when it's finally sunny and almost warm

It's been cold around these parts. Shocking, I know, for wintertime. But seriously, it's been record-breaking cold and for many, many days in a row. The few days of warm weather we've had in the past month have been rainy days, so there hasn't been much playing in the sunshine. Today is warm(ish) and sunny (and very windy), so the girls have been outside most of the morning. (Jonah and I are sick, so we've spent our mornings in bed.)

The following took place when it was time for the girls to come in for lunch:

Me: Miriam! Come inside and eat!
M: Awww, but can't I stay and play a little bit?
Me: No, I already gave you a little bit of extra time, remember?
M (sullen): Okaay.

(At this point, I turned around and started walking inside. When I noticed there was no Miriam with me, I turned around and saw her sprinting down the long driveway.)

Me: Miriam! Come inside!
M: I am!
Me: No, that's the wrong way!
M: But I have to plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy!

(She did eventually come inside and eat...nothing. Apparently tuna fish is gross and she wanted little oranges not the great, big oranges Grandma sent from AZ.)

Dear Dad,

I miss you. I want to pick your brain about all kinds of things, but I'd even settle for you giving me a one-word answer and making me figure them out myself. And don't try telling me in the back of my mind (like I can hear RIGHT NOW) that talking out loud to you here in the dining room is basically the same thing because a) I wouldn't stop talking enough to listen even if you were here, b) I probably know what you'd say anyway, and c) I'd ask your advice and then do the exact opposite. I'd like to have the chance to do all three in person, thank you very much.

Besides that, I want a three-way light switch at the top of my stairs...or just a kill switch to cut all the basement lights at once. I'm surprised having lights on in the basement didn't drive you crazy. Or maybe it did?