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August 21, 2006

Didn't Even Need Cake

Yesterday started with lovely cards from all the children and my sweet husband. Remember, I vetoed gifts because I got myself the pink bike and I went on a shopping spree wherein I added 9 pieces to my wardrobe (all for under $107!!).

After a long leisurely breakfast/brunch where the kids consumed as much sugary goodness as they might normally consume in a month we set out to do something I have been wanting to do for ages but have never taken the time.

We went to Old Towne Fredericksburg. For over 2 years now I have been wanting to see one thing. And I did see it yesterday. Can you guess? I bet not. ;-)

Mary Washington's House.

We walked many blocks in old town, stopped in shops, and otherwise meandered our way through the afternoon taking in and seeing all there was to behold in historical content. Including the haunted stone warehouse at the river bridge on William St. The guy who rents the building from the city and has set up an exhibit of things they have found on the premises says he refuses to stay there after dark. He is seriously frightened to be there.

For there be ghosts!

The warehouse was used by the confederates to store the bodies of Yankee soldiers. Nearly 400 stacked up like kindling in that place.

Not most people's idea of fun but, me, the War Between The States buff and writer of a nonfiction 1861 - 1865 book, it was my kind of thing.

Next door to this place is an antique and rare book shop. Pardon me for asking but why would an antique book dealer who had really nice quality books be in a shop that is 100 yards from the river and said river has been known to flood the 2 and 4 storied building above the 3rd floors? My answer? Ummm, not all books are antique, rare or old. You know most antique places are really just junk shops. So ---

ahem.

Leaving old town we stopped in and each got a GIANT drink because dang was it hot and humid near the river yesterday! I believe had we seen a 7-11 we might have indulged in one of those double big gulps - you know, half a gallon of cola goodness. Instead we got gatoraide and icey's and a giant diet coke -and the baby had apple juice.

By this time the kids were hot and tired and ready to move on so we headed back out toward our neck of the woods and along the way we stopped at Chancellorsville Battlefield. While the kids took in the 30 minute movie and Steve and Steven wandered through the exhibits I took the time to search through the small book store.

I picked up each of the children a National Parks Passport. I have been wanting to do this for a while so they would have something to commemorate all the things we do and see. Steve decided we all needed one so we walked out of there with 6 passports all neatly stamped with their first stamp.

I also picked up something I have been wanting to read and never would splurge on to purchase- The Children of Pride by Robert Manson Myers. The books can be found abridged and unabridged. (I highly suggest the unabridged editions.)

Then we came home.

Yesterday was also the last day of summer for us all. J. went back to her mother's and we will resume every other weekend visitation from now until next summer. Colby returns to her phlebotomy classes today. Gracie and I will go down to the school and meet her teacher later this morning and she start back to school on wednesday morning.

And life goes on.

I am wondering what I shall do with these days ahead of me.

I am thinking of places I want to see and I just might take myself and little Steven on a weekly outing. Mayhaps we will find ourselves here in the days to come. Or here. Or there. Or maybe here. So many to choose from! What a shame to miss out on such great things less than 30 miles from doorstep in any direction!

We should plan a weekend out with our children at one of these places!

- When the weather is a wee bit cooler.

Anyone?



Thank you all so very much for the birthday wishes. I was grinning from ear to ear when I sat down this morning and saw all of you who had stopped by yesterday! You all are just the best! :-)

Oh. And photos yesterday? FORGOT. TO. BRING. THE. CAMERA.

Posted by Angie at August 21, 2006 05:51 AM

Comments

Posted by: kenju at August 21, 2006 08:33 AM

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Posted by: LadyBug Crossing at August 23, 2006 07:43 AM