Dear George, Yes, it's that same Bethesda that has the Naval hospital and NIH across the street. My garden (and thus, home) is near enough to the Naval Base to hear taps each evening at sunset. It's changed quite a bit since you were there in '59 though the tall tower still stands, it is empty and unused. The Navy built a new, low, mall-like hospital in l980 and the old Depression-era buildings fell into disuse. The military built a medical school on 9 of the Admiral's l8 holes and evenutally all the other 9 holes got used up for buildings as well. This area is booming, construction-wise, and has been ever since l980 when the Metro went in. We've had a relatively (this is DC after all) cool spring and early summer but the typical three H's (heat, humidity and haze) are supposed to move in this week. I've only needed my AC to be on 2 days so far! That's really something. I admire your father in law for getting much to grow in the red clay soils of MD. It is everywhere and really the only way I think that folks get things to grow around here in to replace and/or seriously amend their soil in their garden spots. I cannot imagine living permanently in LA!!! I've visited a couple of times (winters both times) and just cannot imagine living through a summer down there. Of course, my New England relatives say the same about me, living here in DC! Carolyn Bethesda Zone 7a _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com