Falls Church, VA (USA)

My friend, Kim, had been trying to align our schedules for a few weeks to have dinner - today looked like a good fit. I finished work around 1630 today and headed back to my car. From the Huntington Station, I took Telegraph Road over I-495 and circled back around onto Duke Street (Alexandria). With tons of traffic by that point, I just turned right to avoid it and ended up on Cambridge Road (passed Bishop Ireton High School) and then turned on to Janneys Lane (west) until reaching North Quaker Lane and then continued north to a crazy "six-way" intersection. It was worth the trouble, though, since I was able to get on the King Street (AKA Leesburg Pike, VA-7). There were a lot of lights and traffic, but it was the most direct route to Kim's. Everything was going well until I arrived in the town of Falls Church - when I finally got sick of all the short-timed lights and pedestrians jaywalking. Got off on North West Street and drove north until I finally saw Westmoreland Street - then, I knew I was close. Arrived around 1745 and found Kim, David and Jeremy all ready to eat - they just had to throw the steak on the grill. We had a great dinner - Kim went all out with the side dishes - and then I watched Jeremy play internet games (something about a penguin...). Later, Kim and David and I chatted. Before we knew it, it was already 2130... Said goodbye and tried to go back via my normal route (Haycock, Leesburg Pike and I-66) - but it was closed. Drove up to I-495 and found a HUGE traffic jam - the regularly scheduled construction work was just starting (down to ONE lane!). After about 20 minutes, I made it through and got home with no additional problems. What a nice evening!

Rockville, MD (USA)

I had to drive to Rockville again today for a meeting. Left early (0645), as that has proved to be the best way to avoid the worst of the I-495 traffic. Even had a chance to have a nice breakfast at LJ's before we got started. Lots of technical discussion today about software development and communications requirements (with a break for my usual safety duties). Lunch with all the guys at LJ's and then a few more hours of meetings. Finished around 1530 and then drove back into Virginia on I-495. Just some minor delays before turning on to I-66. No problems to VA-28 and then got to the company HQ in Chantilly - but the entire evolution took almost 60 minutes. Settled in to the exam prep course almost exactly on time (1630). After two hours of training, I took care of some work emails. Left for home around 1900 (via VA-28, I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway) and made it to the apartment by 1930.

Chantilly, VA (USA)

Some of my co-workers and I have been taking a company certification course in systems engineering - virtual every week - for almost two months. Today was the last class, so Phil and I decided we wanted to go to company HQ to participate in the design exercise. We coordinated to meet up at Franconia-Springfield Metro Station. This was the first time I've tried to use that station during rush hour - and I do NOT like the traffic patterns... Despite some frustrating moments, I was able to meet up with Phil when he arrived (from his home in DC) at 0730. From there, we drove via Fairfax County Parkway, I-66 and VA-28 and made it to class around 0815. We spent about four hours with out instructor and a few other company engineers (working in teams) to apply all we had learned. Afterwards, we had a nice dinner and a couple of VPs were on hand for certificates. Phil had to go back into the city, so I drove him to the Vienna-Fairfax Station (quite easy to enter/exit) and then went back to the HQ. They have some flexible work spaces and I met up with some friends who have been advising me since I got to my company. I spent the rest of the day learning tasks for my manager position and running a teleconference (remotely). Wrapped things up around 1730 and headed home via the usual route.

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

Today was one of the best days I've had since I first arrived in Virginia last December. I'd seen advertisements around Mason Neck about an Eagle Festival that would be held today and decided to take advantage of the events on the schedule. I arrived almost precisely when it began (1000) - my first visit to the Mason Neck State Park. As I arrived at the Visitor Center, I was fortunate enough to come across a group that was just about to depart on a canoe trip. I was able to join them and we took a nice trip down Belmont Bay to Kanes Creek. We were not disappointed - there were several osprey nests (with at least two ospreys in each). The highlight, though, was that we also got to see several eagles. The trip was pleasant - too short, really. As we returned, it was clear that the festival would be well attended. I took advantage of the nice weather (rain had been predicted) and explored the many booths near the Visitors Center - local outdoor groups and historical organization - and also watched a couple of kids' shows (reptile and mammal interactive opportunities). Later, I managed to get a ride in a National Wildlife Refuge van to the Great Blue Heron rookery (open only once per year!) on the Potomac River. It was a great opportunity, although leaves grew on the trees early this year and obscured the nests. Still, I saw another eagle and plenty of herons. Headed back to the State Park (listened to stories of the van driver - she ran safari tours in South Africa). Spoke to several people who had been coming to the festival for years - it sounds like a great thing to make a habit! By the time I got back, there were so many people there that I thought about leaving. There was even a loud band (not bad) playing. So, I took the opportunity to take a hike - using Kanes Creek and Eagle Spur Trails, found a great blind on Kanes Creek (saw more ospreys). The temperatures were pleasant and I took my time (turned out to be almost five miles combined). After that, it was time to go. I drove out of the park and headed back towards my apartment (1600).

Washington, DC (USA)

Woke up very early for some reason this morning (0530)... Decided not to waste the forecasted warm day and left around 0730 - bound for an island in the middle of the Potomac River. Drove up Van Dorn and then got on I-495 to access US-1. Once in Alexandria, drove over to Washington Street - there wasn't any traffic, but the lights still made me wait... Got on George Washington Parkway and drove along the river for a while - stopped at Gravelly Point (boat ramp, near approach end of Reagan Airport runway). All along the way, I saw lots of joggers and bikers on the Mount Vernon Trail (looks like something the kids would enjoy...). Finally stopped the car at the parking area for the Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial. Walked across the pedestrian bridge and then found a pretty plaza area where there was a big statue of the President. Behind him, there were four obelisks with words of wisdom (from Teddy) on them: Nature, Manhood, Youth, The State. I was struck by how important the statements were - and applicable to today's world (perhaps the best was "If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness"). I enjoyed the pleasant weather (it was just right at 0800...). Ended up walking around the island - and I only saw a few joggers. Still, the park was much more urban than Mason Neck - and many aircraft on arrival to Reagan Airport flew over. The views were good, though, and I got to see some of the same things I saw with Carolyn last month (Kennedy Center, Georgetown, etc.) from a boardwalk through a river swamp. It was all very pretty. Left the park around 0945 and drove up towards the Key Bridge to turn around. Reversed my tracks to get back to US-1 and Kings Highway. Stopped for gas and grocery shopping before heading home.

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

Spent part of the day at the Library (something I've been doing for a few months now - for my classes and for work overflow...). Got bored around 1600, so I left and drove back over to Mason Neck. I've checked it out a few times, but still hadn't actually hiked any trails. By the time I got there (1630), the weather was "just right." I entered the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge and parked at the trailhead for the Woodmarsh Trail. I had a great time walking in the woods - at least three miles (and probably more) with pretty views of the Potomac River. I didn't see anyone! It was peaceful and quiet. What a great way to unwind from a week of non-stop work! Finished up around 1830 and was leaving the NWR when I noticed that the adjacent Mason Neck State Park will be having an Eagle Festival next week! I definitely would like to see that, so now I've got plans to enjoy another day of awesome Virginia Spring Weather - away from the Cherry Blossom crowds... On the way home, I stopped for dinner at Olympians Restauraunt (Greek - great gyros!). Watched NASCAR Sprint Cup (Texas!) Race for the rest of the evening.

Rockville, MD (USA)

[up early - drove to Rockville for our monthly meeting - worked in office before it started - nice breakfast at LJ's - worked through lunch time - got done around 1415 - headed toward Chantilly after that - hit huge traffic jam just after I transitioned from I-270 to I-495 - took forever to cross the Potomac [I heard later this was all due to a scheduled closure for construction!!] - ended up getting off on Georgetown Pike (VA-193) - school bus and lots of other folks using that way - took SO long to get to Leesburg Pike (VA-7) - some rain - had to get gas at that intersection - drove to VA-28 and then headed South - found a new way to our HQ (exit at Willard Road, turn onto Lee Road and then Converence Center Drive) - met with Mike at his office - then tried to visit Jackie (not in) - ended up getting sidetracked with some work and missed beginning of my engineering class - ended up getting about an hour and half worth of training (OK) - headed home via VA-28, I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway - evidence of Bob's return from Japan... - some TV before bed (tired)]

Great Falls, VA (USA)

[Noon Mass for Easter at Kim's church in Great Falls - very pretty choir (Handel!) - enjoyed the atmosphere (found out they usually do a Latin Mass at that time - will have to check it out another time) - helped Kim with donuts and some pretty flowers the Priest let her take home (to Altoona!) to her mother - went back to my place and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon (NASCAR) and evening (G-of-T !)]