Defending the federal capital of Washington

May, Janet, Verna, and I had a lovely outing today, a beautiful sunny fall day.

We visited Fort Ward, the fifth  largest installation within the extensive network of Union forts known as the Defenses of Washington, which was built to protect the Federal capital during the Civil War.

After walking around outside, we went inside to visit the museum. We found it very informative and interesting.

We then went to Shirlington for a delicious lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches at Cheesetique.

Verna and May  

Christine and Janet

Thank you, May, for planning a wonderful excursion!

Meeting the Archbishop

May and I went into DC to meet George at the Church of the Epiphany. The former Archbishop of Canterbury was in  attendance and gave the sermon.

May with the Archbishop 

Afterwards we went to Annie's for lunch.

A very nice Sunday!

Restaurant for Vegetarians

 Carla and the Sunflower Lady

Christine

I met my friend Carla today for lunch and she introduced me to a vegetarian restaurant in Falls Church. It is called Crystal Sunflower and every single item on the menu is vegetarian. What a dream for me! I had so many choices and knew that all of the menu items were "safe" for me!



The food was very good. Of course, the company was the draw! Excellent company, all the way from San Francisco!!

Feeling Lincoln's Presence

Synthia arranged a wonderful outing for our DCEC (formerly DCDC). We visited Lincoln's Cottage, a relatively new destination in DC (since 2008). It is a hidden gem. We must spread the word. It is definitely a place to visit. It is located on the Armed Forces Retirement Home campus in Northwest Washington. The entrance is through the Eagle Gate, located at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Road NW and Upshur Street NW. For more information go to www.lincolncottage.org.

Ginny, Mary, Synthia, Christine in front of Lincoln's Cottage

Here is a succinct explanation from the guide book, President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home, Washington, DC:

For more than a quarter of his presidency, Abraham Lincoln lived on a picturesque hilltop in Northwest Washington, DC, while making some of his most critical decisions. While in residence  at the Cottage, Lincoln visited with wounded soldiers;spent time with self-emancipated men, women, and  children;and developed the Emancipation Proclamation. The human cost of the Civil War surrounded him, undoubtedly impacted his thinking, and strengthened his resolve to challenge the status quo. Through innovative guided tours, exhibits, and programs, we use Lincoln's example to inspire visitors to take their own path to greatness, and preserve this place as an authentic, tangible connection to the past and  a beacon of hope for all who take up Lincoln's unfinished work. 




            Mary, Synthia, Ginny, Lincoln,Christine