Beating another round of predicted snow on Sunday, we arrived in Colonial Williamsburg well ahead of the sludgy mess before my son needed to report to act in an Electronic Field Trip shoot.
SATURDAY
WEAVER DYES WOOL RED
After eating a cold lunch in the cold weather, brrrr, we went to visit the weaver who was dying wool yarn, red.
The buckets to the left of the photo have the yarn soaking in a solution of water and alum. They soak for about 72 hours, so that the alum can work into the fibers.
The alum helps the fibers take the dye.
On this day, she was using cochineal bugs, wrapped in this bag, to dye the yarn.
Checking the coloring of the yarn…She decided to let it dye some more, for a deeper effect.
BLOSSOMS MARCH-ING IN
Next, we took advantage of 18th century handsewn attire photo shoot among the spring flowers with a furry friend.
BIRD WATCHING WITH THOMAS JEFFERSON
Our exploration of various flower gardens took us to Nicholson Street, near the gaol (jail) when my son spied a cardinal high in the treetop.
While my son spent several minutes trying to get the perfect shot, my daughter and I watched the beautiful scarlet bird in the wintery tree.
As the three of us stood there, looking up at the bird, I heard footsteps behind me.
Thomas Jefferson joined us in bird watching!
He told my daughter that he had an aviary at his home of Monticello, which led to a conversation about ornithology.
Before parting he asked me if we had moved to Williamsburg yet.
“Um, we’re still hoping for that opportunity.”
He told me if I want it badly enough, it will happen!
PLAYING THE GLASS ARMONICA WITH DEAN SHOSTAK
Then it was time to go to the museum for a unique opportunity to play the glass armonica, which was invented by Benjamin Franklin!
This armonica has 7 bowls in graduating sizes nestled almost within each other on a pipe that rotates by turning the handle.
A high sound is achieved by rubbing the finger along the smaller bowls, while they are moving at a fast rotation.
A low note is achieved by rubbing the finger along the larger bowls, while they are moving at a slower rotation.
Since my daughter was having trouble, Mr. Shostak explained she needed to hold her fingers flat.
When that still didn’t quite make sense to her, I added that if she played the armonica like she does the piano, that should work, and it did!
Mr. Shostak was laughing!
(For those who don’t play piano, the reverse is true. She’ll do better at the piano if she plays it like she was trying to play the armonica. 😉 )
Shortly before a concert began, Mr. Shostak asked me if we had been to the armonica concert earlier.
Unfortunately, we had missed that.
There had been several armonica players from around the world playing different pieces.
He said that one lady played “Flight of the Bumblebee!”
I couldn’t believe it and he said neither could he until he heard it!
He had asked a musician from St. Petersburg, Russia to play for us.
Mr. Shostak said the acoustics in the room would be perfect!
He played about 5 pieces, like Fur Elise, Ave Maria, and Lara’s Theme from Dr. Zhivago.
The sound was rich and full, like an orchestra. Absolutely beautiful.
SUNDAY
LAFAYETTE
Sunday morning, the promised rain/snow mix arrived.
Brrrrrrr!
When we arrived at the Palace gate, we were told that Lafayette indeed would be speaking…inside one of the buildings!
How cozy that was!
He is such a gentleman, greeting each guest, even if they walked in late, telling each one how glad he was that they came.
He even made sure the ladies got the seats!
Dynamic as always, he even brought new life to his already excellent presentation, with the use of the maps on the walls.
How appropriate since they aided in his stories of his travels through America and noting key locations during the Revolution.
HOT SOUP AT THE MUSEUM
After his wonderful program, we walked to a warm lunch at the museum in a flurry of snow.
Hot soup and soothing music helped us brave another bout of outdoor cold weather walking.
COLONIAL NURSERY WARMTH
The cold wasn’t so bad as long as we walked.
As we passed by the Colonial Nursery, these warm plants under jars beguiled us to join them to keep warm.
WEAVER WARMTH
GUNSMITH AND FOUNDRY WARMTH
We visited the gunsmith and the foundry where we watched silver poured for a bell.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS ENCAMPMENT FOR EFT
Then we stumbled upon this encampment. Brrrrr. Hmmm…excitement builds!
JOINERY WARMTH
Then we visited the joiner who was building a window for the new armoury.
MONDAY
EFT SHOOT OF THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS
At long last Monday came and things were looking dry but it was extremely cold for standing around.
However, I couldn’t miss out on the action of seeing an EFT shoot, with my son as Johnny, aide-de-camp to General Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans!
A lot of crowds gathered throughout the day to watch.
One of the producers invited my daughter and I to come in and stand with them in the pasture behind the cameras and later another producer offered us chairs to sit.
Despite 90% chance of snow/rain mix, the weather stayed dry.
In between takes, my costumed daughter found herself answering questions about EFTs from the numerous guests who stopped by to watch.
After I picked up my son at the Costume Design Center, I suggested we go home. =) What? The kids reminded me I had a question for the tailor.
Also they wanted to see Revolutionary City…again! “Mom, we rarely ever get to see the Monday program!”
I knew they’d want to stay. I just like to tease. =)
LOVELY HATS AT THE MILLINER
Then on to the milliner where a lady was in there showing off lots of lovely hats! Read all about that here.
JOINER WALKS NEW WINDOW TO ARMOURY
The day before we watched the joiner make this very window, now making its way to its new home at the new Anderson Armoury.
A HERALD FOR LADY WASHINGTON
The herald arrived and instead of the usual quick announcement, he chatted a bit about Lady Washington’s journey to town.
TAILOR
Then we visited to the tailor, whom we saw making trim for a hussar’s waistcoat.
I hope I get to see it when it’s completed. He showed how it would be looped for a hussar’s coat.
It was funny that when he noticed my son he said in a surprised way, “I don’t often see you dressed like that.” (He was in modern day clothes.)
I said, “That’s because he was in War of 1812 costume this morning!”
Ah, yes, he had heard about that.
After chatting a bit he started laughing and said he still thinks that with our frequent visits, we owe rent!
He’s been telling me this for a year now.
I’d be more than happy to pay for the rent by working for him, but I still have a lot to learn!
As it is, I showed him my “homework” he had recently assigned.
My query was quickly clarified and I am working on fine tuning my son’s regimental waistcoat.
FIFE AND DRUM CORPS CD
At the end of the day we walked to the visitor center to drive home.
Not wanting to leave, we visited the snack shop for snacks.
Then I went to the bookstore for a Fife and Drum Corps CD to help me stay awake on the way home.
As I purchased it the lady told me that they had other items with the Fife and Drum Corps, like a video.
I laughed and told her about our Fife and Drum Corps CD collection. Then she said perhaps I’ll be back again by the Fourth of July to hear them.
What a great idea!
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Rebecca, March 31, 2011 at 7:32 PM – This sounds like so much fun!!! I never knew they offered these demonstrations and hands-on opportunities. Fingers crossed they keep them up until the summer so I can try it, too! It’s such a fascinating instrument.
Abby Cadabby, March 31, 2011 at 7:41 PM – I never heard of an armonica before sounds pretty cool!
Ashley, April 5, 2011 at 4:54 AM – Wow, you packed a lot of fun into one weekend! I love your strolling in the garden pictures! I hope we get a chance to enjoy some of the flowers there this weekend.
