Catching up

Gosh, I am slacking again. But I was very busy with the two previous blogs ~ old memories. But here is what happened lately.

We had not eaten in a restaurant for a long time. Sarah and Wade had been to the "Portico Restaurant" on River Road for outdoor dining and had liked it very much. She asked whether she should make a reservation for us. Yes, please. Sunday August the 9th at 6 pm it was. Just before we arrived there was a downpour but it stopped and we had a grand time enjoying the lovely courtyard. 

Sarah and Wade wanted to say 'thank you' for jumping in for the nanny and had ordered a bottle of Prosecco. Must say we enjoyed it!

We didn't really need a 'thank you' because we are just happy that our girls want us in their children's life. A few days later Sarah wanted to take the boys for a hike and asked whether we would like to go too. I had something else to do but Papa didn't have to be asked twice. Powhatan State Park.

August 14 is Wade's birthday. The boys are so funny about "helping" making and decorating the birthday cookie and blowing out the candles. Ah, the memories.

Sunday August 16 ~ The 8 am parking lot service at our church had to move under the walkway because of threatening rain clouds. Social distancing could still be observed of course.

The weather is getting iffy now. Two weeks later it was quite cold at 8 am on the parking lot.

James' gift from his sister Jane every year is this magazine. It is always very interesting. 

This is what I found in this one: a study by a professor at the Vanderbilt University in Nashville of all places. Very interesting.

Thursday September 3 Sarah had a conflict again. The twins had an introduction event at pre-school but siblings were not invited because of the virus situation. Poor Caleb lucked out. We picked him up the night before because he craves time alone with us. We pumped up the children's air bed and he was fast asleep in 2 minutes next to our bed. I can't understand why all 4 always ask me to sing those few German songs I know. I am a terrible singer. 

The next morning we asked him whether he would like an outing to Jamestown (knowing very well that he loves that place). His reaction: he said that he almost suggested whether we should not do that sometime. He was excited and didn't mind the drive. 

We bought year passes for the three of us because it was only slightly more expensive and we felt that these days places like this need to be supported. His brothers would be still free so may be within 12 months we manage to go again.

There is always a lot to learn. I think he likes the native Indian village the best. 

The stand behind him would be where a boy his age would be sitting to guard the vegetable garden so no critter would be harvesting uninvited. It would also be a chance for the boys to learn to shoot with their bow and arrow. May be they even contribute to the meat for the family e.g. rabbits?

The replicas of the three ships the first settlers arrived 1607 were there. We were able to go on one but we could not go into the cabins or belly of the ship, just peek into it because of the virus concern. Everywhere was somebody to always wipe things with antiseptics. We felt quite comfortable. 

This gentleman was knitting there while he was waiting for us. He told us that everybody knew how to. I asked him why he didn't let his girl friend do it for him but was told that the first settlers were all men. No females. The strip he was knitting was to hold his socks up = garters.

When Caleb heard that they would fire a musket he had to see it. Papa went with him while I talked to the baker.

But it was too loud for him. He told Papa that it scared him.

A moment of rest in the church. Caleb thinks he could be a good preacher. Do you see him?

Sorry, I wasn't very good in the picture taking this time.

From the above gentleman we learned that weapons would be sometimes hidden in the thatched roofs (just slide it in) and that's why quite often at war time roofs would be set on fire.

From the baker I learned that of course sometimes sourdough bread was made. The hired baker from England might most likely bring his starter with him and keep it alive forever. But they also had just regular (even dry) yeast. The kegs of beer would have slush on the bottom which was the brewers yeast. This would be used to make yeast for baking.

Should have taken a picnic but we bought lunch at the cafeteria and sat outside.

We had a great time. It was a very very hot day but Caleb never complained about anything not even having to put his mask on once in a while.