Christmas Trip - Day 11

This morning, I was awake at 0530 and started teleworking immediately.  I took a short break for breakfast (made to order) in the hotel conference room (it was comped for my being Platinum IHG).  Afterwards, I continued working.  Along the way, I coordinated with a former work colleague and my friend's (Chris C) daughters (especially Amanda) for a possible get together (for lunch or dinner).  Unfortunately, this plan fell apart when I found out everyone was sick.  Instead, I made plans with my own daughters to meet for an evening meal.  At 1205, I walked across the street to the Hooters and had their lunch special.  The food was good and the server was nice.  After getting finished (1300), I took a walk near the hotel (including inside the Walmart) and got about half of my daily steps.  Returning to work, I did a lot of technical research to support work I need to be doing in 2025.  Like on Tuesday, almost none of my colleagues or customers were working.  I finally knocked off work for the day at 1645.  During the time I had before dinner, I did some Duolingo and reading.  I was able to make an arrangement to meet with Brother Jim the following morning - that should be a nice break from my drive.  After confirming time/location with Erin and Brenna, I drove to Alexandria so I could meet them for dinner at Olympians Family Restaurant (a place we used to visit often when I lived in NoVA).  They arrived just a bit after I did (1745) and we then enjoyed some Greek food and conversation.  We talked a lot about holidays and other family news.  By the time we were finished eating (1845), the girls asked me to return to Nicky's so we could go on another walk with the dogs.  I agreed to do this and then got some bread pudding (to go) for Austin.  After driving from Olympians to Groveton, I waited while my daughters (and Austin) got all three of the dogs (Kiki, Bear and Pippin) ready for a walk.  Once everyone was ready, I learned that this was the first time that all of them have been on a walk together.  With the dogs, I had a good time with my daughters and Austin - everyone was in good spirits by the time we finished (2000).  It was hard to say goodbye to my daughters after a wonderful 10+ days of visiting with them but I managed.  Next, I drove to a nearby gas station (Shell near Edison High School) to get a gas fillup (2020).  From there, I used I-495, I-66 and VA-28 to drive back to my hotel in Chantilly.  Before going inside, I finished my 10K steps by walking around in the hotel and the Walmart parking lots. The temps had started to drop but they were still higher than in New Hampshire, where I'll be tomorrow night...  Back in my room, I read and did some more Duolingo; went to bed at 2245.  It's been a great trip!