Spring Break - Harn Homestead
Spring Break - Zoo
This was our room in our colonial home. Yes, we actually stayed in one of the houses. I slept in the far bed. My brother and I came up with this scenario when we were kids that we needed to sleep in the bed in which we would be the least likely to be shot first should murders break into our hotel rooms while we were sleeping. This tradition still holds until this day...my parents are good sports about it.
This is the Chiswell-Bucktrout House (the name of the colonial home we stayed in). It was owned by a cabinet maker originally (that is a person who makes furniture, some musical instruments, and COFFINS!) The second owner committed suicide. Lucky us! On that note, our first night there we had this bad plumbing problem which resulted in loud banging throughout the house most of the night. Or at least we think it was the plumbing.... The next day it was fixed. We don't know if someone reported it, or was a ghostly colonist not so happy that we get to have indoor plumbing?
This type of roof is called a hip-roof. Did I get that right, Mom? It is the only one like it in Williamsburg. Enjoy the rest of the pictures. My mom and I had a great time together...maybe the next trip my mom can take me on a tour of Seville, Spain. How about it, Mom?
Very cool bird bottle. These ceramic bottles house pretty birdies and also provide a perch with a slot for a small branch to be placed (you can't see that in this picture). Other than being cute they actually served a greater purpose. Having birds around cuts down on the bug population (i.e. mosquitoes). Sign me up...I have lots of mosquitoes for the hungry birds.
Another sheep for Sonja. ; ) We affectionately deemed this one "Blue Butt." For some reason he had a very large spot of blue spray paint on his backside. 
This has nothing to do with Jefferson, but we got to take some night tours, and it is amazing how different things look at night. There's a whole air of mystery about them. I can't imagine how dark it would have been in colonial times. We had a hard enough time dodging the "road apples" with the lights. Although colonists didn't need to worry about dodging them as the horse manure went a foot deep. That sorta sucks the romantic notions of colonial times right out of your head doesn't it?
I love the lighting in this picture...
This is the Peyton Randolph house. He was quite the patriot; also very wealthy. Peyton grew up in this house expanding it when he became the owner to what you see presently. He was the president over both Continental Congresses. He died, however, during the second Continental Congress which is how John Hancock came to put his giant signature on the Declaration of Independence since he took over the "Presidency." People in Williamsburg claim that Peyton was our very first President. I don't necessarily agree with that statement, but he had to be pretty darn brave to rebel against the King like that. His brother John was a loyalist, which I'm sure made things even more difficult for Peyton. 
I highly recommend that you all go out and read some of the great biographies about the men (and women) of this time. The Founding Fathers and Mothers are fascinating people, and maybe Americans would begin to remember why we are such a great country as a whole instead of a great set of individuals. 
In the 1800's the went for the more cozy sterile vibe. Rooms now had painted trim, windows without bars, beds, and even desks.
This was some writing on the wall in the "apartment" above. It states that "Floyd Miller is not a lunatic (probably written by Floyd himself). Although he has been confined here since 24th October last. Dated 14th December." There was not a year.
So, my camera has this little flip around display so you can see yourself take the picture. I think my arms need to be just a tad longer. I was trying to get more of the palace in and ended up almost decapitating us in the photo.
Amanda Lipscomb - master photographer. (I wish!)
The wheel wrights...they make the carriage wheels. They were working on quite a large one when we were talking to them.
My mom and I bought some jewelry here. I could have spent loads in this shop. All of the shops have some sort of sign/picture hanging outside to signify what is made there. Obviously the gold globe is there because they work with silver and gold.
Ok...so the maze was really easy, but mom gave me a good puzzled look for the camera. : )
This harpsichord is very cool. It is one of three lasting originals (1700's) by a man whose name I have in the box I shipped back to myself full of my Williamsburg treasures. My mom and I went to a concert in this very room in the Governor's Palace lit only by candlelight. It was beautiful, and they actually played this harpsichord. There was also a violin, flute (wooden...flutes weren't made with metal until the 19th century), viola, and a recorder.
Hairy sheep...
Mom giving the sheep a pet...
Baby lamb hiding under it's mama...
