Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Slept in a little bit - then got some more work done. Checked out of the hotel at the last possible minute, then had some lunch nearby. Drove over to Town Center and got internet connection at the Central Library. Around 1500, headed to the airport. No problems with turning in the car or getting a seat on this plane. Had dinner at Pizzaria Uno. Met one of my former co-workers (Rich) in the waiting area - he was headed back to Fort Worth to visit family. This made the time go quickly. Boarded the aircraft on time and had a good flight back to DFW. It took over an hour to get my bag and get back to my car - but there was no traffic on the way home. Frosty glad to see me! Bed early (time zone zombie again...).

Gloucester Point, VA (USA)

Slept in a little this morning. Had breakfast at the hotel and then checked out. Headed back to VA Beach via MD-5 and US-301. Crossed Potomac River near Dahlgren and then took VA-3 down towards George Washington's birthplace. I've always wanted to visit Stratford Hall, the home of the Lee family, but I never had the chance until today. Arrived just in time (1200) for a tour of the old home (built in 1738). Weather was very pleasant and there weren't many people around. Spent several hours after tour exploring the grounds - lots of history! Finally got back on the road and headed towards Yorktown on VA-3. By this point, I started to hear about huge backups on the HRBT, so I didn't rush. Stopped for an early dinner at Gloucester Point - at River's Inn at the marina. It's funny what seems familiar when you look around in places you've been: I think I went to the same place when I lived here back in 1991... Had snow crab and shrimp - all while enjoying the pleasant weather along the York River. Got on the road again around 1830 - bridge traffic was still heavy, but bearable. Made it to Virginia Beach and my hotel around 2000. Spent a few hours on work email again and went to bed.

Alexandria, VA (USA)

Woke up at 0500 and got checked out quickly. On I-264 by 0545 - not much traffic. Made it across the HRBT easily and took I-64 all the way to I-295 and I-95. Switched to VA-207 and then to US-301. Actually, this was a much better way to go than US-17... Stumbled across the site where John Wilkes Booth was killed (very close to intersection of US-301 and US-17 - Fort A. P. Hill). Didn't have time to explore... Finished trip on MD-5. As I was getting to Camp Springs, I started getting lots of work related calls - fortunately from the people in the area! Spent the whole day with four different outfits - first time I've met several of these folks. Had time for lunch at Jiffy's again (mmm - gyro!). Finished with everyone by 1600 and then spent a few hours trying to get checked into a hotel. Ended up at Colony South again. Got in touch with Bob and, after he finished golfing, we met for dinner at the Kingstowne Mall (had to drive over on I-495 and the Wilson Bridge - much easier now that the new bridge is completed...). We saw "Terminator: Salvation" (so-so). Afterwards, had dinner at a nearby Thai place and caught up with recent events. Left for the hotel around 2200. Bed around 2300 - whew!

Flint, MI (USA)

Today was a very busy day! Woke up very early and had some breakfast to go at Hardees. Arrived at work pretty early, too. Had some problems getting going, but we made it airborne on time. First trip up to Camp Springs was pretty easy - we got stuck there for a little while, though (it's always like that). Flight up to Quonset Point was unventful (thought there would be more weather...) - turnaround was good. Then flew down to Harrisburg - at only 16,000 feet (lower than normal). Weather and scenery there were tremendous! On our way down to North Carolina next - flight was good. Last part of trip was to fly up to Flint, Michigan. I haven't been there for years - and today was a great day to go! On the way, our routing took us over Lake Erie and part of Ontario - it was all very beautiful from the air. Flight home was more of the same - I miss flying! Got back around 1930 and finished all the paperwork by 2100. Had some Dairy Queen on the way back to the hotel. Stayed up late packing and getting ready for tomorrow's busy schedule...

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Woke up early and did some more internet work. Had an early lunch and then drove over to work. Had no trouble getting things started, since Jason had done most of the work already. Talked with some old friends & co-workers. Finished around 1430 and then drove over to visit with Floyd and Yvonne for a few hours. It seems like only yesterday that we left the neighborhood - but we miss them. Ended up having dinner at KFC - to try their new grilled chicken. Line was long, wait was excessive and chicken was kind of bland and dry. I think I like the classic better... Picked up some food for tomorrow (at WaWa - I miss that too). Went back to the hotel and walked on the beach for the next few hours. Waves were HUGE today (bigger than I remember) and the water was swamping everything high on the beach. Met some nice people and chatted with them until the sun went down. Packed for my trip and then went to bed early.

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Didn't have to leave early - but I'm glad I left the house early enough to have time for the traffic jam on I-820 (should know better by now...). Checked out the express parking this time - economy lot was full - and it worked out OK. Made it to the check-in counter just in time (flight overbooked) but didn't get my seat assignment until about five minutes before boarding started. Flight OK (more room than usual in exit row!). Huge line at rental car check-in (found out I needed to join their Preferred Customer program to avoid waiting - that should help next time). Got my car and took care of the normal "admin" before getting to my room on the beach. Got in touch with Ken - he was in town - and decided to meet him at Town Center for dinner. We ended up at the Red Star Tavern and chatted for several hours while we ate - lots of things have happened since I left here later summer! When we were leaving, I forgot my cell phone inside (lucky I knew where it was - they found it quickly...). Back at hotel, checked on some work emails - then bed.