45
Nov 29/l989
Dear Henry:
Going to sleep. while driving alone, has always
concerned me. I have done it. I have been lucky. The
below zero weather adds a complication.
Your cautious use of COKE sounds alright.. The use of
coffee to avoid dosing may have merit but is limited.
It is difficult to mask fatigue. Alcohol is another
factor. A big cause of accidents is unhappiness.
An unloved driver is a dangerous driver. (Many men lack a
strong desire to live. They may lack concern for lives of
others.)
Nov 30/89 Thursday. Wrote a long letter by hand after I
had gone to bed. I was tired. My writing looks sloppy.
I have never driven to Lapland, winter or summer. You have
a good account up there somewhere. Driving up there in
winter, is beyond me. I have lost my courage.
I hope that you do need to start a long trip when you are
already tired. When I drove the freeways, I stopped at
every available stop. They may not be so common
Finland. When sleepy, I often stopped the car for a brief
time and walked back and forth beside the car. Took a few
deep breaths and hopped in the car.
I hope that you keep warm. Cold makes one sleepy.
Anyway, you don't drink or smoke and are sensible. so your
odds are good.
In the winter back East, many old people often just stayed
inside all day. I would have them take cold air baths.
They would put on warm cloths. Step outside , walk
vigorously for five minutes. This was very helpful to
them. When they came back in, they felt rosy all over.
It made their skin healthier and their whole body function
better.
I gave this advice to many people. Sometimes it was
remarkably helpful. Before Thermostats, there was plenty
of fluctuation in the average home. Especially with fire
places.
I did not give this advice to young people but looking back
it could be healthy at any age. ,
