Bella a Bird Watcher?

Slept OK, but still not as soundly as I hoped I might. I was up at 530am anyway. I exercised and played on line before delivering Mindy’s coffee. It was colder turning much more winter-like. In fact, we had snow on the ground, albeit no more than about a half inch. After exercise I poured coffee and took to the internet. I played around online until 610am when it was time to wake Mindy. I did some more surfing before moving on to meditation and stretching. Both were just what the doctor ordered. Soon it was time for my run. It was back to winter outdoors, about 28 degrees and still snowing, albeit lightly. I ran four miles using the soft cushion of the new snow to my advantage. I shoveled the drive as soon as I was back at home. Some time ago, I stashed a snow shovel stashed behind a large bush at the top of our driveway saving me the trouble of opening the garage for its access. I made quick work of the snow then opened the garage to grab some driveway salt. I sprinkled it strategically then headed inside for my breakfast. I was going to start Mindy's Honda, too, but the kids advised that she was heading out the front at the same time I was coming in through the garage. Mindy was soon off to work and I was off to the shower. As usual, the kids were on the bus at 8:05am. Back inside I took a few minutes to further shop/review Oregon ski trip prices. I was leaning towards a switch of plans but still not 100%. Off to work. As you might expect me to say, work was incredibly busy. It was one of those days when there was little time to come up for air. I worked right through my typical lunch time, but did manage to eat my packed veggies and fruit. I used someone's Red Wine vinaigrette in the fridge to top my veggies. Boy was it delicious. Mindy called late afternoon/early evening. Jacob was going to the hockey game with his dad, so Mindy decided to make a date with Bella. They were going to shop for Bella's adoption day gift and then go to dinner. Mindy explained that she intercepted neighbor Makayla too, and that they were going to do Barley's for dinner. She asked if I wanted to meet them there. Nah. She then asked if I wanted her to bring me anything home. Nah. By the way, Bella asked for a bird watchers book for her gift. Peculiar for a 7 year old. I left work late - got home at 620pm. Mindy figured to be out of pocket until 730pm or so. I used the time to play on the internet and do some writing. I did more thinking about our February skit trip too. I was pretty much set on doing Oregon if we could make it happen. Mindy & Bella were home around 730pm as planned. Bella was excited to share her new bird watchers book/guide. They brought home leftovers, too. I didn't partake. I made a roast beef and cheese sandwich earlier and snacked on numerous chunks of cut cheese. I was full. While Bella and Mindy prepared for bed, I headed to the sofa and eventually fell asleep. I heard Jacob come in from the hockey game but remained sleeping. I didn't get up again until 930pm. By then I was wide awake. At the roughly the same time, Mindy was ready for bed. I stayed up. I eventually decided to watch the NFC Championship game again, which I had DVR'd. I knew that watching it might reopen wounds, but I couldn't sleep, and I was curious about a number of plays/situations. I watched the overtime period first, since it was recorded separately. Yes, still painful. I then fast forwarded through most of the first half until right before halftime when the Vikings recovered the Saints muffed punt and had the ball at their 4 yard line ready to score just before half only to fumble the ball right back. Ugh! I then fast forwarded to the last couple of drives in regulation. It was clearer than ever that everyone expected the Vikings to win it in the end. And it looked like it was gonna happen. Obviously, it didn't. I was surprised at how much more detail I caught watching it a second time, much like watching a movie for the second time. The drama was still there but already knowing the outcome gave me a chance to be more analytical. Final analysis: we left too many opportunities on the table. No one to blame but ourselves. I headed to bed after re-watching the game. It was nearing midnight.