Hey everyone, and happy World Toilet Day— appropriately, where we find ourselves as we start moving toward the end of November. Over 250,000 Americans have died of COVID (NBC News), but I still keep hearing people making Thanksgiving plans. Yes, I’m a nag: Wear your mask. Stay home. Support local restaurants if you want them to be around six months from now. Order from any of these favorites before Sunday in most cases.
Oh, and give thanks that you have a toilet, running water, and access to washing your hands at home. #thanksgivingstartsearly
What else is there to do in this festering dumpster on fire, you ask? Actually, there are a few very lovely things:
The first one, and one that is dear to my heart, is that the wreaths will go up at Union Station this Monday, November 23. The Norwegian Christmas tree and the train displays are canceled for obvious reasons, but the gorgeous circles of green and their red bows will light up the entrance of the station as they have for many years. I will add them to my #lightupthehill map if you are unsure as to where they are (or have out-of-town visitors).
What will NOT be available: The Smithsonian Institution has decided to close its museums starting Monday, November 23. In the meantime, you can spend some time looking at the “First Ladies” online exhibition that the National Portrait Gallery has put together. Take time to explore on your own; make it a family adventure; design your own impromptu curriculum around the exhibit; or just idly scroll while you cry into a pint of ice cream. Tag yourself: I want to be Harriet Johnston, James Buchanan’s niece and designated-hitter First Lady. (HER PORTRAIT IS A BUST?! SIGN ME UP.)
Are you a Kingman Park neighbor? Their monthly meeting happens tonight at 7 p.m. over Zoom. Click here to connect or call (301) 715-8592
Meeting ID: 882 5475 9471
Passcode: 136605
Join NPR trivia night, hosted by Code Switch. RSVP here and they will send you the Zoom link.
The Congressional Chorus will be holding a special Vogue: Return to the ’90s concert on Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m. The concert is free, but the organizers ask that you register and donate, in order to keep their mission going. Click here to register and click here to listen to more of the Congressional Chorus on YouTube in the meantime.
Craving some Bach? The Washington Bach Consort has a performance called “Bach Interactions: A Voice of Expectation” on Facebook Live tonight at 8 p.m. and on YouTube this Sunday at 5 p.m.
Cusbah, the beloved Pakistani restaurant on H Street, is leaving us. But if you want to purchase sauces, get cocktail kits or get something from their yard sale, tomorrow. November 20, is your last chance to do so. Stop by 1128 H Street NE between 5-8 p.m.
Hey parents of little ones: Jurassic Quest is still going strong through November 22. For $45 per car, you can get a tour through a dinosaurland! A few parents I’ve talked to have enjoyed it and said it was worth it, especially for the audio tour. Have slightly older kids who can ride bikes? Rumor has it that you can see half the dinosaurs for none of the fossil fuel if you bike around the outside. More info and tickets here.
Upcoming: Do you love holiday craft shows? GRUMP is coming back for its 10th year and it’s all virtual but no less fun! There will be all manner of awesome arts and crafts, workshops, tarot readings (wink, wink, with yours truly), Yeti bingo, and a whole lot more! Click here to learn more and come back November 27 through December 1 for GRUMPy fun and shenanigans–and YETI delivery?! Whaaaaaat?
November is also known as Movember, in honor of men’s health issues. Every year, the fine folks at H Street Movember have had a big fundraiser to raise awareness and enjoy camaraderie. This year, the event will take place online on November 30 and you are invited! Your ticket gets you a Movember Party Pack, with your very own face mask, a coupon for 10% off at DC Brau, and raffle tix.The best news of all? For every $1,000 in tickets they sell, they will add $350 worth of prizes to the raffle! Click here to buy tickets and to leave some love for your favorites at Little Miss Whiskey’s, the Queen Vic and many other local businesses.
Plan ahead: The Folger Consort‘s Christmas concert will be virtual this year, like most things are. You can listen to a program prerecorded at St. Mark’s Episcopal church where the centerpiece is a Bach cantata called Sleepers’ Wake, as well as a selection of gorgeous yuletide music. This program will be available to stream from December 11 through January 5 and tickets will be in the $25-$50 range.
Give thanks: Watch the online celebration of Adoption Day in the District that the DC Courts put together and feel joy and hope. Keep hankies handy.
Enjoy: Paris Jackson’s debut album, “Wilted” (released this past Friday) is, well, it’s really lovely. Her voice is melodious and warm and the arrangements compliment the otherworldly feel of the sound. Yes, THAT Paris Jackson.
Buy local! You’ve been asking for a local gift guide and one will be delivered soon– we’ll be partnering up with CHAMPS for that! Keep a lookout for that.