Williamsburg, Day 2

Not all the buildings on the 301 acres of Colonial Williamsburg are public buildings, in fact the majority are private homes in this living museum. Nonetheless their gardens are open to the ticketed guests of Colonial Williamsburg. We find ourselves touring gardens dreaming of having something similar in our backyard, until we remember that we live on the windswept prairie with harsh winters. Oh well, we'll just enjoy these while we're here.

Gretel and Elizabeth exploring every inch of the property.

A closer view of the flowering trees in this garden. Can anyone identify this tree for me?

I'm not sure if that's a potter's shed or an outhouse, but it sure is quaint.

The peaceful view north along Botetourt Street, named after the Governor of Virginia who served the colony from 1768 to 1771.

One of the beautiful carriages available for hire. Although we've never taken a spin around town in one of these, they are very popular.

The girls must visit the Mary Dickinson shop each year to peruse the many feminine delights ranging from decorative hats to jewelry.

This carriage driver was informing this befuddled tourist that he only accepted gold, silver, or short credit -- none of that paper stuff!

We were treated to a conversation with Patrick Henry today, and managed to get this photo of him with one of his admirers. You'll have to guess which is which.

The flora is much further advanced than in Illinois this time of year.

More of God's art captured by Gretel.

The Bruton Parish Church, long the center of worship for the city. Since services are still held in this building, we normally worship here on the Lord's Day.

Karen strolling through a "gentlemen's garden."

Peruvian squill, a native of the Mediterranean. (Must be a geographic anomaly)

Lest our friends in Illinois and Pennsylvania despair over the advanced state of this garden, one needs to remember that the soil here does not freeze in the winter.

Burgesses Nicholas, Henry, and Pendleton assemble the residents of Williamsburg on May 15, 1776 to announce that the Virginia Assembly has elected to declare independence from England.

The colors of the new independent state are flown from the Capitol tower.

Our friend since last year, Cookie Baker, with her son Thomas who plays the fife in the CW Junior Fife and Drum Corp. We hope to have more pictures of the Baker family later in the week when their older son David plays in the Senior Corp. Thanks for visiting!