The Drama of Creation

The beginning of Natural Bridge's
"The Drama of Creation"

During our visit to Natural Bridge we were able to see the "Drama of Creation." Because Natural Bridge is still privately owned, they have continued a tradition that began on May 22, 1927, when United States President Calvin Coolidge pressed the button that inaugurated the night illumination of the bridge. The program combines some of the greatest symphonic compositions with an impressive lighting system and Bible readings that walk you through the Biblical account of creation.

There are chairs set out each night for the viewers to watch the drama in comfort from both sides of the bridge. As the sun begins to set the bridge itself becomes the stage for this wonderful show.

The following morning we headed to the caverns. Even though it was July, it became very cold as we made our way down into the cavern. The slow draining of water has sculped rooms and still continues at about an inch every 125 years.

The tour was a 45-minute journey that took us 34 stories into the earth. Even though we took the tour with several other families from the adoption weekend, David (and the other children) didn't have to be reminded to stay close. I think the cold and darkness of the cavern gave them a natural caution while we were in there.

This was a wonderful opportunity to see the marvels and variety of what God has created for our enjoyment. I would encourage anyone who has the chance to take the time to see these wonders.

Natural Bridge

Three years ago we attended an adoptive family retreat. This was put on by a faith-based agency that helps adoptive families with extra support. There were three long-weekend conferences that were put on that summer. Two were located at 4-H camps, but the one we chose was located at Natural Bridge, Virginia.

It was fun to spend the weekend with 15 other families whose family's included at least one adoptive child. The retreats were free for the families, but the accommodations were wonderful. The families came from all over the state—some with only adoptive children and some with biological and adoptive children. The children ranged in age from 18 all the way down to 2. Adoption tied us all together in a unique way.

David playing in the Natural Bridge pool

The hotel, a wonderful Colonial-style building, stands stately with a spectaculer mountain view. We shared all our meals in the dining room there and attended several sessions that dealt with adoption. We could tell the building had been added to over the many years, but that only increased its charm. The conference attendees were all housed in cottages across the road from the hotel. The cottages provided a little more privacy than the busy-ness of the hotel.

There is an old swimming pool that guests can visit located beneath the gift store. It became the gathering place for the families following the sessions put on by the agency that hosted the weekend. It was fun to watch all these kids having a great time together. During the meals, there was much table-hopping as children joined other families to sit with their new friends.

The Natural Bridge

If you have never been to Natural Bridge, Virginia, you are missing one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The bridge is 215 feet tall and 90 feet wide.

The bridge has a very impressive history: George Washington surveyed the site for Lord Fairfax in 1750. There are still landmarks of the work he did there and on the wall of the bridge he carved his initials. In 1754 Thomas Jefferson purchased 157 acres of land that included the Natural Bridge from King George III of England for 20shillings.

The retreat also included free tickets to the Bridge, the Drama of Creation held at the bridge, and the caverns. I will be sharing the Drama of Creation with you later this week.

Celebration Saturday

Saturday was my husband's birthday so we took him on an adventure. We began the day at a local winery. We have visited other wineries but this one made fruit wines. While he tasted a few wines, David played with the farm dog and I checked out the pumpkins, jams and jellies. It was foggy on the mountain and a bit on the wet side so we could not go out and pick any apples.

We then headed down to the small town of Bedford to Centerfest. They close several blocks in the town and have live entertainment, food stands, crafts, safety demonstrations, food stands (oh, did I already mention them?), kid's crafts, kid's games and, oh yeah, food stands. The food was really good with lots of choices. We had lots of fun and David was able to sit in a go-cart from a local college, they even started it for him. He was invited inside the police car's driver seat and the officer turned on the lights. Rich loved taking pictures at this unique event. We bought David a rubber band gun with a target and he was in heaven.

On the way to Centerfest David must have been thinking of Rich's birthday because he asked us, "since you guys were so old when God gave me to you are you going to die before my friends' parents?" How's that for making you feel good on your birthday? We told him it wasn't that we were so old as much as he was so active that would send us to an early grave. Really, we told him that heredity and taking care of yourself would help determine how long we would live.

When we got home we had to hurry in order to get ready for our dinner reservations at a local steakhouse. Rich and I weren't that hungry since we had lunch at the Centerfest. But this worked out well since David ate his food, half of Rich's and part of mine.

For Rich's gift we got a fire pit. Rich has been wanting one for a while and I thought it would be a perfect gift. David is always so excited about gift-giving that we had to give Rich the gift a couple days early so that David wouldn't spill the beans.

Many friends sent cards and we are so thankful for the many wonderful friends that we have.

Just Like Cinderella

This weekend we stayed close to home and went down to the city market. We arrived late so many vendors were packing up, but I think this may have helped get me a great deal on a pumpkin.

My Cinderella Pumpkin

I found Cinderella's pumpkin and it's beautiful! Cinderella is an ornamental novelty pumpkin. Deeply ridged, exceptionally flattened. Thick, sweet flesh is moist and custard like. Ours weighs in at 39.8 pounds. I only paid $10.00 for this little gem. I had never seen a pumpkin like it. It now sits proudly on our front porch to greet our visitors.

We thought about heading to one of our favorite places for lunch, but decided to try a new place. We had seen this cute little place sitting on the edge of the river many times and always said "We really need to check it out. It looks so interesting." Well, we finally did try it. "Texas Inn" is open 24 hours a day and is only closed on Sundays.

David & me in front of The Texas Inn

We had to wait a minute while other customers left to get three stools together at the counter. There is only a counter and no booths or other seating. There were two waitresses that served the counter and you got to watch the cook make your meal. The lunch menu is very basic with hot dogs, burgers, westerns and variations on these items.

David ordered three chili dogs, Rich had a cheesy western and a "funny" which is a hot dog bun without the dog but with all the fixin's. I ordered two hit dogs, only had one and a half (David had the other half.) I also ordered an orange cake which all three of us shared. I was amazed at how well the waitresses kept track of all the people at the counter.

Exploring Roanoke

Last year we took David to the Virginia Transportation Museum in Roanoke. We finally made it back there this past weekend. David loves to call it the Train Museum because of all the trains that he got to climb over. The museum holds old cars, a huge model train and real-life trains. There is a section that is dedicated to space exploration, but that has not been open due to issues with construction problems with the roof.

One of the many trains
at the Roanoke Transportation Museum

When we visited Saturday David was very disappointed because only two trains were open to explore. The space section is still not open. So we didn't spend the hours in the museum we had expected to.

So on the fly I was looking for something else to do in town. I didn't want to waste the trip to Roanoke since it was the first trip there this year. I found a brochure at the museum that gave me a few ideas. Most of the featured activities were geared for younger kids (zoo) or adults (vineyards)or just too far away. These wouldn't do for David so we would have to decide on which of the remaining activities we would do.

I found Grandin Road, a 1930s restored neighborhood. When we arrived (after getting lost due to wrong directions) we were a little disappointed. We were expecting something more along the lines of Occoquan, Virginia. (Occoquan is a quaint little town with several blocks of cottage looking shops located near where we used to live in Northern Virginia.)

In front of Too Many Books
with our books

Upon arriving at Grandin Road we had a hard time finding a parking space. We had been told by the lady at the museum to make sure we checked out the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op since it was such a neat place. We pulled into their parking lot to begin our adventure there and saw their signs that stated we could only park there as long as we were in the store. When we went to another store the car would have to be removed or it would be towed. We then saw a man outside watching the cars to make sure this was done. We quickly decided not to shop there or park there. The Baptist church that stands behind it also had signs that stated if you parked in their lot you would be towed. We turned the corner and found a spot right in front of the used bookstore. The area was not so crowded that I could see a reason for the harshness of the signs.

We hit the used bookstore first—"Too Many Books." This was the best of the best kind of used bookstores. Lots of wonderful books everywhere in the shop. Little tables with books displayed and lots of tall shelves well-labeled in categories. The books were all in great shape. There were old books and newer used books but all were in great shape and had good prices.

The lady who ran the shop was a major asset who knew what she had in stock and where to find it quickly. She even gladly took the time to give David directions to a shop we wanted to go to next. She even wrote down the directions when David had asked her to. We bought quite a few books.

We walked past the Grandin Theatre, which is a restored movie theater. We had hoped to catch a movie here but there were not movies we were interested in watching. The theater was beautiful and we would have liked to explore the experience. Maybe next time.

Pop's Ice Cream & Soda Shop

Next we hit "Pops Ice Cream and Soda Bar." We were transported to the 1950s in this charming little place. We each ordered a different soda from the bar—licorice for Rich, cherry for David, and watermelon for me. We then ordered ice cream. Rich ordered a sundae, David had a cherry milk shake, and I ordered a shake with birthday cake and black raspberry ice cream (I got fancy.) The employees were wonderful and very cooperative as we snapped away at them with our cameras—and at each other. They use Homestead Creamery milk and ice cream, which is a local dairy. So we had dessert before lunch. Gotta love it.

Roanoke Weiner Stand

We then drove back across town (getting lost again) for lunch. The Roanoke Weiner Stand has been in Roanoke since 1916. It has played host to many dignitaries such as Barbara Bush, Elizabeth Dole, George Allen and more. The menu is limited—hot dogs, french fries and drinks. A great place for an inexpensive lunch with great atmosphere. There are pictures on the walls that show its history dating all the way back to 1916. The stools and counters leave you facing all the pictures.

With full tummies and happy hearts we headed home. I am so glad that we could turn the few disappointments around and make it a great day together.

Not So Living History

Saturday as tropical storm Hanna threatened our area we went on a field trip. First we hit the local farmers market. Very few ventured out to the market as the weather reports called for flash floods. However, we are made of sterner stuff or had a stronger desire to just get out of the house. We also planned to visit a wonderful used and new book store on our way home.

Apples from the farmer's market

Wonderful apples, peaches, cheese and Amish-made cinnamon buns graced our table on Sunday. Just as we were leaving the market the sky began to clear and the clouds rolled away.

So we decided to make a learning detour. We headed to the Old City Cemetery. It was our first get-out-and-walk-around visit since the first time we just drove through one Saturday when it was very busy. Now, most cemeteries, when they are busy, are due to the loss of loved ones. Not so for this cemetery. This one has a two hundred year history as the final resting place for the great, good, bad and unknowns of the area. Of the bodies buried within the walls of the cemetery, three-quarters are African Americans and half are children.

Mother & daughter Langley grave

One of the first graves you see when entering is of the Reverend Phillip Morris—the founder and first president of what became known as Virginia Seminary and College. Following it is a bed made of moss and covered in flowers. There is an enclosure that contains a monument with widows weeds flowing from it. At the base of the monument Rich found money laying around. The graves hold mother Agnes Langley (1789-1874) and daughter Lizzie Langley (1833-1891.) This team ran a "sporting house" where both races were employed and served in the "Red light District."

A little further down and to the left we found a large headstone with "Mammy" written on the top. The grave is the home of Anica Mitchell and the stone states she was "faithful and beloved" domestic servant to the family of Israel Moore for over 40 years.

Continuing on, we arrive at the Confederate section, which contains over 2,200 Confederate soldiers from 14 states and, yes, there are only Confederates here. The union soldiers were dug up long ago and sent to Petersburg to be reburied there. They have recently discovered there is a "negro row" in this section, however they are not sure where this row is located.

Mammy's grave stone

Down and around the hill, there is a museum with mourning jewelry and clothing along with a horse-drawn hearse. It was interesting to learn that the horses were always color coded: white horses were used when children were the deceased and black horses for adults.

As we rounded another corner we saw a spot where the towns first public hanging occurred in 1830. Thousands gathered to watch the hanging. However, there was a problem, the rope broke when the trap door opened and the condemned man fell to the ground. He was given a drink of water while they replaced the rope, then he was made to take that long walk back up the gallows. Just to make sure he did die this time they left him hanging for an hour. People were so appalled that there was not another public execution for 30 years.

As we continued up the hill to our right was a large tree on which a swing has been hung and tables have been scattered for people to enjoy an afternoon picnic. Yes, we are still on the grounds of the cemetery. We spent a lot of time at the swing while we saw lovers walking hand in hand as they explored the cemetery together.

David, enjoying the cemetery swing

There is much more life in this cemetery then in any other I've ever seen. During the summer there are often crowds out looking at the gravestones and exploring the history that lies within it's walls. Also weddings and receptions are held on the grounds and in the meeting hall. The people who have been laid to rest here are not forgotten.

And just in case you thought we lost our appetite exploring the dead, you're wrong. We headed downtown to a wonderful restaurant that used to be a train depot and ate so much we only nibbled at dinner.

Going Dutch

I've posted many times about my times in Tennessee, but I also spent time in the Catskill Mountains of New York with my mom's parents.

My grandpa was a construction worker who drove big Caterpillar trucks to help build the highways of upstate New York. He also built their house in the mountains. My grandma was a homemaker that never worked outside the home.

The Catskills were the setting of Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle," a story I have always loved. As in the story, the area is full of Dutch who settled there when they came to America. It was easy to picture good old Rip hunting in the woods around my grandparents home.

Gradma's cast iron stove

Since there were no other children to play with we had to be more creative. One of my favorite activies was to go into their root celler and see all the treasures they had stored from their life together. My grandmother had a cast iron stove that was just the right size to play with my Barbie dolls They became Pilgrim Barbies for the week or so that we visited. They also had an old stereoscope with cards from the Catskill area. My grandfather was a coin and stamp collector so we often poured over his collection.

We always made a visit to my grandmother's younger sister and her husband. We always had fun at Dot and Ed's and they were like another set of grandparents. Dot always had fresh goodies baked and over the years she gave me special little necklaces. Dot and Ed's one daughter never had any children so in some ways we did become her grandchildren. A few years ago their daughter died following a car accident. I still send them a Christmas card every year.

My grandparents celebrate their 72^nd weding anniversary this year. They live in an assisted living home together where my grandmother still looks after my grandfather, who has alzheimer's. Grandma's cast iron stove sits proudly in my kitchen. The picture that has hung over my kitchen table since my marriage is the one that use to hang over their table during my childhood.

A Friend From Home

Yesterday it was back at Splash Country. Boy, are we making use of our season passes. We found it was cheaper to buy the season passes then if we paid on a day-to-day basis. We also found that upgrading my pass to a gold pass was well worth the price. It was $30.00 more then the regular season pass price, but it gives us free parking plus 20% off everything in the park.

David at the end of his Water Drop

They are also running a special in August, if you buy an adult meal with a season pass the kid's meal is free. Anytime you make a purchase at a store you are entered into a $500.00 spending spree at Dollywood. I'm keeping my fingers crossed since we hope to come back for a weekend in the fall.

After playing at the wavepool David wanted to go down the water drop again. I, on the other hand, declined the offer. At the bottom he began to talk to the boy that went down at the same time. You will never believe this. Nicholas is from our hometown and they knew each other from playing at the Y pool. He was there with his father and two older brothers who left home the same day we did and are leaving here today. The boy joined our group and he and David had a blast together. But, after several hours together, David began to get very quiet and wanted to cuddle with me. I think there were two reasons for this. First, Nicholas never shut up and I think this was wearing on David's nerves. Second, Nicholas talked about his mom but she wasn't with them. David is so used to the traditional family, with vacations together and all, that the thought of not being together was hard for him to think about.

David giving me water rides

After lunch David became a cuddle buddy with me. I got lots of kisses and he took me out to the wave pool in an inner tube and gave me rides. You would think a day at the water park would water log David, but no way. He was back in the pool at the hotel.

God has really given us a wonderful week. The weather forecasts said it would thunderstorm on Wednesday and yesterday it was to rain on and off all day with thunderstorms in the afternoon. Neither of those predictions came true.
It is hard to believe that it is already time to pack up and head home. But even in that we are very fortunate. We have lots of wonderful friends that we have missed and a wonderful home to return to. And we have all missed Roger and look forward to seeing him.

Mystery Mine

I thought I would share a little bit of the rides here at Dollywood. This is the ride that David says he will never ride again.

ENJOY!

A Day To Relax

When we were at Dollywood we saw a sign that made me laugh and nudge Rich. "Aunt Granny's Country Buffet" serves fried bologna! This has been an ongoing disagreement since we got married. Rich says he has never heard of anyone ever eating fried bologna while I on the other hand say everyone eats fried bologna. Every time I would cook this, he would just shake his head. I have explained it has to be cooked just right—at a slow temperature til it gets a bit crispy but not burnt. He has never appreciated the fine art of cooking bologna.

Aunt Granny's Restaurant

I made a little headway when the movie "Sweet Home Alabama" came out and the father asks the mom to pull out the bologna cake. But, this little restaurant has finally vindicated me after all these years.

So we got up early to get to the park before it opened and had breakfast at "Aunt Granny's." Since we were first in line at the gate we began to talk to the lady at the front and we explained our errand and disagreement. She was on my side and even told us that when they bring in the fried bologna sandwiches to the employee lounge the word spreads fast and there is a rush to get them. Yes, everyone loves fried bologna sandwiches. While we were entering the restaurant Rich asked the hostess out front if she were Aunt Granny, she explained that Dolly is Aunt Granny.

Part of the menu from Aunt Granny's

David has always shared my love for fried bologna and always asks why daddy doesn't like it. Well, it's a good thing they make lots of food because David really chowed down on the bologna and other food. Rich didn't have any bologna but there was lots of other good food for him to enjoy.

We hadn't planned on riding the rides yesterday since the previous day Rich's knees were bothering him. David even complained about how his legs hurt because they were so tired. I on the otherhand felt just fine thanks to my treadmill sessions. So we decided to take it a bit easy. That lasted until after breakfast and the rides kept calling David, please ride me. So we headed to the midway and rode a few rides several times before heading over to take some pictures and buy a few gift items we had spotted the day before. Our early day at the park lasted until after lunchtime.

One of the Lid'l Dolly's dressmakers

Then we headed to a leather shop to buy a gift for David for Christmas. Then we had to buy a Lid'l Dolly dress. These dresses are old fashioned ruffled dresses in pretty colors and lots of bows. We bought one many years ago before David was born for our little girl. It was eventually given away since she turned out to be a he baby. We also bought my neice one of these dresses. Now that our good friends the McKinley's are about to have a baby we wanted to pick one up and stash it away. If it is a boy then we will have to hold on to it until they have a baby girl.

Choosing just the right dress

The store is set up in the front with quilts, dresses, purses and pillows but in the back Monday through Friday you can watch them making these beautiful items. All the work is done by ladies sitting at sewing machines, no big mass production here. A had to buy a wonderfully intricate baby quilt and lap quilt. The prices are amazingly low and I had a 10% off coupon from an ad I picked up at the hotel.

We ate at Fuddruckers, which is a place I love. Then I found a scrapbook store that I could buy my Tennessee scrapbook items at.

Dollywood central fountain

When we got back to the hotel the guys headed to the pool and I headed for the laundry (yuck!) I hated having all these dirty clothes piling up and the thought of waiting until we got home sent me into action. I wasn't the only mom who had this bright idea. Just as I was taking my clothes out of the washer another mom was bringing hers in. There are only two washers and dryers and one of the dryers wasn't working. So I explained this to the lady. She told me "Well, I used to work in the hotel industry and I'm going to go to the desk and give them a piece of my mind." Since there were more clothes in the one dryer I told her it would take more then one cycle for ours to get done since I had washed two loads. As she was loading her clothes into the two washers another mom came in with her dirty clothes. She wasn't happy that someone beat her to the machines.

Dollywood's "Friendship Path"

As it came near to the time the second lady's clothes were due to finish washing, I sat outside of the laundry room. Sure enough she showed up just as her wash cycle was done (which was still 20 minutes before my dry cycle was done.) She said she thought she saw me take my clothes out already. I explained I had taken some of the dry ones out to allow the others to dry quicker but it would still be a while. She then told me the front desk hadn't heard the last of the situation since her husband was going to give it to them when they checked out the next morning.

The weather forecast is calling for thunderstorms this afternoon, but that's what they said for yesterday and we had wonderful weather. The plan at this point is to head to the water park and see if we can keep from burning today.

The Craftsmen and Beauty of the Smokies

Glass working artisan

Visiting Dollywood is a great way to see traditional craftsmanship at work. There is a section called "Craftsman's Valley" where the age old crafts are being plied. You can watch glass blowing, candy making, candle making, and even a blacksmith at work. Then you can purchase the products that have been made there.

It makes me sad when I think of "progress" and how it has replaced so much of the artistry that can only happen when things are made by hand. We have purchased many items to stash away as Christmas gifts for our family and friends. I would much rather help enable a master craftsman to be able to continue his proud heritage then to hand my money over for mass produced gifts.

Hand made glass pumpkins

Dollywood has been very careful to keep the beauty of the Great Smokey Mountains as a focal point. The land has remained hilly and windy with the most amazing flowers and plants throughout the park. Pride in both the area's heritage and Dolly's own personal history is evident everywhere you look. Many people become ashamed of their humble beginnings when they achieve success. Not so with Dolly. She is rightly proud of her roots and the people of her home.

Blacksmith in action

Something you also begin to notice about Dollywood is the abundance of workers that are what our society would call "retirement age." Talking to these workers you sense a deep respect for Dolly and a love for their jobs. We have seen several that used scooters to get around or walk with canes. Most employers would not view these as prime candidates for employment but they do a great job and have very upbeat personalities. The food vendors seem to be college or high school students.

Yes, we had another full day of riding the rides. The coal burning train is always a favorite of David's. He rode the Demolition Derby for the first time. You know David—he had a blast and rammed everyone he could. Then we ended up getting soaked on River Battle.

We found a place we knew we had to eat at for breakfast today. In fact it's been a running joke in our family for 22 years. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to hear about it.

What Was I Thinking?

Splash Country's Lazy River

Yesterday we hit Dollywood's Splash Country, a waterpark. We started the day with a lazy ride down the river. It was wonderful to just lay back and let the river gently rock you. Needless to say this didn't last long with David along.

Next we headed to a raft ride. You have to walk up a whole lot of steps, get on a raft that takes you down and around tunnels then lands you at the bottom. This was not quite as relaxing as the lazy river. But, it was lots of fun.

One of the raft rides

Next the wave pool and lunch. We ate our lunch next to the wave pool and enjoyed watching all the others getting rocked by the waves. After lunch Rich and David played in the wave pool while I worked on my tan.

Have no fear my resting didn't last long. Before you knew it David had me heading up an even bigger flight of steps to the water drop. David almost chickened out of the ride as he saw person after person going back down without riding. If the older kids were scared he was considering not riding.

Yes—that's David

But, up and up we went to the top of the stairs. We layed down in the slide, crossed our legs crossed our arms and whoosh. A straight drop down before the slide bends and you land at the end of the slide. You'll hear no screaming on this ride since if you tried to open your mouth the water would choke you. I had water going up my nose the entire ride and I lost my headband somewhere along the ride. It was fun, but David decided not to try it again—just yet.

Next David decided to head for the water playground. This was quite a sight. Kids running all over a jungle gym with water squirting everywhere. Rich headed under the overhang to get some shade while I laid out some more. David must have played for two hours running around having a blast before he was ready to stop.

One of the water playgrounds

So it was a trip to Logan's Roadhouse for dinner (since David had accidentally dropped the leftovers that were to be dinner). We headed for Aloe Vera for Rich's sunburn then it was an early evening at the hotel. O.K., earlier then we have had the last two nights but still after David's bedtime.

A Day of Adventure

Yesterday while waiting for our cousins to join us at the hotel we kept David busy. Right after breakfast it was a trip to the pool. David's swimming has improved so much over the summer since he has spent almost everyday at the Y's pool.
When it was time to go to the room nearer our guests arrival time David opened the curtains and questioned me about who was coming, their ages and our relation to each other. Each vehicle that pulled up he would ask "Is that them?" He was very excited when Wendy and her kids got out of their truck, spotted him and waved. David's first comment was "Haley's pretty."

Smokey Mountain River Rampage

After the greeting we headed to Dollywood. We started with the tamer rides and worked our way up. Dylan, Haley and Peyton are not as daring as David is. While they rode many of the rides, there were some that I had to ride with David. We rode the rampaging river boats and got soaked, while Rich stood on shore to capture our ride. We headed to the Midway that held rides that brought back memories of traveling carnivals. This is a great area for the younger kids and eight-year-old Peyton got to ride more rides in this section.

David, the day before, had wanted to ride the Thunder Head—a traditional wooden roller coaster. It is a long and very nerve-racking looking ride. We told him to wait until Sunday, since the park was closing when he asked. We were hoping Wendy's kids would ride it with him. Luckily, Dylan was willing to ride it and the two of them set off.

Mystery Mine Roller Coaster

We had to purchase the picture that was taken on the ride. I will scan the picture when we get back home and will be able to post it. None of the other kids would ride the Mystery Mine, I can't understand it. Just as we were pulling out David looked at me and said "I changed my mind, I don't want to ride this." The ride has two straight up hills, you are flat on your back and all you can see is track. Then the drop is amazing! On our first straight uphill climb David grabbed my hand and didn't let go until after the ride was over. We were seated in the very front and even felt the heat of flames that shot out at us. The ride also has two upside down turns. He decided that the ride was too intense for him, until next year.

The result of River Battle soaking

We all rode on River Battle. We floated down a winding river on a raft with people spraying water from cannons on the side of the river. But, we had our own cannons and fought a hard fight. We were so soaked by the end of the ride that we went right back on for a second soaking.

We rode many other rides with the kids making up different combinations of riding with each other. David loved telling everyone who would listen that these were his cousins. We have made plans on visiting them on our way back home—the day before Haley becomes a teenager.

Welcome To Your Blog-cation

Today we are taking you on the first day of your blog-cation. After a five-and-a-half-hour drive, we have arrived. Unfortunately you are not the only ones who decided to join us. The road was jammed with many others who wanted to have a great time.

Before we arrived at the hotel, our fun began. We had to stop and take pictures that we really wanted to share. The first was of a "Beef Jerky Outlet" but we never entered the shop. As we entered the John Deere store, we saw a sign that requested that we not bring "food, drinks or spit cups into the store." Now I ask you, what are we suppose to do with our spit cups?

So what are we supposed
to do with them?

Upon arriving at the hotel David had decided he didn't want to go to Dollywood, but would prefer to swim in the hotel pool. You'd think that spending five days a week at the pool would make him a little less enthralled with it, but not my son. After about 20 minutes in the pool he decided he was ready to hit the park.

Instead of driving in all the traffic, we walk one block over to the trolley. We have to switch trolleys part way through our journey. But finally arrive at Dollywood! David is scoping out the rides as we pull into the parking lot and knows which ride will be the first one on his list. First we head to the cars that go around a track. We then went to one of my favorite types of rides—the river raft ride. I ended up in the seat that would soak me more then any of my fellow passengers. By the time the ride finished my shoes sloshed with the water that flowed down my backside on the ride.

My boys, flying high

We arrived at the train station just in time as the steam engine pulled in just as we entered the gate. Our ride was very spacious and David had a smile from ear to ear the entire trip. Then David and his dad rode a ride that took them high in the air and spun them outwards. I stayed on the ground and photographed them. There were a couple other rides we were able to cram in before the park closed.

While the ride on the trolley worked well for our journey from the hotel to Dollywood the same can not be said for the return trip. You see, we caught the right trolley but we thought they would turn around a lot sooner then they did. So we were still on the trolley long after we expected. David was very sleepy on the trip and laid his head on me to rest.

It is now about midnight and we have just finished dinner and are getting ready to go to sleep. It has been a very fun and exhausting day. Tomorrow my relatives will join us for the day so it promises to hold even more excitement since we will also have a full day here.

Eating Up History

Fourth of July found us enjoying the day at the president's home. Not the current president, but one of the founding fathers. Thomas Jefferson not only owned the large Monticello mansion in Charlottesville, but he also owned a retreat called Poplar Forest. So we packed a picnic lunch with lots of goodies and headed out. Our original plan had been to visit friends in Northern Virginia, but a change in Rich's work schedule and the gas prices had us explore a venue closer to home.

There were a few period artisans and one woman was fascinating as she demonstrated the way cloth was made from flax seed. She had many funny anecdotes that captured not only the adults, but also the children's attention.

David paid rapt attention to all as she explained about how wigs were made during colonial times. David provided a new anecdote as he asked her "Is that how they made Hannah Montana's wig? It looks just like it." Needless to say this got a big chuckle from the crowd gathered around.

While people explored different areas of the grounds we were serenaded by colonial music. At 1:30 a ceremony began with the American Legion's presentation of the colors. Everyone stood as we said the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem. The reading of the Declaration of Independence along with the names of all the signers was presented from the back porch of the mansion.

The American Legion Color Guard salutes
during the singing of the National Anthem

I have to admit, I had never heard much about Poplar Forest before moving to Central Virginia. We have been to Monticello often and eaten at Michie Tavern in Charlottesville. But it just seemed fitting to explore this property on the Fourth.

Thomas and Martha Jefferson inherited the 4,819 acre property from Martha's father in 1773. When they first took over ownership of the plantation they visited very little. But in 1781 the Jefferson family spent two months on the property in order to elude British capture. In 1806 Jefferson personally oversaw the laying of the foundation, an octagonal house much like Monticello. Following his presidency he visited this home three to four times a year. This was a place far away from official duties and his grandchildren often stayed during these visits.

Poplar Forest House

The house was inherited by Frances Epps, Jefferson's grandson. Two years later the plantation was sold to a neighbor. The property remained a private residence for several families until 1984. Having been updated over the years, the inside showed little resemblance to the home of the Jeffersons. The nonprofit Corporation for Jefferson's Poplar Forest purchased the property and has been taking painstaking steps to restore it to its original condition. The foundation raises the funds for the research and restoration.

We had such a wonderful time there yesterday that we decided to return today to take more pictures. This time we took a tour of the inside of the home and I tried to imagine the families that lived in the house following the Jeffersons. Can you imagine? I began to wonder where they placed the stove and how they furnished with no closets. As they dug into the handmade bricks to make a well to run electrical wires did they realize the damage they were doing to history? Did they know that the president whose words would be viewed as the most important document in the nation had personally overseen the building of "their home?" Or could they have just thought that someone had just imitated Jeffrerson's Monticello?

Rich and David at our picnic blanket

David was fascinated by the house and grounds and has a desire to purchase Poplar Forest for our next home. When I asked him yesterday what he liked most he stated "Eating on a president's lawn." Now how many people get to do that? David would even like for us to do some research on Jefferson as a "summer school" project. I am glad that David has a love of history, we have tried to instill the living history that is all around us. He loves to learn about the people and their lives, why they did what they did.

I don't like "Jefferson's Bible" since in it he took out the references to Jesus' miracles and the blood of Christ. He used slaves to run his plantations and while in today's eyes this is abhorrent to us, we must look at it through the glasses of the past and it was acceptable in his time. I can use these issues to point out to David that even great men are flawed. I sometimes wonder what commonly accepted practice of today we will be condemned for.

The Jefferson Hotel- Richmond

When reading through this month's Southern Lady magazine I received an unexpected gift. This month's issue visited Richmond, Virginia, and while there the writer stayed at "The Jefferson." This hotel holds happy memories for us. We have stayed there several times but we also held my son's dedication brunch there.

The lower lobby to the Jefferson Hotel

Just about the time that David was born our friend and Pastor was leaving our church to pastor a church in Richmond. We didn't have the strong friendship with the new pastor and wanted to have Pastor John perform the dedication service for our son. So we made arrangements to hold the service at his church in Richmond and I am very glad we did. Everything about the weekend was lovely. The church was an old Baptist church with lots of character, Pastor John really did a wonderful job. Also Rich sang, after much choking up. We chose the song "I Want To Be Just Like You" by Phillips, Craig and Dean. As you can see by the lyrics this is a wonderfully fitting song for a baby dedication, since as parents we are really dedicating ourselves in raising this child for the Lord. Even the line in the song about a bear named Pooh was very appropriate, since we had decorated his room as the Hundred Acre Woods.

I Want To Be Just Like You

Phillips, Craig & Dean

He climbs in my lap for a goodnight hug
He calls me Dad and I call him Bub
With his faded old pillow and a bear named Pooh
He snuggles up close and says, "I want to be like you"
I tuck him in bed and I kiss him goodnight
Trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light
And I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see
He's got a father in God 'cause he's seen Jesus in me

Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me

I've got to admit I've got so far to go
Make so many mistakes and I'm sure that You know
Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try
With all the pressures in life I just can't get it all right
But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best
Being patient and kind, filled with Your tenderness
'Cause I know that he'll learn from the things that he sees
And the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me

Right now from where he stands I may seem mighty tall
But it's only 'cause I'm learning from the best Father of them all

Upper lobby of the Jefferson Hotel

Following the service we had made arrangements at The Jefferson for brunch for our guests. This was our thank you since our guests had traveled the hour and a half to participate in our special day. The food was first rate. For Sunday brunches they clear out the lower lobby and along the sides have tables set up with chefs that cook the food to your request. The staircase that leads from the upper and lower lobbies was one of the staircases that was used as the inspiration for the famous scene of Rhett and Scarlett's house in Gone With The Wind.

We spent that night at the hotel and found the accomodations in the guest suites were as elegant and inviting as the lobbies below.

Anyone visiting the Richmond area should include a stay at The Jefferson. Since the hotel is right in the heart of Richmond there are many sights that are within walking distance.