Carry Me Back to Old Virginny

It was October 9th when we headed to Virginia. Fifteen years ago this past April, we spent our honeymoon there.Now we are back, beginning another chapter in our lives. The reality of retirement hasn't settled in yet, since this trip seems more like a vacation than a life-change. With that said, I am happy to be back in Virginia on a rainy fall day - it's for lovers, you know.

Our first stop had been on Terry's bucket list for a long time - The Mariner's Museum which houses the exhibit of the Civil War Iron-clad ship, The Monitor. We made a quick tour of the museum, arriving only two hours before closing. It is a most impressive place containing artifacts covering the whole history of man's life on the water and way too much to see in two hours. Seeing the Monitor's recovered turret was the highlight of our visit.- an amazing feat to have recovered this relic of the Civil War.
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We checked in to our hotel, the SpringHill Suites in Williamsburg, (The absolute best rates of the entire trip.) Because Terry was feeling under the weather and getting tired of packing and unpacking, we extended our stay from two to three nights. (Good choice.) While in this place that is so immersed in history, we of course visited Colonial Williamsburg. But what I consider the highlight of the "Colonial" experience, was a wonderful candlelight organ and harpsichord recital at the Bruton Parish Church. This parish, the first Anglican church,  was begun in 1660! The building now standing is the third iteration of a structure erected in 1715. Among its worshipers were the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. I must say, that I stood for a moment, taking in the fact that I was sitting in those same pews once occupied by these renown figures. And then there was the music - a beautiful hour spent listening to a remarkable concert performed by Rebecca Davy, the Musical Director and Organist. It was a most memorable evening.

Our visit to Yorktown was abbreviated because of two things: Terry's not feeling well and the Government Shutdown. This was now the second time our plans were affected by the shutdown - a disappointment, to be sure. Yorktown is another area so rich in history and meaning, it makes one stop and ponder where we came from and appreciate those that created this country of ours.

We made our way back from Yorktown to Williamsburg along the Colonial Parkway, a short, peaceful trip with periodic signs along the way preventing travelers from pulling off to enjoy scenic spots because of - The Government Shutdown, of course.

The stay in Williamsburg did not go as we planned with Terry's not feeling well. However, it did give us a chance to re-group and take some time to catch our breath. It also gave me time to reflect on the abundance of  treasures we have from our past and on the lengths we go as people to preserve these. Hopefully, they serve as an explanation of where we came from and a guide for where we are going.

We left for New Jersey on the 12th of October, my turn behind the wheel - the whole way. Next stop the Haggertys and Steve & Sarita. We began in the rain and ended in the sunshine - not a bad drive.