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Now in his late fifties, “Le Sack” arises every morning for a swim in the Atlantic. He works out constantly. He rides his bike to work and was overjoyed on June 21, the longest day of the month. There was frustration, however, in that he realized the days would be getting shorter until the calendar reaches December 21, the shortest day of the year.

Richard engages in an exercise routine daily, packing in as much physical activity as possible. In addition to riding his bike, he plays tennis or golf – or both – and never experiences an idle moment.

When daylight saving time comes in, Richard is the greatest of aficionados. Even when the shorter days of winter arrive, he nonetheless continues his routine of including early morning swims in the ocean.

It is fascinating to interact with people who are energetic early risers and aficionados of packing their day with mental and physical activity. Speaking of that, I was fortunate to become acquainted with an accomplished Swedish ice hockey hero years ago.

Sven Tumba was considered the greatest athlete in Sweden’s history until Bjorn Borg, the tennis great, came along. When Sven’s competitive career came to an end, he took up golf and became a passionate advocate. He simply could not play enough.

One of his goals was to stage a summer golf tournament which he wanted to call the “Midnight Sun Open.” He aspired to create an international golf competition with teams coming from across the globe to compete in Stockholm.

I once spent a long weekend with him at his home in Stockholm and concluded that he never slept. He was up early in the morning, working out, taking his boat out for a refreshing cruise, playing 18 holes of golf, and calling Borg to set up a tennis match.

When I turned in for the evening, he was on the phone, talking business with his many friends in America. Like Richard Tardits, Sven Tumba was full of life but felt depressed when winter brought about those short days. When daylight was in short supply, he made his way to Florida and other warm weather addresses. He had to be where the sun was shining.

I’m ready for the fall season, the greatest season on the calendar. I can manage the short days. I can build a fire.