CHARLOTTESVILLE, MONTICELLO, and SPOTSYLVANIA (OCT. 9, 2009)

I’ve spent the last couple of hours getting our pictures organized and commented on; it‘s 9:10pm, and I’m not all that anxious to start writing on my Blog, but I’ll try to give you an overview…
We had a good day today!
All parties awoke to sunshine and smiles, so how could it be otherwise?
We had not decided on where to venture off to today, so we tossed some ideas around, and came up with Monticello - Thomas Jefferson’s home, just outside Charlottesville, VA.
It’s about 57 miles from where we’re staying, so it was going to take a while to get there…
With “Jack’s” help, it took even longer…
But, for once, we didn’t mind…
The countryside is spectacular (judge for yourselves, when you see the pix), and we enjoyed our morning leisurely drive…
Stopped in Louisa to mail my eye glasses (that I’ve destroyed with superglue) to our “glass man.” He said (when we called) he might be able to fix them, so it‘s worth a try… Love those glasses!)…
Anyway, when we came out from the Post office, Lu spotted a “Coffee House,” and, since it was still morning, I went along, and paid for everything ($10.53 for a mocha and a vanilla latte (where’s Howard Schultz when you need him?)…
I’m such a pushover!
Anyway… This guy (sitting at a table with his wife, having morning refreshments) asked where we were from, and, of course, I proudly announced Norway via Lummi Island, WA…
Luanne had taken off for the bathroom, and, before I knew it, I was “small-taking“ with the man… (I just yak with anyone, don’t I?)
Found out he was the Mayor of the town, and, as a seasoned politician, he talked and talked…
Thank goodness, our coffees were ready as Lu came back from the Loo (that’s funny, even if it‘s British!), and we made it out of there without pledging any contributions…
Nah… I’m kidding… We had a pleasant conversation about everything, and the man was truly gracious as he touted his town…
I should probably talk a bit about “Jack,” but I really don’t want to…
Let me just say, he kept on with his silly instructions all day long (it must be the weather here in the East?), and, I’m sure, he probably added at least another 20 - 30 miles to our trip today… But what the hey… We’re retired, and we didn’t have “Big Daddy” to haul, so it turned out to be a good ride in the country…So, we get to my hero’s home, and found it over-run with tourists…
Had a hard time getting the truck parked, but finally made it - down in the “back forties,” down the hill and a mile away from everything… Well… Maybe not that bad, but…
We were here in 1975, and, except for the house, and grounds, everything had changed…
There’s a brand new Visitor’s Center, which must’ve cost them millions (if not billions), down the road from the residence about a mile (maybe?)… It is very nice, and very modern, with a theater, gift shops, restaurants… You name it, they have it…
We spent ten minutes watching the movie, which got us primed for the real thing… Had a salad lunch, which was - surprisingly - good!
Then we took the shuttle bus up the hill, where we were dropped off to fend for ourselves for an hour and a half… Our time slot to partake in the tour of the house was 2:20pm.
We took the opportunity to walked around the premises from one end to the other… Taking all kinds of pictures in the process… Half of which you’ll be able to see when you click my picture link (the other half were not good, and had to be discarded): http://cid-44d18849bf3983e9.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/CHARLOTTESVILLE%5EJ%20MONTICELLO%5EJ%20and%20SPOTSYLVANIA%20%5E5OCT.%209%5EJ%202009%5E6
Without going into great details, I’ve eluded to the fact that Thomas Jefferson is, by far, the most interesting - and accomplished - person I’ve ever read about… Hence, he has become one of my all-time favorite idols…
I’m sorry, but I’ll leave it at that… I don’t have the time, or energy, to go into details right now, so, do me a favor, read up on the man, and take pleasure in his incredible life…
It will truly be worth your while…
To end today’s story, I’ll tell you we stopped at Walmart, on our way home, got a couple of steaks, came home and had a fantastic dinner!
I’m about spent here, folks…
Tired and ready for bed…
Don’t know what we’ll be up to tomorrow, but knowing us, we’ll be doing something interesting, I’m sure…
Guess what I’m telling you is that you should take care and always keep in touch!