Washington, DC (USA)

I don't use Facebook very often, but last night I figured out one of my friends from Notre Dame (Frank) was in Washington this week. Since I now work downtown, we coordinated a meeting this morning (0930) near the Air & Space Museum. It is nice to be able to walk just a few blocks to visit with people... After some phone-call guidance to him, we met up near L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station. It was nice to see him - I think it may be more than 10 years since we were actually in the same place. He had his daughter with him and she was very excited to see the interesting things the Smithsonian has to offer. After about an hour, I had to get back to work. The day went pretty well (I'm getting up to speed every day with very few distractions during this "holiday week"). I was mindful through the day that the Notre Dame / Florida State Bowl Game was going to start at 1730. Tim called to tell me he, Elizabeth and Katie would be watching at Harrington's Irish Pub (see APR 2011) - fortunately only a short drive from the Huntington Metro Station... I made it only a few minutes into the first quarter and had some good appetizers and local brew while we watched. The game was pretty good while I was watching and eating my dinner (chicken pie and bread pudding). About halfway through the fourth quarter, Elizabeth wanted to walk back with Katie (bed-time), so I went with her while Tim tried to glimpse Irish victory (but he was denied - they ended up losing...). As I've commented several times, National Harbor living is great. Actually, that fits with a lot of places around the DC Metro - you really don't need a car if you don't want one. Hung out for a short time before I drove back home (2130).

Oxon Hill, MD (USA)

Slept in this morning - and relaxed for a few hours (paying a little for last night...). It was nice to visit with Tim, Elizabeth and Katie (who is now hugging me and calling me "Uncle Terry") for a little longer. Didn't leave until around 1300 - and when I got back to Bob's I took a nap for a few hours. Woke up and had some dinner and then watched football with Bob. Bed a little early tonight - prepping for a new work week...

Oxon Hill, MD (USA)

I woke up a little late this morning (no kids to tell me it was time to open presents...). After relaxing around the house - laundry, etc. - drove over to National Harbor to see Tim, Elizabeth and Katie (1400). We had a nice dinner and some great drinks for several hours - lots of visiting (including Skype with Bonnie and family in Hobbs). After dark, we walked down to the Waterfront and through the Gaylord Hotel - very fancy displays. That is also going to be the site of next year's Thanksgiving (wow!). It was fun to enjoy another day of the convenience of shopping, restaurants and entertainment near their home - it is tempting to think my own family could live there... We watched some TV as it got later and moved on to hot toddy's - before I realized what time it was, it was well after midnight... Fortunately, Elizabeth had forseen this and made up the futon in their spare room. Merry Christmas!

Washington, DC (USA)

Folks at work had been telling me about all the free and interesting things there are to do in Washington, DC, during the holidays. One thing I've always wanted to see was the National Christmas Tree. So, after finishing my day at the office, I headed over to the Metro and took the Orange line to Federal Triangle. When I got out of the Station I found myself inside of a maze within the Ronald Reagan office complex - made it out onto Constitution Avenue and followed the crowds down to the Elipse. The tree (unfortunately) was a new one - much smaller than the one I've seen on previous (non-Christmas time) visits. I guess there was a major storm this year that required a replacement... The decorations were very pretty - and there were short trees from each state circled around the main one. I heard some interesting comments about those (like "who the hell cares about Nebraska?") - aren't we Americans just so polite? After getting a glimpse of the White House, I walked back across the Mall to L'Enfant Plaza - along the way seeing an intriguing museum in the window of the Department of Energy building... I took the Metro back to my car and, as I exited the garage, it started to pour. It was only then that I realized I didn't have my unbrella today (I'm so happy I walked quickly tonight!)... Picked up some dinner (to go) from New China Taste next to the Huntington Station (mmm...).

Oxon Hill, MD (USA)

Tim picked me up this morning to show me around the area. This (along with last night, when I toured the Huntington Courts) was the first chance I'd had to explore the apartment possibilities in the area. We ate some breakfast at Dunkin Donuts before he drove me out on the George Washington Parkway as far south as Fort Hunt. We drove around a bit in the Belle Haven area and some other neighborhoods near Huntington Metro Station. We then drove over to Old Town Alexandria and stopped at FEDEX/Kinkos for business cards. While looking for a place to park, we saw one of the early Lee homes. Tim had to pick up Katie at their townhouse, so we headed over to National Harbor to get her. This was the first chance I'd had to see inside their new home - very nice. With Katie onboard, we drove back across into Virginia and did some shopping (near Braddock Road). We also stopped in the Eisenhower area and I toured the Meridian Apartment complex - VERY fancy but no short term leases. Lunch was at nearby Jimmy John's. Katie hasn't quite warmed up to me yet, so when we were done she told me "you have to go home now, I'm going to see my friends" (!). Tim took us back to his house and we walked down from there to see a kids' show at Bobby McKey's Dueling Piano Bar. The line was pretty long (even with reservations that Elizabeth made), so I took a break and checked out the leasing office for the National Harbor (they were closed). I arrived back at Bobby McKey's just in time and we sat in the back while scores of children sang and danced to the piano favorites and the adults relaxed. I met several of Tim & Elizabeth's friends. Afterwards, explored Potomac Gourmet (where the beer stock-boy knows Elizabeth by name) we walked back up the hill (the place is so convenient for so many great activities!). Spent a little longer with my cousins (had a taste of Mad Elf) before heading back to Bob's (soon after dark). It was a nice day!

Rockville, MD (USA)

Lee had this great idea a few weeks ago - "why don't you come with us up to Rockville to see how our meetings with the contractor go?" It seemed like a good plan at the time - but my mind is now swimming with traffic jams on the beltway, Metro stations, DC walking and new job usernames & passwords. The question: "Is there room for more?" Up at 0600 again, made my way onto I-495 and (along with LOTs of other people), drove around the city. Lots of construction and a few accidents, but I made it across the Potomac (into Maryland) alright - all the while, mindful of my brake problems. Got off on I-270 (no traffic in my direction!) and located the contractor complex in Rockville pretty easily. Early enough (0830) that I had a chance to eat breakfast with Lee in their cafeteria. Met my customer before we went into the series of scheduled meetings. Most of what we talked about was so new that I barely could follow, but there was one glimmer of hope in the process: an audit of the contractor's safety processes! That was very familiar and I tightly grasped the life-ring that had been tossed my way, gradually making my way into a comfort zone as the day progressed. We took a lunch break and ate at a place called Taipei Tokyo (good). Learned more about my customer (Jim). When we returned to the meetings we shifted to a whole new process of problem report reviews. LOTs of new acronyms - but some helpful folks kept me up to speed. We continued meetings until around 1600, when everyone else headed home. Another former Navy veteran (Bill) was kind enough to stay with me for a short while longer so we could go over a few of the processes discussed today (I'm going to need to do a TON of reading to get up to speed for the position - but it is all interesting stuff). Called Pat and told her I was ready to get together for dinner. She lives very close to where I was and I was there in about 10 minutes. Pat, Michael and I and chatted for about an hour - it had been a few years since we were able to get together (see APR 2007). Eventually, Pat drove us over to Fuddruckers for dinner (good). Lots of good conversation all night - I actually didn't leave Rockville until around 2200. Back at Bob's, got organized for my first real day of commuting - bed after that...

Chantilly, VA (USA)

Tough to wake up early (0600), but didn't want to be late! Found out that getting on the Fairfax County Parkway was actually really easy from Bob's - took it all the way back to I-66 (not much traffic). Discovered a few radio stations, including "Federal Radio"... Only traffic I encountered was at the VA-28 and I-66 intersection - but still was about 45 minutes early for my new job orientation in Chantilly. Had a great breakfast at a place called Eggspectation - a high-end place with unique egg-related food (very good, actually). Orientation started nearby around 0845 - a great experience. Not only was I excited about getting into something new, but it has been over 20 years since I was true civilian and this was totally different than a new squadron indoctrination brief. Met some nice people, including Phil, who will be working at the same office as me. Finished the introductions around 1215 and then explored "The Campus" of the HQ. Lunch at the cafeteria there. Heard more about the chaos at the company who hired me in June (but never got me started over the Summer...). Glad I've joined this firm! Phil and I split up and headed into the city - he went via Orange Line and I drove back to Huntington to try the commute from there. It wasn't too difficult (just traffic on the way there and then a train that sat at the station for about 10 minutes for some reason...). Got off at L'Enfant Plaza and found my bearings OK - I'm so close to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum I've been visiting for years (at least THAT is familiar). Found Lee waiting for me at the School Street Office - got introduced around the building and set up with my cubicle and computer... Spent a few hours there before departing for home (1700). One of my new co-workers, Sabrina, showed me how to use another Metro Station entrance and find my platform (she uses the Yellow Line, too). When I got to the Huntington Station again, I followed the masses and realized that nothing in the parking garage looked familiar. I walked nearly every level in the place before I realized there were three different garages and several ways to get in/out of the Station. This the first time in as long as I can remember where I was truly worried I'd be unable to find my car! Eventually, I found it in the last place I looked - at the bottom of the complex near Huntington Avenue (I hope I don't make THAT mistake again!). Limped home to Bob's place and had leftovers for dinner. Watched some football (good game, actually) before heading to bed (tired...).

Falls Church, VA (USA)

Woke up later than I wanted... Had lots to do today - familiarization with the local area, navigation of the Metro and a late party at my friend, Kim's. Found my way back to South Van Dorn and then located the station (parking is free on weekends!). When I went in to get a SmartTrip card that Lee had told me about, the machine was out of order. The "helpful" folks who worked there told me to go to another station to buy one. On the way out of the parking lot I noticed that they only take SmartTrip cards to exit (would have been stuck on a weekday!). Drove back towards I-495, looking for car repair shops as I went (no luck, most closed on Sunday...). Backtracked to the Franconia-Springfield station I saw yesterday. On the way, I found a CVS and was able to buy a card (thanks, Lee!). At the Metro station, I saw lots of Redskins fans heading over to the game (in Maryland). Successfully charged up my SmartTrip card. Decided next to look for the Huntington Metro stop, since it appears to be the easiest one for me to use (short trip to work on the Yellow Line). Ended up missing Huntington Avenue and found myself on Eisenhower East (nice) - found a Metro station, though, and a statue of Ike. In my attempts to get back across the Interstate I found myself in a lane that crossed the Potomac (oops). Turned around near Tim & Elizabeth's (National Harbor) and located the Huntington Station - looks like a good place to use. On the way back to Bob's, I drove around in some pretty old neighborhoods in the Belle Haven area. Did some unpacking and organizing and then took a two hour nap. Woke up refreshed and then headed over to Kim's party (scheduled for around 1900). It seems to get dark early around here, but maybe it is because everything seems unfamiliar anyway. Got lost a few times on the way (I-66 and then Westmoreland). Thank God for my iPhone "Maps" app... Still made it on time. Kim and I knew each other at Notre Dame but have only seen each other a few times during the last 20 years. It was a great visit - almost like no time had passed in between... Met her fiance, David, and her son, Jeremy. I also got to talk to some folks who brought their kids (about the age of my own) - about schools and standards. Sounds like a big adjustment for our family - not just Texas to Virginia, but Northern Virginia. Stayed for several hours before heading home. Jazzed up for my new job!

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 4

Boy, was it cold this morning (window scraper, need one!)... Had a good breakfast at the hotel before getting back on the road (around 0730L). I like the Tri-Cities area - need to explore some more, I think... Made it out to I-81 and continued into Virginia. Stopped to get a new Virginia road map at the welcome center (wobbly wheel getting worse - brake job required). Gas a few miles later. Made good time to I-66 (accompanied by racing RV!). Headed towards Washington (very pretty scenery - wish we could live out that way...) with little traffic. As I approached the I-495 merge, traffic backed up considerably. Fortunately, I had planned to stop in Chantilly to find the headquarters of my new company, so I was able to get off on US-50 and miss the worst of the jam... Another gas fillup and some suspect directions from MapQuest later, I located it near the Westone Plaza (right off VA-28). Relieved to get there (and for having a car that successfully limped into Virginia without needing a tow-truck), I relaxed for a few hours at Moe's (late lunch) and then listening to the football games on the radio. Because of the traffic, I looked for a way around - and found one: Fairfax County Parkway. It turned out to be a good route - I'll use it tomorrow. Drove through Franconia area and then located Bob's apartment in Kingstowne. Turns out that I'd been very close to his place several times over the years - just didn't realize how close he lived to the bars, movie theatres and restaurants where I've gotten together with him... Speaking of Bob - he was on his way home from Hawaii and had some trouble with flights and the Metro. I spent some time wandering around in the Kingstowne Town Center (VERY busy) and eventually met up with him at the apartment (1900). He brought pizza (mmm...) and we watched some TV for a few hours. It's great to here (finally)!

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 3

Woke up early (0700L) and had breakfast in the hotel. Lee called to talk to me about Monday - Chris also called. I was able to be sitting in the parking lot of the James K. Polk House just after they opened, allowing me to take a personalized tour of the only remaining resident of the former President. I've always admired the man, since he was one of the only men who ever occupied the Oval Office who kept his campaign promises. The weather was very pleasant and I made the best of it in the gardens around the home. After finishing my visit, I drove west - back to the Natchez Trace to finish the last 30 miles. Turned out to be less of a pleasant ride than yesterday (very windy roads and more local traffic). Still, I finished the whole road (it only took 18 years!). Made my way over to I-40 and drove east for several hours before I had to stop again. Drove right through Nashville and actually made it around Knoxville without being too affected by their rush-hour (lucky dog!). Saw some snow on in a few mountain passes along the way. My goal was to be able to stop in Greenville, Tennessee, at the home of President Andrew Johnson - but I had to get gas as I exited the Interstate onto US-11E. I also had to contend with a time-zone change that happened along the way. Still, I arrived at the National Park Visitor Center just as they were closing (1700L) and the Ranger let me explore some of the exhibits before he closed. The place has an interesting display of Johnson's tailor shop (log cabin), along with several other buildings from the era when he lived in town. For a President who was impeached, you would never know anyone held animosity against him - the town seems to be proud of their native son. I was getting hungry by this time but had one more place I wanted to see before it was too dark - the birthplace of Davy Crockett. Using US-11E, I managed to find it. But it required some risk-taking: the sun sets fast in the Tennessee Mountains... Luckily, there were some good signs for the State Park - but I paid close attention to the landmarks so I'd be able to get back out of the rural area (farm roads) where it was located. When I arrived, it was already too dark to see any of the historical re-creations of the cabin or other relics from Crockett's era - definitely a place to visit again someday. Back on US-11E (after dodging deer and stonewalls), drove North toward Johnson City. Before I got there, I spotted a hole-in-the-wall place to eat dinner: "Pickles" (All you can eat Catfish!). Had some great conversation with the owners and ate my fill before leaving. Got through town and then used I-26 to drive up to Kingsport, where my reward night hotel was. Turned out that it was across the street from a hotel we've previously used (see MAR 2000). As I lay my head down tonight I realized I have always enjoyed my trips though Tennessee - friendly people, pretty views. It feels like home to me. But, after today, it is time to get serious and get to work (....).

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 2

I got up around 0700L and ate breakfast in the hotel. During the meal I learned more about last night's commotion: two cocaine dealers (!) were in the room next to mine but didn't have the sense to stay inside. Instead, they ventured out and got into their car just as a policeman happened to do a search of the hotel parking lot. They were, apparently, acting suspiciously - so he searched them, their car and the room. Of course, they were then removed... No more disturbances after that - helped me sleep, anyway. Back on I-20 and got some gas near the Louisiana-Mississippi border - crossed the Mississippi River (first time in Vicksburg in quite awhile) around 1000L. Got off the Interstate west of Jackson and got on the Natchez Trace Parkway. I've always wanted to drive the remaining part of this historic trail - just saw a few short sections in 1993, 1994 and 2000. After getting information at a small visitor's center, I headed out on the road. The best thing about the Parkway is that there are no traffic lights, stop signs or major areas of population - and the speed limit is 50 mph. After I cleared the Jackson city limits, there was almost NO traffic for the rest of the day. I stopped a few times (Indian mounds, other historic landmarks from the 1800-1840 era) but could have driven all day with the cruise control on without ever applying the brakes (that's good, since I need new rotors...). One bad thing, though, is that there are no signs for fuel services on the entire 400+ mile parkway... It didn't matter for most of the day as I had entered with a full tank and I got great mileage (nearly 500 miles in one tank!) but it came back to bite me eventually... Found a section with odd tree damage - looked like a forest fire without the burning (trees chopped off at the top). A hand-made sign along the road identified the culprit: the Spring 2011 Tornado - wow!!! I encountered lots of deer in that area and saw some unfortunate folks' homes surrounded by tree debris on all sides. Saw lots of familiar names - the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian tribes lived in this area before behing expelled to Oklahoma. Listened to the radio all day. One of my goals had been to stop at the Meriwether Lewis memorial (about 2/3 of the way to Nashville) and I made it there about 30 minutes before they closed. It wasn't much - although they are improving the facilities there - but it had a grave marker for one of the prominent explorers from the 1804 expedition. I feel like I've come full circle this year - with all the places I encountered Lewis and Clark, this was a fitting end. I had hoped to find some gas near that site, but still hadn't found any. Decided not to chance it and got off the Trace Parkway at US-412. Despite some disorientation on the outskirts of Columbia, Tennessee, I managed to locate a gas station. At the same time, I discovered that this was the town where President James K. Polk had lived most of his life. Decided then that this was as good a place as ever to spend the night. Made a reward night reservation on my iPhone (how handy!) and then drove over towards the hotel. Made another mistake, though, because I wasn't in the correct lane and ended up headed out of town again on US-31 (Nashville Highway) before I could turn on the Saturn Parkway and find I-65. Fortunately, my hotel was at the next exit. Checked in and then drove over to eat at nearby Stan's Restaurant. It reminded me of a Cracker Barrel (which was funny, since one of those was across the street) but they had something different: outstanding Tennessee BBQ! I enjoyed my dinner a lot (after snacks all day) and headed to my room satisfied. Spent the rest of the night planning the following day - I want to get the most out of this last chance to "dawdle" on the way to a new job...

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 1

The day has finally come! I need to start my new job by next Monday (confirmation letter came yesterday), so I finished up my packing this morning. After the kids got home from school, I spent some quality time with them - including a big dinner that Nicky made (fondue!). Waited until rush hour was over (1900L) before heading out of town - wanted to clear Dallas and (hopefully) Shreveport before morning. Used I-35W to I-20 and then headed out of the city. Traffic was OK out to Mesquite but really improved after that. I realized tonight that I haven't driven on this highway in almost 10 years... Made really good time to the Texas border - and realized (to my relief) that my repair of the cooling valve had been successful. Drove through the busy Shreveport area and then began to look for a hotel. Finally found one in Minden, Louisiana (Exacta Inn) and settled in for the night around 2300L. I was almost asleep when a comotion began outside - several police cars (including K9 unit). Eventually, a tow truck removed the car parked right next to mine in the parking lot (!!!!) but I guess the whole thing didn't involve me... Finally fell asleep around 0100L.

Dallas, TX (USA)

I'd been hearing good things about the Dallas County Public Library for the whole time we've lived in the area but had never visited. With just a week to go before I have to move (new job), I decided to go over there today. Couldn't convince any of the kids to get up earlier than 1000, so I went by myself. It was raining - good day for a library visit... When I got into town I figured out I would have a problem getting near the library to park - there was some sort of big event (turned out to be the annual Christmas parade). It was REALLY hard to get from where I parked across the parade route - but I eventually did. One nice thing was that the library was nearly deserted with everyone elsewhere distracted... I took advantage of the time and used a new microfilm scanner machine - got lots of good stuff on my thumb-drive for future review. I didn't get as much time as I would have liked (they close at 1700), but still am glad I visited. Hope to have another chance before the family is completely moved. Drive home was OK (rainy and getting dark)...