We hope you are well from the wet east. We cancelled our trip to Philadelphia, and we are glad we did. The roads are all being restricted and it would be tough to get there. From our vantage point, it feels like a normal California storm at this point. Windy and Wet. So, hopefully that continues! Thank you for all your prayers on our behalf and the people affected more North.
Yesterday was masterful. Mount Vernon wanted me to come help with Harvest Festival Days. I was required to get dressed up again, but his time with another layer (it was steadily getting colder). Needless to say, I had a total blast. My job was taking care of the line for the Horse Drawn wagon on the 14 acre lawn area. This wagon ride simulated what guests coming by land would have seen as they entered the estate in the 1700's. Guest of all ages loved the ride. The little kids loved being pulled by the horses (Shire horse, like a Clydesdale), and the adults loved re-living something people would have experienced. Most guests in the 1700's did not arrive at Mount Vernon by land, but rather by the Potomac River. The wharf there today (rebuilt in 1951) is in the same spot the previous wharf was.
I had a blast talking with people from all over the world and country. Ireland, Germany, Russia, Georgia, Maryland, Kentucky, Iowa, Kansas, California, Washington. I was able to talk with an eighth grade teacher from Georgia for a long time. I was also, in lots of pictures with people as they wanted a "Colonial" man in the picture. I often stayed in character when we chatted, and the guests got a big kick out of that. For instance when the people from Ireland told me where they were from I'd say, "I hope your sea voyage was to your liking." Or to the people from Kentucky I'd say, "The wilderness, welcome." Tons of fun. It was also great talking with the Livestock experts that I was working with. Not only are they knowledgeable about livestock, but also the history behind the breeds. After I was finished, they gave me a ride on the wagon about half-way back to the volunteer center, dropped me off, and I walked the rest of the way on the back-lot of Mount Vernon. I had three thoughts: First, Thank you God, my district and Family and Friends for their support as I pursued this amazing adventure. Second, I just experienced what it would have been like to get a ride home in the 1700's. Third, I felt like I was part of History Disneyland. Walking in costume, behind the scenes. What an adventure.
My girls explored the Estate again for several hours. They enjoyed it so much the previous day as a family, they wanted to do it again. Apple roasting, Corn-cob dolls, A picture with Washington, and Wagon rides. The highlight of my day was seeing my girls towards the end of their day. My daughter was running up the hill (called tomb road) and laughing and saying "Daddy." She ran right into my arms and we hugged. Right behind her was my smiling wife. You can't get a better picture as a Husband and Daddy.
We then treated ourselves to the best ice cream we've ever had at this point in our lives: Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream. We figured, if we have to ride out a Hurricane, might as well eat Ice Cream. Then for a nice, restful night.
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