Sunday, May 25, 2014

MOVING ALONG IN THE SOUTH


Just randomly, I'm posting a picture of a certain restaurant/pub that a certain son of mine is an investor in right across from the University of Virginia.   He has personally never seen it so we stopped, had a few beers and I sent him pictures.  He was quite moved.

Ahem.  We arrived in Charlottesville, VA., on Tuesday (I believe), it's all a blur now as it's Sunday.  First stop was the Hollywood Cemetery and all joking aside, it was an eye opening, solemn experience that I am so very grateful that The Husband insisted be on our itinerary.  No, not homage to any movie stars..,just a very introspective, humbling and eye opening experience as we wandered this peaceful resting place of thousands of Confederate soldiers who fought for this country so long ago.  I was hot and sweating but I just simply followed behind The Husband as he searched and searched for the grave site of  his own personal hero since childhood, Jefferson Davis.  I have nothing else to add right now because I have photos and I want to share them when I have time.  I just want to say...my husband is the most intelligent, well informed, well read man I have ever known in my life.  His thirst for history is only challenged by his knowledge of so much that has been a part of our past and all things relevant to our present and future. I have followed along with him on this journey for the past few days, seeing the places where the civil war began and ended and as we moved south, the courage and devastation  of those that not only played a huge part in the war, but in the different yet quite relative civil rights movement much later....very different but all a part of the intricate map we've followed on this journey to the  South.  Can I say what a great and intelligent man I had as a guide?  Thank you A.





Well, The Husband eventually told the B&B owner that the cat hadn't moved from it's preferred spot on our bathroom rug despite our use of the facilities, which felt somewhat like an invasion of privacy at the time.  The owner sort of laughed when we informed him of this and went and retrieved the critter, but I thought it was sort of weird that he didn't seem to mind ...I mean inhabiting guest's rooms?  Especially allergic paying guests.

 

Well, this is the gift shop.  Don't you just love hanging out in these before you go on a tour?  I think the buses or shuttles are purposely schedule 45 minutes (rather than the actual 5  necessary) apart so you have no choice but to buy souvenir mugs and collect maps for obscure places that sound much more interesting than where you are.  Apparently, Jefferson and the staff at Monticello inspired many a cookbook and beautifully photographed books of the gardens at Monticello.  Sadly, I found the visitor's center and restrooms better landscaped than the mansion.  I'm sorry, I don't want anyone to be dissuaded from experiencing this adventure themselves...I never even mentioned my thoughts to The Husband.  I'm a firm believer that our opinions are best left to ourselves, our private journals, our BFF's or our blogs that can be read by anyone that has access to the Internet.  That said...work is being done on the surrounding landscape and they may just be updating that kitchen that inspired all those cookbooks with some stainless steel appliances.  





Here's Mary and I, my wonderful, sweet friend from A Breath Of Fresh Air.  We have been blogger friends forever and I had the pleasure of meeting her once before in Asheville.  She lives in Raleigh and even though it was a little round~about for us, The Husband knew how much I wanted to see her and her wonderful husband, Bob, again.  And I have to tell you...The Husband has confessed that he has really enjoyed meeting the blogger friends we've had the opportunity to get together with over the years.  He and Mary's husband get along like they've known each other for years.  And Mary and I...well, I love her to pieces.  And again...I have more pictures to share of the lovely evening we had dining together at a wonderful restaurant in Raleigh and then going back to their home for dessert and coffee.  Her home is simply out of sight and I could spend hours in her English/cottage style garden, complete with the cutest potting shed that you could eat off the floors in and a gazebo that again, I could spend all day in.  Much more later, but you might want to visit her blog as she has already posted about our visit.  Oh...and the boxy jacket I'm wearing in this photo...Fashion Police would wonder why I'm wearing my father's old bowling shirt (if he had bowled).  Well, it looked good hanging in the shop.  And truly, I have lost weight, it's just hidden under 40 yards of a linen/cotton/polyester blend.



Okay...a long day behind me and five more days until we head home to Chicago.  I'm dragging him out this week for some horseback riding and a visit to a botanical garden.  And I have a few more blogger friends to meet up with!  Of course he is going to fly fish one day...he better after the h*** I went thorough trying to get his stuff on the plane.  Not knowing it was his gear.  Or maybe I should just hide it.  Hmmmmm...

XO,
Jane

39 comments:

Helen said...

Fascinating journey you are on .. I love that part of the US ... we almost moved to Chapel Hill years ago. Our lives might have been quite different, had we. Oh well, it isn't productive to fixate on what might have been .. keep moving forward is my motto. So glad you were able to spend time with Mary .. I have enjoyed her blog for years. Safe journey back home, Jane!

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Jane,

We have just discovered you via the delightful Mary.

What an exciting trip you are having and what fun to meet up with a blogging friend. You clearly all get along wonderfully. This is such a joy of the Blogosphere!

We too have just returned from Rotterdam where we met with a blogging chum, Madelief. It is all such fun, isn't it?!

We are your latest followers!

Theresa said...

Oh my goodness, thank you for taking me along on this journey:) I can't wait to hear more about your purchase of that beautiful getaway! Enjoy each and every step along the way on your vacation! HUGS!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Great update on your trip, but I'm with you when it comes to cats. I would've needed a different place - allergy bomb!
Enjoy your time in your place - what a nice investment, Jane!

Unknown said...

Oh this sounds like a dream for me right now - instead of buried in renos !!!
I'm hoping to meet a couple of bloggers this summer ( " hoping " being the key word here lol )
That property you bought looks amazing !
XOXO

Olive said...

Hi Jane, my husband i s a student of the Civil War as well. General Sherman burned our court house where our old house is so we have no records of our house. The Civil War impacts our life still in some ways. I am so glad you have a place in North Carolina. It is one of my favorite places too. You will love your new follower Jane over there.She is interesting by the way. xo, olive

Lynne said...

Ahhhh...Mountain Home at last!
How fabulous, Jane!

There is nothing more peaceful than curling up under a quilt, with a book in a mountain home.

Always wishing the best of blessings to the "B's"!
withLove!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Oh gosh, I would have freaked if I saw the cat, Jane. I am allergic to them, too, and have a very bad reaction. I wouldn't have thought of it, but I guess if you stay in a B&B mentioning your allergy is a good idea. It sounds like you are having a great trip so far!

Primitive Stars said...

Oh Mountain home, quilts, book, all sound perfect to me, enjoy, Francine.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Sounds like you had a lovely time with Mary and Bob. Looking forward to seeing you this week.
Hugs,
Penny

Beth said...

Your journey sounds wonderful!

podso said...

How fun that you can meet bloggers along the way. Enjoy the rest of your time.

Simply LKJ said...

Love all the stories coming out of this trip. I cannot believe the B&B owner with the cat! REALLY??? Love that you got to meet up with a fellow friend and blogger along the way too.

Mary said...

WE so loved having you visit - it was a fabulous evening, just wish it could have lasted even longer!

Enjoy beautiful Asheville - your new 'home' looks fabulous and I know is comfortable with no shedding cats in the loo! Bet you're already laundering the p.j.'s!!! Giggling at the thought!

Love you both - Mary

It's me said...

Sounds great !! enjoy your trip Jane...love from me...x !

Anonymous said...

I think its wonderful your husband has such a passion for history, and to visit the place s of such history, great to visit with blogging friends, beautiful home away from home, thats a lovely cat too, achoo, I am allergic but do love them,

Melanie said...

I am so glad to hear you're having so much fun. An action-packed vacation, that's for sure! I love your sense of humor...you had me cracking up about the cat in your bathroom. You know I *love* cats so I found your reaction about their eyes and tail swishing hysterical. But I'm the same way with dogs - not too fond of them and there's things about them that really bother me. But you are right, ANY animal shouldn't have been in your room. The property owner should keep her pets at her place; not the guest rooms. Your condo looks lovely...can't wait to see more photos! xoxo

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I can not belive a cat was in your bathroom!!! And the owner didn't even care??? That is wild! Well you'll have a good story to tell the rest of your lives that is for sure! lol!

Shirley said...

Jane, I am so enjoying your trip. It makes me feel like I am on one myself. When you talk about history, we have family in Manassas, Va. that take part in the reenactment of the Civil War that was fought in that area. They give tours. I love history. It teaches us about who fought for our freedom. I don't think I would like the cat. They want you to spend your money in the gift shops. Have fun. Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend.

Marigene said...

What a wonderful trip and you get to visit with blogging friends along the way.
I had to chuckle about the kitty...being a cat owner, I know they will choose the one person that isn't a cat lover to irritate, I mean hang with!
Enjoy the remaining few days of your vacation, Jane.

Unknown said...

Sounds so fabulous! I have a brother who is a BIG history buff, and it's always interesting to hear about our ancestors, the wars, etc. I know you two are having a blast. Looking forward to more pictures!

20 North Ora said...

So glad you are having a nice trip. When we visited Monticello several years ago, they let Tiffany (our granddaughter) place the Memorial wreath in his tomb. They do that on a daily basis. Our State Representative had something to do with that. But, it was an honor.

Travel safe.

Judy

farmhouse-story said...

your new place looks rich and elegant, jane! glad your trip has been great so far--be safe coming home!

Susie said...

Blondie, Cats don't run to meet you at the door, cause they are busy putting the cork back in the wine bottle....they are sneaking like that you know. LOL. They are indifferent at times though. Looks like a wonderful time traveling all around. Tell your husband we took a tour of Gettysburg with a step on guide...I learned more in about 3 hours than I did my whole civil war study time in school. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I love Monticello, I've been fortunate to have been there twice! Isn't it beautiful?

I've never been to Asheville, and your home looks beautiful. A friend of mine and her husband have retired there in their gorgeous home!

Enjoy your time!

Wanda said...

Oh my what an exciting trip. Loved all the pictures and narrative.

Funny story about the bathroom fixture..i.e. cat. HaHa

Leslie Harris said...

Jane, what a lovely home you guys have, so warm and cozy. And I've been having fun following you on your trip. I liked your photo with Mary, I shall have to stop by and meet her now. It looks like you guys had such a fun time together.

RURAL said...

Oh Jane, Bora, Bora this is definitely not. LOL.

I adore cats, but even I would be taken aback that it took over your room with such determination...and the host could have been a little more helpful. I wonder, smirk, if kitty rules the roost?

Jen

Susan Shull said...

Oh jane! I need to hear more about your place in Asheville! And I totally feel the same way about cats. They give me the creeps. They don't like me and they know I am afraid of them (sort of) and they stalk me if I am around them. boo.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

More beautiful places and wonderful scenery! I would have been annoyed by the cat, too, even though we have and love a cat. I just don't care about anyone else's......lol! Your new place in the mountains sounds like a Time Share, or do they call them something else in your neck-of-the-woods? How wonderful to have a get-away place!

Beth said...

Your condo looks amazing, Jane! It sounds like you are having a wonderful time! I enjoyed seeing the cat as she looks a lot like my Gracie. We stayed at a B & B once where the resident cat(s) would meow at your door and if you opened it they would come in and keep you company.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Just got caught up on your last two posts. What a wonderful trip you two are on! I went to some of those places as a child and then again as an adult but I still would love to do it again. My mom's sister lives in Virginia and she is always inviting us out there, so maybe.
I love your place in Ashville, that is such a neat town.
And I bet it's so much fun to meet up with some of the bloggers you have gotten to know.
And I am really looking forward to our get together this summer. We need to pick a date soon.
Big Hugs friend and enjoy the rest of your trip. Hi to Al too.
Cindy

Bluebird49 said...

I don't believe I have commented here, Jane. I am a Virginian, and I was so glad to hear you and your hubby liked some of our beautiful, history-rich state, We took our kids and Mom to Monticello in the '80s. (Mom sprained her ankle just before we went, but we took a wheelchair to push her in! She would have been heartsick to have been left behind.) Those rolling hills almost took hubby and Mom down several times that day! lol We did enjoy the inventions of Jefferson. He was quite an inventor and architect--and educator. (I love John Adams, as well--I know how much they liked one another, although they had spirited discussions on politics, didn't they!) ;) When our kids were small, we vacationed in Asheville, NC and Cherokee every year in teeny motels with no Ac, and often had to use a grill to eat because we couldn't afford to eat out. We packed a cooler everyday we went out! I guess I should say "I" did that! (I wanted to go to Nag's Head to the beach, but hubby loves the mountains! Back then I would never even ask to do something I wanted to do, but I've outgrown that finally! ;) Our son graduated from NCSU in Raleigh in 1996, and now he lives about 45 minutes from Lexington! We go through Charlottesville each time we visit them. (We have lived in the Tidewater area of VA. all our lives.) I was delighted to hear your were going to tour some of our state, and hope the next time, you and hubby will plan to go to Colonial Williamsburg--it's very beautiful, and Jamestown is near it.
It's wonderful to we that some people are able to afford to do and have beautiful things in this economy. Of course, neither of us went to college, so my husband worked at a mill all his life and I have always been a housewife--but not house keeper--because it is long past being kept! I have had Fibromyalgia for many years now, and I am nearly 65, hubby nearly 68--gee, it's hard enough for us to pack just to drive 4 hours to spend a week with our son and his wife and our grands! But oh! How worth it!

Jane--I hope you and your DH can enjoy many years of traveling and fly fishing and riding. Yes, you must have done something right! :) Although our lives are very different--I do so enjoy your blog! Sorry to write so much, but I didn't see an e-mail address. Take care of your beautiful family; well, I can see you and your DH have--they are all doing so very well.

Maggie said...

Loving hearing all about your trip, it's fascinating to hear what you think bout places I've visited, too. One place I've not been to yet is Raleigh, to meet up with the lovely Mary and husband Bob, but it will happen one day. Looking forward to reading more......

Penny said...

Looking forward to seeing you today Jane!

Vel Criste said...

Your trips seems to get better and better! Glad you sorted out the 'cat issue' minus any scratches, I probably would've handled it differently since I'm no cat person at all ( let's just say I developed my 'dislike' because of the snobbish and hurtful ones my grandma used to have)!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

OH, your new place looks absolutely lovely. Time share? Or you've purchased the unit itself and have them rent it for you when you aren't there?

The cat...lol... well, did you specify that you are allergic to cats when you booked the B & B? If not, many consider it charming to have a resident cat who comes and goes from the rooms, so I can see how it wouldn't be alarming to the owner. However, if you already told him you were allergic, that's really neglegent.

Enjoy your trip, I'm enjoying your pics and tagging along :-)

bj said...

what an awesome vacation (except for the cat..not a cat person, either)...so glad you met a blogging friend...
Keep on havin' fun, Blondie...
xo

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