Old Virginia

 Back in the Shenandoah Valley; this is where hubby and I grew up— met in grade 4, co-editors of the school newspaper and good friends. 

Daughter Kate is enjoying being with us, though she has work to do daily via computer.

 We’re staying with friends who have young kids but I found time to pop in to Belle Grove plantation. The Hites moved in in the late 1700s and added to the house. Mrs. Hite was a daughter of President Madison. 

Belle Grove is a fav spot for history and beauty and connects me to my childhood.

The garden is divided into cut flowers, dye plants, fruits, culinary herbs, and medicinal herbs.

I saw the above and couldn’t identify it there but I believe it’s Rue. Does anyone use this today? It has a wonderful scent.

The photo above, though common in appearance, is especially poignant. This is the area the slaves would have inhabited. Archeological digging is young yet but there is plenty undiscovered; the sloped area would have been where sweepings from the cabins went. 

There is evidence that the Hites purchased veggies and eggs from the slaves who farmed before and after hard days of work at the main house. 

This field may have recreated quarters in the future to expand a fuller picture of life at Belle Grove. I hope so. 

Happy Trails

We’re across the Canadian/American border and are making our way (slowly) to NC with the rv and elderdog. 

Grateful to get our second vax in New Hampshire, we limped into our rv site in Brattleboro, Vt. Exhausted. We set up and did what every true camper does- ordered the local pizza.

 Today we had a bit more energy and we took turns sitting with Lucy or climbing up to the tower in the town. Built by people with mental struggles during the 19th century as a “healing project” by the “asylum.” The asylum was more progressive for the day, but an untold number of people took their lives by jumping from this tower, hence it was locked.

I said a prayer for those who built, died at, or visited the tower; a prayer for the mental struggles with which so many of us struggle.

After stopping to buy some exorbitantly priced cheese from a tourist spot, we hightailed it back to the campground for a rest and a read:

 

I’m really enjoying the book by Elizabeth Miller of Parris House Wool. 

Her writing captures her life and lifestyle in an old home in Maine. 

Recipes and rug hooking included.

 

And tomorrow, oh! day of days!, we get to see our daughter in person for the first time in 19 months!!!

Poor dear will be sick of us by the time we pull up in NC. Ah well.

It’s too hot to hook, so I’m not sorry I left my gear behind; but I know my hands will be twitching to create something before long...