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).