Finally, I’m here, with our trip to find the sprouts and buds of spring. And we did, and I’ve brought them right on back to you! Settle in, get yourself a cup of something delicious and let me tell you a story! With nice road MUSICA!
I promised you a little armchair travel, so here we go! Williamsburg was wonderful! Virginia was great! But there was so MUCH of it, I may have to divide this post in two! (Which I should have but I didn’t!) What a hands-on way to get an education! Say hello to George Washington! Get ready to know him better! 
So, end of March, we drove out of a cold, grey New England rainstorm into a world totally unrecognizable to our first president (honk-honk-beep-beep, honey, you have change for the toll?), and spent our first night on the road in a historic, brick-and-clapboard, Pennsylvania borough called Doylestown ~ which was filled with charming shops, budding trees, and interesting restaurants (we have to go back!) and had a delicious dinner with old friends at a luv-lee restaurant called Domani Star. 
The next morning, on our way out of town, we investigated the local supermarket, something we love to do when on the road. We like to see what everyone else has! This is Wegmans!! We knew we’d love it the minute we walked in~I stood at the peppers and took this first view.
You can BE a tourist in this supermarket; we were there for almost an hour taking pictures. Disneyworld for cooks and eaters! If I lived there, anyone who came to visit, I would take them to Wegmans. Part of the tour!
First time we’d seen something like this in a year! Lightness of heart occurred!
Bought these . . . Could not resist British Daffodils all the way from Cornwall. 
Then it was back into the van and off, under blue skies, to Mount Vernon, beloved home of George and Martha Washington, a home so appropriate for our first President. Gravitas.
As you can see we were not the only people who had the idea to visit Mount Vernon this day! We had bought our tickets online before we left home, and signed up for a timed tour, so no standing in line for us!
There it was, as it looked since third-generation, American-born, George Washington finished renovating it in 1754, it’s where he brought his bride in 1759 (after their honeymoon in Williamsburg!)
We’ve had this framed print I found in an antique store hanging in our kitchen forever. They were the perfect people, in the perfect place, at the perfect time. Reading Ron Chernow’s biography Washington, you see that from the moment he was born, everything that happened to him was another clean and clear step to him becoming who he became. I’ve never seen a life more on-track for destiny. And Martha! Equally fascinating. Oldest of eight children! Good with horses! She wore a yellow dress with lilac slippers at her wedding to George. 💞 (Married before George, had four children and lost two of them, and then lost her husband.) So interesting to see them as real people, not just figureheads. Because you know, they had to get up in the morning and stretch out, and get clean in their colonial way, and stumble downstairs to get some coffee and pay bills and all the things normal people do. Look how much they got done with no TV, radio, phone, cars, planes, trains, or even a typewriter. Pretty amazing. Says something but I don’t know what!
Here you can get the lay of the land at Mount Vernon because there’s a lot of it, tons of gardens and other buildings you can visit ~ everything that kept a house going had to be produced on the property in those days, they made everything. There’s a museum, a gift shop, and the tomb of Martha and George is there too.
They did not allow photography inside, I’m sorry to say, but the tour was wonderful, so if you can’t get there soon, there are lots websites where you can see 
the rooms online. We stood in the front hall where guests were welcomed (they had dinner parties all the time), saw the parlor and dining room, Washington’s beautiful study, and the bedchambers, upstairs and downstairs. The rooms had high ceilings, lots of original furnishings, and walls brightly painted in authentic period colors of turquoise, bright blue, and Kelly green. Above photo is the back of the house ~ with the famous cupola crowned by the “Dove of Peace” weathervane commissioned by the President in 1787, symbolizing his hopes for peace in the new nation.
Sitting here on the piazza (back porch) designed by Washington, with his view of the Potomac, seeing what he saw, is where I felt him most. The fly in the ointment in all that we observed is slavery. All rosy views take on dark hues because it just 
doesn’t go away, it was a part of everything, part of history, you can’t rest your eyes anywhere where you don’t feel the ghostly presence, not on a cup, a dish, or a doorknob. You have to be able to hold two opposing things in your mind at once, one very light that makes you feel so much pride and the other brutally dark that makes you feel so bad. The first slaves were brought to Jamestown, Virginia in 1619, the year before the Mayflower landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts ~ and because 2019 is the 400th anniversary of that event, there were exhibitions focused on that history everywhere. I’m glad we don’t try to hide it. But it’s painful, and touching, so be prepared.
As it was getting late, we decided to spend the night in nearby *historic* (you can just put that word in front of every place we go in Virginia!) Fredericksberg, where spring was bursting out all over, sprouting and budding everywhere we looked.
Charming, easily could have spent more time wandering around here, but we let all things historical take second place to the excellent antiquing in this little town!
They sure do! They had every bit of Americana you could ever hope for! I brought home a quilt! You’ll agree I’m sure, it’s irresistable! ⬇️ And every tiny handsewn stitch is visible!
It was off to *Historic* Colonial Williamsburg the next morning, with a stop on the way for a tour of the *historic* Shirley Plantation, dating from 1614 (six years before the Mayflower landed in Plymouth!) The house itself was built on the banks of the James River in 1738 and is still owned by the Hill-Carter family as it has been for eleven generations!
Down the long unpaved “twelve-oaks” driveway, where buggy wheels and horse hooves, a little black 1908 Model A, and a 1947 Chevy sedan presumably traveled, we went ~ to the house, on whose wide lawns wounded Union soldiers were brought from battle to die, and were nursed in their last hours by the Confederate wives and mothers (and very likely, the slaves) of the Shirley Plantation, who woke up one sad morning to look out their windows to a sea of broken men.
Our first peek at the house . . .
As we drive along, we forget (because we’re on the inside) that we are driving a billboard! Sometimes people wave or honk and we wonder why! On this trip someone pulled up next to us at a stoplight, rolled down her window, waited for Joe (with his confused face) to roll down his, and then hollered, “Is she writing children’s books now?” Ha ha! Just makes it all more fun.
The whole point of this trip was spring!!! All the first clues were there.
We’re used to seeing trees like this in England . . . not so often here at home. But there were some old and stately beauties on this property. If this doesn’t inspire tree-hugging nothing will!
Again, we weren’t allowed to take pictures inside the house. Unfortunately, 
because it was charming with portraits and old sepia photographs, antique furniture and history belonging to the generations that lived there and now I have to write a thousand words to tell you! No, I don’t, you’re saved ~ I found a wonderful interior video. The Carter family still lives on second and third floors so those spaces were 
private, but we were invited in to see the ground floor with its famous “flying” staircase. Displays like the one above were in some of the outbuildings ~ above was the kitchen. Again, we learned about the suffering of the human beings that built this place, while hearing stories of first settlers, the family-loyalty to the American side of the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. We met adorable three-year-old twins belonging to that newest eleventh generation, out playing with the chickens in the chicken coup. The beat goes on! Just like the person who planted that willow oak 350 years ago, for us, for the future, the Carters have just planted a brand new orchard of Pecan trees, for us, for their children, for the future. It’s what was left behind in everything we saw that was so touching, but also how it was preserved, honored, and brought through the centuries so we could know our history, and grow with the knowledge. Makes me want to plant an oak tree!
Then off to Williamsburg for more! Joe and I were there almost exactly a year ago. We were driving to Florida to board the Queen Victoria for our trip to England, and had only planned to spend one day and overnight in Williamsburg ~ which turned out to be nowhere near enough! We vowed to come back. So here we were. For five glorious days!
We stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge which is within walking distance of everything.
We unpacked, got our Cornwall Daffodils into some water, and out we went to explore. Now I’ll give you a little taste of what it was all about:
First off, we made reservations for the hotel online, and at the same time we bought tickets for our entire stay that would let us see everything in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown (all day, every day we were there. Very handy, just whip it out and you automatically get into everything). Something else interesting, wherever you eat, whatever you buy in Williamsburg, you can charge to your room, no matter which Williamsburg hotel you choose to stay in!
As you walk around, you’ll notice flags in front of some of the buildings . . .
Wherever you see one, it means come in, hear a story, take a tour, welcome! Like a big box of chocolates, you never know what you’ll get, but guaranteed, it’s all good!
It was a wonderful flag, combining old world and new!
Most flags are accompanied by a docent in costume.
Despite the delightful fact that no cars are allowed, it’s a real town, with stores and taverns where our patriot ancestors used to plot and plan ~ it’s the largest living history museum in the world where you can experience life in 18th century colonial America while wandering around 300 lovely acres. At one end of the main street (Duke of Gloustershire, shortened by locals to “DoG” Street) is William and Mary 
College, where Thomas Jefferson went to school . . . the students still hang out on the wide streets. One thing I regret because I didn’t know, you can bring a picnic basket because there are many wide lawns and huge leafy trees to sit under that would be perfect for a picnic, and a luv-lee cheese shop in the Market Place with perfect picnic fixin’s ~ and plenty of people-watching to make it interesting! And you can do that without a ticket. You can walk all over Williamsburg without a ticket. It’s only if you want to go into the flag-marked historic sites, enjoy the guided tours, galleries, museums, see the silversmith, watch the blacksmith, which you do want to do if you have time, that you need a ticket.
Walking through Williamsburg is a feast for the eyes . . . at one time it was the capitol of Virginia. You can easily imagine the tall figure of George Washington trotting down DoG Street on his great white horse with Martha and her two children coming alongside in their coach and six horses. It was a four-day bumpy ride from Mount Vernon for them (a smooth 2 1/2 hour drive for us!).
You can try the ride for yourself . . .
there are lots of colonial conveyances to choose from . . .
Adding all kinds of quiet back-in-time charm to the bucolic neighborhoods. When rebuilding, they put all the utilities underground, no wires, no poles, just tall trees, chimney tops, clouds, skies, and church spires. 💞
And you’re welcome to wander around anywhere on the property,
Open gates everywhere you go say ‘come in’ . . .
Follow the path to serendipity because you don’t know what is around the next picket fence . . .
Except for more picket fences . . . go through that gate on the right, across the bridge, through the garden, out the back gate, and down the path to who knows what ~ to the Gaol (“jail”) where Blackbeard’s Pirates were kept in 1704!
because the whole magical thing is a museum saved for us all to enjoy mostly with the interest and financial backing of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Jr. who began reconstructing a very run-down, almost-ruined Williamsburg in 1930. It’s a huge wonderful story I hope you get the chance to go to Williamsburg to hear one day.
People do live in some of the houses, you see costumed docents going in and out, we met one on her way home who stopped to visit, explaining that if you live there you can’t have anything older than 18th century visible (ladders must be exception, those don’t look like wood to me!) . . .
but there are rules, and one of them is you can’t have an electric lamp in the window ~ some residents use black-out curtains to hide the 21st century from view. Walking around at night, it’s DARK, and rather interesting to see because it wasn’t that long ago when all our cities and towns were dark at night. Very good for star-gazing!
And don’t forget, we’re colonial! No indoor plumbing here, at the Plantation, or at Mount Vernon. Quaint outhouses were a feature everywhere we went.
Each day at noon, they shot the cannon to tell the town it’s lunchtime! Tradition!
Every evening at 5 pm, there are marching fife and drums dressed in colonial costume. Crowds march alongside, keeping time to the drumming. Very Yankee Doodle Dandy. 🇺🇸
This adorable little bluebird was my favorite.
He just sat there, for a long time, looking at me like this, and not flying away.
He hopped around and did a complete 360º that included his backside! Made my day!
The Governor’s Mansion tour was wonderful . . . with detailed displays and a costumed, well-informed docent. You can ask all the questions you want and these people seem to know the answers and love talking about it. The Governor for each colony was appointed by the King of England, which put Virginia Governor Lord Dunmore in a real pickle when the Revolutionary War came to town. In passing, we learned that Lord Dunmore was a Murray who married a Stewart. As was my grandmother, a Murray who married a Stewart. I’m sure, no relation, but I don’t care. Love it anyway. History! Just the most exciting thing! And here, it all comes alive!
There’s an English garden behind the Mansion ~ if you look closely you can see a boy wearing red, and a girl wearing white (barely visible) in the maze. We watched them enter the far back side, go in opposite directions and run like mad to see who could find their way out first. Last we looked they were still running ~ sometimes only inches from each other without knowing!
There were terrific restaurants . . . not just touristy junk food, but the real thing, carefully and freshly prepared.
We loved Cochon! Just delicious, so pretty with candles and peach roses, and the Most AMAZING Potatoes Anna. We also enjoyed The Trellis for lunch where I had 
a salad I loved so much, we went back again, ate the same thing, wrote it all down, and made it for my girlfriends when we got home! Blue Talon was good too, but I’m not so sure about Fat Canary, which has a really good reputation ~ but not so much the night we were there. We loved the Rockefeller Room at the Williamsburg Inn. The nearby outlet stores are a total crapjob aptly said with a British accent, don’t waste your precious time, but in town, the store called Scotland, don’t miss it. All the coziest Scottish clothing, scarves, sweaters, shawls, kilts, woolens, tams, gloves, and shoes, the real things, wool, cashmere, and PLAID! I bought a Murray tartan scarf in honor of my grandmother!
Then it was time for a lovely 23-mile country drive to Jamestown and Yorktown . . . don’t miss these two. They’re nowhere near as big as Williamsburg, almost look like nothing comparatively, but do not be deceived … they’re SO interesting. Jamestown is the 1607 site of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. We were surprised to learn that we’ve been an immigrant nation from the very start. Many first families trace their roots back, not primarily to England, but to Germany, Poland, and Slovakia . . . The English brought them to work the settlement, in fact, America had its first workers’ strike in 1619, “No vote, no work,” which was settled very quickly when these first citizens got the right to vote. All this before the Mayflower! Yorktown is where the last land-battle of the Revolutionary War was fought. Needless to say, fascinating!
Along the scenic “colonial parkway” there is no commercial development, only the shoreline (generally) the way it was long ago, but with plaques and memorials, and displays showing the history and how the Continental Army won the war, RIGHT THERE, where General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington in 1781 and ended the Revolutionary War!!!! Yay! . . . and so tricky of our guys, the way they did it! Stop and read everything! So interesting! Although, how you win a war in Virginia while the entire British Navy still owns New York is beyond me. Communication in those days s l o w e d everything d o w n . . . How did Boston even know what was going on in Virginia? Not to mention the King of England and his ilk. Three weeks it took the Continental army to march from New York to Williamsburg when they decided to “surprise” the Redcoats in Yorktown! Good grief! Whole thing hung by a thread! Anyway, it all worked out. If it hadn’t, think, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, would have all been, gulp, hung. Destiny! What a trip!
On top of all that fragility, it may not have happened at all without the French! The names of the French soldiers who made our success in Yorktown possible 
were memorialized, never to be forgotten. I love France. I love that they are always there when we need them, and that we are there for them. I love them most of all for giving us the Statue of Liberty. And today, right now in fact, because the news is just breaking, we come together again at this heartbreaking moment of profound loss. It’s happening as I write ~ I’m sure there will be national mourning, but this is a loss of great treasure to the entire world. A work of art and heart, a testament to the ingenuity of mankind that was Notre-Dame de Paris, since 1163, had every one of us in its DNA. It signified Hope, as so many historical things do and will be a deeply felt loss. My prayers go to the firefighters, saving what can be saved and then to the rebuilding. Because that is what will happen next. I know America will give as good as she’s got from the French people. 😪 MUSICA
We were touched to see that someone had thought to bring a rose, here, along the side of the road, at the Jamestown memorial.
Note: 1765. Fomenting went on for a long time, one Boston Tea Party did not a Revolution make. First there was a LOT of talk. Wonderful museums in both towns show it all, plus, there are colonial buildings, short movies, interactive displays, all so well-done and impressive.
There’s a special exhibition in Jamestown that will be there until January 2020 that shows what archeologists found when trying to recreate almost the unfindable, the forgotten, barely-recorded lives of the earliest female Virginia colonists. To sum it up, 
you would NOT want to be one of the earliest female Virginia colonists. OMG. These girls were in a man’s world to the nth degree. Virginia was not settled by poor families, husbands, wives, and children, escaping religious persecution like those on the Mayflower . . . no, this earliest of American settlements was made up of men only. Wealthy English gentlemen, backed by rich investors, had come to the New World to find their fortune. (Money-money-money, always a problem.🤑) Sadly they quickly discovered something new about themselves: they didn’t know how to do anything. Couldn’t forage or cook, make a garden, build a house, do laundry in a river, sew on a button, make candles, didn’t even think to bring along a tiny jar to put a 
wildflower in for hope, (probably forgot their pillows too), poor babies, they were used to having servants do such things. It was dark! They were hungry! Took them one miserable year before they sent home for some indentured servants to boss around. Some destitute women in English prisons were given a choice to rot where they were, or go to Virginia to work and possibly accidentally marry one of these men. What would YOU do? In the first few decades of the Jamestown Settlement, men outnumbered women 6 to 1. Thank you. No. Prison for me! The boat trip alone would have killed me! But they did it, they survived outrageous things, and their fragmented, poignant stories are here in Jamestown for us to marvel over.
“Our Principal wealth . . . consisted in servants.” John Port, 1619
Here we are at the “Siege of Yorktown” experiential theater, and there it was, a half-circle screen in full-glorious color, of the last battle. And for the first time in my life, I actually understood what was going on! I could not begin to show you everything Colonial Williamsburg has to share ~ it’s huge, so much to do, our five days didn’t even cover it. I think two more may have, or perhaps three, which is nice because going back sounds wonderful. Plus, the neighborhood, Richmond, all the Civil War things, Virginia is a treasure trove. Fabulous antique stores! 
I was going to leave you here, but there is one more wonderful thing I want to show you! Would be wrong if I didn’t.
Bassett Hall . . . the home of John and Abby Rockefeller, right there in Williamsburg, about two blocks from our hotel.
In 1927 the Rockefellers (both of them born in 1874) bought this colonial house in the falling-apart, left-to-die-on-its-own, but still loved by tourists, town of Williamsburg. The wonderful story of how they got involved, secretly started buying up Williamsburg houses, and saved the town for posterity, I will leave for you to hear when you get there. But their house, furnished and left just as it was when Abby Rockefeller died in 1948 was open for us to visit and so we did.💞 This time we were allowed to bring cameras!
You’ve seen this view of Joe before!
It looks like two houses, but it’s really one. The front house is original pre-Revolutionary War, but behind it is an extension that connects the two buildings, added by the Rockefellers along with the back house. They called this place their “Little Colonial Home.” Extremely wealthy people, his father started Standard Oil ~ but the glitter of all they HAD has almost eclipsed the magic of all they DID. For instance, besides saving Williamsburg, Abby started the Museum of Modern Art in New 
York, they donated the land for it, and for the United Nations building; they provided crucial funding to Margaret Sanger in her quest to improve women’s health; contributed to our National Parks, and raised millions for soldiers after WWII. Just for starters. It goes on and on. They were an amazing couple, you can read about their life of philanthropy HERE. All the credit in the world goes to them, figuring out what needed to be done and doing it, making our world a better place in many more ways than one. Generous, not only in gifts, but also in spirit, embracing “enemies” and even helping them. Good people. Heroes, really. Interestingly, they were born when Beatrix Potter was 8 years old, and all of them with the same instinct for preservation and giving back. And boy, did Abby love to decorate. And boy, did she love Americana. There is a wonderful museum in Williamsburg with her name on it, filled with her collections. Your ticket gets you right in. She loved hooked rugs and I love hooked rugs, so there you go, kindred spirits! Want to see her house? Let’s go!
Look how cozy. Cuddle up with a good book in one of the two seating areas in this room, lots of movable chairs for when their six children were with them, charming needlepoint, candles, luvlee lamps, fireplace, and the rugs! I should stop right now and show you the rugs.
And this is just for starters! Whimsical charm!
Add so much color and warmth to the house. There was a collection of smaller, older, hooked rugs in the museum too.
This was my favorite, although it was really hard to choose just one. I was the only one on the house tour with my camera pointed down!
They’re in every room . . . mixed and matched in the hallways . . .
. . . along with flowered slip covers and bits of china . . .
Fresh flowers, silver, and pretty lamps. I love the hat!
Curtained windows, shaded to protect the vibrant colors . . . my photos don’t really do it justice.
Many large chandeliers, seemingly not electrified.
Lots of pink in the house. There’s that whimsical first rug.
This was the formal parlor. Look how deep and tall the fireplace is in their “Little Colonial House.”
It goes on and on, there was big square formal dining room, the table was covered with architectural plans for the renovation of Williamsburg . . . but let’s go into the kitchen, shall we?
Eeeek! I have dishes that look so much like these, only pink . . . although I do NOT have, like, what is it, two cupboards-full of individual chocolate pots? (You can see how extensive her glass-front cupboards were in the reflection.)
See? Mine are called “Pink Cockatrice,” made in England by Minton. I looked but couldn’t find her pattern, perhaps they were “Rockefeller Only” by Minton.
More in Abby’s wonderful kitchen.
Fridge is still here! Don’t you love that color of green?
The door at the back leads to her flower room . . .
Where the vases were kept and arrangements made.
Abby’s kitchen, with views of the garden from every window. They had servants, a couple, who lived in another part of the house (also in darling rooms) and took care of things when the Rockefellers were away ~ I don’t think Abby did much in the kitchen having been born in a kitchen-free zone.
The kitchen wall-calendar was left turned to March 1948, the year Abby died, when time stopped in this house. This was really her place, her decorating, her baby. The house was bequeathed to Colonial Williamsburg by the family, and so here we are, learning about this couple, in remembrance and gratitude for every good thing they left behind.
Curvy sink and hanging dishtowels, view to forever out there. (Don’t worry, I’ll take you!) 🌳
No matter how many photos I put up, I am not doing it justice, if you haven’t been to Williamsburg, I hope your curiosity-hackles are up and someday you go see it for yourself.
The garden in early spring. When I saw the garden, I looked to see if Abby had any connection or special love for England and found that it was the first foreign country she visited in her life! Of course, look at this . . . all of Williamsburg is a little cutout-piece of the English Countryside.
Here’s the view of the house from where Joe was sitting in the photo above, taking advantage of the sunshine. 🌞
There are acres and acres to explore if you have time. So civilized! And I do mean civilized! That’s what I loved about this trip. We went from rough, cold, violent and plumbing-free 1607 to 1948 (up to 2019 if you include us!) over 300 years of growing pains . . . and saw the progress, ever-forward, 
people doing everything they knew how (as Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you DO better”) to make this world a better place, even when they had to fight for it, even against the odds, and never giving up. Remembering the thousands of heroes that took us from the shame of slavery, and zero rights for women and children, to the time of trusting science to cure disease that brought us from the dark ages! People have built and persevered and brought us forward, sometimes kicking and screaming, and found freedom that caught the imagination of not just Americans, but everyone, the world over. Isn’t it wonderful? So far, despite massive opposition, and terrible setbacks, which we still see in places, no one gave up, goodness wins in the end! Faith has triumphed. Because of people like us.💞
So there you go. That was our trip, in more than a nutshell. Sorry I kept you so long. I know you have a life!
So yes, we’re home, and once again, reveling in the quiet morning light . . .
My boy was so happy to see us. The quilt is still in the kitchen because I’m not done looking at it yet! Look at them, aren’t they cute together? Black and white is such an excellent kitty color!
It’s a little pillow/doorstop I used a magic marker on to make it match Jack. A little confusing for him!
I brought home a treasure trove of inspiration!
My new Tea Time Magazine was waiting! I love this magazine. It’s not very thick, but the recipes and pictures are beautiful!
Had a lunch for my girlfriends . . . two of which just got back from Paris!
I fed them my Williamsburg lunch, and for dessert, Siobhan’s Polenta Cake (from A Fine Romance), with strawberries and cream, we exchanged travel stories, drank pink wine from Provence, had tea and lots of laughter and a little show and tell . . .
. . . while the wild turkeys came to visit.
And the daffodils and forsythia began to bloom out back.
Then, Jaime had a Birthday Party for me. Isn’t her table beautiful? This is the true miracle, that I moved here from so far away and found such wonderful kindred spirits to have my birthdays with!
Lowely made the cake! Orange cake, with Orange and Pineapple Filling, Orange icing, and coconut on top! Sooo delicious! (Yes, Vineyard Seasons has it! Here’s the recipe!) 🍊
Margot wasn’t wearing any rings she could put over the candles, she put her earring on the cake so she could have her wish when I blew them out . . . it worked perfectly! Necessity is the mother of invention! (Now you know why it’s taken me so long to do this post! Lots of real life going on around here!)
O U R W O R L D
Driving down Main Street, spring is in the air on Martha’s Vineyard, porches are being swept, windows being washed, the season has begun ~ and first thing’s first, filling the planters with FLOWERS!
This is what happens here in the spring! The worker bees come out. Joe’s been composting the garden! It’s so nice to be home.
Thank you, George, for the world you left. As my dad would say, “You did good work!”
I hope you enjoyed that, Girlfriends. Thank you for your great suggestions on where we should go in Virginia, you were a huge help . . . and thank you for being my friends. 💞 Now . . . this just in! Cups are shipping from England tomorrow!!!! If you can today . . .
Hi Susan
I see you have visited Wegmans! Wegmans is home is Rochester NY.! The birthplace of Susan B Anthony, George Eastman, Xerox and a few others! Come visit us and spend some time in our beautiful finger lakes region. I love to shop at Wegmans and we love to take our out of town guest there.
Also love Williamsburg.
It was great fun for us! xoxo
Wonderful Rochester, NY. Tom and I love it, especially George Eastman’s home. The wonderful art museum where we saw a huge exhibition of Norman Rockwell paintings and drawings. Our 3rd trip through upstate New York. So lucky to have all that travel under our belts.
Debbie in Tampa for about 2 more weeks
I’ve lived in Rochester, New York my whole life . . . it’s HOME SWEET HOME 🙂 Our Wegmans is the frosting on the cake. Please come & visit us Susan, I’ll bake you & Joe a cake with a cherry on top! My Joe & I would love to meet the two of you. Susan, I believe that you & I are kindred spirits.
Thank you for talking about the loss of Paris’s beloved “Notre-Dame Cathedral” I’m grateful that I took a few precious photos of the treasure while I was in Paris in February of 2001. My heart goes out to the people of France.
Hi Susan
I see you were in our favorite grocery store here in Rochester NY. Wegmans market started here in upstate NY. We love it, friends visit from out of town and we always need to make a stop at the local Wegmans store! Come visit Rochester and our beautiful Finger Lakes region someday. The history here may not be as old as Williamsburg’s but we do have George Eastman and the Dryden Theater. We are home to Susan B Anthony who was friends with Fredrick Douglas. And a beautiful old Cemetery Mount Hope where Susan B Anthony is buried.
I totally understand! It deserves to be a destination! Traveling the country is a great hobby, so much to see! Thank you Anita!
I second this, Rochester born and bred, and so happy to be home! Loved this post, visited Williamsburg with my parents when I was a little girl-still have the little girl “mob cap” and lace ladies’ headdress my mom and I bought. And Wegmans-ahhhh.
LOL, I went to that store! cute!
Rochester-born and bred here. You would absolutely love it, Susan. My mother and sister work at Wegmans. I haven’t visited another grocery store like it ever! Make sure when you make it to Rochester, go during the Lilac Festival. And also visit the Erie Canal.
Susan! Is the Boston Wegmans stores far for you to shop? Once you get use to their store products and customer service you find it the best compared to other stores. My husband has worked for them many years here in Rochester and they treat their employees with coupons for free produce, etc. The family owned company believes in healthy food choices so they walk the walk. I love NY whenever we travel around but one year many years back we bought “season passes “ for Williamsburg and went back 3 times that year. Such a wonderful place. I think we might return to Cape Cod soon. The east coast has some truly interesting places to explore.
I didn’t know we had a Wegmans in Boston until I put up this post, how exciting, but yes, it’s too far for everyday shopping, a 45 minute ferry ride and then 2 hours to Boston by car . . . but if we’re there I’ll stop in! Yes, so much American history all the way up and down the East Coast. But all over really . . . xoxoxo
A beautiful and inspirational blog. You obviously had a great time. I would love to visit these place next time we travel to the States.
It’s a great destination — especially because you can walk so much of it. Where are you Jane?
What a perfect day for your new musings, and beautiful photos, as we lose parts of Notre Dame in Paris….this will be rebuilt, with all of our world community help….I just returned from a week in London, where the history engulfs you, and you can feel it, the importance, the beauty, not just buildings, but hearts and souls….London was lovely….chilly, sunny, rainy….church gardens, music at St. Martins in the Fields, Sissinghurst Gardens, the WWII ruins turned respite garden at St. Dunstan’s in the East, the colors of Pierre Bonnard’s paintings at the Tate Modern….the fabrics at Liberty, and I got an Emma Bridgewater mug! As my souvenir, the “Marigolds” mug….the pubs, the people talking about Brexit, talking about the USA, and the acknowledment that we are both countries exhausted, but solid in friendship…..so, on a day we are sending love to Paris, you are our perfect example of sharing history, holding it close, being a citizen of the world….thank you , dear….love from Seattle.
Hearts and souls, perfect words Regina. They aren’t just buildings, they are OUR buildings, put there by us. Beautiful words and thank you! xoxoxo
Hello Susan and Hello Girlfriends. welcome home Susan. sounds like a wonderful trip. I am sorry I will be back later, I just heard over the news that Notre Dame is on fire, and the spiraling tower just collapsed through the roof. how sad to see such a beautiful and historic cathedral go up in flames. I hope no one was in there and I hope they can rebuild or restore it again, what a sad day to lose that beautiful church.
Yes, the sickening news broke while I was writing the new blog. It’s not getting any better so far.
no its not getting any better, I had to turn off the news for now, or else I would start crying all over again. that was one of the things on my bucket list to see, too late now I guess. I will be back later to read through again the blog and comment on your trip. actually I am pea green with envy, Williamsburg is on my bucket list as well. off to go out in the rain and collect my eggs and give the chickens and other barnyard brats a snack of leftover rice and steamed veggies, their favorite. plus I have to get out and check the mailbox before some bum decides to steal from, imagine people stealing other people’s mail and not caring one bit about it. have a good day everyone, and remember the people of France in your prayers tonight, especially the firefighters. hugs…..
good morning/afternoon Susan, girlfriends. I just heard over the news that the beautiful windows survived the fire, smoky and dirty but they survived… and the heroic firefighters forming a human chain to get the artifacts and artwork out of the cathedral and to safety. sadly the entire interior is gone being made of wood, but the beautiful organ survived, damaged but it can be restored. I have a family member who is on her way to Paris, she was going to Easter mass in Notre Dame this Sunday, guess that is out now, but then its on to England and then home on the QE2 and she has never been on a cruise before and looking forward to it. she promises to send photos to me of Notre Dame, and she is pledging some money to help in the rebuilding of Notre Dame, well both of us are and in the name of our parents, she had their names read in the mass some years back in Notre Dame. be back later, have chickens to take care of and eggs to collect. hugs….
Yes, been happy to see they managed to save the crown of thorns, also the windows! The organ! Anything saved is a blessing . . . also many statues had been removed from the building for cleaning and weren’t even there, that’s such good news!
May I suggest your friend attend Easter service at the American Cathedral on Avenue George V between the Champs Elysee and the Seine river. Beautiful Episcopal cathedral http://amcathparis.com/.
good morning, thank you Sue, I passed that info on to my cousin and she sends her thanks along. she is already in Paris and plans to wander over to Notre Dame today. did you hear that the copper rooster on top of the fallen spire survived the fall and being in the fire for over 9 hours??? it not only survived but not a mark on it, no fire damage to the copper, all it needs is cleaning. and the statue of Mary, it survived. an Easter miracle for sure.
That is a miracle, one little tiny miracle after another. I just hope they can make it sturdy while they begin working on it!
hello again Susan, just another remarkable story concerning Notre Dame de Paris. they kept 3 beehives up in the rafters of the roof and by some small miracle all 3 hives survived and so did the bees. amazing the miracles coming from this tragic event. Happy Easter everyone. bunny hugs…. 😀
All of it so poignant. xoxo Thank you Pat!
We’ve been to Williamsburg at least a dozen times and love it Wegman’s is a favorite too; The restaurants you mentioned were not familiar to us. We went to King’s Arms, Christiana Campbell’s and Chownings. Thanks also for the Shirley Plantation memory! What a lovely spring tour.
Those that you mentioned were all the old and wonderful taverns. We went to the Kings Arms, but never could get to Christina Campbell’s when it was open! It was closed at lunch. Glad you enjoyed it Edie!
Thank you for sharing so much of your time in Virginia, Susan! I’ve never been there, and Williamsburg has long been on my list of US places to visit when possible. Seeing so much of it from your perspective has been an education for me, plus you really do know just the best ways to share your experience with the girlfriends! Your photos so often bring the place right through the computer screen ~ from 2-D to 4-D with one click! The kitchen work table with the cookbooks is a perfect example ~ I was brought up on The American Woman’s Cookbook and still use the copy I inherited from my mother. So much wonderfulness everywhere (those rugs are super beautiful). I love your blogs the best when I feel I must to go back over and over it in order to really see everything because it is so loaded with interesting riches. You won’t ever be able to make a blog that is too long, Sue, it’s impossible! xoxoxo
I’m so happy you liked it Christie, but you can’t imagine how much I didn’t show! LOL, all those photos, that post took me forever to do, and could have gone on for probably 5 days, as long as we were there!!! Your words at the end of your comment were musica to my ears! I thought surely, I’d done it this time! Overstayed my welcome!
We went to Williamsberg twice—it truly is taking a step back in time —what an incredible treasure it is !
A treasure.
An absolutely amazing post. Thank you so much for taking me along!
My pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it. xoxo
It’s been awhile since we toured that part of your country so thanks for letting me travel vicariously. My husband and I love grocery stores when we travel … wish I could get him more interested in doing the grocery shopping at home!
LOL! At least he comes with you to tour the ones on the road and doesn’t sit in the car reading his paper!
hmm. I’ve been waiting for this one and it really delivers. Thank you for this beautiful post, Susan. Food for thought and actual recipes too!
Happy Spring,
Linda
So happy to hear that Linda, thank you! Happy Spring!
Happy happy Birthday, Susan! It looks like you had a wonderful time!! You truly are one of the busiest people I know – AND you make it look so easy! How do you do it?? Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with Joe to Williamsburg. Your beautifully written and illustrated summary left me feeling I had been there myself! Your little bluebird friend was *adorable* and Abby really knew how to make a cozy home, didn’t she? The rugs, the kitchen, the china, everything so pretty and sweet. A true master of the home arts. Oh, and it was fun to see Wegmans! We lived for two years in Ithaca, NY & Wegmans was our local grocery store.The cheese selection was like nothing I had ever seen prior in a grocery store back in 1996. Looking forward to seeing the new cups when they come in – any word when your little vases, etc will arrive? Happy Spring Susan! Hugs, Christy
What a fabulous post! Thank you! By the way,
if you like Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, it is the first book in a trilogy! The other books are called Forge and Ashes.
Happy Belated Birthday Susan! Lovely, lovely blog post! You have certainly given me the travel bug to visit Williamsburg and the surrounding areas. I know I would truly love it. I too have the American Woman’s Cook Book that was my Mother-in-laws and before that her Mother’s. It has been well-used the spine is taped but all the pages are there! Full of old-fashioned recipes for stick-to-your-ribs food!
At the same time, my heart is breaking for Paris, France in the most devastating loss of Notre Dame cathedral, irreplaceable history, the Catholic church and the whole world. My prayers go out to them. So, so sad. I enjoyed Regina’s reply above, shows how small the world really is, doesn’t it.
One more thing….girlfriends can never over-stay their welcome! Hugs!
Hi Susan ~ This post filled all the emptiness we felt waiting for it! So much history, so many beautiful photos, such lovely stories. Well worth the wait.
Today, it’s very windy, post storm & it feels nothing like spring. Looking forward to warm weather, putting my patio set out & filling all of my planters with flowers. Hope you’re having a wonderful day & thanks, as always, for sharing.
p.s. Still watching the devastating news coming out of Paris. So heartbreaking!
Sending prayers. xo
Sure did need this today. I’ve been watching coverage of the heartbreaking fire in Norte Dame for much of the afternoon, and your blog was a blessing. Hugs❤️
Yes….I agree with you….Susan’s blog is needed at this time.
This is a terrific post with so many great suggestion on planning a trip to Williamsburg. Thank you for all the great information and the wonderful documentation! So enjoyable to read!
I feel like I’ve been on a mini vacation! What a fun trip. My heart is breaking for the people of Paris, our country is such a baby compared to those of Europe. Thanks for such a wonderful diversion. Have a happy Easter.
Wonderful post! We, too, spent spring break exploring… Boston, Salem, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Newport. Not near enough time, but we had a wonderful trip. Of course I also had to drive by your house (stalker?) and take a picture. My husband said, “Are you sure that’s the right house?” “Yes,” I said… you couldn’t miss that back yard. Later I discovered I had indeed taken a picture of the wrong house (#80!) from the front. Looked similar but did feel a little “off”. Loved your little town, the Black Dog Tavern and the ferry ride. We stayed in Falmouth at the Captain’s Manor Inn. Fabulous historic bed and breakfast. Hope to come back someday. Spring blessings to you….
As my heart aches for the loss of our beloved Notre Dame de Paris, you bring a few moments of brevity to an otherwise mournful day. Thank you so much for your inspiring photos and lovely prose! You can brighten even the darkest days dear Susan! <3
Thank you soooo much Susan for this wonderful blog!!! You bring heartfelt sunshine to my days!! I love your artwork, photos and your words!!! I’ve loved your books and read all the blogs! Lots of love and thanks, Dawn
Oh, my – what an amazing trip! You really made us feel like we were with you – thank you! Yes – Wegmans!!! We just got a Wegmans here in Lancaster, PA and WOW. It is wonderful – and you are right. It is not a “run to the grocery store” kind of place for me….I have to browse!!! So happy to see you picked up a copy of Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. She is one of my favorite historical fiction authors…and that book is so moving. As a retired school librarian I would often “book talk” it to students and they always came back after reading it filled with great comments. Hooray for Spring coming …and great days ahead!
So excited to read it!!! xoxo
We went to Williamsburg when our kids were little. We loved it! Clearly we must go again, we weren’t there very long. Our son lives in Virginia and 2 grandloves so we will do it.
Beth
So much to digest. I read it all but now want to go back and click on the sirmtes you privided for research purposes. Thank you, Susan.
Thank you Susan for taking me along. It was a lovely trip. Can’t wait to get my mug…so exciting!
I’m sorry if you receive this twice, but I don’t see it posted and wanted to thank you for your lovely post. I have never been to Williamsburg and have wanted to go there for sometime now, so I am thrilled with this posting. It was also so poignant how you included Notre Dame in such a lovely and heart felt way. It’s been heart breaking to watch. I will of course re-read your post over and over again to soak it all in, properly. Your posts are always a respite and inspiration for me. Thank you for all you do for all of us. Blessings to you this holy week and a very Happy Easter to you, Joe and of course your lovely kitty, Jack.
Thank you sweetie, for your kind words. And don’t worry, your posts go through, but I need to read them before they go up!!! XOXOXO Happy Easter!
Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know that-makes sense though. 🙂
I know, I wish WordPress explained it to people . . . they used to, when you posted a comment a notice would come up “waiting for moderation” … but they did some sort of an update and that notice disappeared!
Thank you Susan! We went to Williamsburg (and Jamestown and Yorktown) when my (now-grown) boys were little enough to wear felt tricorn hats and carry pop guns while we were there. The animals and people in old-fashioned clothes who even knew how to talk to children kept them fascinated. You have made me plan to go back soon, though, now that I can spend much more time absorbing what is there – I just love that sort of time-travel. And I love the cup of tea armchair travel that your posts often give me.
Susan I love that your blog is as long as war and peace lolMy wonderful state of Virginia is a beautiful place to visit .I enjoyed seeing it thru your eyes.So much our lovely country has to offer.My heart is broken for Paris losing Notre Dame. As always I love your upbeat blog and look forward to reading it.Have a wonderful spring Mary Elizabeth
Laurie Halse Anderson!! “Chains” must be about slavery. I heard her talk at a library in Ohio once. My daughter loved Fever 1791, and I agreed that it was a great book, great writer. Thank you so much for the trip to Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and the other places. We are so sad to see the burning of Notre Dame de Paris. I went hunting my slides I took years ago when we visited but couldn’t find them. Thank you very much for all your blog posts. I love the colors, and the bluebird was adorable.
Ruth in Maryland
Just had our annual Girlfriends Weekend and made a list of future destinations for our trips. (Our group of twelve comes from all over the U.S. and we have been getting together for 20 years now). We did not put Williamsburg on our list, but it’s going on the list right now. This looks amazing and we would have so much fun exploring it all!
Hello Susan and Girlfriends ! Loved the post Your birthday cake looked gorgeous and delicious. I picked up that issue of Tea Time too. Could not resist that beautiful teapot.
Gathering up dainty little plates for my daughter’s bridal shower! So I will be pouring over past posts looking at your table settings for inspiration.
Hope the storms last night did not reach you!! Thanks for the beautiful post. 💜 Bridget
You truly outdid yourself on this post. I went to W&M, my oldest son graduated from W&M, and I jogged DOG street many times myself, yet you showed me things I’ve never seen. Now I want to go to CW as a tourist. Thank you, Tami
YAY!!!
We were lucky to see Mt. Vernon when our daughter and her husband (and my one, then two, grandsons!) were stationed there while he was assigned to the Pentagon, serving in the Air Force. I sat in the same place as you on the back veranda, looking out over the river and thinking about George and his weights on his shoulders. Also felt conflicted about the slavery, the many souls who labored on those grounds, wondered if they were at least being cared for decently, if nothing else. Such a sad time for our country. We never got to see Williamsburg or Monticello, and I hope we can return some day. We spent many days touring the Mall around the White House, and I never did get close to that either! SO MUCH TO DO in Va. and D.C!!! Thanks for showing me around! ( We spent about an hour in Fredricksberg, zooming from shop to shop on a rainy day! ) Now I need to fix dinner before I get “the look!”
LOL, the look!
Happy Spring and welcome home. I do so love vacations like this. History brought to life. So much more interesting than reading it in a book, yes? I love looking at all your photos of the places you went. I don’t know if I’ll ever get there, but happy to see it through your lens. Glad you’re home, safe and sound. Enjoy all the sights and sounds of spring. I know I am.
Hi Susan.. sending you greetings from another blogger in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. I have always wanted to visit Williamsburg but have not gotten there yet, so I appreciate your photos and stories so very much. You have so much energy! *H*A*P*P*Y* * *B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y*!*!*!* to you!
❀.•❤•.✿.•❤ Happy Easter! ❀.•❤•.✿.•❤
((hugs)), Teresa 🙂
Oh Susan I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in Virginia. It’s my home as you know of which I’m very proud! Not that I had anything to do about it. You didn’t know, but I was practicing restraint in not tracking you and Joe down! You have recorded history so well on your post. Thank you for sharing it all with us. And please do come back again. xoxo
Coming from you, very nice compliment. Was hoping I could do it somewhat justice!!! I’m so happy everyone is enjoying it . . . can’t answer all the wonderful comments, must go today, but reading is such a pleasure!!!
Haven’t been, but it is on my list. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures of this historic place. Been glued to CNN all day…my heart just hurts watching the fantastic Norte Dame burn…just so sad. Remember standing in front of it several years ago…then just walking into the grandeur of the my first inside sighting and feeling overwhelmed and blessed. Praying that the inside structure holds up and artifacts can be saved.
What a wonderful historical excursion! I love all the old houses and laneways; lovely place to stroll about and discover other gems through garden gates.
Such beautiful rugs & dishes. Luckily, I have George and Martha Washington plates in my cupboard. 🙂
Your birthday cake looks divine. Happy Belated Birthday, Susan!
This is an amazing post, Susan. History served up in your beautiful use of the English Language, your enthusiasm as well as the photographs. So glad your got to Jamestown. Last time Tom and I were there, the fort was still being excavated, the part not in the James River. We actually met the man who kept his faith that the fort was there. He signed the book I bought.
Travel with you is the Cat’s Meow!! Thank you lovely lady,
Debbie in Tampa for just 2 more weeks…I can smell the salt water, balsam,
spruce and pine in my mind.
Such a wonderful telling and share, Susan! Thank you♥️ Very much! I feel like I should say something profound and responsive, but all I want to say is I love you dearly! 🌼
Happy Birthday as well! 🎶🎂✨
what a wonderful trip and yes you have peaked my interest. Hooked rugs how I love them and hook them. We are still snow covered even though you are about 2 and half hours away we are in a different world than you.
Thank you for this wonderful post! You put so much effort and time into them and they are so wonderful! I cherish every single one! I hope I can visit some of these places someday. I have been to Mount Vernon and really enjoyed that.
Oh my goodness…what a delightful journey to such a historic area! I have never been to the East Coast, so this was a very special treat to get the birds eye view of your camera. Loved the whole post and intend to return later and make sure I didn’t miss a word of it. Happiest of Spring wishes you, Joe & Jack!
We visited Colonial Williamsburg for our 30th anniversary …..twenty !!! years ago next month….this wonderful post makes me want to go back! We stayed in one of the cottages on DoG street…sat on the stoop for the fife and drum corps….loved the Governor’s Palace
and the Rockefeller home. Thank you Susan! Happy Spring!
There were so many things in this post I LOVED, starting with Domani, and finishing with the cups are coming (Yay!) and everything in between. I am going to.plan a special trip to follow in your footsteps. I’m so excited. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 😊💖
Loved taking this wonderful trip with you and hoping someday to do it too. Thank you for so much information and beauty.
I’m delighted by all the details from your trip and feel privileged to read about it! Glad you had a wonderful time.
I just loved this post!! You are my favorite new discovery. :).
I didn’t realize the Rockefeller’s were so philanthropic! My husband and I are talking about taking our kids to colonial Williamsburg after reading this post (they are 6 & 9 and love all things historical-we got lucky!).
Thanks for sharing! (Also, I had never heard of tea time magazine! But will be subscribing as a 33rd birthday present to myself next month). :).
You are just a delight! Is there a Susan branch fan club? No? Should I start one? 😜
-Laura
LOL! Be sure, just in case your kids might be into it, to check out the little colonial clothing store on DoG Street. They have costumes, tri-corner hats, things the kids may love . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY Laura!!!
Thank you for letting us travel to all these wonderful places through you and your keen eyes. I felt like I was there! God Bless America!
Hello, Susan! I must say, you whet one’s appetite for history! Thank you for taking us armchair traveling with you and Joe. Wonderful! And hello to your boy Jack!
That was one good lesson in History, which has inspired me to do some reading up on US History. I feel slightly uneducated right now, but in my defense, it has been a very long time since I studied all of this in school. Add that trip to my bucket list. That list just keeps growin’, thank you SB.
Love the quilt. Nice find!
Glad you are back and thanks as always for taking time to write the blog.
I hope your birthday was perfect in every way. Enjoyed your fabulous pictures! We are touring the same area the end of May, can’t wait! Looks like we’ll need some good walking shoes. What salad did The Trellis serve that you enjoyed so much?
Thank you for another inspiring post!
Susan, thank you for the history lesson and the plethora of pictures. Isn’t it fun exploring the history of our country?
The restored villages where our children can see how people lived in our country before cars, computers, and microwaves brings them right into that life. We have dragged out children to Mystic Seaport, NewBedford,Ma, Plymouth, Williamsburg, and a few others. A few years back my granddaughter had old Nana tag a long on a school trip to Tryon Palace here in North Carolina. I was as enthralled as those 3rd graders.
🌻🌷I am so glad you and Joe enjoyed your trip. Happy home sweet home to Spring on Martha’s Vineyard. Happy Easter. 🌷🌹🌻🐰 Love you, Susan..
Wow, just wow! What a wonderful blog – – and what a wonderful trip you had. Thanks for all the information you shared and for showing us through the Rockefeller’s house – – loved it! Your blogs are just magical and put me in a frame of mind that makes me warm and fuzzy all over.
Dear Susan, I feel so well traveled because of you, and all the adventures you take us on! Thank you once again for sharing your experiences with us! I live just across the border from Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan and although it is much smaller than Williamsburg it would also be a lovely place for you to visit, have tea in a Cotswold cottage brought over brick by brick from England and perhaps do a book talk 😜 I would camp out for days just to get a ticket to see you! Also, so excited that the mugs are arriving soon! Thanks for spending some of your valuable time with us! 😘
I loved your photos of Williamsburg and the Shirley Plantation. I haven’t been in years but always one of my favorite places. I never saw the Rockefeller’s home. Gosh, so happy they had a generous philanthropic nature to save and preserve all this history. Next time you might want to visit Michigan’s Greenfield Village (and The Henry Ford)- one of our national treasures too.
Hello Susan,
First of all, “Happy Birthday!!!” 🎂 🎁 Thank you for another delightful post and for sharing your fabulous visit to Virginia. It’s on my bucket-list of places to visit one day.
(I’m so glad that you bought the quilt! When I saw it on your Instagram post I had hoped you would!) Hugs, ~Charl
Oh! How wonderful to spend my evening reading this after a day spent with dr.’s appointments for me and hubby! I will come back tomorrow and go to all the links and probably give that Orange Cake another look or two! Thank you for all the lovely moments you put into my life. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Susan, thank you for this wonderful post and reminding us to treasure our valuable history. There are so many important lessons to learn if we turn to our ancestors and gain wisdom from their experiences. I loved hearing about the Rockefeller’s-I guess our modern day equivalent are Bill&Melinda Gates. As always I thoroughly enjoy every post you write and wait with bated breath for the next! Allegra/OR Coast.
Yes . . . what amazed me is that the Rockefeller’s spent WAY more on making the world better, than they left behind for their kids. Hooray for the Gates’s!!!
Great trip!! We were at Mount Vernon a few years ago. Amazing how inventive They were. One of my favorite things there was sitting on the long porch in green rocking chairs looking across the Potomac River just like it was in Washington’s day. A big thanks to the ladies group who had the foresight to raise the money to purchase the land across the river so all these years later we can pretend we were in that era!
Absolutely. We went to his family home in England. A group of ladies saved that house too . . . probably the same ones!
Thank you for this lovely post on a sad day. I was lucky to visit Williamsburg in 2016. Only spent a day but had a grand time. The architecture, the fences, the old trees & gardens. Loved every bit of it! A friend & I also had dinner at The Trellis, where we had the most delicious duck ravioli with a wild mushroom sauce. I would have never ordered that on my own but the friend I was with really wanted to try it. Was I ever glad I stepped out of my comfort zone for that! Then house made sorbet for dessert, just wonderful! Didn’t get to see the Rockefeller’s home or Jamestown. Have to go back. Those rugs & china , swoon worthy!
Always something new to see there!
What a delightful trip! I do think another trip to Williamsburg should be in order before the weather gets too hot.
Our azaleas, lilacs, dogwoods, rhododendrons, and grape hyacinths are all in bloom and DH and I are down with horrid colds or the flu (the jury is still out) and we cannot taste our food. Sniffle, sniff, blow, repeat.
Hugs!
Get well soon!
Wonderful post…loved that you shared your trip with us. Please share the salad recipe that you developed from the twice visited restaurant.
I will. It will take a bit of time, because what it is is a pile of quinoa (with a few things in it) in the center of the plate, surrounded by a little of this, a little of that, a beet hummus, crisp-baked kale, pickled onions, pile of creamy goat cheese, etc, and each little pile of food requires some sort of preparation. This post was already so long, I thought I’d save this salad for later.
Williamsburg has a special place in my heart. When we were first married my husband and I moved from the tri state area to Virginia so he could serve the Navy from Little Creek. I didn’t know anyone at first. He’d be away on a deployment, I would be alone, so I would drive out to Williamsburg. Or someone might visit and I’d take them there. Or my husband finally would return, and we’d wander Williamsburg together. I always found some sense of peace there.
Such a day of nostalgia. Williamsburg, our history. Notre Dame, world history. All those years; all those lives these places have touched and molded. And will continue to shape, assuredly.
Sense of peace, well said, I felt that too. Yes, it was a very human day wasn’t it. The things that matter. xoxo
Dee, Your nostalgic memories of Williamsburg are very similar to mine. My first visit was on my honeymoon, Christmas week in 1970. My first husband and I stayed within walking distance of the historic area. One night we walked over in the lovely darkness, no electric lights at that time. While ambling along, a door opened, and a woman, still in her colonial costume, carrying a lantern, hurried across the street and into another cottage. We were so stunned, wondered if we’d just witnessed a Wrinkle in Time. That was almost 50 years ago. Still lots of archeological digging going on there. So thankful to the Rockefellers for their many gifts to this country.
There’s been nothing in my head since I woke up here on the West Coast yesterday except the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, so it was really a relief to read your post later in the evening and focus on your wonderful travels to Williamsburg & environs. One of my doctors is going to Williamsburg very soon for a vacay and when I told him about your recent posts (with insanely-helpful comments from readers; I just gobbled up all their tips [speaking of gobbling, those turkeys in your photo ARE HUGE; they look like photo props, not real!]), this doctor was thrilled to know of ‘real people’ advice rather than just guidebooks, so I’m gonna pick out the highlights (he’s busy; I know how busy) and write some of this down for him if it’s okay with you because, wow, in THIS post you have given such a useful, helpful travelog for us; I have LOVED reading you but of course you’re a travel writer (among all the hats you wear!), so you know how to make it interesting for us and I’m grateful for all the photos and descriptions, Susan (since I want to make the trip myself sooner than later!).
Enjoy your sweet Spring now that you’re home. (I’m exciting about the cups coming!)
I know, the turkeys were particularly fluffy that day, the light just tipping their feathers! Help yourself to any tips you like Vicki . . . how nice of you to do that for your Doc! Don’t worry . . . They’ll rebuild Notre Dame, and we’ll all be here supporting them and applauding the progress! Love you dear!
Love back atcha, and I forgot to wish you a belated Happy Birthday and also a Happy Easter!
I keep going back in your post and looking at Abby’s kitchen; the calendar on the wall – – the moment frozen in time. It’s when my parents got married (late 40s). That frig! Did my young mom have a frig like that in her first kitchen as a newlywed? Can’t ask her now; she’s gone; but I like to imagine her in such a setting. Somewhere I have her green cookbook (darker green cover, but it looks SO similar) with the – – what do you call those – – finger cut-outs to go right to your recipe section. And speaking of green, the green trims in this kitchen – – cupboards & drawers, window/door frames – – isn’t that like Julia Child’s famous green kitchen that I think is now in the Smithsonian? (Another thing on my bucket list; the Smithsonian. I hear you could have two weeks and still not see it all!)
We went to the Smithsonian and only managed to see two things: Julia’s kitchen and Lindbergh’s plane, Spirt of St Louis. Enough for me, total heart fillers. Want to go back, but if it never happens, I’m still happy! Travel certainly opens a door into your imagination! Ain’t life grand? xoxoxo
It is; it is! I’m glad you’ve been to the Smithsonian! I want to see the National Zoo there (the pandas!) and I just HAVE to see Julia’s kitchen; ADORE her. (My great-aunt’s kitchen was painted in that same green, same era; she never changed it. When I moved into the house many years later, I really toyed with the idea of leaving it green but, in the end, I did go to white; however, it took FOUR coats of paint to cover up that green! [I thought it was three but my husband says, ‘no, no, FOUR!].)
When I lived in Santa Barbara, Julia lived in Santa Barbara (well, she was in adjacent Montecito; so, more or less!); made me feel close to her, then and now; I don’t know why, it just did. She works her way into your heart, of course. I had a fellow employee who, by happenstance but somewhat related to our company, got to know her quite well (they clicked; I loved him, too) and they had a fave, out-of-the-way, little hole-in-the-wall restaurant they’d go to because the food was excellent and I think also because she wasn’t as easily recognized there (wasn’t in the ‘main’ part of town); he protected her privacy and never revealed anything much of their conversations (for which he earned my respect).
Just last week, I caught an episode of Julia (Baking With Julia?) with Martha Stewart (as guest) on PBS; at least 20 years ago or so, when Martha I’m sure was already a billionaire and no longer (long since) doing catering and weddings, but they were indeed constructing a wedding cake (the show was a 2-parter) with an apricot-almond filling. I enjoyed the episodes. (I was also struck by how little Martha has aged since the 90s; maybe she’s had work!)
LOL, she started out gorgeous and managed to hold onto it, no matter how! I had Montecito friends who knew Julia too, and talked about how down to earth she was. I met her once and she could not have been sweeter. I love her relationship with Paul! xoxo
Way a beautiful blog adventure to start my day!
I felt like I was along.
I wanna go now…like right now..
Woolie Blessings from Pa… lil brrr here this am
Happy Planting time
Trace ❤️ Turtle Tree Farm 👩🏼🌾❤️🐐
I forgot to say, we were told it was HOT and HUMID in the summer . . . so be aware, pick your time! Hope you love it!
What great photos. Almost like being there. And Happy Birthday to you. I’ll have to try that cake!
Yummy!
So wonderful to wake up this morning and get lost in your blog! I love history! Strangely, not so much in school…it was so dry, just facts and dates and nothing to really relate to. But now I find it so fascinating and love reading about it. So thank you for the trip to Williamsburg and to Wegman’s, wow what a grocery store!
Looking at all the historic houses in your post and thinking about Notre Dame Cathedral and the horrible loss in France. So terribly sad, it is devastating.
Glad you are home and happy belated Birthday to you and Gladys! Mom’s was yesterday, she turned 96 and spent the day in the garden planting her tomatoes!!
Isn’t it interesting how Notre Dame is bringing everyone together? There is ALWAYS something in the worst events, but sometimes we have to wait years to see it! I wish we would be like this forever. Someone just called the Cathedral “the Heart of Western Civilization.” I would say, that even if I lived in Eastern Civilization, I would also have a broken heart for this terrible thing, and I bet many do. It’s really such a world thing. Happy day to you Chris, Happy Birthday to your mom, how LUCKY she is, planting tomatoes at 96. What a blessing. Big hugs to you all!
Dear Susan,
This post was one of the best yet! Thank you for all the helpful information about Williamsburg, in addition to the great photography. It was delightful to read and experience, through you. Your posts can never be too long. They are packed with terrific insight and visual scenes.
Oh thank you Hilary! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! xoxo
I totally agree!!
Hi Sue!!,
Woke up to the perfect sunny morning, a nice hot cup of coffee, and your post! Perfect way for me to start my day. I went to Williamsburg in 1975 on my honeymoon. I felt like I could have thrown on some long skirts and rolled up my sleeves and become a mistress to one of the beautiful old homes there. I think some of us are born in times that might be slightly off…I have always felt the pull of the Colonial era. I always feel such a kindred spirit in you when I read your posts and it makes me smile when I think of our love of everything old and country. Thanks for all the pictures. It looks like you had such a good time. Spring is the perfect time, of course, to really enjoy it. We just celebrated “Daffodil Days’ here in Wickford. Beautiful yellow flowers everywhere and even though it was a wee bit rainy the sun did make enough appearances and it was warm and delicious outside. I love the reflection of the sun coming through your windows. And your tables look divine all dressed up!! I’m reading John Adams right now. He was an amazing man with the most incredible woman by his side. I’m enjoying every bit of it. Happy Tuesday…Happy Spring. Welcome home. Say hello to Joe and please give Jack a squinch from me. Much love, Kerrie
Squinching right now!!! xoxo
Good morning Susan, You do so much for us , who can’t get out and travel . Williamsburg was beautiful..great photos and history lesson! Your new quilt has your name all over it, Love it ! Thank you for brightening my day 🙂
My pleasure Susan, happy to have you here!! xoxo
Oh dear I cannot wait to go east. Thank you for sharing and for all the information. It’ll definitely make it easier to plan out trip! And Tea Time magazine is THE BEST!!! I have years worth of subscriptions that I reference for all my cream teas and high teas – it’s THE BEST!!!
It really is SUCH a good magazine and I don’t think a lot of people know it . . . I worry it will go away!
What a treat this post has been. Those cozy rooms and early gardens!
I could exclaim over every detail…glad you got to enjoy Wegmans too. It has spoiled me for other grocery stores.
Seeing the Notre Dame spire collapse was like seeing the towers go down on 9/11. And at the beginning of Holy Week, no less. Thank you, as always for the refuge beauty always offers. Love, Love, Love to you all.
I thought that too . . . was SO relieved, beyond relieved, that it wasn’t a terrorist attack. Love right back to you, happy Easter. xoxo
Susan, Thank you so very much for a really wonderful guided tour. I’m not able to get out and about much and so this was truly wonderful! I enjoyed it ever so much!!
Sherrill from CT
Happy to have you along Sherrill. Hope you could taste that breath of spring air! xoxo
HI Susan: Thoroughly enjoyed your historical blog through Williamsburg
and Mt. Vernon. Have never been there but through your eyes and photos
felt I had just been on a beautiful trip through history. Thank you for taking
us along! I just finished reading CHAINS by Anderson and the heroine, (Isabel)
sure had a lot of courage. On to the 2nd in her trilogy, FORGE. It is so
good to get back to our roots, isn’t it? We are all descendants of immigrants
from foreign lands! Another of your girlfriends mentioned Greenfield Village
here in Michigan. It also is walking history, but quite different from
Williamsburg. Happy Belated Birthday and Happy Easter–a new beginning.
Keep the Blogs coming. Love to hear from you always. Still cool and rainy
in Michigan but I did see pussy willows blooming in the park so that is
a good sign. And looking forward to ENCHANTED! Connie Castle, Rochester,
Michigan.
Susan, what a wonderful blog! Took me two days to read it, had to go through twice to absorb ALL of its treasures. Loved the pictures, the history, and your stories!! Thank you! We’ve been to Williamsburg and Mount Vernon a million years ago but didn’t stay long enough, just enough to whet my whistle and to share with our daughters when they were young. Now we’ll have to plan a time for us to learn and savor.
A belated happy birthday to you! A new year looks amazing on you with your zest for life, plans and projects, curiosity, and love. You’re an inspiration.
So glad you enjoyed Williamsburg and Mount Vernon. We live in Virginia and they are both treasures. If/when you go back to to Jamestown, the trip on the ferry across the James River is very nice.
I have a Grandmother’s Garden quilt much like yours, so pretty.
Onward to Spring and rebirth!
Susan, Thank you for the lovely birthday present! Today is my birthday and seeing your photos of your trip and your parties has given me an outing too. Also I am looking forward to another present of a cup from you, coming in the mail soon. I especially loved the quote from Eleanor Farjeon, she is one of my favorite writers. Thanks for birthday gifts!
Jeanne of Iowa
Happy Birthday Jeanne!!!
Susan do you have an update on the little window sill vases. I need them for gifts and they are a long time coming !
Should be momentarily with how much I’ve been bugging them. I just wrote them again this morning. Last I heard it was two weeks which should be about now. I am SO sorry!!! First time this has happened with them, but I’m very disappointed.
Susan,
SO grateful for you………….and for your blog. I cannot WAIT to plan a trip there with my besties!!
Thank you for sharing!
Your post makes me yearn to go back to Williamsburg. We spent a week there two years ago and it was just so peaceful. You might enjoy this quick story….wherever we travel we later purchase old post cards of the places and frame or keep them in a binder. When I received the post card of Williamsburg’s Bruton Church on the back the sender had written that they arrived at night and how beautiful it was and that they couldn’t wait to see it the next morning. We arrived in the evening also and our first walk through was at night. It was so magical and I couldn’t believe the post card written just after its official opening mirrored our experience. It made it all the more special. 🙂
Maureen
Hi Sue,
What a great trip! Williamsburg is the perfect Spring trip, It’s very too hot in the Summer for us New England people, but always a special place to go back in time, especially walking around n the evening. Love the quilt imagine the years it’s “covered”.
Enjoy Daffodil Season’
Lillian O. xoxo
What a delightful travel log!
I love Colonial History. And you even went to Doylestown! I grew up there until we moved back to the west coast as a teen in 1967. Did you know all these creative people lived/worked in that area? NC Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, the New Hope Painters School, James A Michner, Pearl Buck,(I even met her as a young girl at a community art festival!) Oscar Hammerstein and the singer, Pink!
It is an area that fosters creativity. Plus all the barns and bridges are picturesque.
Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
I didn’t know! Must go back!
Oh Susan! What a wonderful posting! You started out at a lovely place for sure, Doylestown. It’s down the road from us and we enjoy just walking the streets (plus everything else). I just loved Fredericksburg. If only you could have seen Mary Washington’s garden on bloom. It’s not fancy but it was just lovely, something a home gardener would have. I’m off to brew a pot of tea so I’ll be set to read the whole posting. Thank you so much!!!
Susan, thank you for bringing a bit of spring to me here in Michigan! We are having the usual fits and starts of the season. Mt. Vernon and Williamsburg do have a wonderful way of communicating the valor and courage of men and women through the ages; so inspiring!
Your book, “Falling in Love with the English Countryside,” has been a great help to me as my husband and I are taking our youngest two children (teens) to England in a couple of weeks. We adults have been before but are delighted to have an opportunity to share the experience with our kids. The first week we’ll be in London but the second week, by my special request, we get to stay in Ambleside!! I’m nervous about our having to drive on the opposite side of the road but my husband’s brave and a risk-taker, so we’ll likely be okay. 🙂
Yesterday I finished a book you may already have read, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” It was lovely and I think you would like it. I’m glad you have good friends to celebrate you on your birthday. All the best to you.
Have a wonderful time in England Mary Ann!!! xoxo
This was made into a movie and it was terrific!
Hi Susan, I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your blog before but have followed you for years and own almost all of your books. Thank you for such a fine depiction of our VA. I’m a native and current resident of beautiful Yorktown. I actually grew up a mile from Surrender Field and have traveled those historical roads many times on foot and bicycle. They haven’t changed much over the years. Williamsburg is my absolute favorite and I walk those streets often. I’m so glad you got to experience the rich history our towns have to offer and wish I could’ve met you during your visit. I’d be happy to show you the “off the beaten path” things to do next time you come to town. Check out the Bregdan Chronicle series of books which are set during the Civil War timeframe in the very areas you visited. Thank you for visiting and sharing in our rich history. Till next time…..
How wonderful you live in Yorktown! Happy to see you here Laura, thank you!
Oh Susan, thank you for that complete and joyful pleasure-treasure and for so thoughtfully sharing the sights and snippets of history (and book ideas to add to our reading stacks!) ~ What a fascinating treasure trove you have given us armchair travelers to visit and revisit. 💕
Wow, what a great post, thank you! I think we need to take a year just to explore the East Coast. I’ve been to Manhattan and State College and that’s all. Let’s see, I believe that was in 1964 or 1965. I need to get out more!!!
Are you doing a group picnic this year? If so, have you decided on the location?
Happy Spring!
Not this spring, am working this spring!! xoxo
Oh my goodness I want to go now even more than I did before!!! Susan this was quite the post!!! I usually print them out so I can sit on the sofa and linger ove your blog posts but this one was over 40 pages long. Woo Hoo!!! You’ve out done yourself. So glad you had such a marvelous time!!
Hugs
Laura
That’s what I was afraid of, LOL … this post took me forever to do. Will try to do shorter and more in the future, but I think once I get started I have to go until finished!!!
Hello Susan, Thank you for this lovely post! So much fun reading it. I have been there, and, need to go back! So much to visit and take in. What a wonderful feeling of all the history as we visit these wonderful parts of all our history. You have such a lovely way with sharing your words and feelings. Now, I have to go back and read all your links and happily learn more. That quilt is scrumptious, and those rugs you shared!!! Oh MY~ And, something about seeing their kitchens! I know, we get it, Always the heart of the home. loveliness!! Okay, grabbing my tea and heading back for more adventures and knowledge with all the links. And, on a side note, do you have any updates, or ideas when our new mugs we pre- ordered are arriving? Also, the sweet little vase pieces? I did send a note a few weeks ago asking at your studio, and they said hopefully by April. Just checking~ sending much love and happy your way our friend xo
btw… I LOVE the idea of you writing a children’s book!!!! A Kitty Adventure Book!!!
I love your blogs !
Susan, so wonderful that you made a side trip to Doylestown, I have lived in the area for years and never tire of visiting there, so many great restaurants and a lovely walkable town.! Williamsburg is also another much visited place, your pictures are amazing! So much history in that area, I learn something new every time I visit.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!! Your trip looked splendid! Thank you so much for sharing with us! Happy Spring!
Dear Susan, thank you so much for sharing. Your pictures are so lovely. The history is so interesting, felt like being there.
The Willow Oak touched my heart. Over the years when a loved one has passed, instead of flowers we have donated an Oak or Maple tree. For their property or to be given to a park. To be enjoyed for generations to come. Once again you have made the day so special. Thank you!
Thank you for presenting our state of Virginia and Williamsburg in such a positive light. So glad that you loved all the places that make Williamsburg so special. You gave it the justice that it deserves….(I also hate to tell you that Wegmans is so close to my house that I can ride my bicycle to it. It has become my favorite grocery store and I love their flowers. My niece used their orchids for her wedding in the fall and I have some of them in my house now.)
Also, we have had our first family of bluebirds hatch this week. Bob found them this morning when he went to get the paper. He thinks that we have two to three babies. Believe it or not, their house is mounted on the backside of our mailbox. They will raise at least two to three families this season.
Happy spring.
Hi Susan & Joe,
Thank you, for showing & telling your story of your journey to Williamsburg. Brought
sunshine, to the day, after a sad one yesterday, of Notre Dame, in Paris.
Also, the nice fresh days of Spring, on Martha’s Vineyard. Last fall stayed 4 days, being
on Martha’s Vineyard, staying at Mansion Heights, in your town of Vineyard Haven.
Even found your house, and took a few pictures!
Cried, when it was time, to go back, on the ferry.
Thanks, for you taking the time, in your blog. Looking forward to your new book…
Happy Spring! A faithful fan, DonnA
Susan – for hope, for beauty of history, art, culture, here is a link to Josh Groban singing “Le Temps Des Cathedrales”, a musical about Notre Dame….
quite beautiful…..youtube.com/watch?v=LUKqElR_4mA …
This is so far my favorite post you’ve written ! Love love American history. I’m going to try to find books about Abby Rockefeller. So great to read about what you learned. And I have a feeling you two would have been great friends! Her home looks like yours. Beautiful!
Oh my gosh, thank you for all of this! Virginia is glorious in spring.
Big hugs,
Laura
Fredericksburg, VA