{{{Bev}}}

I'm excited because the Smithsonian Museum of American History is re-opening this weekend after being closed for a couple of years.

It is? Finally! (I was just telling a student to go look at the Enigma there, but I realized I had no idea where it was while American History was closed.)

I'm sorry, Bev. Peace to you and yours. {{Beverly}}

Beverly, all my sympathy. Take the time off - you need it and you deserve it.

(sudden switch of subject)

omnis, if I remember correctly, the Bethesda Marriott is right on top of a Metro stop (red line). As Sparky said, it's a quick trip into town ... and it's be hard to match the price at an in-town hotel. Also, Bethesda has some really good restaurants.

Omnis, let me join in the DC chorus of "stay in Bethesda with the cheap hotel". you won't do better than $89 at a hotel in town, and if the Bethesda Marriott is close to the metro, you'll be fine. Let us know your dates so that we can arrange one of our infamous Buffista dinners.

I'm sorry for your loss. I know you did everything a daughter could possibly do to make her last years comfortable. A peaceful passing when we are ready is the best we can hope for. Enjoy your time away. Rest and rejuvenate and know my thoughts and with you and yours.

This. And {{{{{Bev}}}}}.

I'm whole-heartedly seconding (x-posting with Vortex)what Sparky and Toddson said Omnis. You won't want to switch with a deal like that.

For $89, I'm thinking you may be at the Pooks Hill Marriott in Bethesda, which is not right on top of the Metro, but they have a convenient and regular shuttle to the station. Good planning on the wedding party's part.

Thanks for the heads up about the museum Sparky! I'm psyched since I honestly can't remember the last time I was there. I spend a lot of time at Natural History (mmmm....rocks) and tend to look wistfully at American History. Must make a re-open plan.

I stayed in a hotel in Bethesda right on a Metro stop for a conference and getting to D.C. sites was fast and easy.

There's an Enigma at the Spy Museum [link] which, to tie everything together, has Minox spy cameras on its home page.

The Christmas Carol I saw last year was very, very foggy, since the arrival of each ghost was accompanied by much fog. We noticed that the fog was heavier than air and piling up in the orchestra pit. I'm not sure how they saw to play.

{{{Bev}}} Your mother's passing sounds as gentle and peaceful as you could have hoped for. You cared for her for so long, and so lovingly and so well. Peace be on all your family.

For Sparky - Why You Should Never Try to Steal a Law Student's Laptop

{{Bev}} Peace to you and your family. You're in our thoughts.

{{Matt and family}}. I am speechless. And so very sorry.

::looks up at November: 'we're not going to have to have this talk again, are we?'::