Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Step Back, Spring Forward

Every time we visit Colonial Williamsburg, it's like taking a step (or two... or three!) back in time. But on our most recent visit, the February weather was so warm that it felt that Spring had arrived early! Daffodils are already blooming in profusion.




We were disappointed to find that the maze behind the Governor's Palace was temporarily closed, but we did take the opportunity to actually go inside the palace (the first time for my littles!). The tour was a bit lengthy for their attention -- though the weaponry in the front hall certainly caught the attention of this Colonial gent...




We also explored the dimly lit cellars underneath the palace -- so cool and still compared with the warmth outdoors!




Our visit was especially prompted by Rosa's need to wear her new Colonial costume (emphasis on "costume" rather than "accurate recreation") -- a gift for her birthday that I only just completed, about four months late! I need to take a few more photos of the finished ensemble and post them here.




A highlight of our visit was meeting "Liberty," Colonial Williamsburg's mascot -- she's a French Briard, and absolutely delightful! While we munched peanuts (the "Huzzah!" mix) and sipped root beer outside of John Greenhow's store, the littles were delighted to observe her entering a carriage with her minder and setting off for a ride. 




 I also managed a visit to Mary Dickinson's shop (next time I'm determined to make it to the milliner's!) -- Such lovely, lovely things. It reminded me that I still have six pewter buttons in my stash that I purchased about ten years ago, used on a blouse, and then returned to my stash when the blouse wore out. I really ought to use them again!




We didn't make it to the wigmaker's, to Little Man's disappointment, but that will give us something to do on our next visit!


4 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this delightful glimpse into your day! Your daughter looks lovely in her colonial dress. Actually my sewing project today was a colonial dress. : ) I have had a few orders for colonial dresses this month and was finishing up the last one today. The colonial era is probably my favorite.

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    1. We must be on the same sewing wavelength! :-) I can't say I've done much Colonial era sewing before -- it's a bit intimidating working with an era that I don't know much about! But fortunately Rosa does not care at all how accurate my reproduction is. :-)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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  2. Williamsburg is so fun; its smallness and simplicity is just my speed (not a city girl, more suburbs).

    I've been to Williamsburg twice, and I don't remember attempting the maze (the first time I didn't realize until perhaps too late that the maze even existed).

    I bought pewter buttons (the old plain hammered kind) in Williamsburg and am hoarding them for the perfect sweater project, whatever and whenever that may be.

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    1. Livia Rachelle,

      I quite agree! Williamsburg has plenty to do, but is still compact enough to really enjoy. I think the maze is a bit of a "secret," just because it's tucked away in the very back corner of the gardens -- it's a lovely little treat, though! And there's a set of steps behind it so you can look down over the maze.

      Hopefully we can both find just the right use for our pewter buttons soon! :-)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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