Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

I have been in bed these past four days with a bronchial infection which has left me listless and grey. To pass the time, I’ve watched a lot of television, probably more than I’ve watched in the past twelve months; and I notice that daytime TV runs a certain cycle.

First, there are the morning shows with chipper hosts who banter back and forth among themselves. Obviously, these are all morning people; and I’m not in their ranks even on my best days. Then mid-morning there are the re-runs of such stalwart hits at Bonanza (with all original cast members), Mayberry RFD, and I Love Lucy. Next are the cooking and home improvement shows where I learned to make chocolate pancakes (Yuck!) and remodel a room in three days. Late afternoon brought talk shows: Dr. Phil, Oprah, Jim Cramer the Crazy Stock Guy, and the analysts that are sure they know why the stock market closed up or down. Finally, the evening news anchors, both local and national, take center stage.

The first day I was bedridden I was mesmerized by this parade of programs. As my fingers flitted over the remote control, I wondered if I’d missed something by not watch TV regularly. But by the second and the third days, my fingers were less eager to seek the next channel. Sleep was more appealing, as was staring out my bedroom window.

I did watch last night’s Democratic Debate between Senators Clinton and Obama (mentioned in alphabetical order so as to follow political correctness) and found it fairly interesting. But when the ever-present pundits began to give their two cents, I hit the off button and rolled over thinking I’d better get well soon.