Such thoughts were distracting, so much so that when his eldest daughter came (metaphorically) flying out of her bedroom, dressed and ready to go, he almost made a terrible mistake.  She skidded her way up to the table with her blonde mane fluttering, gobbled up a few bites of eggs, and snatched up a slice of toast in her mouth to eat on the way;   the moment it was secure she bolted for the door with little more than a muffled "Hi Dad!  Bye Dad!" which got a hum in reply.  But that's when he noticed it.