Washington, DC

Wednesday, July 18th
I rode back into town with Ryser. It only confirms to me that if I ever move to DC I will not live in the suburbs and taking it up a notch, probably will not own a car. Nothing against the burbs I just do not have the patience for traffic. After returning to Albans I began packing in earnest. I had to catch up on laundry and pack in two ways. I needed to pack stuff that I will not touch again until Memphis. I also needed a bag that I will operate from for the next two weeks. I did not do that at the beginning of the trip and it caused me some problems.

After getting stuff ready I took the Metro’s Orange line out to Fairfax to meet with the old family friends. Amy is the daughter of my parents’ best friends in Erie, the Bestwicks. Amy and her husband, Marc and their two sons Jack and Evan live in Virginia out past Dulles Airport in Aldie, VA. Our two families go way back to when my Dad taught German and coached football for Amy’s Dad. Our family’s relationship continued even though my dad left teaching twenty seven years ago. We have taken family vacations and spent numerous holidays together. Amy picked me up from the metro stop and we headed out to their house.

Besides hanging out with the whole family one of the most fun things was going to Jack’s baseball practice with Marc. One of Jack’s baseball leagues has a great way of handling early baseball. The kids are only one year removed from T-ball so their skills are not that developed. What they do is take the kids, 30 are signed up to with only 20 to 25 showing up on regular basis, and they split them into two groups on two fields. Different dads run drills with the groups and then they play a very informal three inning game. The kids rotate positions and everyone gets to hit. It is so rational that I was sure what to do. There was not any of the over the top parent competitiveness that usually accompanies youth baseball. I jumped in the fray and ran the infield drills for one of the groups. It was a blast. I really miss coaching baseball and that age seems natural to coach. The kids seem to have the most fun, which IS the whole point.

Evan and Jack prepare for the morning commute

When we returned home we had a fantastic meal. I am so spoiled. After eating and hanging out Jack showed me how to play the Wii video game, it was a lot of fun. I only briefly got into video games in high school, not really my style but if I had one I could get used to a Wii. In the end I’m way t cheap to buy one of those, besides it would cut into my beer drinking time. Unacceptable. Marc and had a few beers and shot the bull. It was a great visit, so glad I did it.

Thursday, July 19th
Marc gave me a ride to the Metro and headed back to Albans. I loaded up the car with everything except a day bag for the drive. It is weird not knowing if I will be back at the program next year. I suspect I will.

I then took the bus down to Adams Morgan/U District to meet Todd for a few beers. He has a great little place right off the bus line. We went to Stetson’s, a great little dive around the corner for a few beers. I have really enjoyed getting to know Todd he is fun guy. He is coming through Memphis in about month on a cross country trip. My guess is that a few beers will be consumed. Norm met me there and Pete was handed off to the next bar hopping partner.

The patio bar of Local 16

Norm and went basically next door to a place called Local 16 for supper. Another great meal was consumed along with a few beers. The place has great atmosphere, especially its rooftop bar and patio. My idea for an early take off quickly and realistically went the way of the Do-Do bird. From Local 16 we went downtown to meet Bannach and Fran at Rocket Bar for shuffle puck and drinks. It was a great send off from DC.

When you get a chance to wear a fake mustache you do it.

The shuffle puck master at Rocket Bar