WL, I love the early mornings, too. I almost always have a big chunk of quiet time. And I also use to hate mornings, and was almost always sick and still full of alcohol.
After I got sober last time I got on the elevator with a co-worker that I really thought a lot of. She was such a kind, organized, smart lady. She reeked of alcohol. I was really shocked. First, because I knew right away that I must have smelled just like that a lot when I was drinking, and second because I thought of her as so 'above' that. I couldn't help but sort of watch her after that, and I think I discovered that she is a very high functioning alcoholic. It makes me really sad to think of it. But, we all have our own journeys.
You are sounding so wonderful. It's great to see you getting so much better all the time.
Hugs to all.
