William & Mary College is here! It's probably something that I should've known, but didn't; Ann had been here with the girls for sports. It's the second oldest college in America, and a 17-year-old George Washington received his surveyor's license here. Surveyors, as well as cadastralists, are very cool ; )
I walked around while the sisters headed to the famous Peanut Shop (well, it's famous to us because it's Sara's favorite; she uses pounds of this particular shop's peanuts in her very famous Christmas Chex mix). Looking towards Merchant's Square ~ I love the colonial blue and brick buildings in the background.
Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt, Governor-General in 1768, where he stands in front of the Wren Building at William & Mary. They loved this guy. I liked his statue and the brick walk.
Crepe myrtles were in full bloom literally everywhere, and every single day I would say, "Gosh, these crepe myrtles are beautiful!" I'm thinkin' my sisters were pretty sick of hearing that, but, gosh, those crepe myrtles were beautiful!
Merchant Square on Tuesday evening, the hottest evening in recorded history. It was my bright idea to go on a walking ghost tour that night. We could have turned tail and run back to the extremely comfortable air conditioning at the condo, but we stuck it out!
On Duke of Gloucester Street, on the way to meet our group by the Governor's Palace. Lovely :)
Peeking in the back windows of Bruton Parish Church. This famous church was attended by Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, George Wythe and Patrick Henry! What a feeling of awe to know our forefathers walked these grounds!
The cemetery gates of Bruton Parish Churchyard. Oooohhhh, the scene was being set for our ghost tour!
The very famous Governor's Palace at the end of the Palace Green. Next time, I'm takin' a tour!
We rested here at the Elkanah Deane (a coachmaker) House, while we waited for our guide. Honestly, it was sooo hot (how hot was it?!), over 90° at 8:30 at night. Bleck, we felt very melty! I think Ann held up the best, she is THE consumate exerciser!
Our first stop was at the George Wythe House. Mr. Wythe trained Thomas Jefferson, and was the first ever professor of law; he was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His house is included on the tour because it is said to be haunted (obviously); George's grand nephew poisoned him and his family, but George had just enough time to write the killer out of the will before he died. I included this pic even tho the lighting is poor, because....do you see what I see at the top of the photo?! No joke, I seriously don't know what it is! 0_0
We heard some great stories, did quite a bit of walking, and hopefully lost a few pounds!
Wednesday was Sara's & my birthday. I taught her how to really "milk" the day! She wasn't good at it at first, but she caught on quickly. We shopped, and I didn't take pictures, but it was a really good day ♥
On my last full day there, Con and I went to the local microbrewery. We were very well suited drinkin' buddies, and enjoyed the small tour as well as the beers! She gave me some insider knowledge on hops and grains (thanks, Gordon!), and it was here I decided I realllly don't like IPA. But we both loved the Coffee Stout & the Washington Porter! Guess I put back on those few lost pounds :(
These are "growlers" to be filled with your favorite beer for home enjoyment. But, a word of caution...once the beer is opened, it must be consumed in 24 hours. Oh, wait...no problem!
THIS is my flight home. I'm a good passenger (I listened to the pilot when he told us "airplane mode" was not "powered off", and was amazed that no one ever told me that before), but I DO NOT like to fly. It was bumpy. All the way. I was a nervous wreck. I fiddled. I played Boggle on my phone. I almost cried. I prayed. I listened to Maroon 5 (praise the Lord for Adam's soothing voice). The very nice pilot apologized for making us keep our seatbelts on for the entire flight (no complaints from me!) Then we landed, and my week was over, and I was sad.
These are the beautiful faces that I spent one fabulous week with. Three of my amazing sisters and one of my three fantastic sister-in-laws. There is so much wisdom, humor, talent, compassion and love standing here. I asked Sara, Connie and Ann to think of "fun names" for themselves, based on their best attribute, but that was silly; no one name would do any of them justice. As the littlest sister, my big sisters have been my teachers and counselors; they've given me strength and comforted me. They never judge, and give only love. They are my forever friends.
♥ Sisters are different flowers from the same garden. ~
