Ah, how time flies. We're a week out from closing the show (for now), bringing an end to my DC soujourn. But what a couple of months. Since last I wrote, I've met Jane Seymour, James Keach, James Cromwell, and Linda Carter. Christopher Hitchins and Rahm Emmanuel have both been to see the show, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg as well. Several familiar faces have appeared out of nowhere, having seen the show. I've been to a number of museums and sites, soaking up the city while ever working on the plays and novels that are on my plate.

But mostly I've been playing with the cast, both on and off-stage. The first time we did the show, I was a new father, and so raced home each night. But my family returned to Chicago a month ago, leaving me on my own – depressing, but it allows me to join my other displaced castmates in the time-honored joys of cast-bonding – heading to the pub post-show. My birthday was an alcohol-soaked, Chinese-food driven, sunrise-watching, two show day, involving several castmates, four Mexicans, a Portugeuse, and a mess of oysters.

In a week I'll be home again, and diving back into work on the Roman novel. But DC has been very kind to me. Lots of new friends, reunited with many old ones, lots of good work, and an epic show. I was out with Stacy the other night, and I told him – truthfully – that this production of LEAR is the defining one for the generation. Which is why we're not saying goodbye, but rather, "See you again soon."

I feel the same way about DC. It's been very welcoming, and I've found myself entirely comfortable here. I hope to return someday. So to the capitol I say, "See you again soon."