Jude wrote:

> I'm actually in Va Beach, on the other side of the bridge-tunnel. It's
> about a 45 minute hike without traffic to Newport News, but for a TJs
> pilgirmage once a month or so, it will be worth it.

That "without traffic" is deceptively innocuous. Under what I consider
"normal" traffic conditions, I'd expect that drive to take about an hour and
a half or more. On one of my first deployments in my current job, I was
living in Newport News and I needed some "dressy" clothes. The only Men's
Wearhouse in the area had just opened in Virginia Beach. Because of
construction and traffic, it ended up being an all-day excursion just to buy
a couple suits and shoes. (Of course NOW there are almost as many Men's
Wearhouses as there are Starbucks!)


> I like it here, although this time of year I'm bored to death. It's
> awful quiet in a beach town come winter!!

I first visited Virginia Beach while I was still in the Navy, in February of
1986, in connection with Tidewater Mensa's "Third Annual Great Dismal Swamp
Regional Gathering." It was one of the most fun-filled weekends I've ever
had! Those people sure know how to have a good time -- and after all,
PEOPLE are the wellspring of most fun, right?


> Let me know if you end up back here anytime soon. I'll take you to a
> great Indian place. Or maybe for some crab cakes and flounder. Or
> perhaps to this nice diner I know of.......

You can count on it!

Bob