Maymont Estate

We took a trip to see an estate that sits on 100 acres just outside of Richmond. This estate is neatly tucked into what appeared to be a normal neighborhood. That is until you turned down a side street and came face to face with beautiful rolling hills and a massive expanse of lawn and buildings. Although we did not have time (or energy) to walk the entire place, we did take time to see some of the major "attractions."

The Dooley's left the estate to the city of Richmond upon their death, but failed to also leave funds for its upkeep and care. After falling into a sense of disrepair, a foundation was formed and restoration began. Amazingly enough, most of the decor and personal items from the Dooley's were still there and in great condition. I'm sure that I make it sound effortless, I'm also sure that was not the case! However, the restoration was a success. The house was beautiful. We took the opportunity for a guided tour and learned many things about etiquette and social situations, dining "games" and period influences. We had an opportunity to ask all sorts of questions and the guide was knowledgeable and fun. Learning (and teaching) has never been so enjoyable... :)

Aside from the house itself, there were the original buildings that would have been proper for a well to do family in the guilded age. The carriage house and barn and various gardens that would awe anyone that entered. The barn has been set up as a petting zoo for the children and there was some commercial type stuff there but overall, the visit was very nice. I think that my favorite piece of information I left with was that most of the granite used in the building of the estate was quarried on the property. I found that to be quite interesting! Not really jaw dropping, I know, but...

I wish that I could somehow figure out how to include pictures. I took some of the outside but photography was not allowed in the house. It was great to see an older building restored to perfection. I would much prefer it to the new development "cookie cutter" stuff out now. Is this a must see? Maybe. They suggest a donation of five dollars but there isn't a donation police person watching...so technically it is free for the main estate. Not bad for an afternoons worth or entertainment that could capture my whole family. Would I go again? For Sure. :)

Quote: Well Said

 Pious wishes like “ I wish I were slimmer” or “ I should give up smoking” lead to a sense of guilt and feelings of inadequacy. “ I’m trying” is the battle cry of liars and quitters. “ I should” is a way of blaming yourself before others have time to do it. “ I must” takes he pleasure out of doing anything. “ I hope” is a letter to  Santa Claus.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     author  unknown

I am taking a break from my trip update posting because, as I was reading today I came across this great quote and thought that I needed to share it. Not because I feel high and mighty but because I have always kind of felt this way and never had the right words to define it for myself.

I am known to say I am trying to lose weight or I tried that... but in reality, try is not the right word. What really happens, on average, is that I set out with great intentions and lofty goals and then I get lazy or decide that it isn't worth the sacrifice necessary to make it happen. No matter what the task is that I am "trying" it can usually be boiled down to those basics. So in this case the quote really defines this for me.

"I should" and "I must" are also well defined. I can not begin to tell you how many times guilt comes into play with these statements. Also if it isn't a pleasure to do, the normal reaction is to find a way out of doing it...right? The author again hit this one square.

I guess that there is no point to this post other than, I like the quote. I can definitely see the contridictions in the common statements that I make. (We all do really) A better alternative is to seek Christ and His wisdom and strength. To ask Him to change our lives or situations. (Easier said than done, I know.) But in the meantime, I now have a clear picture of why those particular statements always sounded fake to me. I will "try" to be more careful in the future.  :)
 

Day Five

We found our way into downtown Richmond. They have so many things available but because we were just exploring and looking for a specialty grocery, we decided to do the things that were a "drive by" per say. Not to mention that it was 97 degrees with 100 percent humidity. So we drove down monument boulevard. They have several monuments that depict famous people from this area and from the civil war era. Definitely a neat thing to see. More impressive to me though was the row houses and detached houses with period architecture. Most were in great shape and had tremendous curb appeal. I could have stopped and gawked all day.

After our city tour, we set out to find the highly touted specialty store. Elwood Thompson's was easy to find just off the college campus. It was also all that the locals had promised. There was a huge bulk area and a good sized product section. All the soaps and herbal concoctions you can imagine. And, that isn't even getting into the grocery section. Everything was impressive. Toward the back of the store, they had a deli and hot bar set up with salad options and a raw bar as well. (For those who wish to eat there) The store was what we needed. The dietary restrictions are going to be easier now... I would recommend this place to anyone in the area!

The first week is now coming to an end and we are settling in nicely. We love the surrounding areas and we have found some of the things that we need. How could we ask for anything more.?. Plus, we are having an adventure...

Day Two

Well, we are here. We made it without any major bumps and bruises. I am actually quite surprised at how well the trip went. Everyone traveled well...considering. Once we settled into our unit, we noticed how nice the place was. We have two bedrooms and two baths. The master has a great soaking tub and pillow top queen beds. Dish TV, high speed Internet, and a full kitchen. Granted, the kitchen doesn't have everything I'm used to but I can definitely work with it. The surrounding area is nestled in the trees. Impressive.

So now that we are here, we have a wealth of options for us to explore. The visitors and convention bureau had brochures for all kinds of things to do. I am in the process of deciding what to do first. I have so many ideas that I doubt we can do everything. Besides, it is hot. And humid. I do not like hot or humid. But I refuse to let this opportunity pass without seeing a lot of things. Friends have given us some great ideas. I can't wait. Neither can the children.

Nothing real exciting to report yet. I wanted to keep everyone updated. Today we got to see a lot of downtown architecture. I look forward to seeing St. John Church soon.

New Directions

I always wondered what to use my blog for, and, up to this point it has been rather haphazard. Sometimes rants flow and the very next moment it may be recipes or the newest website I found. So I was thinking that maybe I should leave this for our best homeschooling moments and field trip type stuff. You know, the light bulb moments where somebody might want the same info? The wait! Don't do this kind of thing... But at the same time I thought that maybe it should follow my children as we navigate the whole diet and allergy thing. I love both. So I am going to attempt to direct my posts in that direction. No more rants (I hope) and wandering thoughts. I will do my very best to focus. So with that being said...

We are packed and ready to go. Our trip officially begins on Friday afternoon but tomorrow will be spent doing last min. things. We found someone to look after the house and someone to mow the lawn. We have toys and games, school books, and the ever present computer. We are planning to visit D.C. and Lynchburg while we are away, not to mention all of the things in Richmond. What history! We are all really excited and can't wait to start the adventure. The hardest part will be the car ride with four children. But it will be over quickly. We are planning to stop frequently and spend time with friends along the way. My goal is to document our adventure. Wish us luck. Until next time....