Weatherford, TX (USA)

[date uncertain - Mollie and I drove over to Teskey's Custom Saddle Shop in Weatherford.]

Norfolk, VA (USA)

This was not a good day for airline transportation... Woke up around 0800, did some work, packed up, checked out of the Navy Gateway Inn (1030), got gas at the on-base gas station (1045) and left Dam Neck Annex. Got a late breakfast/lunch before heading to the airport.  Returned my rental car to the Enterprise desk (1120)  Wanted to ensure I got a seat assignment, so I checked in early with American Airlines. Spent several hours playing on my computer before they boarded us at 1400 (almost on time). Unfortunately, we then spent several MORE hours waiting on the ramp for a series of thunderstorms to pass. Ultimately, the pilot decided to take us back to the terminal so he could get more fuel - that took another hour. In the meantime, however, we got to get off the plane and run through the rain back to the terminal (they wouldn't bring the jetway over...). Managed to pick up some food, though... Eventually, we got back on the plane and were able to depart (around three hours late) for Texas. Met some nice people in the meantime - had good chat all the way home. Arrived at DFW at around 1930L (still three hours behind schedule) and Nicky picked me up. Home around 2030 - whew!!!

Norfolk, VA (USA)

Second day of conference/workshop.  Same slog/commute from Dam Neck Annex to NOB Norfolk  Finished earlier this time, gave me a chance to wrap up some discussions with people who had asked for networking time. Had lunch at Club again - then headed back to the Navy Gateway Inn at Dam Neck. Made a few efforts to try to connect with Tom or Ken - no luck. Took a nap, actually... Rain hit us around 1800, so didn't leave the hotel at all and skipped dinner. Got a lot of internet stuff done (bills, etc.). Before bed, I packed for my departure tomorrow...

Norfolk, VA (USA)

Woke up early for my drive over to Norfolk. Hadn't done it in a while, so had to make sure I didn't get stuck in a big traffic jam on the way. Consequently, arrived at work around 45 minutes early. Met with some folks before our conference began at 0800. Great interaction - very worthwhile workshop with some good networking. Even ran into my old friend, Steve, who I haven't really seen since around 1999. Had lunch at the Club with him (also ran into John - another co-worker from the past). Finished up around 1530 - got some additional email work done before heading back. It is always great to hit the HOV lane before 1600... Called my friend Megan - we had talked last week about the chance to get together - and she told me to join her and her husband, Kevin, at the house for dinner. Spent the rest of the afternoon and evening chatting and watching Kevin work on his Harley. Very enjoyable time. Luckily, too, they live very close to the Dam Neck Annex. Back at the Navy Gateway Inn, went to bed at the usual time.  Sadly, this trip is almost over...

Mayport, FL (USA)

Breakfast early again - then got a quick flight from Virginia Beach down to Mayport (near Jacksonville) and back. Flew with Jason again - had great weather and the turn was good. Arrived back in VA around 1230. Planned to get together with Tom, but it didn't work out. That's OK, since I have some important work during the remaining days of the trip and I got some prep done tonight. Had dinner near the Dam Neck Annex - it was pretty good, actually. Back in my room at the Navy Gateway Inn, I watched TV and then went to bed.

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Had another flight today - more local area work. Tested out the new equipment at Patrick Henry (Williamsburg) Airport and then headed home. Lunch at the Golf Club again. More work at the office afterwards - then back to the hotel to change. Picked up some dinner at McDonalds on the way over to my old neighborhood. Got to visit with Floyd and Yvonne - always nice - and meet the folks who live in our old house. Back at the Dam Neck Annex (Navy Gateway Inn), did some laundry and followed up on some work leads. Bed early.

Norfolk, VA (USA)

Woke up early to try to make some work connections in Norfolk. Visited two of the main offices that call me nearly every day when I am at my job. Good networking (and a better idea of where/who I deal with). Had a big lunch at the Club and got some work done in the afternoon. A little tired, so I didn't do anything exciting tonight - just had some ice cream near the beach. Found out late that I got a flight for tomorrow - jazzed about that. Back at the Dam Neck Annex Navy Gateway Inn, I went to bed earlier than usual.

Jennersville, PA (USA)

Woke up around 0700, packed up, checked out of the NAS JRB Willow Grove Navy Lodge and headed out to see a genealogy friend, Elizabeth H. Took I-276/I-476 down to US-1 and then drove through the scenic hills toward the Brandywine Valley. We were in this area last summer (see AUG 2008) but we never went on this route. I didn't realize how much was on US-1... We had planned to meet at the Brandywine Battlefield (US Revolution) but when we both got there it was closed (for the season - or for lack of funds?). Drove with her over to her friend's farm in rural Chester County. Very pretty! Spent several hours doing genealogy with her - made some good discoveries. It was too bad that it had to end, but I got back in the car for my drive home around 1600. Had several messages when I got back into cell-phone service range - my flight tomorrow was (1) changed; (2) changed again and (3) cancelled altogether... To bad - I was looking forward to another trip. Decided to keep going, though, and just made an adjustment to my route. Instead of the usual way (through Delaware), used back roads (PA-896, MD-213, US-301 and US-50) along the Eastern Maryland shore of the Chesapeake. Stumbled across the birthplace of Thomas McKean (signer of the Declaration of Independence) close to the MD-PA border. Weather was much improved since I came up on Thursday - explored some towns along the coast, including Cambridge. Ate dinner at a place in town called Portside Seafood Restaurant - had "crab imperial" (Chesapeake Blue Crab with shrimp and a tasty sauce). Watched sun set over the Chesapeake - very pretty. Back on US-50 (driving towards Ocean City), I found Harriet Tubman home. [I got gas at Exxon in Cambridge, MD (1920).]  The rest of journey was dark with lots of traffic until I hit the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (paid my toll at 2140). By the time I was back in Virginia Beach, it was nearly 2300. I drove back to Dam Neck Annex and checked into the Navy Gateway Inn again.  No flight tomorrow, though, so it all worked out. Tired from the drive, but really enjoyed the scenic route...

Doylestown, PA (USA)

Arrived at work around 0645 - just in time to find out that we needed to get in the air before 0800 and back before 1000. Lucky this was a pretty easy evolution... Kevin had done several of these system checks before, so I just had to assist. Weather not great, but improving. Spent around an our in the approach pattern at Harrisburg - always good views of the river winding through the hills. Back with about three minutes to spare! Hurried back to the hotel to change into my "outfit" for Scott's ceremony (another reason for this trip). Probably the hottest day of the trip so far (still cooler than Texas, though!!!). Ceremony was shortest I've ever seen (29 minutes!) and everyone very happy. Had time for snacks and a stop at the Club. Started getting calls from the guys in Virginia Beach that they needed me to come back to fly... Agreed to help on Monday. Also made arrangements with my friend, Elizabeth, to get together in Chester County tomorrow. Headed over to Scott's house (Doylestown) for a party around 1900. Spent several hours chatting and congratulating him and his family - also saw a lot of old friends. No problem getting back to NAS JRB Willow Grove. Arrived at the Navy Lodge only to learn that Kevin had problems when he tried to leave with the plane we flew this morning. Went to bed with thoughts of my drive back to Virginia on my mind...

Waukegan, IL (USA)

Up early - had a 0900 takeoff. Good to see everyone, especially one of my old bosses, Rob. Had some delays for aircraft repair, but only left about 45 minutes late. Flight down to New Orleans was pretty uneventful (except for a degraded auto-pilot). Saw some huge thunderstorms along the Florida Pan-handle, but they didn't affect us. Good turn in hot/humid Louisiana (glad to be on our way...). Flight up to Chicago area also pretty easy. Came in from west side of city and actually flew near Milwaukee before landing in Waukegan. Hadn't been here for nearly a decade... Flight home took us along Lake Erie. Significant weather near Philadelphia, so we had to descend very early. Rob (who grew up around here) gave us a little tour of the landmarks. Got back to NAS JRB Willow Grove by close to the expected arrival time. Finished all paperwork and was planning to call it a day when I ran into Kevin. He needed someone to fly with him early on Saturday, so I agreed to help. Then headed back to Navy Lodge to get "outfit" ready for tomorrow's festivities. Had leftovers for dinner (still tasty!). Watched TV and did laundry - then Bed.

Dover, DE (USA)

Was planning to stay in Norfolk for a bit longer and ate a late breakfast (more like an early lunch ?).  Suddenly, though, I got a call that I could fly out of Willow Grove the following day!  Immediately, I checked out of the Navy Gateway Inn and left the Dam Neck Annex (at around 1015). Decided to take Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (shorter distance, more scenic) and paid my toll at 1100. Still pouring for most of the day - started to clear around Wallops Island. [Got gas at Exxon station in Ellendale, DE (1355).] Decided to take US-113 (vice the usual US-13). Construction going on there, but promises for a four lane drive in that direction in the future... Hit DE-1 earlier than usual - lots of traffic (from the shore?). Still made pretty good time until reaching I-95 - then barely missed several huge accidents and traffic jammed up really bad. Thought I was doing a good thing to get off at I-476, but (as usual) it was still stop & go all the way to Willow Grove (arrived 1630). This may have been the longest it has ever taken me between Norfolk and Philly (should have left earlier)... Checked back into the Navy Lodge at NAS JRB Willow Grove and still had time to do some planning for the flight and pick up some supplies for my visit. Went out for dinner at the nearby Gramma's Grotto (Italian) restaurant - ordered a Philly Cheesesteak pizza (mmm...). Ended up with some leftovers (for a couple days' work of lunch/dinner). Back in my room, I went to bed pretty early...

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

One of the main reasons for this trip was to get a flight that I need to complete every year.  Fortunately, I got the opportunity this morning to fly with by buddy, Ken, and he made that happen. Weather was awesome - could see the entire Chesapeake from the air and had no trouble with getting all requirements completed. Went to lunch at the Golf Club and then finished up some other work (had to make sure all paperwork was properly noted before I leave for Fort Worth...). Had a drink with old friends later (1530) and made some plans to go to the Norfolk Tides game with them. Around 1830 (the time suggested to get together) the sky opened and rain began to flood the streets! I was already driving towards Norfolk but thought better of it and stopped instead in my old neighborhood for visits with old neighbors (not home...). Had dinner at Quiznos and then headed back to the Dam Neck Annex (Navy Gateway Inn). Packed for my departure tomorrow before going to bed.

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Got up later today. Got a haircut and had lunch before heading back to work. Spent several hours with paperwork and preparation for tomorrow's flight. Ran into my old buddy, Jack, who asked me over to dinner at his place. Our families were pretty close when we lived here, so it was cool to have the opportunity to get together. Arrived there around 1700 and spent the next several hours chatting - actually lost track of the time (we were having so much fun). Drove back to Dam Neck Annex (Navy Gateway Inn) at around 2300 - then went to bed.

Quonset Point, RI (USA)

Woke up early so I wouldn't miss my flight to Norfolk. Checked out of the Navy Lodge at NAS Willow Grove and headed to the flight line.  Great weather this morning - it was absolutely wonderful to get away from Fort Worth temps... After departing the Philadelphia area, we had to fly through Quonset State Airport (near Providence, RI) on the way to Virginia Beach. Got some good views of Jersey Shore, NYC and Long Island on the way up and then enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Narraganset Bay. Arrived in Virginia around 1130.  Once out of the aircraft, I found that I had several messages that had to be attended to, so spent several hours "putting out fires." Saw lots of familiar faces while I worked in my old office. Got a ride to the airport to pick up my rental car (from Enterprise).  By 1235, I was headed over to my favorite hotel on the beach (Dam Neck Annex Navy Gateway Inn). After getting settled in my room, I picked up some dinner nearby. Met a nice lady who was also on travel here who had some great insights on school age kids (she's a teacher) and told me about some great places to visit if we get back to Seattle (where she lives). Back at the hotel, changed into beachwear and spent over an hour walking along the shore. Sunset spectacular (as usual) and peaceful waves with gulls and sandpipers very relaxing. Forgot how much I miss the ocean in Fort Worth... Watched some TV and made some plans for next day, then bed.

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

Got to fly up to Willow Grove this morning to drop off a plane. Nicky took me to NAS JRB Fort Worth at 0700 - just in time to find that someone had slid our departure time until the afternoon... Remedied that with some phone calls and then got on our way. Weather was great until just before we landed at NAS Willow Grove - by then, we had thunderstorms and low visibility. From the flight line, I got a ride over to the Navy Lodge and spent a few hours getting ready for the next few days (paperwork). After picking up some supplies for tomorrow, I borrowed a car from the Squadron Duty Office and headed over to Lee's Hoagies. Had a great cheesesteak for dinner and watched some TV. Bed relatively early...

Whidbey Island, WA (USA)

Actually got the family out of the hotel before 0700 - a miracle! Everyone very tired... Had no trouble getting back to the Island - no traffic. Weather much colder than it has been this week (around 15 C) - lots of fog. Driving across Deception Pass bridge a little disconcerting with no visibility. Checked in with plenty of time and got off the ground around 1000. Kids had a great time watching out the window for spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline. Flight about three and a half hours to Fort Worth. Arrived to nearly 40 degrees C again - and very humid! No problems getting home - around 1700. Poll of kids indicated that this was one of our best trips. Mount Rainier ranked high and visiting with relatives was also popular. Erin especially enjoyed the bustle of Pike Place Market. Lots of talk about returning next year...

Top Ten Reasons Why Seattle is a Fun City!

By Brenna, Erin and Mollie:

#10 - Pike's Place Market - fun to watch people throw fish, look at the beautiful flowers and do some shopping. They have Rainier cherries!

#9 - Space Needle - you can see the whole city and waterfront from the top!

#8 - Bridge Troll - there is a HUGE statue of a troll who lives under a bridge. He is holding a real VW Bug in his hand!

#7 - Statues at the Bus Stop - there are bronze statues of people waiting for a bus. You can change their clothes - it was funny!

#6 - Lakes - they (Lake Union and Lake Washington) are all very beautiful and clean for swimming and boating. We even saw airplanes landing and taking off in the water!

#5 - Monorail - it gets you around the city and you get really good views!

#4 - Mount Rainier - it is close to Seattle, it always has snow and we saw pretty wildflowers there!

#3 - Grove of the Patriarchs - had really big trees - some 1000 years old! They looked like they were as tall as the Space Needle!

#2 - Family - we got to visit with Ms. Lenora, Ms. Courtenay, Holly and Finnian. It was great to spend time with them!

And, the #1 reason why Seattle is a Fun City:

Nature - it is close to the ocean and it has lots of (a) beautiful trees and lakes; (b) mountains and islands; and (c) FRESH AIR!

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Note - for more information about Seattle, Mollie recommends that you read the book "Larry Gets Lost in Seattle"