adults (especially men) seemed unnecessary, even lazy.

However, my college classes began early (7:30), and for the last 15 years or so, I’ve been able to take regular afternoon snoozes. I feel better when I do, and, it seems, for good reason. No less than the Mayo Clinic says naps reduce fatigue, increase alertness and improve mood and performance, including quicker reaction time and better memory (I like the memory part).

Did some measuring yesterday and found my hammock will fit nicely on the shady side of the new porch.

Just sayin.