I woke up at 0545 this morning (before my alarm) and started teleworking immediately. I did take one break to do some reading, puzzles and Duolingo. Alex and Mollie woke up (0630) and we all had snacks for breakfast. During this window, I was intermittently working while also talking and planning with them. They departed the apartment (after putting Maple in her crate) at 0730. For my part, I spent the whole morning working. At about 1200, I took another break (to get a shower and eat lunch) but then returned to my computer, working continuously through to 1400. I did feel bad about leaving Maple in her crate but I guess that's what normally happens to her during the day... At 1430, I took another break and went on a walk on the Virginia Central (Rail) Trail near Mollie's home. Unlike the last time I walked on the (paved) trail (with Mollie and Alex back in December 2024), I left my car at the Harrison Road Park. It was warm (52 F) and sunny when I got started and the conditions were perfect for being outside and birding. Even funnier, there were a LOT of squirrels playing in the trees and under the fallen leaves. Along the way, I completed the section that runs through this area of Spotsylvania County and, by the time I finished at 1545, had logged just over three miles. After returning to Mollie's apartment, I took Maple for a walk. She seemed happy about this turn of events and we definitely had a good time. Back at the apartment again, I resumed teleworking until just after Mollie got home from work (1730). Without much time to visit, we headed out to dinner at the nearby Durango Grill. The pub/restaurant (which I'd visited on a previous trip to see Mollie) had a beer special, appetizer discount and burger offer - we took advantage of all three! Mollie and Alex's "Work Dad" (Rob) and his wife (Carrie) showed up about 20 minutes after we did. For nearly two hours, we had a nice visit and some great food (and drinks) were good. We were done eating at 1930 and returned to the apartment, where we set up on Mollie & Alex's couch to watch a movie called "Happiness for Beginners". During the film (which was partly about hiking the Appalachian Trail), we enjoyed more wine. Meanwhile, Maple was being very entertaining... At some point, Alex went to bed but Mollie and stuck with the movie until the end. Afterwards (2130), I went walking in the neighborhood to get the rest of my 10K steps. Finished with that, I returned to the apartment and said good night to my daughter and her dog. In the the guest room, I did some reading and Duolingo exercises before heading to bed at 2300. There wasn't a lot of excitement today but it was great to have time to be outdoors, play with a happy dog and visit with my daughter!
