Panera Bread, thrift stores and a frozen fountain

We (me) seem unable to get out of the house before midday. We wake early enough, but we (me) dawdle and talk and look at things on the internet and plan the day and fuss around and before we know it, it's almost midday and we've lost half the day. Still, despite this somewhat annoying habit we've developed, we're still managing to pack lots in. And today was no exception.

First stop were some thrift stores in Overland Park where we found heaps of clothes and books. We also snagged a fondue set, which now means we must have a fondue party! :-)

Once exhausted by thrift shopping, and rather hungry, we made our way to Panera Bread.
While there we did a creative exercise wherein we evaluated how we spend our energy and then what we do to restore it. It's based on an article Em found in a magazine at the gym. In four areas of life (physical, emotional, spiritual and mental/intellectual) you write down how your energy is spent, then to balance that, what things you do to rejuvenate or restore that energy. We discovered that some things are both energy users and restorers, such as the gym, which over the longer term boosts energy.

It was a useful and interesting exercise and prompted side discussions that further enlighten our creative and regular lives. It's the sort of tool that can be referred to in times of stress, as a reminder of the things to do to restore balance.

While talking and thinking, I had a panini (like a focaccia) and Em had soup which looked delicious and i'll have to try it next time.

Outside it was cold and grey, so we were in no hurry to leave.

From there we went to a nearby fountain that Em's mum had told us about. I can safely say that I've never seen a fountain such as this. See for yourself:
The city has left the water running and instead of it all completely freezing, the water cascades up and over the ice forming a large Antarctic like ice shelf that spreads and flows the longer that it stays cold. It is going to make one hell of a mess when it melts, but right now it is strangely beautiful. :-)
The fountain is within a small park area with walking paths and a war memorial. We stopped by the war memorial, while our fingers were freezing and our faces numb, and took a few photos. I'd love to go back there when it's sunny and bright so I can get a better shot of the eagle and the flags behind.
On the way home we passed a small flock of geese.
We stopped by the gym on the way home, then had garlic chicken and pasta for dinner before settling into an evening with a movie (Jarhead), which I didn't watch the whole way through because I was so tired.

I can't wait to pick recipes for the fondue party!! :-)