OK, I have learned that my nephew in Silver Springs (I think? Somewhere between DC and Baltimore I'm pretty sure) has gotten engaged so I'm trying to work with his schedule to get some quality family time which I *think* is helping with nailing down the rest of my plans.

I'm thinking: get to Richmond (RVR) 2pm on 4/29. Have dinner with Dana. Head to Baltimore (BWI? possibly BAL? I don't know which is better) either 5:30 ish pm or 6am the next morning (really up to you, Dana, noting that I think I am pretty good about getting myself out of the house and to the train early in the morning without disturbing the household but I am not sure I could provide testimonials to that effect). Which gets me to Baltimore either 9pm Wednesday or 9am Thursday, either way with all day Thursday to hopefully (a) meet up with people (b) see some sights and (c) eat crabcakes (and whatnot, but definitely some crabcakes). Perhaps drink some beer? Why do I have "beer" associated with Baltimore in my head, is that a thing?

How's that sound? Improvements I should make, necessary changes, something I totally forgot but must include?

I mean, I personally would not want to catch a 6AM train, but if you'd rather spend the night, that's no problem.

I can def get down to Baltimore to hang around then (I mean, everything depends on what happens with my MiL's health, but...), and I will pass right by SS on my way home -- if you can handle a well-loved Civic that my husband smokes in; but I'll Febreeze the hell out of it -- or, obvi, BWI goes in to DC.

SS is much closer to DC than Balto. (by half an hour/45 mins.) When you leave your nephew's, DC Union Station is your closest.

Appreciate it, Dana! I am pretty comfortable with sleepily taking a Lyft to the station and napping on the train.

And of course your MiL contingencies gotta continge, Jen. Will be great to see you if possible, with or without the ride! Was vaguely planning on figuring out local transit and will keep that as a backup in case it is needed. Nephew's remarks were that DC and Baltimore Airport stations were both pretty close, I might have misremembered where he actually lives. I'll need to make sure I have the right address before then . . .