Father Daughter Time and a Trip
Last night I got to meet up with my dad for dinner in DC. He was in town briefly for work and I was so glad it worked for is to have that time together.
We headed to Old Ebbitt Grill for dinner. The food was good but the company better. The restaurant itself has, pretty dark wood interiors, gas lamps, velvety seats and it's often full of politicians and the like. Dad and I had a cozy corner table. We took our time ordering each course as these shared meals are few and far between. We shared a platter of yummy oysters and clams from the raw bar and after the waitress came back for the 4th time we finally decided on crabcakes for me and cod for dad which came with the best crispy brussel sprouts.
As we were handed dessert menus two people were seated beside us. They unlayered all their winter wear and we commiserated about the cold and asked them where they were from. And much to our surprise and delight, one gentleman was from the village just down the way from our very own village in the UK!
Our family just lives for these small-world connections, any tie to that expat life we loved. We swapped names of favorite pubs and pints and rugby teams and very nearly convinced the other man at their table to move overseas by the end of our exchange.
We could have hounded our new British friend for stories of "home" and just listened to him speak for the rest of the meal but we left them in peace and ordered dessert.
After devouring my creme brûlée and further reminiscing over our family's adventures we headed back out into the cold. As per usual this visit came to end much sooner than I would have liked. Dad walked me to the metro and we snapped a few selfies before parting.
He headed back to his hotel and I headed home to this...
I had some major packing to finish and an early flight to try and fall asleep for. Somehow I crammed a dozen different layers, extra socks, ski pants and two costs into one suitcase. Today I am heading to Montreal to meet up with TJ and his family and enjoy some even colder weather and skiing!! I actually whipped up this post in the air over Canada.
And It's a good thing I had this trip planned because I really haven't gotten enough of this arctic weather and last night had me itching to travel. I'mexcited to dust off the passport.
that's a great picture of you and your Dad!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol!!! Everyone has always said that I look the most like him. I really see it here.
DeleteWhat a sweet time to have with your dad! I do miss Old Ebbits Grill! It was one of my favorites while living in DC! :) I hope that you have a lovely trip to Canada and skiing! :) Montreal is one of my favorite cities! :)
ReplyDeleteRebecca :)
I'm not sure I knew that you used to live in DC! So cool. I am trying to take advantage of all the city has to offer since I'm not sure how much longer I'll be here. Montreal was so pretty! It's like a nice slice of Europe in the same time zone. We had a great time. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteCan't wait to hear all about it. I understand the passport love : )
ReplyDeleteHave a great time!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time skiing! Love the selfies!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be able to have such a sweet time with your dad. I completely understand that longing to connect with a bit of your past from the U.K. I have not been back since we left in 2010 and I long for it and miss it ever so much! Our best friends from there are coming to see us and vacation with us in early July for several weeks. I can't wait! I keep hoping my hubby with get a business trip back to Manchester so that I can join him. Have fun skiing with TJ and his family. I keep waiting for some big news from you... In the meantime, I do enjoy reading your posts about falling in love.
ReplyDeleteCarol. This was such a sweet comment. I have been longing to go back to the UK but I wonder if I'll just be a big blubbering mess the second I land in Heathrow. Hah. I would love to go visit with TJ and show him all my old stomping grounds and take a little (weepy) trip down memory lane. And you know what? I keep waiting for some big news to share... hehe.
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