After a cracker break we walked down to the little bridge where we always get pictures. It was fun to wear our matching shirts today. We took our heavy sweaters back to the room and took pictures of the flowers in the back courtyard, as well as the magazine right outside our window.

ORDER IN THE COURT is a reenactment of court cases actually heard in the 18th century. These are small claims petitions. The acting sheriff was perfect in the role – he had a loud booming voice and was very convincing!

We walked past the Compton Oak, a 90 year old tree planted during the time of the initial restoration in the early 1930’s. Then we took a tour through the Peyton Randolph house. The tour guide actually grew up in Williamsburg in one of the restored houses. His father was an employee.

SLAVE QUARTERS:

INSIDE THE HOUSE:

We finished the tour in time to get to the Charlton stage to hear Lafayette speak. He was clever and funny and very informative. These Nation Builders are fast becoming my favorite part. I love listening to them share history and so much information!

Walking around we snapped more photos, always keeping our eyes and ears open for the next thing!

We found a little place to grab a sandwich in Merchant’s Square, then walked back to the room and took our shoes off for a while. Our Haunted Williamsburg tickets were for 8:30, and designated meeting spot was right outside our door. It was nice to take a quick break, read a bit, and relax.

It was dark by the time we met in Market Square, and the cressets were lit. The sky was clear and the stars/moon were very bright. The steeple of the Bruton Parish Church reflected the lights.

So – that was the end of day two – Monday April 24th. I will post about Tuesday’s adventures tomorrow! Blessings….

Although my mind and memories are still in Colonial Williamsburg, I am going to take time to post about the rest of my weekend after we got back. I did have to work on Friday morning, and it was a tricky transition. Also having issues with my new fridge so had to call Whirlpool to schedule service. THAT was an ordeal. But then I went over to Nate’s in the evening for cake and ice cream for Chrissy’s birthday. Seventeen! Oh, it’s hard to believe! Jen ordered a plainly-frosted cake and a kit to decorate it. Everyone got a little triangle to be creative. I was a little hesitant to try my hand(s) at that, so Autmn decorated mine in Red/White/Blue. Great job!

Chris climbed up on the kitchen island and decorated her part, placed the candles, and we sang happy birthday. Piggy was uninterested in the whole process, despite the balloons. Ranger (dog) wanted to be in the middle of everything.

Saturday was the Ladies Spring Luncheon at Camp Christian, so I drove up there for the day. Kathy and our friend Lynn were in charge, and the programs were wonderful. Jesse Landis was the morning speaker, and her mother Chris is another friend from when we were all raising kids. Jesse had a great testimony and provided insight and information to being uniquely ourselves.

After a delicious lunch of chicken and biscuits, quiche, sausage links, fruit salad, potatoes, and strawberry cake we were entertained by a local ladies trio, Simply Grace. In addition to praise and worship songs they performed a few of the Andrews Sisters numbers. What fun! Blessed to be with like-minded people, praising and learning and laughing (and eating!).

I left there and came back home, only to turn right around and go to Mary’s 60th birthday party at Persichetti’s in Jeannette. Pizza and salad and cupcakes. There were 16 of her closest friends and family (all ladies). Lots of stories and laughter and emotions in that little room. Happy birthday to my sweet, special friend! I wish you a life of blessings, happiness, and peace.

Sunday morning Mary and I taught our Sunday School class, about listening for God’s voice — not in the wind, or hurricane, or earthquake, or fire, but in a quiet, still small voice. He whispers what he most wants us to hear. JJ & Max were both sick, but we borrowed Shanelle from the 2nd grade class, had Ben from our class, and also Silas as a visitor (he’s 3). Silas is the proud big brother of 2 day old Luke Daniel. Congrats to Silas and the parents/grandparents on this sweet new blessing.

After Sunday School the special teams went out into the community to perform service projects, like repairing deck boards, pulling weeds, buying supplies for local shelters, and singing for nursing home residents. There were two teams at the church, baking cookies for Meals on Wheels and writing encouragement notes to missionaries and shut-ins. We finished by meeting back at the church for pizza and salads. Looks like the day was a success!

Today would have been Stoney’s birthday – 87! Seems impossible. And today is also my friend Teresa Shanta’s birthday. Happy birthday, friend!!! We need to catch up soon!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW May 1st is:

Global Love Day; National Loyalty Day; May Day; Silver Star Service Banner Day; School Principals Day; Law Day; National Mother Goose Day; Melanoma Monday; National Chocolate Parfait Day; International Workers’ Day.

Love is good, and I’m very loyal. And of course it’s May Day! Celebrate and be happy. God bless…

4-24: We had plenty of time to get up at a slow pace and prepare for our day. Our first task was to walk over to the visitor’s center and get our length-of-stay admission pass. We walked the path that went past the Colonial Parkway (road to Yorktown and Jamestown). The pathway goes past the Governor’s Palace.

Once we had those, and the clerk had printed out our evening program tickets for Monday and Wednesday, we watched ‘The Story of a Patriot.’ This movie has been shown at the visitors center to guests for decades. I know personally I’ve seen it there well over a dozen times. We popped into REVOLUTIONS (gift shop) to see if there was anything exciting.

We then took the shuttle back to the historic area since the Cafe at the visitor’s center wasn’t open for breakfast. The bus dropped us off a few steps from the Raleigh Bake Shop where we grabbed a light breakfast. Light? The muffin was the size of my Buick! It was very good, and the hot tea really hit the spot. And it was plenty to get us through most of the day.

We had plenty of time after breakfast to walk around the mostly-empty streets; we took pictures and soaked in the ambiance. It was a sunny, quiet morning, and everyone was very friendly and talkative. We had an hour of free time until we wanted to be at the Charlton Stage to hear the first Nation Builder (key person in the building of our nation) at 10:30.

They don’t post the speakers too far ahead of time, so we were very delighted and excited that it was the young Martha Washington. It was such a thrill. Kathy has always loved the First Ladies (especially the FIRST First Lady) so it was great to see her. But for me it was extra exciting because I have watched dozens of YouTube videos, Colonial Williamsburg TV interviews, and Facebook blogs that she has had recorded. I actually recognized her before she was introduced. It was like meeting a double celebrity – the person of Martha Washington via film and via history! We scurried into the stage area and got as close as we could to the front!

After her amazing and authentic conversation, we went through a few trade sites and also toured the Raleigh Tavern. The guide was very good and graciously consented to a photo at the end.

We just walked around visiting anything that was open, taking photos of the buildings that we passed.

There were several different types of carriages offering rides. Mostly they sold out early in the day, or even the day before. They were fun to see driving up and down the streets. The horses were – of course – well behaved and beautiful.

I think we’ll stop there for the day, and pick up with ‘Order in the Court’ tomorrow! In the meantime, today would have been my step-daughter Theresa’s birthday; she passed away last August.

I’ll post pictures of Chrissy’s birthday cake, the luncheon at Camp Christian, and Mary’s party on tomorrow’s post! I just came in from mowing (it was HIGH!!!) and I’m bushed.

Prayer of blessings:

Quote:

TOMORROW April 30th is:

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; National Bugs Bunny Day; National Oatmeal Cookie Day; National Raison Day; National Military Brats Day; National Sarcoidosis Day; National Prepareathon Day; National Pet Parents Day; National Bubble Tea Day; National Hairstylist Appreciation Day; National Honesty Day.

Tomorrow is a special program at church. I’m really a little too worn out to celebrate anything else! Maybe Bugs Bunny. God bless…

The long awaited day! I was feeling a bit cautious about heading out, knowing there was a long drive ahead. The anticipation and excitement were paramount! But before we left we had church. As promised, here are the finished tombs that Max and Gracie made the week after Easter. They turned out pretty good!

I was organized and ready, putting the finishing touches on things to close up the house, when I got the txt that Kath was on her way over. We had plenty of room to fit everything in, and I suspect we had more than we needed (this proved to be true!). We left my house on a wing and a prayer (literal prayer!) at 1:26pm, Sunday April 23rd. Full tank of gas with 23,195 miles on the car. Colonial Williamsburg Virginia — here we come!

We stopped part way down for a rest and had our picture taken with a giant chicken. He was very welcoming!

We had one small delay getting off the turnpike, and there were a few slow spots with traffic, but we pulled up to the Welcome sign at about 8pm, just as it had turned full dark. We were weary just from the excitement and the 7 hours in the car, but more than ready for our adventure.

We checked into our accommodations through the Williamsburg Inn just about 8:30pm, and got our keys.

Our room was in the Market Square Tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street. We could look out the window and see the magazine, The Market, Bruton Parish Church, and the courthouse across the street. It was like another world! It’s hard to come back to real life after living a dream for four days! The Tavern was so quaint and welcoming. The room was on the small side, but it was good for us (on the first floor), and we were almost never there. On the other hand, we were steps away from it all the time, and could change shoes or grab/shed sweaters easily – or grab a drink or some crackers.

The common room was large and comfy, and offered plenty of room to stretch out, relax, or play board games, which we did on another evening.

There is nothing more magical than Duke of Gloucester Street cleared of the crowds and tourists, lit by soft street lamps and candles in the windows – and the occasional crescent. We had our agenda mapped out for Monday, so we settled into our comfy beds to read ourselves to sleep.

I’ll catch up and share the trip in little snippets over the next week. By the time I dropped Kathy off at home Thursday night, unpacked the car and put everything away properly, it was after 10:30pm and I was just ready for bed — especially since I had to work today! And today is Chrissy’s birthday (Happy to You! as she used to call it!) so I’m heading down there in a bit. Happy 17th birthday to my sweet, younger granddaughter. Love you!

Question:

Quote:

Extra photo from vacation Day 1: Stock Photo of our accommodations –

TOMORROW April 29th is: Well, there’s a lot to choose from!

National Sense of Smell Day; National Zipper Day; National Rebuilding Day (Could apply to Colonial Williamsburg!); National Shrimp Scampi Day; World Wish day; National Kiss of Hope Day; Independent Bookstore Day; World Veterinary Day; National Peace Rose Day; National First Ladies Day (Kath! Here you go!); National Pool Opening Day.

I’ll do the rebuild and the bookstore! And a big wish for all things good! God bless…

This is the last post until we get back. It’s too disruptive to try to keep up with posting while I’m away. So enjoy your week, celebrate something special every day, and make sure Snoopy is part of your fun!

SCRIPTURE:

Quote:

PEANUTS POST:

TOMORROW April 24th is:

National Bucket List Day; National Pigs in a Blanket Day

Williamsburg is ALWAYS on my bucket list. Jen’s pig loves to curl up under a blanket. Have a great day and a great week – God bless….

Did normal Saturday morning chores – changed and washed bed sheets, shower, breakfast. Just as I was getting up and moving around a wind and rain storm blew through. The rain was actually going right to left – sideways! Several twiggish branches blew down and a huge chunk of one of my lilacs snapped off. I cut it up, bundled it, and set it out for the trash. It was well over 12 feet high.

It was still pretty windy and cold and the ground was really wet, but my neighbor was cutting his grass. Dottie was planting flowers and Mr. G across the street was in his he-shed. I was glad to be inside at that point.

I spent the morning and early afternoon going through my clothes and choosing outfits and items to take. After I finished that I sort of bundled up and cut the grass again. I feel better about leaving it now. By the time I went outside it was sunny but still cool.

Dottie was working on her plants and rocks. She has a nice little space on the corner by my driveway. My little welcome sign looks nice with the blue flowers blooming.

All that’s left tonight is running the sweeper and getting supper. The rest will be last minute. Countdown continues!

Fun things to do in Virginia: (Colonial Williamsburg stock photos)

Scripture:

Quote:

PEANUTS POST:

Musical from 1978 – HELLO DOLLY with Carol Channing

TOMORROW April 23rd is:

National Take a Chance Day; National Lost Dog Awareness Day; National Picnic Day; National Cherry Cheesecake Day; National Talk like Shakespeare Day.

Tomorrow is… Vacation day! SO looking forward to the long-awaited visit in Colonial Williamsburg. Balm for my human soul! God Bless…

I worked both stores this morning; stopped to do a deal for Mike P and then finished up one for Mike G. They switched me out cars, so I have the white Buick Encore back. I filled it up with gas and gave it a quick bath. I don’t think I have to go anywhere before we leave except for church on Sunday morning. I put some of the necessary things back in and will finish up tomorrow.

After lunch I did a thorough job at weed-whacking. I considered mowing the grass again but most of it didn’t need cut – since I just mowed yesterday. It will be really high when I get back!

I did a flower walk around the yard. The azaleas are in bloom except for the purple ones. There are a lot of new blooms out there that I am enjoying!

I spent about an hour getting the car organized and also setting things aside that I know I’ll need to pack. Since it’s to rain tomorrow I plan to actually pack my clothes, etc, tomorrow. It’s getting close! The rain would have washed the chalk off the driveway anyway, but washing the car wiped it clean…

Fun things to do in Virginia:

Scripture:

Quote:

PEANUTS POST:

Musical from 1977: ANNIE – New Musical on Broadway

TOMORROW April 22nd is:

National Girl Scout Leader’s Day; Celebrate Trails Day; National Jelly Bean Day; National Record Store Day; National Earth Day.

I like Earth. I’ll live here for a while yet! And records: I have Beach Boy records! Celebrate — God Bless…

I met April at the Smail Dealership and we headed to Smicksburg at about 9:30am. Most of the stores opened at 11am but we did find one that opened at 10 and started with that one – Time Works. It may have been her favorite – at least it’s the only one she bought something at.

We went to my favorite next – The Shop at Smicksburg. I purchased a few little wooden carved acorns and a tiny apple, and a bar of goats milk soap. It had a wonderful fragrance! I found a small coaster, and we all know I can’t resist those!

I had grabbed a small cookie on the way out the door this morning, and April had not eaten at all, so from there we went to the County Junction and had lunch. Well, April had Buckwheat pancakes and bacon. I had a cup of cheddar brocchli soup and a small fish sandwich. Everything was very yummy!

We stopped next at Smicksburg Furniture and really enjoyed looking at the beautiful furniture and linens. From there we went into ‘town’ and went to the three stores that were open there. We both sampled the fudge – sort of a bit of sweet. Of course we stopped at Donna’s store, and I got cheese and chocolate covered peanuts, which we DID have for dessert before heading out.

OH! And I forgot to mention that as we were leaving the Country Junction someone called my name, and it was Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford! They were having lunch with a huge table of friends. I chatted for a few minutes. Once we were done at Donna’s, we headed down Sinktown Road and I gave April a little tour – Grama’s house, family homes, the cabin, the creek and the slate bank. She laughed at my stories about playing under the bridge and climbing the bank.

Allen was taking a break from weed-whacking when we drove by so he walked over to the car and said hi. We headed out Crooks road and were on our way home. It was a fun day and we enjoyed the stores, food, and conversation. I’m blessed to call her my friend!

I had just pulled the car in the garage and walked up to get the mail when Autmn, Josie, Summer and Noah pulled in. They were headed to the playground to do chalk drawings but there was a basketball game taking up the court. So they came here. This is their creativity!

Once they left, I cut the grass. It really was too high. I’m sure by the time I get back from vacation it will also be too high, but I can’t think about that today – I’ll go crazy if I do. (Scarlett O’Hara-Gone with the Wind.)

Fun things to do in Virginia:

Scripture:

Quote:

PEANUTS POST:

Musical from 1976: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – in London

TOMORROW April 21st is:

National Rendering Day; National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day (will peanuts do???); National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day; National Yellow Bat Day; National Kindergarten Day.

I’m doing the kindergarten day! I’m been teaching kindergarten for 49 years so it’s worth celebrating – along with my Chocolate Covered Peanuts from Smicksburg! God bless…

I started this morning with a txt from Diane with the song of the day, but also with a few photos. She’s at a cabin on a lake a little north of here. One photo from yesterday’s sunset and one right after sunrise today. She should have a good week for enjoying nature!

As is typical for a Wednesday, I did cleaning and washed towels. I punctuated my chores with several reading breaks. I started a new book by a new author. It’s a cute story but nothing intense! I had half a piece of leftover pizza for lunch and just had a chocolate covered pretzel to get me through until supper.

The neighbor horse was on the hill again this morning…

While the towels were washing, I threw my Snoopy blanket in the dryer, after treating it with Fabreeze and adding a wet towel and a dryer sheet. It needed freshened up because it smelled like Chase! 🙂

Tomorrow I have a day trip to Smicksburg planned with my friend April. It looks like a nice day for that. Hopefully pictures tomorrow…

Fun things to do in Virginia:

Scripture:

Quote:

PEANUTS POST:

Musical from 1975: ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Off Broadway)

TOMORROW April 20th is:

National Cheddar Fries Day; Volunteer Recognition Day; National Lima Bean Respect Day; Get to Know Your Customers Day; National Look Alike Day; National High Five Day; 420 Day (It’s the date: 4/20!!!); National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day.

I love cheese fries, and I volunteer several different places. Thank someone who offers their time! I really don’t have respect for Lima Beans – and what can I say about customers? Have a piece of Pineapple Upside Down Cake and celebrate! God bless…

It’s 6:15pm, and I haven’t been warm all day! I’m sitting at my desk typing, with the little heater on under the keyboard tray. It’s 51* and sunny, but the wind is blowing and the air is chilly. Brrr – I’m glad to be inside this evening!

I went to work this morning at the Greensburg store, and had a few titles to do. Joe gave me a quick lesson in some procedures to do while he is away if necessary. I did title work for Mike G, then went down to help Mike P with a problem deal. I was home a little after 11am. The boys were just waking up, so Kelly made them quilla-dilla’s (quesadillas). Her and I had left over burgers and fried potatoes.

Kelly was working on lesson plans, so I did some banking and emails. A bird flew into my front window, so I cleaned up the smeared glass. The horse was grazing on the hill, which was a lovely picture! Kelly got a call from Matt that he was going to a pickle ball event at the church and Logan wanted to go, so they packed things up and were ready to leave about 4pm. I straightened up the beds and gathered up dirty towels and sheets and threw them in the laundry. Not sure I’ll do anything else major this evening.

I forgot to post the shirts that Kelly made for Aunt Kathy and I. We love them and can’t wait to wear them next week! Thanks to my sweet, talented daughter….

Fun things to do in Virginia:

Scripture:

Quote:

PEANUTS POST:

Musical from 1974: SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND ON THE ROAD (off-Broadway)

TOMORROW April 19th is:

National Banana Day; National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day; National North Dakota Day; National Hanging Out Day; National Amarillo Day.

I can hang out. That’ll do it for me. Tomorrow – as usual – is cleaning day! Enjoy! God bless…