Leone, Gerry, Kal, et. al,

Enjoy the fireworks from the WM and have a glass of sweet tea with lemon for me.

Maybe I'll see you on the tv? (Would PBS really pass up the opportunity to show a guy in a tux next to a guy in a loud Hawaiin shirt along with a guy from ENGLAND celebrating U.S. independence?)

Can't join the festivities because of the need to be a work bright and early Thursday morning.

Hey, NCGrrl, I'll take that tea if I can add a sprig of mint ... just the Atlanta way from many moons ago. Just like Co-Cola, the all-purpose drink. But these days, it's Jack Black, simple syrup, spring water, shaved ice and crushed mint. Yikes, help me into that chair! But I digress. If you DO make it to the Mall, we'll get you on a train back to Raleigh or wherever, do or die. I'm holding back a cup and it has your name on it. But if not, you'll be with us in spirit. Oh yes, NPR is covering the Fodor celebrants, but only during their post-fireworks wrap-up after the family hour. We've been asked to provide a designated interviewee. Nobody is jumping at the chance, so looks like it's the short straw thingee again. We'll be thinking of you ... by the rockets red flare. Ciao

Leone,

I'll be there in spirit (and you in spirits?). No way to make it back in time for work 7/5 even if I'm stoked up on southern-style sweet tea. I guess you've never seen Durham's Am-shack (if you have, you wouldn't mention it as an option).

I'll look for the Fodor's banner from the tv coverage. Maybe y'all could wear name tags with your nom de Fodor's.