Living the Dream Year 5 Day 276 – The Wellington – Interior Door painting

Year 5, Day 276 “Living the Dream”. Saturday, 1/31/2026, The Wellington. It is definitely a back to work day. Interior doors being painted.

It is super cold outside like 11 degrees.

We have so many big fat Red Cardinals outside by our feeders. At least they appear fat and chubby because they fluff their feathers (piloerection) to trap body heat for insulation. They do increase food intake in the winter to build up fat reserves for survival. They have a rounded appearance making them look like a ball of feathers. Reminds me of a big beer belly. Did you know? Cardinals can increase their visible body volume by nearly 50%. They puff up their feathers to keep warm. It is pretty fascinating that cardinals can drop their body temperature by 3-6 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps them conserve energy during extreme cold spells. This allows them to endure harsh winter conditions without needing to migrate south. In the summer they do the exact opposite and appear thin. They say seeing cardinals in winter means hope, love, and a spiritual connection. We must have a ton of hope, love, and a spiritual connection in this house then.

Yesterday, I was thinking about the new Alexa Plus. Now I have to tell you about our security camera system. This morning while showering, I hear our camera announce there is a man climbing our stairs. Oh my gosh – haha it was Steve. Oh yea, I was also diagnosed today with Post-Disembarkation Adjustment Disorder (PDAD). It is the emotional crash that happens when a cruise ends and you’re forced back into real life. Sadness, irritability, and missing the buffet. No known cure. Just give it a few days or just get on another ship and go.

Looking at the five states left to visit. Just not enough lifetime left to do everything.

Thought for today.

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