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I could have braved the masses like the rest of the holiday shoppers; long lines, complete disregard for others, mad dashes in parking lots for the closer spots; but I didn't.

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 I could have sat on the couch, stuffed my face gluttonously with more of the left overs from a Thanksgiving feast, adding to the that ever growing winter waistline; but I didn't.

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 I could have spent the day raking those leaves that continue to blow over onto my lawn from the neighbors oak trees, curse those bloody trees; but I didn't. 

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I could have painted that molding that has taken its fair share of abuse over the years that is staring me in the face every day; but I didn't.

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 I could've went out on the Farmington  River for the day and joined the masses of people who like myself had the day off and wanted to tangle with a trout or two.  The day prior a few of my friends mentioned the river was pretty crowded; but I didn't.

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Instead I decided to break out the glass rod, strap it to my backpack and head out with a friend on a hike to a small blue line, and hopefully touch a few of those wily little natives that I cut my teeth on as a kid.  I can't think of a better way to spend a mild wet day in November, and I am thankful that I made the right choice.