I got up this morning at 0600, got ready and then walked to the Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station. Because of Metro construction delays, I was able to spend some time walking on the platform (for steps). I'd been following the progress of the Orange Line trains before arriving and was glad when the next train left at around 0710. Previously, I'd coordinated with my project team to get a ride from the Dunn Loring Station but arrived much earlier than I'd planned. As a result, I had to wait until Rasha came to get me (0755). Meanwhile, Gabriella arrived on the Metro from Beltsville and we waited together. After getting picked up, we drove a short distance to the Team Off-Site Location (business park off US-50) in Falls Church. We then had about an hour of social time because this was the first time our entire team had been together in person since before COVID-19 began. Almost everyone was there! The main meetings began at around 0900 and we spent time with icebreakers, puzzles, brainstorming sessions and sharing until lunch time. We ate lunch together (I bought a sandwich at Java Works, located inside the building, at 1125) in the big conference room and caught up on each others' lives. After our meal, we took a walk and got a Team photo. The afternoon sessions focused completely on work-related projects (schedules, strategies, roles, responsibilities). We wrapped up work at around 1645. I wanted to stay for happy hour but had promised Erin I'd take her to dinner. My client (John) drove me to my daughter's house (arrived at 1705). I then cleaned up and then rode with Erin to Old Town Fairfax. Erin had selected a restaurant called Sister Thai and the food was really good. We had a nice time relaxing and talking. After we were done (1835), we walked around in the area and stopped at the Library (new? refurbished?). We explored the inside and then walked back to our car. From there, we retraced our drive to Erin's apartment. We spent the rest of the evening talking. When I started prepping for the next (travel) day, I learned that "The Vermonter" of the day had been involved with a collision fatality north of White River Junction and been delayed by almost three hours (my delay seemed very inconsequential as a result). After a whirlwind of traveling and visiting, I was VERY tired and, frankly, a bit worried about the Metro logistics of getting to Union Station on time in the morning. I went to bed at 2200 (after staying awake as long as I could). Crossing fingers for a good day tomorrow!
