The Traveling 3some - Day 15 - Mount Vernon and Historic Alexandria, Virginia

October 21

Ah, leave it to Pam 37.6 miles - 27.9mpg

Slept in, so missed the free lip smacking buffet hotel breakfast. After stopping for a non-free bite to eat it was off to Mt. Vernon. Norm is pointing to the sign at the request of the photographer for some action. Sharp eyes will observe that Norm is carrying Pam's purse off his left shoulder. It weighs more than the dog which Pam is most always carrying. So, sharing the burden. Except that when Norm carries the purse it magically transforms into a "camera bag" which, also magically, saves face. "Move on, folks - nothing in here but lenses and film". 

Through these portals....    No government money here. A private foundation and endowments and lots of volunteers. The entry fee is well used.

The Washington family, not quite lifesize, to somewhat scarily greet you. In real life, George was 6'2" (Lincoln was 6'4").

George owned lots of land, with his own grist mill, whiskey distillery and slaves to do the heavy lifting. 

This stained glass panel and four smaller scenes are in the visitor center. Hmmmmm. Where else do you usually find large panes of stained glass?

Not to harp on Napolean, but he was militarily victorious, defended the home land to great public acclaim and when it came time to decide on what form of governance revolutionary France should have in the future he wrapped himself in an ermine robe and had himself made emperor. Not only that, but when the Pope went to put the crown on his head he grabbed it out of the Pope's hand and slapped the crown on himself. Talk about grabby. 

Washington was also militarily successful and saved the American revolution, He was publicly acclaimed and implored by many to take permanent rein of the government. Instead he appeared before Congress and informed the gentlemen gathered that running things was now up to them, resigned his military commission and thus his military authority. He then clip-clopped off home. 

 

Impressive. For a long, long time the restored Mt. Vernon was painted white. Analysis in recent years has shown that the original color was more of a tan shade and thus it is today. But white certainly had more "pop".

The main house was expanded substantially during Washington's time with separate buildings added on either side of the main house, connected to it by breezeways.

The main dining room in its original color scheme.

The kitchen, located in one of those side buildings. We huddled there while a thunder shower came and went, the downside being that we heard the docent recite his spiel about this area 8 times. Even Cricket fell asleep. We learned that one of Washington's favorite breakfast dishes was pancakes smothered in melted butter and floating in a pool of honey. All of his teeth were false. Wonder why

The bed where he died at 67, two years after completing his second term as elected president of the republic he did so much to save. 

We entered our tour of the main house with this view off the front porch and fair skies.....

We exited the house on the front porch to "uh-oh". Pam's windbreaker was left in the car and Norm's was back at the hotel. When it finally let loose for about 45 minutes they wouldn't have been much good in any case. 

Some water still on the ground but skies clearing, with great weather forecast for the next two days as we tour D.C. itself.

Where George Washington rests in peace, knowing that the election system that he helped set in motion, ensuring peaceful transitions of power far into the future, would be his lasting legacy - a legacy which all Americans would revere and respect. 

Norm seems to be keeping company with people of a higher caliber. It's called "aspirational".

George was a businessman and so would have appreciated the revenue stream these baubles bring in.

Ah, leave it to Pam - the Season has arrived. One bargain to be found is a smallish tree ornament made of plastic selling for $18.95 each...buy 10 and get two free. Now, if it were only THREE free.......

From Mt. Vernon we headed to the historic area of Alexandria where our hotel is located.  

Pam never lets an opportunity to mock escape her.

This shop being named "America", all types of election goodies were for sale. On November 9 some of it soars in value, some nose dives. Then again, it probably all nose dives.

Sorry, this gent has already had his two terms.

Art, art and more art

The waterfront at the foot of King Street, the main drag through the historic area.

Alexandria history from way back to now.

This free bus trundles up and down King Street stopping every two blocks. One comes by every 10 minutes, or so. Great way to save wear on the footsies.

A few blocks up from the waterfront, Market Square - City Hall.

At last, dark out but Pam's eyes are alight with visions of hot chocolate. Norm is taking the photo while sitting doing, what else?  Resting his footsies, of course. Naturally, this is a Starbucks.