Philly, June 2009 - Not much, made lunch plans with Tracy

Tracy sent a message suggesting to met at Brodeur’s in Media on the 5th. She sent me an old photo of me and Jessica Brown in the D&Z company box at the Vet, it was a Phillies game. See wanted to see if could remember the event. I sent her my Picasa site so she could see what I have been up to in Libya.

Philly, June 2009 - Contact made with Tracy - HRC Philly

I went grocery shopping in the morning. Received an email from Tracy. She was sending me her personal email so we did not have to use her work email. She wanted to met and get caught up on things since it’s over ten years since we talked. I contacted Tracy to let her know what my plans are for the rest of the week. She sent me her schedule so we can work out a time to meet. I dropped off the rental car so I’m without transportation until I get back from DC. On the way back from the airport, I got off the train at Center City and went to the HRC for lunch and souvenirs.

Jacksonville, June 2009 - Last day heading back to Philly

Left for JAX airport around 8:30AM. Got back to Philly around 1PM. Went over to the Slapper’s for dinner.

Jacksonville, June 2009 - Fort Caroline National Park

Upgraded my plane ticket back to Philly to first class. I had not been to Fort Caroline National Park since I was in elementary school. Since M&D live so close I decide to go for a visit. Mom wanted to tag along. I was hot and muggy even this early in the morning. That’s why I don’t live in Florida anymore. We drove to another part of the part that over looked the river. The Osprey were out flying, I took many pictures.

Jacksonville, June 2009 - Typical get togther with Scott

Had breakfast and worked on my financials. Went back to the store and bought more clothes. Can’t beat these prices. I met Stacey at the Ruby Tuesdays near the parent’s house. We ate and talked for a few hours. When I got back I called Scott, he thought I was coming in next week. We met up at Shula’s steak house in Deerwood. Mom and Dad went as well. Scott had just got out of back surgery a few weeks ago. Moreover, he announced that Gina is pregnant. After a second lunch (early dinner), Gina met up with us and we went to the beer store and bought a large amount of beer. I took the parents home then headed over to Scott’s. We drank and got caught up on things until 5AM in the morning. This is so typical us, every time I’m town we end up socializing and drinking beer into the early morning at least once per trip.

Jacksonville, June 2009 - Little bit of everything

Dad went golfing Mom and I went shopping, I picked up clothes at 50% off. We also went food shopping. I sent Gina a Skype message, no reply yet. When Dad got back from golfing, we started watching the Phillies World series DVD I had purchased online a few months ago and had it shipped to Florida. We went to a hotdog restaurant for a late lunch. For dinner, I grilled sausages while M&D went bowling. Took a few photos of the cats. I’ve been emailing Karen’s sister Stacey, trying to meet up tomorrow for lunch. I have also been emailing Tracy. She had emailed me today to verify that I was the Christopher that she is looking for. In addition, she had heard through the grapevine that I was in Libya, or some other Middle East country that begins with an “L”. (Actually it's North Africa) I will contact her when I get back to Philly. Worked on my journals then to bed.

Philly, June 2009 - On my way to Jacksonville to visit the family

Did the DD thing. Just hung around the house until it was time to head to the airport. I left at 1PM, my flight was at 3:40. Arrived on time in J-ville. We had dinner at a BBQ joint, as customary. Brian is working two or three jobs and works strange hours. Received a voice mail from Tracy Blithe, wow I have not heard from her I nearly 15 years. I do remember Joe asking me if I wanted to see her about six months ago or so. He had run into her somewhere and she was asking about me. Went to bed early

Philly, June 2009 - Office Visit

Booked my London hotel room for my trip back. Upgraded my plane ticket to first class. Weeded the back yard. Finished packing for the trip to Florida. Took the train to Center City and went into work around lunchtime, had lunch with the gang. Sent my passport out to Houston for the Visa renewal. Got back home and chilled again

Philly, June 2009 - Being a Tourist

Got up and went outside to take some photo of their yard. Had breakfast with John and Mary then headed back home. Got home around 10ish. I decided to go downtown and have lunch at Triumph Brewery. Therefore, I grab the camera and took the train to Center City. I got off at Suburban Station and started sightseeing like a tourist. Made it to Independence Malls for more photos. Then I went in to the brewpub. Triumph has not changed same good food and beer. I took the El back up town, then walked to the Art Museum and shot pictures for most of the day. Went back home and took it easy.

Philly, June 2009 - Back to John & Mary's, Dinner at Sly Fox Brewpub

Drove back home from Joe & Gret’s early this morning and washed up then headed for the camera shop at the Montgomery Mall. Bought the D90 with the 18-100 lens. Took some photo of the house and backyard to get use to the new camera. Headed back to John and Mary’s again, this time we went to the Sly Fox Brewpub. We started the evening at their house with a few bottles of barleywine I bought at the Broad Axe Tavern. I ended up spending the night this time.

Philly, June 2009 - A little of everything

Headed to the Mall and picked up clothes at a JCP outlet. Could not find the camera shop. Went to the Memphis Taproom for lunch. Talked to Spanky for a while. Went to the Slapper’s for the afternoon and evening. We went to the community pool. We ran into Luke with his girlfriend, he surprised to see me. We went back to Joe’s and hung out by the fire, I ended up sleeping over.

Philly, June 2009 - Canal Street in Reading

Drove to DD for my first cup-o-joe in many months. Contacted John and Mary to make sure we were on for tonight. I went out and pick up coffee at CVS and a case of beer. I paid the outstanding gas bill that the house sitter never paid, $480. Started shopping for a camera in town because I had to cancel my online order and so did Gareth. Both cameras were to arrive this week but typical for these online stores they wait two weeks to ship out the orders. I bought Lowepro camera bags and filters from Best Buy. I went to the General Lafayette for lunch, Steve was still bartending. We caught up on things then I headed to John and Mary’s. Arrived around 4ish. They decided to go to Canal Street in Reading for dinner. When we arrived, Mike and Jamie were there. We had a great time sampled many brews and took a few photo of the gang. I headed back home thou I was tried, long drive.

Philly, June 2009 - Philly here I come!

Had breakfast at the hotel then took the bus to the airport. I was able to go to the BMI club lounge. The business class seats were not as good as the first class seats but still nice. They kept on feeding us the entire trip. I did not get much sleep. The power outlet on my seat was not working so my laptop died and my TV died. Arrived in Philly on time, pickup my rental and headed home. I was pissed when I got home, the grass looked like it had not been cut for three weeks and there were newspapers all over the front yard. I skipped dinner and had a beer then went to bed early to avoid jet-lag.

Philly, June 2009 - To Philly via London pit stop

Made it to the TIP airport and found out that I never booked my London ticket with Louise. She only sent me confirmation for the flight but never booked it. This now makes since because at the time I thought it was weird that she booked the flight without me telling her to. After a bit of a panic I was able to purchase a ticket at the BA office for half the price that Louise quoted me. Made it to London on time. Customs was a bit slow until they staffed the gates. I ended up taking a cab to the hotel, the idiot took me to the wrong hotel. I had to pay for another cab to the correct hotel. I like this hotel, I will book it for my return trip. I had a few beers at the bar. Went back to my room for a bit then went back down for a small bite to eat.