Lexington, Virginia Visit

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ROBERT E. LEE 6/25/07
The final ‘lap’ of our June '07 vacation was to Lexington, Virginia (after we had visited 5 waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Pkwy). We had been in Lexington in 2002--so we didn’t spend too much time here this particular time. We did visit Washington and Lee University, Lee Chapel, R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church, Lee’s homeplace, and an old cemetery.

You may not know this but my husband is a HUGE fan of Robert E. Lee. He even named his son, Robert Edward Lee Adams. George has read almost every book ever written about Lee. SO--when we visit places where Robert E. Lee lived and worked, since George knows all of the history, I have a 'built-in' tour guide.

Here are pictures from our day in Lexington. Above is Washington Hall at Washington and Lee University. Robert E. Lee was President there from 1865-1870, when the college was called Washington College. Below are more.





This is the Jackson House---where Lee lived while building his home next door.





Above is Robert E. Lee's home--which he designed for himself and his invalid wife and daughters.





Here is the open garage--which was once the stable where Lee's horse, Traveller, lived.





This is Robert E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church in Lexington, VA.





Above is a view from the side of the church (but there were too many trees for a good picture).





George stands beside the announcement board in the front of the church.





The inside of this beautiful church; Note the gorgeous stained-glass windows.





Another beautiful window--taken from inside the church






Look at this fancy pulpit... Wow!!!





Well---if you don't want to preach, maybe you want to read scripture from this beautiful lectern.... Neat, huh?





Gen. Stonewall Jackson is buried in a cemetery in Lexington.





I enjoyed reading the inscriptions on the grave markers in the cemetery. (Wonder if there are some Bruce's or Ballard's buried there?????)





Stonewall Jackson was the most revered Confederate commander after Lee.

Hope you have enjoyed our little history lesson. Lexington, Virginia is a neat little city. IF you ever get near there, check it out.

Hugs,

Saturday Birds at My Feeders

Yesterday, the birds in my yard really entertained me... I sat on my throne (sofa) doing what I usually do (answering blog comments--ha) on my new laptop (named Polly).. The birds must have known that I was watching them because they were in and out of the feeder area all afternoon. I finally got the camera and took some pictures to share.


However, some of the busiest ones were moving so fast that I couldn't get a picture of them. SO--I'll at least tell you the different birds that did come to my feeders yesterday: Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Finches, Carolina Wrens, Goldfinches, Brown Thrashers, Northern Cardinals, Eastern Bluebirds, Mourning Doves, Bluejays, Hummingbirds, and Woodpeckers (Red-bellied, Red-headed, and Downy). Here are some pictures that I did manage to get, starting with a beautiful male Goldfinch above. More are below!!!!









This little female Cardinal sorta looks sad, doesn't she????? Such a gorgeous bird. This may be a juvenile---because I'm not sure when they develop their red beaks. Anyone know????











This is a juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker (above). Now you can see the red belly!!!!!











Above is one of my fav's, one of our Brown Thrashers. This one obviously is a young one since he's smaller than some.











This Red-bellied above is really enjoying the suet. So many of my backyard birds LOVE the suet feeders. That's why I have two of them!!!











This beautiful Goldfinch loved to pose for the camera. He sat there for along time --and almost smiled at me.











The cute little Carolina Wren above was moving---but I finally got his picture (even if it is a tad blurry). Carolina Wrens sing loudly and their songs are beautiful. He loves to serenade me!!!!











This little guy is a Juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker. He doesn't have much color on his head yet.











This cutie is a Downy Woodpecker. He was a small one --but I'm not sure he was an adult or a juvenile. Whatever, he is a beautiful little bird.











Here is a great picture of an adult male Red-bellied Woodpecker. These birds let everyone know when they come to the feeders. They chatter and chatter ---just like the Bluejays do. I only saw one Red-headed Woodpecker today--and couldn't get his picture.











I love this picture above of a Downy Woodpecker. Their black and white colors are so pretty I think.


Hope you had as nice a Saturday as I had. Our weather is like AUTUMN---and I love every minute of it. Hope it won't get hot again--but I need to remember that it's still AUGUST... ha


Have a great day.


Hugs,