Spending the weekend in D.C. w/ my 80 year old mama. Ideas?

[Doran]

I gave my mother a special gift for her 80th birthday (12/22) - I promised her a weekend away, just the two of us. After some deliberating, we've settled on a trip to Washington, D.C., which is just 2 hours from my home. This way, she can pop in and see the kids before we head off. We're fortunate to have the use of the home of dear friends, who will be out of town, for our accommodations. We've discussed the idea of visiting parts of the Smithsonian, National Gallery of Art, and maybe catching a show at the Kennedy Center. But, so far, our plans are very loose. That's how I prefer it, but my mother is more of a planner. So, I don't want to disappoint her by not having options in mind for her and enough information that she can just say, "I like that idea."

So, what else should I consider -- even though I'd love it if we spent a good bit of our time just sipping tea and talkng!

Doran

[Doran]

I failed to mention that this is happening THIS weekend. C'mon ladies and gents -- get those ideas flowing. :p


Doran

[Colleen]

I can't be of assistance with the question at hand. Just wanted to say that I like your avatar (which is not a kissing cow;)). And it was nice to see your profile pic, too, though you look way different than I imagined. No, that's not true. I didn't imagine you any certain way. Just had to acquaint myself with the you that's you.:)

[Amy loves Bud]

When we lived there, I required my visitors to go to the National Cathedral. It is really just incredible, and I think a lot of folks miss out on seeing it when they visit D.C.

Have a wonderful weekend!

[WTMCassandra]

It depends on how much walking she is up to. I always like the museum of American History and the Lincoln Memorial. Do take the metro to your various destinations. I'm not much help otherwise since I'm in the mode of "What will be good to do with the children."

[Kathy in MD]

I recommend the Capitol Steps. It's musical fun that's guarenteed to make everyone say "ouch" at some point. They perform at the Reagan Center at the Federal Triangle Metro station.

I think the Natural History Museum is still doing Jazz nights on Fridays. The IMAX theaters are open late on Fri and Sat nights.

[Andie]

And it was nice to see your profile pic, too, though you look way different than I imagined. No, that's not true. I didn't imagine you any certain way

Oh, I'm glad I read this. I went to see Doran's profile and she looks almost exactly as I imagined. This is quite exciting for me, as I've been so very wrong with...well...just about everyone else!

You're lovely, Doran. (And someday I'll remember that we can check profiles and lookit pitchers.)

[Doran]

Oh, I'm glad I read this. I went to see Doran's profile and she looks almost exactly as I imagined. This is quite exciting for me, as I've been so very wrong with...well...just about everyone else!

You're lovely, Doran. (And someday I'll remember that we can check profiles and lookit pitchers.)


Aw shucks, Andie - thankee! I have a special way of not picturing people. Sure, if pressed, I could come up with a vision that comes to mind, based on the voice I know here, but I don't really read posts and conjure up images of the person as I go along. Now, with the avatars, I'm in big trouble. I figure you're a 1950's school teacher, and Audrey is a green fairy!

I really debated about putting a photo in at all -- there aren't so many of me in my files since I'm generally the one behind the camera -- but I realized how much I like having a real image to go with the voice, so I thought maybe I should offer that in return.

Colleen, sorry if I rocked your world in any way :p And glad you like the avatar. We wear some pretty funky socks in this family! So, that's part of the me that's me, too.



Cheers, both!
Doran

[Doran]

Thanks for the replies. I'm curious to know if those of you who travel into D.C. often (or live there?) have favorite eateries. Lunch? Dinner? The owner of Restuarant Nora is a personal friend, so that's always a top choice for me. But, I don't want to miss another opportunity for good food.

Who knows anything about special art exhibits going on in the D.C. area? Online clearinghouse type sources where I might find a listing of events? Where to purchase a great city map?

Doran