Earlier this week, shortly after Jonny realized that there was nothing else he could do as far as unclogging our kitchen pipes, and after he called the plumber and was told that it would be Friday before they could come out (we’ve been without water in our kitchen for over a week now), Seth suggested that we drop everything and drive to James Madison’s Montpelier. My dad called as we were leaving and I explained, “Jonny and I are feeling a little beaten down right now, so we’re getting out of here…”
The day was incredibly beautiful and unseasonably warm, and it proved to be the last of that sort as it has been true November ever since: overcast, cold, and raining. We were all grateful for the time away from home, to wander the old growth forests at Montpelier in awe, leaving worries behind if only for the afternoon.
We revisited a champion Black Walnut tree, and our favorite magnificent deodar cedar. We recently planted our own deodar cedar here, wholly inspired by that one, and have been discussing what other trees we hope to plant in the coming years: yellowwood, buckeye, chestnut…the list grows and grows.
We’ve carried that day in our hearts all week. What a good reminder that we all need to make room to decompress, and that doing so makes the hard times a little easier to bear.
Ruth says
As always, you and your family warm my heart. Please, please, tell us that the plumber has got things sorted so you can rest easy this weekend.
Ginny says
They rescheduled for Monday! Can you believe it? We’ll be allright–almost getting used to this. I remember one year being without power for almost two weeks after a hurricane. By the time it got turned back on we had completely adjusted to life without it. I will be very, very grateful for my kitchen tap once everything is fixed, though!
Lana says
The big outdoors is so healing and I am so glad that you all got to enjoy that last glorious day. The alternative med practitioner that we are working with on my husband’s brain injury is always telling us to go outside, sit in the sun, walk barefoot in the grass, swim in the lake. Last month after our visit to her we drove down the street to turn around and head back out and she was laying in the grass in her front yard. It made me smile.
karen says
how precious you have your kids all in the same photo!!! The big ones are getting bigger and the little ones are getting bigger. I won’t mention that we are getting older…
I love when we have a day away to reset our brains.
Marion says
Thank You for this beautiful post. I love the picture of all the children by the tree.
God Bless
Marion
Linda says
Such a beautiful post..Nature, creation is so giving when our spirits are burdened. Thank you for sharing these lovely images with us all. Blessings to you ~ Linda
Eileen says
What a lovely afternoon for you and your family. Hope Friday they are able to fix your pipes!
I think I could use an afternoon away , where to go?
eva says
So wonderful photos, what an place! I love the tulips, here they are only to find in Botanical Gardens, they are so wonderful sunny gold, when it’s fall. Looking the pictures of your family, reading about out life, look the children growing, its heartwarming. I hope you’ll have good luck with the plumber and this day, carried in your hearts and souls, makes all trouble easier for a long time. Hugs from Germany. Eva
Jill Ruskamp says
Oh goodness, the adventure of yours to visit all the incredible trees is so fun! I popped back through a couple of your posts on the trees and was surprised to see the older kids so much younger. I couldn’t see dates on the posts. One of the older girls looks so much like Mabel now! Fun photos for you to have and the magnificence of the trees—!!
Molly says
Oh how I’ve missed your Remarkable Trees of VA, Ginny! Wonderful to see them again!
Michelle says
Larkspur is geting so tall……lovely photos, one day i hope to visit some of these beautiful places you go to
Wendi says
Wise boy, that Seth. I’m glad for you peace amidst the storm!
Becky Barry says
Beautiful post. Thank you
Suzanne says
Lovely photos of a lovely family. Your pictures of your family always warm my heart! We moved into our home 9 years ago and had nothing but plumbing problems right from the start. Our home was build in the 50s and we live in the forest so lots of trees and roots. After years of calling the plumber out I read a article on The Art of Doing Stuff. The title of the article is THE ONLY TOILET PAPER YOU SHOULD EVER BUY. You should read it! No more plumbing issues! Our laundry, kitchen and bathroom never get plugged up. It’s amazing. Our contractor said it won’t make a difference but I thought I’m giving it a try! Good luck!
Teresa says
What a wise son Seth is! I would love to visit there.
SpalvaLit says
I love how in one photo Seth leans into Larkspur and Larkspur leans into Silas.
Carol says
Thank you for the beautiful paragraph about “carrying that day in your heart”—a sort of ballast against present and future days that may need such strengthening memories.
Caroline says
Wow, what wise words from President Madison. It’s a pity they aren’t taking much notice of it in some parts of the world.
Such beautiful photos!