I had a business trip to Baltimore, so I took Paul along and stashed him in the hotel room the day I was covering a meeting of the US Bishops. Then, we went to the National Aquarium and down to Washington DC. He hadn't seen the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, so we went there, one of my favorite places anywhere and then down to the Smithsonian, where we managed to get in the National Museum of Natural History and a walk to the Washington Monument. It was a bit chilly, but we had a great time. There is so much to do, one day just doesn't cut it. It's too far to go there and back in one day, but it was a real blessing for us to be able to go this time.

I must say that the stuffed animals in the Natural History museum are a bit creepy and fascinating in a watching a car wreck sort of way. Paul and I had the same reaction; I'd be interested to see what others reactions are. I just love the National Aquarium, there was hardly anyone there, in direct contrast to other times we've been there, so it was very enjoyable.