When we visited Mt. Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, last Sunday, the cold blowing across the Potomac left me feeling the unfortunate fool in Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire." Happily, we were able to take in George and Martha Washington's very fine home and check out some of the outbuildings and the grounds before we froze up good and stiff. We learned more about the mansion from the guidebook after the tour; the docents weren't very friendly as they rushed overlarge groups of patrons through the house as if we were uninvited Christmas guests. The museum and education center had plenty to offer, though. Washington was a man of means who used his resources to make an outstanding life for himself as a surveyor, soldier, officer, statesman, farmer, and family man.
My World Tuesday
23 Comments
I've always admired Washington. Would love to see all the historical places you are surrounded by...
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Lin, I, too, admire Washington and always wanted to visit in this area and be able to spend some time exploring. Your photos are the next best thing, Sandy! I do hope your new year is off to a great start and that you had a lovely holiday season!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Nice photos. I do admire Washington and appreciate your perpectives on your history travels. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed the break. Now - back to school, right?
Great captures Sandy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
A Blessed New Year!
And Best wishes.
xo
Love how the tree stands out in the last photos. Glad you had a good time-even with the chilly reception : )
ReplyDeleteHope your Christmas and New Years were extra special this year!!
Tipper
Great shots Sandy. It does look cold but very beautiful. I like the shots of the inside and outside of the house and the solo tree is so striking and gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteToo bad they rush you through. I would be nice to have enough time to absorb the atmospher.
ReplyDeleteLike the man of the time power if you had land if you did not u could not vote. in Vigina. Washing did free his and gave pensions. The house was considered a legacy for huis children. Washing never liked policts amd always he was a farmer.;\,.
ReplyDeleteI always admired George Washington and his wife and would love to see their charming mansion one day. A shame the visit was chilly and rushed. But now you can enjoy your personal photographs from the warmth of your own home.
ReplyDeleteThis is a place I would like to see. Don't you just hate to be in a tour with someone that doesn't want you there. UGH...
ReplyDeleteI visited Mount Vernon many years ago on a much warmer day in August. It's too bad you were unable to take your time in the mansion. It's fascinating.
ReplyDeleteA place where time seems to breath at a different pace.
ReplyDeletePlease have a good Tuesday.
daily athens
love the images..
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I enjoyed the tour. I hope you complained to the management about those guides that were in such a hurry.
ReplyDeleteNice photos, sorry it was so cold.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful My World Tuesday posting
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and have a nice week,
Greetings, Bram
Link to My Word Tuesday post!
Seen on My World Tuesday
Fabulous pictures of a bygone era.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting old mansions and buildings, it is at time so wonderful to be taken back in time among walls full of history.
ReplyDeleteThe last picture is so very nostalgic.;)
xoxo
I visited Mt. Vernon about 20 years ago ..... would love to visit again.
ReplyDeleteI love large fire places. This was a good day to have it lit too. lol
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that have been nice!
The Potomac looks something like the Richelieu River in some places.
I used to swim across it every day.
Hello Sandy! Thanks for the holiday greetings. Just got back home last night from a long holiday family get-away. Our family spent the holidays at highland Carmel in California. Beautiful Christmas memories & trip. Hopefully to connect more this new year.
ReplyDeleteWonderful views, Sandy. I like a lot the last one!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you had such a blustery day but had to laugh as your apt choice of words - "...like unwanted Christmas guests" warmed ME if not you.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is beautiful and I hope you don't mind that I've become a follower (Mom always told me not to but I don't think you look to be leaping off any bridges anytime soon.)
Thanks for being here.