Suburban Wetlands

Before heading back to the mountains of Southwest Virginia, I took a short walk on the Virginia Capital Trail. The Cap Trail is a 51.7 multi-use, fully-paved trail that runs from the City of Richmond, Virginia to James City County, near Williamsburg, Virginia.

The goal is to add a 7 mile connector to the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg, as well as the College of William and Mary.

Part of the trail runs through a suburban wetland. Please follow the link for more information about the importance of preserving these spaces.

Blue Reflection

I’m not sure that the bartender appreciated me walking behind her bar to take this shot … but I just could not help myself!

Tamarack Trees

 I’ve been on the road alot lately, and had the chance to spend a short time on the campus of Willam and Mary Law School in Williamsburg.  While my friend did some research in the law library, I wandered around outside with my camera.  Of course.

The first thing I saw when I walked out of the door was this stunning sculpture of John Marshall and George Wythe.

And the front was as captivating as the back.

As I turned around, I was struck by the beauty of the campus.

It was early in December yet I still found what looked like spring.

Then I saw the Tamarack Trees off in the distance.  Their gorgeous needles were almost glowing.

Though the tamarack tree resembles other evergreens, it is actually a deciduous conifer, meaning that it sheds it’s needles every fall.

Research in the library was over so I took one last shot before getting back on the road.

Birthday at The Winery

What better way to celebrate my mother’s birthday than at the Williamsburg Winery.

My parents live in Williamsburg, Virginia, a place that many people visit for the shopping.

I visit for family.  And history.  And the food and wine, of course.

We started with a visit to the tasting room where Calvin, the young but knowledgeable wine steward, not only introduced the wines but offered the history behind the labels and names.

This bottle of Acte 12 of 1619 was named after the Act that was passed by the 1619 House of Burgesses requiring all male households in Virginia to grow ten vines of the imported vinifera grapes from Europe.

How’s that for encouraging the growth of the wine industry in the new country?

How fortunate am I to have such incredible parents?

Once done with our tasting, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Gabriel Archer Tavern.

Gabriel Archer was one of the first settlers to set foot on land near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in late April 1607, moving on to Jamestown in August that same year.

We were having so much fun that I barely pulled out the camera, and the images in this post are a mix of camera and phone.

I wish I’d had more time to shoot the scene,

but really, I was just glad to have been able to spend the day with my parents and celebrate my mother.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Williamsburg Gate Weight

A few weeks ago, I posted an image of a water well seen during a midday stroll through the historic district in Williamsburg, VA.  That same property was bordered by this algae covered fence.  While I thought the green color really added to the look of the white fence, I’m not sure that the caretakers of the historic property agree.

I was also drawn to this gate weight which allows the garden gate to swing gently closed by gravity.

I wasn’t able to find much history about these 18th century gate weights.

Can any of you gardeners or historians offer any information?

Water Well

While attending a Nurse Practitioner Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia this week, I was able to take a brief walk through the historic district.  Heading back home later today.

History Preserved: Williamsburg

The majority of my time in Williamsburg was spent in meetings and seminars related to Nurse Practitioners and healthcare.  Thankfully I found one hour of time, early one morning, to walk the restored area and take some pictures.

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I’m back home after an 8 day, 900 mile trip for business and pleasure around Virginia!  Thanks for following me along the way!

Day 4 – Good Morning From Williamsburg!

Almost 500 Nurse Practitioners have gathered in Williamsburg for the 2013 Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners conference.  The conference is an opportunity for learning new concepts, gaining knowledge, and advocating for improved health care for all citizens.

It is TIME for transition and change in healthcare and to move away from the territoriality that is promoted by certain healthcare providers!

For now, a few quick pictures from the Williamsburg Lodge.

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