Take a Trip Back in Time (IV)

This is part 4 of 4 posts about our recent trip to Williamsburg, Virginia - the restored colonial capitol of the Virginia colony.

The most spectacular part of being here is simply the colonial ambiance ...

The Governor's Palace Gardens

The Courthouse

Take a Trip Back in Time (III)

This is part 3 of 4 posts about our recent trip to Williamsburg, Virginia - the restored colonial capitol of the Virginia colony.

Of course no visit to Williamsburg would be complete without eating in at least one of the 4 colonial taverns ... we ate in all 4. (Not pictured here is Christiana Campbell's ... a favorite of George Washington.)

To be continued ...

Take a Trip Back in Time (II)

This is part 2 of 4 posts about our recent trip to Williamsburg, Virginia - the restored colonial capitol of the Virginia colony.

One of the things that I have always enjoyed here in Williamsburg, is seeing all of the tradesfolk going about their daily routines as it would have been in the 18th century. These are not just actors, but actually skilled craftsmen representing their trades. Here are just a few of the many skilled crafts represented today in Williamsburg.

The cobbler (shoemaker)

The gunsmith

The printer

The book bindry

The cabinet maker

The silversmith

To be continued ...

Take a Trip Back in Time (I)

This is part 1 of  4 posts about our recent trip to Williamsburg, Virginia - the restored colonial capitol of the Virginia colony.

It's a place I have been going to since I was a youngster. I enjoy it so much that I honeymooned here. My kids have been here when they were young - and we hadn't been back since then.

The former Motor House has now been replaced by the Woodlands Hotel and that is where we stayed - checking in just 2 weeks short of 39 years to the day of checking in for our honeymoon. The hotel is extremely convenient, being just a very short walk to the Visitor's Center from where you catch the shuttle bus to the restored area.

For those unfamiliar with Williamsburg, Virginia, it was the capitol of the Virginia colony in the 18th century. It was here that the Virginia delegation was authorized to propose ...

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.

 ... at the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia. It passed and lead to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

In the 1930's a non-profit foundation was created to restore a one mile section of Williamsburg to it's 18th century appearance. It contains 88 original restored buildings, as well as others which have been correctly rebuilt and restored on their original foundations.

As you head into the historic city you are truly transported back in time. You can meet a colonial citizen on the street who might want to engage you in conversation about the very disturbing events occurring at this time in history. You never know if they are for colonial independence or on are the side of the British.

To be continued ...

Happy First Day of Summer

It happened just after 1:00 AM this morning ... summer arrived! In honor of that event, I present a few classic summer songs! Enjoy!

Movin' On Up

A few weeks ago I read a friend's blog in which she was experiencing the rituals of graduation in her new part of the world for the first time. I was thinking about her yesterday as I attended a "graduation" of another type myself.

My grandtwins were moving up from their class of 3 year olds! Naturally it was important to have a proper ceremony to mark this auspicious occasion.

As is proper, the ceremony started with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Of course, a few songs by the graduating class to entertain their families followed ...

Sean introduces the next song - in a voice that didn't require the microphone

... and some dancing ...

Lukas getting his groove on

Then comes the presentation of diplomas ...

Lukas appears to think he is heading into a boxing ring

Take your bows now ...

Lukas is proud of his accomplishments, but is ready now to end this and head out into the world.

The proud graduates march out to a traditional recessional ...

... and catch up with their family.