Sugar: Mom -- whereya goin? Shouldn't you stay here and clean? Regan: Nah. I gotta go see the kitties sleeping on altar cloths at 13 Moons and check out the frozen green tea at The Pink Bicycle Tea Room. And then come home and snuggle with the kitty. ;)

Snagged a shot of Kay, Cyd and Joe in Ballston before heading out for the night. Was much fun.

Shakespeare's Skum is showing in a proper theater. Kay and I met for dinner beforehand. Can't wait. ;)

It's been a very existential day here in Regan's world, between naps. Went to the interrment of one of my favorite high school teachers, Mrs. Jarvis, this morning at Arlington National Cemetery. Her body lies under the boughs of a pine tree. As I told old friends Lisa and Russell, I found a t-shirt she made for her AP Latin class last night while trying to decide whether to attend. It said, "Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit." (Perhaps someday it will be pleasant to remember even these things.)

Nothing really brings home the indifference of death like walking around Arlington National Cemetery with row upon row of identical headstones, each signifying someone who was important to somebody and now is no more. And so I pondered a while on what the point of it all is and decided I wasn't going to solve it today, but a nap and a popsicle would make me feel better. Which they did.

It was nice not to have to vote in a church for the first time in six years.

Home safe from the party at Keith and Judy's. The fact that I drove an hour and a half each way and there were like a half a dozen folks who drove farther says something about their partythrowing abilities and their friendship.

Saw Cirque's latest creation, Corteo, tonight. Interesting to see the musicians planted in the audience and to see cast members used as backup singers. It also marked the first time I've seen them use one of the characters in makeup as part of an act without acknowledging the individual as separate from the troupe.

It was one of the closest versions of theater-in-the-round that I've seen from them since the very beginning, which made for interesting sets. They solved Cirque's obsessive need to rig unseen by building a thin corridor down the middle of the stage, flanked by a scrim on each side when necessary.

The only one of the original creative team to be seen in this production was Dominique Lemieux, who brought a marvelous Edwardian / baroque touch to the textures without making it feel heavy by infusing lots of billowy, layered costumes.

The final ensemble piece was spectacular: a display of what Cirque does best. The freestanding ladder guy and the juggling family were beyond incredible but didn't get as many oohs as the more flashy acts.

Jaleo has long been my place to take visiting friends for dining out in D.C., but I may have a new favorite. Posh, created by the founder of BET, serves up delectable food in a lush, Syrah-colored surrounding. I thoroughly enjoyed one of Johnson's former ventures in Vegas (unfortunately no longer extant), and Posh reminds me of it with its live jazz, intimate lighting, and seating as plush as a mattress. Best part? The staff doesn't treat you like a leper if you're dining alone. I was given the run of the place by the hostess, a move which will keep me coming back. That and the food. I had the lamb chop, but the chef sent out a lobster-based vichyssoise that was to die for. Definitely going with the seafood next time. Judith and Eric -- when y'all visit, we're ditching the kids and coming here.

Enjoying a warm mocha at The Blue Arbor Cafe after a brisk walk.

Visited Westminster Hall and Burying Ground today as part of the Hiptop Hunt to procure shots of Poe's grave.