Virginia: Shenandoah Mountains

We have once again marveled at the awesome handiwork of God as we drove through the Shenandoah Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. We think of it as "God's Paintbrush." I fall in love with every tree that is brilliant red or shimmering gold (some of them have leaves that are red on the outside and gold in the middle), which means I'm falling in love around every bend. The rolling hills that stretch out for miles are patchwork designs of green, red, yellow, orange, brown. This area has actually passed its peak, but there is still abundant color.

It's coooold here, though. We've been taking in the sights in 37-44 F. weather. This morning it was 26 F. outside our trailer. Thank goodness for a nice warm heater in our living space!

We also went to Monticello -- Thomas Jefferson's home. He was a faschinating man with so many interests and talents. He designed many unique features in the architecture of his home, and took great interest in everything related to the gardens and agriculture. He entertained often, and had one of the most developed kitchens anywhere, even preparing the shopping list. He read constantly, but unfortunately he had gone broke by the time he died and most of his library was sold off. He was a great writer, and wrote many articles/books, including one that challenged the literalness of the Bible. Even though he was the third president, he wanted to be remembered most, not as the holder of great office, but as the author of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Virginia statute for religious freedom, and the father of the University of Virginia. He felt slavery was an abominal institution and regretted he was not able to abolish it, and in fact, had many slaves himself. DNA has confirmed that he fathered at least one child with one of his slaves.

We drove through Lynchburg, VA, primarily because we have heard so much about it from our friend Larry Trent, who used to live there. We passed up seeing the church where the former Jerry Falwell made so many pronouncements, however.

We leave tomorrow for North Carolina where we will store our trailer and then head north in the pick-up to be with family in Michigan for Thanksgiving. What a trip this has been!