Friday, March 27, 2020

SUNDAY DRIVE

(An old fence on the left of the barn which has also seen better day.  Still beautiful though.)

Last weekend, feeling a bit of cabin fever, we thought it would be safe to take a ride in the countryside. We wanted to find a nice, quiet area for a walk and so, with a full tank of gas, we set out. 
(An old farm with fences out front again.  Hard to see those fences as they seem camouflaged against the grass.)

Much to our surprise there was a lot of traffic on the roads, and when we drove to all our usual places, the parking lots were packed and people were heading for the trails.  We didn't feel comfortable being around all those people.  There wasn't 6 feet between them to spare, so we drove by and went on our way.  
(Another farm with a silo painted like an ear of corn.  And there are the fences again.)

Not once did we get out of the car, and the only time I opened a window was to take these photos. Our speed was generally between 40 to 55 miles per hour on open roads, much less of course going through towns, and along narrower roads.
(Other rural scenes as we drove by.)

It was good to get out but I don't think we will be doing that any more.  
(Another fence in front of the cemetery.  We were in Manassas by this time.)

(The rest of the photos were also taken as we were driving through Manassas.)

(Approaching the traffic light I noticed the mural on the left.)

(Here's a closer look.)

 (The historical old town area is very nice.)


(You can read about Manassas at this link.)






(I have often thought I would like to look around Iron Horse Antiques.  One of the comments I read from a happy customer, was that it is the best furniture store in the Northern Virginia area and it is one of the top 10. Their furniture is made out of quality solid wood at a great price with professional customer service.  Now that is quite a glowing recommendation.  
Apparently they have obtained solid oak European furniture from military people who have purchased overseas, and there is also Amish furniture of the same excellent quality.  The salespeople appear very knowledgeable, knowing all about the fabrics used, whether they were treated, what was in the cushions and much more.  If ever any of our furniture finally falls apart, I think I will look here first.  Unfortunately I couldn't find a website but it has plenty of good reviews on Yelp.)

These photos I am sharing today for Gosia's Fences Around the World, were taken on our Sunday drive, and I was happy to see several fences, so win-win!

Thank you for hosting Gosia.  
If you would like to see other fences, or join in with your own, you will find the link here.  

Thanks for stopping by.  
Enjoy your day and stay safe and happy.



41 comments:

  1. What a wonderful drive this was! I would think it is safe to do it again, as long as you remain in the car. Of course my ulterior motive is wanting more photos! My favorite photo is the first one of the amazing barn. And I love the mural with the old fashioned train! And city hall with the trees beginning to bloom. So much to love here!

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    1. Thanks Ginny, it certainly was. Maybe we'll get out again, really don't know at this point but I am happy you enjoyed the photos.

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  2. Once in a while I get to Manassas but I haven't been in the historic district in a few years. Next time I'm going to look for that mural!

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    1. Thanks Linda, I would like a closer look of the mural too one day. It is located at the intersection of Center Street and Grant Avenue (Rt 28 and Rt 234).

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  3. As much as I like all of those photos, I especially like that photo of that old barn, it's truly beautiful!

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    1. Hi Lon, thank you, happy you liked it and I agree :)

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  4. Thank you so much for taking us safely on your Sunday drive. Love that barn. And the flowering trees - and the whole post.

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  5. So it wasn't entirely a wasted journey. At least your got some good pictures.

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    1. No, never wasted these journeys :) Getting out was wonderful!

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  6. Hello, I enjoy a drive through the countryside. Love the barns and farms. The blossoming trees and mural are lovely to see. Thanks for sharing. Take care and enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Thanks Eileen and you are very welcome. Happy weekend to you too :)

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  7. Pretty streets and blossoming tree. Now we have invisible fences around us. Glad you're staying safe and doing your part.

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    1. Thank you Penelope! It makes it easier when it is for the good of the whole :)

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  8. I wish I could show the streets of your Manassas to my dad. he was born in Manassa, Georgia, he would get a kick out of the comparison. Population of his birthplace is now 88... ha ha.... beautiful photos. we thought of taking a ride but then I thought, we have traffic out there and if we get in an accident we would have to go to the hospitals with the virus. so we stayed home.. everyone is feeling the urge to get out. we are going on walks in our neighborhood early and today was the first time we saw people. saw 2 couples and 1 woman, but they did not even get on the block we were on... then I thought of people who are out their leaving germs on the road by throwing things out the window, we saw much trash and one was a used mask. I then thought if we walk in germs, we bring them in, the dog gets them on his paws, we hug and kiss him, he sleeps on the sofa... see where I am going?

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    1. That's wonderful Sandra, I wish you could too. Everything you mentioned crossed my mind. We see people walking around our neighborhood with their dogs. Littering is not nice is it? Yes, we've got to take care of ourselves and of BB. We have to think of everything.

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  9. we will continue our walks, we have to or go crazy

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    1. Also it's important that we all get that exercise.

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  10. A great drive and lots of awesome photos. It's sad that when people try to get away that they end up being in a crowd.

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    1. Thanks Red, I've always used to say I would love to live in a more isolated place, but I'm so used to our rather built up area now. It isn't a long drive to get into the countryside.

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  11. Nice Sunday drive. Over here, people are told to stay off the streets and stay at home.

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    1. Interesting, each state has their own rules about this. Several have been ordered to stay in place and I'm wondering why we haven't.

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  12. Aaahhh... I see lovely signs of spring. We might have to go out for a drive too because I think Art is going a bit stir crazy. We're on lockdown though so we definitely can't get out of the car.

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  13. Love those old barns. My stepson lives in Dale City not far from Manassas. I like visiting here. We went our for drive to Westmoreland state park Only a few people there but the restrooms were closed I know it's free admittance now with the stay at home thing going on but where do ya go to the restroom? I had my sanitizer and spray. Why can't the outside bldg. that houses toilets be open if the park is? Had to come all way home.

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    1. Me too and I enjoy the Manassas area. I don't think I have been to Westmoreland so will add that to my list. Thanks Betsy! The closed toilets would be an issue wouldn't it? Might be waiting for a while till things calm down before we do any more road trips.

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  14. As going for a drive is not permitted here, it was nice being able to go for a virtual drive with you. I miss exploring more than I miss social contact, I think. Stay well.

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    1. Hi Pauline, I enjoy our drives and I hope it won't be too long before you can go exploring again. Thank you, you stay well also :)

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  15. I know what you mean about hikers/walkers. They're all out. It's not too safe in my opinion. Tho I do get out in the fresh air for a very short time.

    I really enjoyed your photos.

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    1. Thank you Anni, glad you enjoyed. Yes, let's keep our six feet distance between us until we're told not too :) not just for our sakes but for everyone else's.

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  16. Love that old town street! I'd enjoy wandering there. Looks like a great drive. We took a drive today, too, without getting out of the car but it was nice.

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    1. Thanks Ellen, it is part of the historical district. How nice you took a drive too.

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  17. Great photos, thanks for the drive.

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    1. You're very welcome Christine, makes me happy you enjoyed :)

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  18. It's strange seeing the cities mostly empty of traffic (on the television news).
    Last weekend, I've lost track of time and when it was, on the same broadcasts we saw crowds going to parks, beauty spots and the beach and not social distancing. Suddenly our government took action and the 'lock down' measures were put in place by the next day. It took a couple of days to implement these stricter rules. Now the police are randomly stopping drivers and walkers to ask where they are going and if their activity is essential. Drones are being used to police the beauty spots. If we drive out it's supposed to be only a short distance from home for exercise or other essential missions. We're thankful that the countryside is close by, but at the moment I don't feel like going out unless absolutely necessary. We're only just coping with the ways of communicating more frequently via social media and iphone which is keeping us occupied. It was interesting to see your photos of the places you passed by on your drive. The mural was interesting. Take care and thanks for keeping in touch as we continue our blog friendship. Sorry this is a long comment, but I hope you found the news over here in the UK interesting. Have a good weekend.

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    1. I agree, a time I didn’t think I would ever see in my lifetime and my heart goes out to all those who have been affected by this dreadful virus. It is very scary. The lack of social distancing at the beaches in Florida made all the news, mostly young people. I think they may live to regret it as some are coming down with it, not to mention I wonder about their families. I thought beaches were supposed to be closed. I hope things will return to normal for you and for everyone. I am listening to all the experts, the scientists, to find when there will be a glimmer of hope. In the meantime, I wish you and your family, and everyone to stay safe and healthy.

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  19. You are lucky that you can go for a drive. We are not allowed out except for shopping or an emergency then we have to carry permits with date an time of leaving home. Heavy fines if you are out of order. Stay safe Diane

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    1. Nothing about a lockdown yet, though I'm surprised. I know other states are the same as your part of the world. I don't really understand why we haven't gone that way yet. You stay safe too Diane :)

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  20. Thank you for your very sweet comment Laurie :)

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    1. It's a lovely place to visit, and I love the older section very much. Thanks William :)

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