I was awake by 0630 this morning and started teleworking immediately. Brenna got up at about 0700 and we talked a bit while eating breakfast. She left the apartment by 0800 while I kept working. During short breaks, I did some Duolingo and reading. At 0950, I departed for Brenna school so I could volunteer again. Arriving just after 1000, I spent the next two hours (1010 to 1210) helping in her classroom. It was great to see her in action and she seemed glad that I was there. Afterwards, I said goodbye to Brenna and her students because I had to attend some afternoon meetings. On the way to Brenna's apartment, I got lunch (to go) at Arby's (1220) and was back to teleworking by 1230. After some lengthy meetings in the afternoon, I was also able to take a short walk in Brenna's neighborhood. When she home from work (1630), we departed for the Blessings Christian Bookstore so I could buy my daughter the Christmas gift she wanted. We ended up finding a good "Journaling and Mapping Bible" for her and we got her name embossed on the cover (I also got her a gift card for future use). Afterwards (1705), we walked around in parking lots near the store (to get the rest of my 10K steps) and saw some pretty sunset views over the mountains. We also saw the brand new JMU sports complex, lit up in purple, from a distance. At about 1800, we walked over to the nearby Macado's Pub and had dinner. We tried some of their house potato chips and then got good entrees (I had a turkey club called "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too"). Our food order was so extensive that neither of us finished - there was plenty for our "to go" boxes. While eating, we enjoyed the music playing in the background - the vibe was really nice. At about 1830, Nicky contacted Brenna to tell her that she was on her way through Harrisonburg and wanted to meet Brenna for dinner at 1930. Since Brenna had some shopping she wanted to do beforehand, we departed the restaurant (1900) and headed back to her place. I got the rest of my things packed in the car. We said goodbye and I we headed south (via back roads and neighborhoods). Brenna and I talked one more time as I was passing some amazing holiday light decorations (1915). I got a gas fillup at Shell in Weyers Cave, VA (1930) and then got on I-81. As I headed south, I encountered a lot of trucks again. Because I was mainly focused on driving, I only listened to a bit of music (but no audiobooks). Encountered some construction just north of Roanoke but the roads were mostly clear. Even though the speeds were pretty good, I had to be strategic because of lots of "left lane sitters". For this reason, I was quite relieved to reach US-460 (on the edge of Christiansburg). After exiting the Interstate, I arrived at motel (Econolodge) at 2115. In my room, I checked in with all three of my daughters and learned that only Mollie was coming towards Blacksburg - that was disappointing... I spent some time teleworking and then setting up for my next day of work from the hotel. Before going to bed, I did some reading and Duolingo - went to sleep at 2300. I'm now set up for Part 2 of my Christmas Journey!
