It’s that time again. Sigh.

Most of the United States, sans Arizona and Hawaii, submit to the indignity of changing their clocks twice a year, whether they need it or not. This foolish practice is scheduled to occur again tonight.

Tomorrow I will be tasked with remembering which devices update their own time, climbing up ladders to change electro-mechanical wall clocks with that little wheel that is always too slippery to use accurately, and wandering around the cars to try to remember how to change the time on the dashboard clocks. I will probably add to the confusion by setting a couple ahead even though they don’t need it.

And the kitchen appliances. After a couple of cups of coffee I will remember them, too. The microwave, where the way to set the clock involves perfect timing holding down a couple of un-obvious buttons until they graciously allow me to change modes. Oh! There’s the oven, which is a different set of keys, and a different timing. And then there’s the refrigerator, which sometimes updates on its own, and sometimes doesn’t. And sometimes updates after I’ve already updated it. Thus, for a few days I will be faced with not knowing what time it is because I’m retired and don’t really care, and there are three different times displaying around me to choose from.

It’s all foolishness, anyway. Studies indicate that Daylight Savings Time doesn’t actually reduce energy use to speak of, but definitely increases the death rate due to car accidents and heart attacks. What is it again that we are supposed to be saving ourselves from? Health, happiness, and well-being?

I’m with Arizona. Let’s kick this habit, once and for all!