April 17, 2013

A Visit To Mt. Vernon …

georgew

On a beautiful day during Jennie Doezie’s visit a few weeks ago, we went to visit this man’s home.  Do you know who it is?

The home (pictured below) belongs to none other than the father of our country, George Washington. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve lived here for ten years and have never visited Mt. Vernon.

Upon first laying eyes on the house, I’m pretty sure I declared, “It is the perfect East Coast home." What do you think? Of course, this is what it looks like after two additions were made to a very modest original home. Good job, George! I love it!

mtvernon

Of course, there were men and women working on the property in authentic period costume. This man looked important, but very sweaty because it had jumped from 47 degrees to 80 degrees in two days!

historic

The house was not as fancy as I expected. It was considered a very fine home for the time, but when I think of the palaces of leaders I’ve visited in Europe {hello, Versailles} it seemed modest. The view, however, was SPECTACULAR! Here you can see the Potomac River through a walkway of arches.

arches

I may have to have a weather vane someday. This one, attached to the charming scallop shingled red roof, made me swoon.

And I’ll admit, even though our visit was short – maybe even a little rushed – I felt goose bumps raise on my arms as I walked up the stairs, touching the very bannister that George Washington touched hundreds of years ago.

I love living in an area rich with our country’s history. I have a great idea! Why don’t you (yes, YOU) come visit our nation’s capital. I’ll take you to Mt. Vernon for the day. What do you say?

weathervane

4 comments:

MelancholySmile said...

My brother and his family just moved out there, and I have to admit that my first thought was selfish-- I could go visit Dragonfly!! Soon, hopefully. ;)

Apis Melliflora said...

I've never been there, so it's nice to see it in pictures. I too experienced a little historical celebrity shiver when I touched George's surveying tool a month ago.



The Queen Vee said...

That's a much better bust of George than the one I own.

Aiketa said...

Deal!!! But I think you already know that I would get on a plane to Virginia right now if I could!!! I hope I can come visit you sooner than later.

Actually, I've been thinking for a while what I would like to do next year, after I've done the exam to enter the residency program, because I will have a few months off. I have two options mainly: to go to Cameroon as a volunteer or to come to the US and visit you and some of my family in other states... Hard decision!!!

That feeling you had when walking up the stairs is the feeling I had when I was inside the Colosseum in Rome. I love to visit places with lost of history.

And I think you also know that I would be really happy to be your guide in Barcelona! :)