Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - left DC on Metro at around 1515 - Greta texted when I was passing Pentagon Station that she wanted to meet for dinner - I got off the Metro at Pentagon City and walked around nearby for about an hour - sat down in California Pizza Kitchen at 1630 and Greta arrived shortly after that - we had a great time catching up and finished eating at around 1830 - she then drove me home (we arrived by 1930)]

Tysons Corner, VA (USA)

[work - in DC for a short day (0630 to 1300) - went home early and relaxed at my apartment until 1800 - then drove to the REI at Tysons Corner - at 1900, attended an interesting class ("Trekking Patagonia") with the great speaker, Bob M. - stayed until around 2030 and then went home]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - walked around (for steps) near L'Enfant until leaving for Pentagon City at around 1630 - late happy hour at Sine with Bill W - done at 2000 - took Blue Line to Van Dorn and caught late bus (home at around 2100)]

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

[in the morning (1000), I went to Mason Neck to check on my kayak (it was OK) and then went talking at the NWR and Mason Neck State Park - I walked the whole distance and enjoyed the warm weather - left for home by 1145]

Washington, DC (USA)

[work - at around 1500, the company CEO contacted me to ask if I wanted to go to the Mandarin Oriental DC Chinese New Year Celebration - since I didn't already have plans, I agreed to go (fortunately, was dressed well enough!) - at around 1700, I walked down to the hotel and got there a bit before they opened the doors - at 1730, the event began with gifts ($2 bill, cookies) and I got to eat a bit before the crowds arrived - the food was delicious, the entertainment (Dragon Dancers, music) was excellent, I met a lot of nice people (from airlines, hotels, embassies, MedStar, etc.) and saw Michael the bartender from our 2018 company Holiday Party - the prizes (hotel stays around the world, free round trip airfare from Cathay) were a real “wow factor” - I didn’t win but was on the edge of my seat throughout - I met a nice lady, Tara, and saved a seat for another lady named Quinn - stayed until the end of the awards (1930) and then headed home via Metro]

Alexandria, VA (USA)

[work - left DC at about 1500 and went to my house to change - left for the BLA Reception at St.  Bernadette's at around 1730, arriving as they were setting up - mingled (met people from NH), ate great food and listened to some great talks by the Bishop and some new priests - more mingling with dessert afterwards - drove home at around 1930]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[work - at 1530, I took Metro to Chevys to get the $3 margaritas I usually enjoy there on Wednesdays - the usual bartender wasn't there initially and I was into my second drink before she showed up - at that point, she must have figured out that I wasn't aware of a corporate change in the price (to $6) - I was not, and I felt a bit bad that she knew I probably would not be returning after that (she was right) - before leaving, I thanked her for all the great service and good times over the last few years - on my way home (via Metro) by 1730]

Washington, DC (USA)

Brenna called me about car trouble at about 1700.  Mollie and I were supposed to leave directly for DC at 1800 (to attend a Wizards game with tickets from my company) but this plan got sidetracked due to Brenna’s dilemma.  Brenna shared her location with me and I took Mollie with me to Vienna (via Advance Auto Parts, I-495 and I-66) to find her.  We located Brenna and Mollie was a good sport while I tried (unsuccessfully) to fix the windshield wiper motor.  Fortunately, it stopped raining so Brenna and her friend decided to drive to Harrisonburg without the wipers (this worked out OK).  Meanwhile, Mollie helped me with the Google Maps app in my car so we would be able to get to the parking garage at CapitolOne Arena (1930).  We managed to get inside the stadium before the game started and found our seats.  Mollie wanted to spend time eating in the Etihad Lounge so we skipped the first quarter.  We enjoyed dinner (all you can eat buffet) - as usual, the food was awesome and we could see the game just fine on big TVs.  We also watched some of the NFL Playoff games.  At the beginning of the second quarter, we returned to our seats and watched the action until half time.  We also watched a Filipino Cultural Dance during the intermission that was pretty interesting.  For the third quarter, we ate more food in the lounge.  As the fourth quarter began, we made our way back to our car and drove home. We arrived at around 2230 and, since we were both tired, went to bed. Mollie commented that she'd had a great time and Brenna reported that she'd made it to Harrisonburg OK - those are the kind of things a dad likes to hear!

Washington, DC (USA)

I went to work very early and Mollie stayed at my apartment.  She had made plans to meet up with her friends in DC to visit museums and tour monuments (she’d also coordinated a ride).  Because I was unsure of her exact plans, I texted with Mollie throughout the day.  At 1145, she was on her way into DC on the Metro (she told me later that she’d encountered a pushy panhandler but had "escaped" him).  Mollie met up with her friends and visited the Air and Space Museum (they also got lunch).  At about 1400, it occurred to me that she might need a ride home so I checked on her plans.  She replied that she’d be ready to go home at 1545.  Since this was about the time I was going to wrap up my work day, I made arrangements to meet her at Plan B for happy hour.  She arrived just after I sat down and joined me at one of the high-top tables.  We ate a light dinner (sliders) and then got on the Metro to return to Huntington.  On the way home, we went grocery shopping and were back at my apartment by 1745.

Winter Break Trip - Day 5

Mollie slept until 0800.  I was able to get her moving soon afterwards and we finished packing.  We checked out of the hotel, headed out to the car and were on the road just after 0900.  We first drove north until we reached the Edgar Allan Poe house.  Mollie got lots of photographs and then we drove south on I-95.  Mollie had heard about a park that had a statue that commemorated heroes from "Band of Brothers" series so we stopped at Herron Playground so she could get some photos.  We had trouble getting close because the police were setting up barriers in the area (we assumed it was for the Mummers Parade).  While I was waiting for Mollie (parked down the block), it started to snow (flurries).  We were on our way out of Philadelphia by 1000.  We used I-95 to get to DE-896. Mollie told me she was hungry so we stopped in Glasgow, Delaware (1015) for breakfast (McDonalds).  We ate inside and were back on the road by 1045.  The Google Maps app, which Mollie still had set to avoid tolls, took us on back roads that followed the Delaware-Maryland border all the way until we intercepted US-301.  It was actually kind of pleasant and scenic...  From there, we had a straight shot all the way back to US-50, the Bay Bridge, I-495 and home.  We were at my apartment, unpacking, by about 1245. We both agreed that this was a memorable and fun Daddy-Daughter vacation!