A Walk Along the James River

It was with a great deal of enthusiasm that we drove to central Virginia to visit our family for Christmas. We haven’t been there - for Christmas - since 2019 because of the pandemic. So it was so nice to do all the traditional things we always did. One of those things included a drive to the “cabin” on the James River and a crazy eight circle walk around the property. We do this every time we visit, but it’s always different at this time of the year. The landscape and color is so different, but the walk and the steep inclines remain the same. It’s also a great stress test. If you can walk this path you must be okay! It’s just so scenic and picturesque there - and so very quiet compared to our usual environs. Every time we come another project is being worked on. This time more trees are being planted so as to hide the view of the nearest neighbors - who are some distance away. The road to the “cabin” is wide enough for one car and quite deserted when you turn off the Main Street, off another Main Street. This land has been occupied since the 1700’s with proof of Washington’s army activities near the site during the revolutionary war. And through the years evidence has been found for a variety of curiosities. I’m not sure I’d want to stay there at night. My husband and I prefer being in the land of the living. But it is always a wonderful visit. 

A Walk in the Woods Here and There

We visited with our family over the weekend. They live about four hours away. Having lived in DC for the last thirteen years, it’s a treat to head southwest. Once we pass Charlottesville, things change to a more rural environment. We thought about moving to this area but decided we needed to be closer to the city - although the only reason we go there lately is for doctor, dental and haircut appointments and the occasional Library of Congress program. We are not for the “great outdoors” - hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing and all that are not on our radar screen. Copperheads, bear, and other wild creatures are only good to read about. But once in a while it’s a nice reminder to explore nature - during the day time. There, it’s down by the Janes River. Here, it’s the Central Park that is just a couple of blocks from our house. It feels like the wilderness, but still in the city - more my style! It seems so strange to us because we just aren’t used to it. I do like watching the birds and observing the seasons as they change. It’s also a great photo opportunity. Leaving the big city for northern Virginia wasn’t a difficult decision for me. Being close enough to it, and the wilderness feels just right. 

Voyageur Outward Bound Canoe Trip and Snail Mail

For the third time, our grandson is on an Outward Bound expedition for three weeks. Two years ago he was on the Appalachian Trail; last year he was in the Rocky Mountains; and this year he is in or near Canada for a three week canoe trip. The last two years he has flown alone to the starting destination. It was Deluth, Minnesota a week ago for this one. From there, they headed north to further explore the great outdoors. Our daughter in law sent us an update on the progress written by the guy in charge - no more cell phones or contact with the outside world. But hidden in the text was a general “request” to send hard copy letters - like in the old days - that would be distributed to the weary travelers on their final day. After “surviving” in the wilderness it’s always nice to hear from family or otherwise. So I thought my husband and I would contribute to the letter campaign and took out a piece of paper and starting writing - in script. It’s been so long I almost forgot how to do it! Kiddingly I wanted to know if our grandson had as much trouble even reading it as I had writing it. So we sent it off from Grandma and Grandpa, hoping it reaches him in plenty of time. Our grandson is exactly fifty years younger than me, which makes it easy to remember how old he is, but even harder to believe how time flies. It’s really nice that he has an opportunity to participate in all these experiences - it all sounds more like torture to me. If it’s had any impact on him, I think it’s all been very positive. But I think he will become a really nice person with or without it. It’s nice to put that in writing. 

Six Degrees of Separation from George Washington!?

If you talk to someone long enough you are bound to stumble upon a connection using the famous standard "Kevin Bacon Six Degrees of Separation." Three circumstances stand out for me and a fourth has emerged. One of my high school classmates has a friend who is friends with the daughter of the senator who lives down the street from us; a past colleague of mine at the Library of Congress who is from China has a mother in law who was best friends with the Chinese President's sister; someone who works at the Library is a friend of a family member (our niece's husband's uncle) from Iran by way of California. Now we have a connection to George Washington by way of a piece of property that sits along a river in Virginia. It is said that the land belonged to someone at the time of the revolutionary war. Because of the tactical position of the land and river, George Washington insisted that a dam be built at this place. So the owner, who wanted to join the militia, was given dispensation by George Washington to create a dam, rather than fight in, the conflict. So, we know the new owners of the property, they bought it from the current owner of the surrounding property, who are related to the family that dates back to the 1700's, who knew George Washington. It is all documented in the archives and there is a storied history of the area. We are hoping to finally see this place soon. Apparently it is a great place to fish, relax, boat, hike, or camp - nothing we care to do, but definitely appreciate what we will see. It will certainly be worth the visit. Maybe we will come across some George Washington foot steps. 

A Drive Along the Icy Potomac River

For the first time in about three weeks we are feeling next to normal. Both my husband and I had this horrible respiratory virus since before the holidays. The sun is out after several ugly cold, snowy, and windy days. It doesn't matter how cold it is outside - to me - as long as the sun is out. It's just so much more cheerful! On top of that, our niece in Denmark just sent word and a photo that she had her first baby boy; our friend traveling in Burma updated us with her current status; and our friend in England called. It's feeling more like being in the land of the living. We haven't ventured out past the city limits of late, so we took a ride to Great Falls for lunch. Along the GW Parkway, the icy and reflective Potomac River was in full view. There is always something magical about this path. In the distance one sees the major landmarks that remind anyone where they are. The snow almost looks like sand on the beaches in Florida. But the clothes being worn obviously aren't Floridian. The sky is blue, and all is right with the world. Sometimes it takes being sick and stuck in the house several days to appreciate who we know, what we have, and what is around us. It's a good feeling.