'The DSM' Editorial - Issue 98

My watch broke recently so for the past few weeks I have been timeless. My daily routine has been dictated by two things, daylight and hunger. When the sun comes up so do I, when it starts getting dark, I’m ready for bed, similar to a bird, except I don’t start singing first thing. The second, my stomach. When I feel a mild hunger pang, I think ‘nearly lunch’ probably about 12.15, a more prolonged pang 12.30, ‘I’m starving’ one o’clock. The same applies for tea. 

When I was a teacher back in the UK, my whole working day was dictated by old father time. Up at at 6.30, in the car 7.25 (avoid the 7.30 rush), first lesson starts 8.45, etc. Maybe a couple of hours in the evening that were my own, but the rest tick tock. 

Since moving to France our whole routine has had to change, shops close for two hours in the middle of the day, eating later in the evening, post offices that are rarely open, no DIY shops open on a Sunday. The year is more prominantly divided in two – the long hot summer months, eating al fresco and trying to keep the flies off the salad and the cold winter where the log burner is king and a hot water bottle a necessity. 

I think the world would be a happier place if everyone’s watch broke. The world economy would probably collapse and a few television programmes missed, but the greater sense of freedom we experience would outweigh all that. 

Whatever you are up to this month, we hope you find time for a moment in the sun, a glass of something refreshing (maybe some bubbles) and an enjoyable read of our June issue.

That’s all from me for now...I think it’s lunchtime.