And speaking of pure, this is about the point in the evening when we were picked up by a wedding-white stretch Hummer, tremendous in its indecency. Inside, multi-colored laser lights danced on the ceiling and in our hair as we sipped OJ and Peach Vodka from plastic champagne flutes while reclining on those magnificent dark seats.

Anyway, let me get to the point: all of this is a very long-winded (and, yes, self-indulgent) way of me saying that if you're in DC or NYC you can (and should) catch The Jones at one of these two shows.

There's a new physical "feature" on my body. And I've been noticing it lately whenever I happen to be completely naked and looking down at myself or in a full-length mirror.

I haven't been to the Childe in several months. I miss it. And I know DC will feel a dent in its landscape as places like this are supplanted by chain retail and fast food sprouting up along Connecticut Ave in Dupont at an alarming rate. But the Childe will still play a vital part of numerous people's personal histories, including mine.

It's that time of year again.

As I ate, people walked past, and I listened to the strange temporal quality of their footsteps. The way they suddenly came into my aural bubble, and just as suddenly vanished. One moment they were there, in front of me, belonging to that person. These feet on gravel. The next minute they were gone, along with the person who brought them. These footsteps. Now quiet.

I just got the following 'Alert DC' text message.

This weekend's rally didn't have any catchy slogan or banner associated with it, and this was good. It was refreshing. It was just a gathering of people protesting the war. Oh, and Jane Fonda was there.

I guess you have to live at least a mile above sea level to still get winter.

I'm back home. In DC. We flew in last night. And even though I truly loved seeing friends and family in Dallas, I am very relieved to be back on the east coast again. I feel grounded. I woke to the familiar sounds of car horns and sirens this morning, which kind of gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. And I'm ready to re-train my legs on how to do this thing called walking.