Nomad Life - Day 155

Changing time zones isn't fun - I needed my alarm clock to wakeup at the "new" 0630 (old 0530) but I'm relieved that I didn't set it for earlier...  I started teleworking immediately and, along the way, ate snacks for my breakfast.  Hours later, I remembered that I was promised a free breakfast from the hotel; when I went to the lobby of the Rodeway (Lincoln), however, the only thing they gave me was a fruit cup, a granola bar and a bottle of water.  Not going to get filled up on that...  Anyway, I worked for the rest of the morning and, at noon, I made lunch in my room.  I continued working until a doctor appointment I had scheduled (virtual) at 1415.  The doctor didn't come on until more than 15 minutes later but then we only had to talk for about 20 minutes.  After that, I finished up my telework day (1545) and left the hotel in hopes of getting some outdoor exercise.  I'd seen a place on the map called the Lincoln Saline Nature Center that was located only a few miles away and quickly made my way there.  Upon arrival, I found a snowy parking lot next to an expansive marsh area (1600).  There were signs that hinted there might be a building ("Center") but I never encountered any kind of structure.  The temperature was 29 F but the sky was mostly sunny - even better, there was very little breeze.  The snow in the park was only about one inch deep and there wasn't any ice.  These tame conditions allowed me to walk around in the extensive trail system for about three miles.  Along the way, I got some nice views of the (frozen) Salt River and a huge herd of deer.  On the minus side, the park had lots of homeless encampments.  At times, I crossed train tracks (both active and dormant) and encountered some fat rabbits. There were actually a large number of birds in the wetlands and I did some good birding (first time in weeks I've logged new species) - a highlight was seeing a bright red cardinal.  Afterwards (1715), I drove (via US-6, inspiring more memories of Cape Cod) towards the north end of Lincoln.  Along the way, I encountered lots of tailgaters and strange intersections with unpredictable traffic lights.  Bottom line: I had to be on my guard constantly (ughhhh).  Eventually (1730), I arrived at the Super Walmart and picked up some ink for my printer (online order).  Fortunately, I was only in the parking lot for about five minutes and was soon (1740) able to relocate to a nearby restaurant I'd noticed: Runza.  A friend (Kevin A.) had mentioned that Nebraska was known for this unique venue and the "midwestern burrito" type food they sold.  From the outside, it looked popular: the restaurant parking lot was very busy and the drive-thru line was extended out on to the street!  I ordered two flavors (original and cheese) of the eponymous snack and enjoyed them in the restaurant - I could definitely understand the appeal!  Meanwhile, I watched a grandma and her granddaughters talking about the tasty "meat pockets" any why they were so special.  At 1800, I wrapped up my dinner and made my way towards the sports complex that included the Pinnacle Bank Arena.  The parking garages there were mostly empty but charged money (even in the evening).  Fortunately, I found a free place to park near the Amtrak Station and spent some time walking around.  At 1815, I located the Kinkaider Taproom (I'd hoped to check that out) and went inside to sample beers (ordered a flight of five) produced by the Kinkaider Brewing Company.  There was a College Basketball game on the TV and the place was full of Nebraska Cornhusker fans who, apparently, hate the Michigan Wolverines as most Notre Dame football fans do.  With all the noise and excitement, I really didn't talk with anyone.  Instead, I soaked up the ambiance and enjoyed my beers.  Afterwards (1900), I walked back to my car (reached my 10K step goal at that point) and started to head back to my hotel.  This ended up requiring more effort than I'd hoped because of the wide train tracks and elevated major roads.  Instead, I ended up using a roundabout route through the downtown (9th Street and Van Dorn Street, with the latter inspiring memories of Alexandria, VA).  Before long, I was on US-77 and was soon able to reach O Street (AKA US-6) and my hotel again.  I spent the rest of the evening working on eBird, Duolingo and reading.  I also watched some YouTube videos (i.e., news) related to current events.  When I finally went to bed at 2330, I kicked myself because it was past time to start getting adjusted to the "new" time-zone.  Tomorrow probably won't be any easier...