Trip to North Carolina - Mount Vernon

After a three hour drive from the coast, we arrived at the Renfro's home.  What a JOY it was to see them again!  We had a day of so-sweet fellowship (and amazing food!) and were off early the next morning to visit Mount Vernon.  What an experience that was!  I can barely believe that I got to walk where Washington walked, touch the very trees that he planted, and go through the house in which he lived and died.  It was a privilege and a pleasure to spend this special time with the Renfro family as well.

Thank you, Josh and Daniel, for hauling my camera bag all over Mount Vernon and DC.  Your serviced really blessed me.

Amazing homemade salsa, made fresh by Bri and Jenna.   Thank you both so much for the delicious meals that you took so much time to prepare. 

Notice Jenna's reflection in the bowl.  :) 

I thought that the colors of Jenna's outfit and the vibrant green of the brussel sprouts was very pretty together. 

Our first view of the house - it was almost unreal to actually be there! 

A tree that was planted by George Washington himself. (!!!)

Jenna, next to the tree. 

These lovely vines were growing over the archways. 

An area of the kitchen. 

 

Josh. 

    

A view of the back of the mansion. 

We called Josh our "personal tour guide".  He showed us all around the plantation and shared much of his historical knowledge with us. Thank you, Josh!

Daniel filmed some of the "sessions"  :) on his i-phone...

...while Bri looked amused!  :) 

  

The original grave site of the Washingtons. 

The remains were later removed (as requested in Washington's will) to this area. 

George Washington requested that this verse be inscribed above his grave site. 

Dear, sweet Mrs. Renfro. 

Mama is so blessed by your friendship!

  

Comparing notes?  :) 

  

 

We forgot to ask why, but the sheep were green!  :)   Sheep manure fertilizes the ground well, so Washington had a 7 year crop rotation where 2 fields were dedicated to sheep pasture each year to replenish the soil.  It was so neat to learn all about the agricultural area of Washington's life.

George Washington also created a 16 sided barn for the purpose of sifting his grain.  There are exactly 1 and a half inch spaces between the floor boards to allow the grain to fall, but leave most other debris above.  The reason for the 16 sides is so that the barn is virtually a circle. You don't want your horses urinating on the grain, because it's no good if it gets wet.  So Washington invented this barn so that the horses can enter at a trot. At this pace, they are unable to urinate, so the grain stays dry.  There are no corners for the horses to slow down at, so everything goes smoothly!  Isn't that amazing!?!  Mama said that this was definitely the most fascinating part of the trip for her! 

  

The "basement" of the barn, where all of the grain would normally fall. 

Taking notes. 

  

A slave cabin. 

They have chairs at the back of the mansion, so we stopped to relax and have a delightful view of the Potomac.  We were blessed with gorgeous weather as well, so it made for a lovely place to sit and rest.  

 

 

   

All of the ladies.  :)

 

  

The whole group. :)