Falls Church, VA (USA)

I realized this morning that it has been a few years since I watched the Super Bowl at an actual party. My friend, Kim, told me she was hosting a get-together for this year's edition. Since I moved to Northern Virginia, I've been over to her place a couple of times - and I was able to find the place without a map this time. On the weekend, with no traffic, it only takes about 20 minutes. Too bad it isn't that easy every day... Brought some of my favorite beer - Blue Moon. Kim had set up a nice spread, complete with large pizzas (from a local place - not a chain). The game wasn't very exciting - back and forth but not a lot of exciting plays (except for the first-ever 2-0 score, due to a intentional grounding safety). Halftime show included Madonna (the kids there said "who is that old lady?"). Some funny ads (bulldog racing greyhounds, baby & grandma stealing Doritos, Matthew Broderick replays Ferris Bueller's Day Off). Last 10 minutes of the game was pretty tense. A good party - but sort of a disappointing ending to the game. Said goodbye around 2200 and drove home (quick again).

Egg Harbor, NJ (USA)

First thing this morning, I went down to the lobby of the Somers Point Residence Inn for breakfast with my client, Jim (0700).  While eating, we prepped for another full day of work. Meeting was held on the Tech Center this time (Sharon coordinating again). Spent several hours wrapping up the last parts of a big project (very pleased with our progress over the last 48 hours!). Afterwards, I met up with one of Sharon's co-workers (Rick) and we went on a tour of the testing labs. Lightbulbs came on in my head after that (I'm really glad I saw some of that stuff (finally). We picked up lunch at the cafeteria and I talked with him about the future software releases while we ate. Later got dragged into a new "emergency" back in DC (yikes!) and started to realize it was time to go back. Still, I needed to be part of the afternoon teleconference (for part of it, anyway) - listened in with Sharon for the important stuff and then gracefully departed (1500). Had no problems with weather or traffic this time (US-40) but got stuck in a lane I didn't want to be in when I drove through Woodstown. As a result, I found myself on NJ-45 and passed through the town of Salem (a name I recognized from some of the genealogy I've done over the years). It looked like an interesting place to return to... Got back on the right track (NJ-49 and County Road 551) and crossed the Delaware Memorial Bridge on I-295 again (1630). Traffic was already getting really bad at the I-95 merge, so I decided to take a more leisurely route: the Eastern Shore. I've tried this way several times for Norfolk - but never to get to Annapolis. US-13 was a little frustrating, but DE-1 was fine. Got off at Middletown (paid toll at 1650) and used DE-299 to get to US-301. Made good time to that point, but when I crossed into Maryland, I found out a few things that (once again) make me sure I don't want to live there: no cell phone use (unless hands free) and very rural roads still have 55 MPH speed limit. Add the excessive tolls I saw on the way up yesterday ($20) and continued talk by their governor about raising taxes and I know I'm not going to live there (ever!). But I digress... US-301 merged smoothly into US-50 and I never even had to slow down. Did need fuel by that point and wanted to get a crab dinner. However, it was dark enough now (and late) that I gave up the food idea and just tried to find gas. Ended up having to cross the Chesapeake Bay before I found some (VERY windy and a little disconcerting guard rails...). After a couple of fake-outs (signs for gas stations that never produced one - what's that about?) - found a place to refuel in Annapolis. Traffic still flowing well, so I got back on the road and continued all the way home (US-50 to I-495 and back across the Potomac). I was relieved to be home, actually, since this whole trip ended up being work. One good thing: I can see some potential for places to stop and/or enjoy when I go back. Stayed up late on a work project - when I finally went to bed, I fell right to sleep!

Ocean City, NJ (USA)

My customer needed to travel to the Tech Center in Atlantic City today, so I got authorization to accompany him. We've been doing teleconferences for several weeks with the folks up there - my FAA client, Jim S., thought I should meet them and get a better idea of operations there. When I say "Atlantic City," I'm sure you immediately think about the Boardwalk and casinos. But I really mean the airport and Tech Center facility (a part of town called Egg Harbor). I had to wake up at 0430 to drive there - made it out of Alexandria by 0515 - very little traffic (a little rain, though) all the way through Baltimore (used I-95). I stopped to pay tolls at the Fort McHenry Tunnel (0610), JFK Memorial Highway (0640) and Delaware Turnpike (0700) - I was able to make it to I-295 and cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge about two hours after I left the house (not bad). Jim was waiting just over the Bridge - at a Cracker Barrel - and had just arrived about 10 minutes before me (from his home in north-central Maryland). We had a "working breakfast" before driving the rest of the way to the Tech Center (via Wiley Road and US-40). We had our first meeting at the NJ National Guard Base on the west side of the Atlantic City airport (0845). Sharon was coordinating the teleconference, and it went all day long (with a break for lunch from Wawa) and, when 1700 rolled around, it was time to go to our hotel. When Jim (who was leading the way) started to pull onto the Atlantic City Expressway, I realized I didn't have change. The toll booth (unmanned) required exact change - but we worked that out (fortunately, Jim had some). We then turned onto the Garden State Parkway (southbound) and drove to our hotel in Somers Point. Had a similar problem with a toll booth there (1730), but it was manned (found out later it is only manned during the day time - otherwise, exact change!). It was a pretty little town - right on the marsh along Great Egg Harbor Bay. After I'd checked into my room at the Residence Inn, I found out I had several urgent emails and phone messages. Spent the next hour trying to solve problems back at the office (funny - they couldn't get this done when I'm in town for 45 straight days...). Met up with Jim (late) and we drove back towards the city to have dinner with Sharon at Carabbas. Spent a few hours there and then went back to the hotel. Jim drove me over the bay to Ocean City (New Jersey) - it was a nice place (no alcohol, I'm told) with a boardwalk and beaches. The images from there were probably similar to Atlantic City in the early 1900s (could be a nice family vacation spot). Back in my room at 2200. More work for the office back in DC (grrrr....). Bed very late.

Rockville, MD (USA)

Had another meeting in Rockville today. I am glad that my job sometime requires me to work outside the Beltway... Got an earlier start this morning (0715) and was able to squeak through traffic with little problem. Arrived at the Site around 0800. Breakfast with Jim and Sabrina. Spent morning in one brief, lunch time in a different one - and wrapped up the afternoon with a teleconference from Jim's office. Very pleased with how everything worked out - some "firsts" today. Around 1700, drove over to see Pat, Mike and Aileen. It was dark this time, and I got turned around a few times on the way - eventually found them. We had a nice dinner there and talked a lot about the family, my trip to Salt Lake City [see SEP 2011] and genealogy plans. Aileen and I ended up making some inroads on the family tree (surprise!). Before I knew it, it was 2200! Didn't want to leave, but drove home at that point. It is nice to have some family nearby - and to have some similar interests that take my mind off work...

Washington, DC (USA)

When I was walking to lunch today (with Phil), noticed large groups of people with pro-life signs. I thought everything related to the Roe v. Wade anniversary had ended over the weekend but I was wrong. We walked to the Mall, following the crowds. It was a very cold day - wet with drizzle. If anyone has ever watched the nightly news when the annual March for Life happens, he/she might think no one ever comes to the event. They would be very wrong! There were thousands of people - covering the Mall all the way from in front of the Air and Space Museum to near the Washington Monument. They were trying to get close to a stage set up in front of the Smithsonian Castle. As we neared that area (walking through mud and puddles of water), the crowds got very thick. We could hear speakers on the stage but couldn't understand what they were saying. Looking at the types of people who attended the rally, I was amazed at the number of kids (most wearing matching hats/shirts with the other members of their group/school). We also saw Knights of Columbus, monastic and other energetic folks (including Ron Paul supporters) in the crowd. We witnessed one confrontation between DC Police and vendors who had set up nearby (apparently, you can give things away at one of these events but can't actually sell anything). We didn't end up staying very long - but in the time we were there, I gained a new understanding of the people who strongly believe in preventing abortion (and their dedication). Phil and I headed away from the Mall after that but we saw lots more people walking towards the event - all the way back to our office. [When I got home in the evening, the only note in the local news was that "some anti-abortion protestors met on the Mall today." I didn't see any items on the "big three" network broadcasts relating to the event.]

Oxon Hill, MD (USA)

Tim told me he and Elizabeth would be watching the NFL games at their house this weekend - and that I'd be welcome to join them. I headed over around 1400L (if only traffic were so easy on the weekdays...). This time, Katie recognized me - and she spent a lot of the afternoon trying to show me her Princess Room. It was cold enough outside that Tim was able to chill the Yeunglings on his deck (some snow left over from earlier this week). We watched a good game (AFC Championship) - very close all the way to the end. Elizabeth was really into her Patriots!! In between the games, Tim and I walked the dogs down to the National Harbor shopping area and stopped in to the Potomac Gourmet Market again. I made a six-pack of several types of beers - some it took me years of my life just to get a taste of (in a foreign country, no-less). Brisk temperatures - if not, downright cold - made me glad to be back in their townhome after we walked back up the hill. Spent a few more hours with Tim, Elizabeth and Katie (who just wouldn't go to bed!), watching the NFC Championship. That game was even closer - and it went so long that I had to leave before it was over (49ers blew it...). Sad to have go home - had a very fun evening.

Fredericksburg, VA (USA)

I've decided the time has come for me to pursue some civilian aircraft qualifications. Since I got here from Texas, I've been kicking myself that I didn't do it there - but it wasn't necessary for the job hunt. However, I can see a possibility for utilizing some educational assist money to upgrade to the next level of certification - and I know I shouldn't skip that opportunity. Some folks at work said they thought there was a flying club down in Quantico - but the web didn't yield the contact information I'd hoped to find. So, I left Alexandria this morning (0845) to make a site visit. Gas fillup just north of Lorton - and explored the area a bit (seems nice...) - found several VRE stations along the way. Continued down I-95 and got my first glimpse of the "new" Marine Corps Museum (reminds me of the Suribachi flag-raising photo). Had planned to go there today but wanted to find the flying club first. On the way, I stumbled across the little town of Quantico. I didn't realize it was on/near the base - or that the VRE stopped there. Looks like a nice little place... Soon after, I was successful in locating the airfield. Unfortunately, it turned out that the club was apparently disestablished a few years ago - confirmed when I called my cousin, John, who used to live in the area. He suggested several other nearby options, so I changed plans and headed out of the base onto US-1 (Jefferson Davis Highway). My first stop was the Stafford Regional Airport - but they didn't have any flight instructors available. They did, however, have information about flight training opportunities at the Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg. So, I got back on I-95 and drove a little farther south. I'd visited the town before, but have since learned more about its history (and watched the movie "Gods and Generals"). Found the airport and flight school - but no one was available to help today... Went back into the downtown area - it reminds me of Old Town Alexandria - and found a parking place. Ate lunch at Bangkok Cafe and then explored the shops (many closed on Sunday). Back in my car, drove up the hill, hoping to retrace the steps of the Union soldiers who unsuccessfully assaulted them in December 1863. The campus of the University of Mary Washington was at the top of the ridge - pretty. I was near the Battlefield but didn't end up finding a way in to the National Military Park (I realized later that I should have visited when I was at the airport - but I was hungry!). Got back on I-95 and drove north, all the way to US-1. Used that to find a way into the Mason Neck area, which I thoroughly explored (lots to do there - horses, bikepaths, camping, river). One of the more interesting sights was a man skinning a deer that was hanging from a tree near the road... On the way back out of the area, I found the home of George Mason (I'll have to visit that someday!). Back to US-1 and then looked on the fringes of Fort Belvoir (lots of apartments) before driving home. Spent the rest of the evening watching football.

Beltsville, MD (USA)

I've been communicating with another genealogy researcher for several years - he actually has the same first and last name as me - and I finally had a chance to meet him today. He recently moved to LaSalle Hall, the Christian Brothers Retirement Community in Beltsville, Maryland. I left Alexandria around 1015 this morning, using I-495 all the way to US-1 (very little traffic). Crossed through a portion of the University of Maryland Campus as I got close to his place. Arrived around 1100 and rang the bell at the entrance. It was a nice facility - built in the mid 1990s. I met several of the other residents before Brother Jim arrived. He was so happy to see me. We chatted for a little over an hour - family, life-stories, genealogy - and then I ate lunch with him and the other Brothers. We spent a few more hours working on his website and discussing strategies for making a connection between our families. Around 1530, Brother Jim offered to take me over to the small cemetery where many of his colleagues are buried. Ironically, one of them was Martin Coogan, who we'd recently learned was related to one of our mutual genealogy friends in Australia. Brother Jim actually was one of Brother "Francis Patrick's" students and then knew him in later life (as a peer). It was interesting to hear stories about old Martin (a man born in 1884) - especially the one about how his students begged him to recite "Casey at the Bat" (complete with acting and different voices - all tinged with his Irish brogue). It was only then, while listening to Brother Jim, that I realized (to my horror) that I had let this 81 year old gentleman take me on a walk in the 3 C weather for several hundred yards... He didn't seem phased at all, though. We went back to LaSalle Hall and had tea - chatting for a little longer before I departed. Drive home was relative quick (once again, little traffic). Stopped for dinner at McDonalds before heading back to the apartment for an evening of football games. My genealogy hobby always leads me to interesting places and people!

Rockville, MD (USA)

[contractor meeting - lab tour]

Falls Church, VA (USA)

My friend Kim called yesterday to tell me she was having a New Year's Day dinner at her home. I've been pretty lucky during the last few weeks - lots of family and friends to visit! I got to her home in Falls Church around 1500 and met a few friends and relatives of her fiance, David. The dinner was a Pennsylvania New Year's meal: kielbasa & kraut, pork, dumplings (I had only learned about the traditional way that folks from Kim's area celebrate at this time of year last night, when Bob was cooking the same meal in a crock pot for his office pot-luck). The food was really good - and it was paired with great conversation. The crowd's consensus was to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers but since the Redskins and Ravens dominate this market the game wasn't available. We chatted for a few more hours and then most people left. I helped Kim clean the dishes and we reminisced about old times. She pointed out that it had actually been 20 years since I was in her wedding (see DEC 1991) - wow... Had a nice visit until I said "goodbye" (around 2100) - armed with some great leftovers!