70+ and doin' stuff

Just dinner. At Eleni's Greek Taverna in Springfield. 6131 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150

Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner while aboard a British prison ship off Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13 -14, 1814. Fort McHenry is now a shrine to the National Anthem and the American flag, with a wonderful display, a magnificent water view, interesting US Park Ranger-led programs and a thrilling rendition of Scott Key's work.

It ain't close, but it is worth the drive up to Baltimore to take in the experience.

Admission is free to Seniors with any of the US Park Service's Senior, Military or Access passes. Normal people will have to pay $15.00.

We'll have laughs, conversation and lunch after our visit, at one of the great restaurants on Locust Point.

We'll start off at The Haven, 1401 Belle Haven Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307, for early dinner, conversation and laughs.
Then we will walk over to our starting point at Belle Haven Park and meet up with Deborah Hammer, an educator with Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia to learn about our local bats.
Deborah will have sonar detectors that plug into iPhones and Android phones, so we can listen to bats echolocate as they hunt for food. Walking will be minimal, on flat, graded and even pathways.
This is a limited attendance event. Please do not RSVP unless you are certain that you can make it.

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The United States Government operates 152 National cemeteries in the US and 26 cemeteries overseas. The best known of the 152 in the US is Arlington National Cemetery. The best known overseas cemetery is The American Cemetery in Normandy, France.

One of these “National” Cemeteries is located right here close by in Alexandria, VA. The Alexandria National Cemetery was the FIRST of the 152 cemeteries, established in 1862 (before Arlington National Cemetery). Civil War dead, including members of the US Colored Troops regiment, were the first to be buried here.

Lets visit the Alexandria National Cemetery on Friday, September 11, 2026, The National Day of Service and Remembrance. We'll be there at 9:30 am to pay our respects to the American veterans interred there AND clean gravestones.

Dress casually, but respectfully, with clothing that can get dirty. Gloves are suggested. I will have pails, soap and rags.

Afterwards, we will take a short 15 minute walk to visit the outdoor table of The Female Stranger. We will learn the fascinating story of a woman who died over 200 years ago in Alexandria’s Gatsby’s Tavern…and whose identity has been lost to history.

We'll meet rain or shine AT THE FLAGPOLE. No pets.

Afterwards, we will walk over to the Executive Diner for brunch and conversation.