PHOTOS FROM WILLIAMSBURG ON 4-25-25

I didn’t take as many photos on our short trip here. I was having problems with not being able to walk too far because of my knee issues. Gregg dropped us off not too far from this courtyard. The part of the street you see is blocked off to thru-traffic. There were no regular shops on my side as they ended at the road on my left, and to my right it was the start of the historical colonial homes. There were only two tables in use in this courtyard,  I was sitting on a wooden bench in an area all to myself.  It was relatively quiet in my tiny bubble (also where I was privileged to witness the bee swarm I mentioned in this post). I sent my family off to look around the shops, assuring them that I would enjoy my time in this one spot. I love to people watch, and dog watch! I had a great time and not too long afterwards, Gregg after much waiting and circling around, found his parking spot and joined me. We have the app on our phone that locates each other. This is how he found me. I could also follow him and could see how far away he was. It's comforting to know where we are located and is a big help at such times.

Below is a close-up picture of the dog in the above photo. Williamsburg is a very dog-friendly place. People are very responsible and take care of them. I have never seen anything untoward in all the time I have been visiting Williamsburg and all the dogs, I have seen at least, have all been very well behaved. 

We always took family and friends here when they visited us. 

Years ago we lived an hour away and now it is about three to three-and-a-half hours from home, depending on traffic.

In the photo below, on the right of the picture you can see a round piece of art on the brick wall on the right. I wrote about it before, and it shows it in better detail. That post you can find here.

Last dog for today. I loved that expression. I felt she was saying, "I've had enough of this. I would like to go home now and find a cool spot to lie in by the window so that I can watch the world go by, just like that lady over there.” Our eyes connected and we understood each other. 

One last look at the shopping area and...

as our family joined us, Gregg left to get the car again. He told us to walk up the road and turn left on another road. We were to walk to the end of that road where he would pick us up. One of the buildings had a figure of a sheep placed in a prominent spot. These usually show what is being sold inside. It is part of Williamsburg where you often see people walking around dressed in colonial costumes. To step inside these shops it would have been like stepping into the 1700s. We needed to purchase tickets at the visitor center for access. No one felt like it as the general consensus was that time was getting late, and we still had three-and-a-half hours on the road. We had already driven over three hours from the Outer Banks, where we had spent a very nice few days with my sister-in-law and her husband.

I found a plant outside one of the shops called Wax begonia.

This field of wildflowers took my interest for a while as we waited for Gregg.

The buttercups were everywhere...

and so were the dandelions.

The next one is Sweet vernal grass. 

Next you can see the trunk of a Black Walnut tree.

For some reason I took not the whole tree but the bottom and some of the branches and leaves further up. Everyone’s energy level was a little depleted by this time, or perhaps I was projecting. At this link you can see more info. 

If you click here you will find every post on Williamsburg that I have ever done in the lifetime of this blog. Too much to see in one sitting but if you see something of interest, it will give you a lot more information than I have shown today.

I am at end of our latest trip to Williamsburg. It was short but very enjoyable. I know we will be back there again one day.

I am including another collage above and the signature below, which I put together with the app on my iPad. I never get bored using them, and these clever apps make it so easy to do. 

Take good care of yourselves everyone.

SWARMING BEES IN WILLIAMSBURG

I saw an extraordinary sight when we visited Williamsburg with our family a few weeks ago. They had gone off to explore the town, Gregg was looking for a much-prized parking spot as it was very busy, and I was having my usual sit-down on a bench while waiting for him, enjoying the warmth and sunshine, and people watching. 

I don't know what made me look up, maybe it was the sound of them, I don't know. 

I raised my head and there they were, literally thousands upon thousands of bees. I think I must have heard them first and I gasped at the sight of them. I couldn't believe what I was looking at. I had never seen anything like it before. A dozen bees at the most on a plant I was photographing. You can click on them to enlarge for better detail.

For some reason I wasn't afraid that they were going to sting me. I was mesmerized and I quickly looked to see if anyone else had noticed them. I couldn't see anyone with their heads turned upwards like I was. I was sitting on my own of course, and everyone else seemed to be busy with their families, small children, dogs, etc. I felt like I was in a world of my own with all those bees putting on the best show. They seemed to be heading in one direction. This went on for at least ten minutes as I followed their movement. It was the most surreal experience I have ever had. It seemed as if they were all only a few feet above my head, probably higher but not so high that I couldn’t get these photos with my cell phone.  And then they were gone!

Gregg found the following info online. (He had joined me not long after they had disappeared, and our family an hour later.) It read as follows:

"What you witnessed is almost certainly a mass swarming event, likely involving honeybees, and here's what is probably going on.

Late April in Virginia is peak swarming season for honeybees.

When a hive becomes too crowded, the old queen and about half the worker bees leave to find a new home. This swarm can involve tens of thousands of bees.

The bees swirl in the air (sometimes for 5-15 minutes) as scouts search for a new nesting site. It is dramatic but usually harmless - swarming bees are gorged on honey and less aggressive.

It is a natural, healthy behavior for a thriving hive. Beekeepers actually hope to catch these swarms, as it is a way to grow or start new hives.

I have gone on a curiosity adventure in researching these very important, beautiful little creatures. Some facts I knew, others not at all.

A single bee can produce 1 tablespoon of honey in its lifetime.

683 bees fly roughly 32,550 miles to gather 5.93 lbs. of nectar from about 1,185,000 flowers in order to make one 9.5 oz. jar of honey.

(Now, you can take all these little bits of info with a grain of salt as I found them all over the internet. I went to dozens of websites. Once on that curiosity journey, I found it hard to stop.)

Did you know that honey contains a substance that helps the human brain work better?

Did you know that the honey is the ONLY food on earth that can sustain human life alone?

Did you know that a teaspoon of honey is enough to sustain human life for 24 hours?

Did you know that propolis produced by bees is the most powerful natural antibiotic.

What is 'propolis’?

Propolis, also known as "bee glue," is a sticky-like resinous substance produced by honeybees from plant sap, combined with their saliva and beeswax. Bees use propolis to seal cracks in their hives, protect against pathogens and maintain temperature and humidity. Humans have used propolis for various medicinal purposes due to its antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Historically, propolis has been used for wound healing, treating infections and even as a component in embalming.

It is available as a supplement, ingredient in topical creams and ointments, and in oral products like mouthwashes and throat lozenges.

Propolis may help with various conditions like cold sores, swelling and sores in the mouth, and may even slow blood clotting.

While propolis has shown promising results in research, the claims about its medicinal properties haven't been fully supported by scientific evidence, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Did you know that honey has no expiration date?

Did you know that to gain 1 kg. treasure, you need the nectar of more than 1,000,000 flowers?

Did you know that bee grazing is the healthiest food in the world? (Bee grazing is also known as bee pasturage or bee forage, and refers to the vegetation that provides honeybees with nectar and pollen resources. This included flowering plants, trees and shrubs that bees use to collect food for the hive and for the production of honey.)

Did you know that pollen can have over 1500 colors and shades?

Did you know that bees are the ONLY insects that produce food for humans?

Did you know that in peak season a healthy Queen Bee, according to Penn State Extension, can lay more than 2,000 eggs in a day, which is more than her own body weight in eggs? 

Did you know that bees flap their wings more than 11,000 times per minute?

Did you know that the only honey that can be enjoyed by people allergic to beekeeping products is manuka honey?

Did you know that manuka honey is the best honey for women?

Did you know that acacia honey is not sweetened.

Did you know that a bee lives less than 40 days, visits at least 1,000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime?

And there you go, again more information that you probably want to read about. However, I am always fascinated, and I like to read back on my posts about such things. 

I would definitely check up on these facts if you want to expand your knowledge even more.

Thanks for taking a look and 

I hope you day is going well.

LAST OF MY PHOTOS FROM COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG - OUR OCTOBER TRIP

I am starting off with the Governor's Palace.  We didn't get off the main street this time.  No photos closer up, except for the one I cropped below.  

The Governor's Palace was the official residence for the royal governors of colonial Virginia during much of the 18th century.  It was constructed in 1706-1722 and housed seven royal governors and two post-colonial governors, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. The house served as a hospital for American soldiers during the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, and was destroyed by fire later that year.  (I couldn't find out what caused the fire.)  The site ended up in the possession of The College of William and Mary, which erected two school buildings near where the Palace once stood.  The property was purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in 1928.  In 1930 archaeologist from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation excavated the site and uncovered the original foundation. The entire palace was reconstructed in 1934, and it opened to the public as part of Colonial Williamsburg on April 23, 1934. Originally decorated with inaccurate Colonial Revival style antiques, the interior was refurnished in 1981 with pieces better representing the Palace’s 18th century décor. Additional changes were made in 2006 to reflect the Palace’s appearance during the residency of Lord Dunmore. Today the Governor’s Palace is a part of Colonial Williamsburg.  You can purchase a ticket which will include most buildings (not the ones privately owned obviously) in Colonial Williamsburg.  You can take a self-guided tour of the Governor’s Palace, information of rates and times can be found at the visitor center at this link.

Queen Elizabeth II visited Williamsburg and Yorktown in 1957 and 2007, which you can read about here.  Winston Churchill before her in 1946.  There is a website at this link with old photos of other notables.  You have to scroll down to see, but the information is an interesting read also.

Carriage rides seem to be very popular, though I have never taken one in all the years we have been visiting.  We have just enjoyed walking around but maybe one day we will take a ride.

The history the Duke of Gloucester Street can be found here.  

It said that the street began as a narrow trace.  I assumed 'trace' was the same as a trail (with other meanings), and the definition of 'trace' in this instance means a path, trail or road made by the passage of animals, people or vehicles.

The Courthouse was constructed from 1770 to 1771.  As Clerk of Courts, it fell to Benjamin Waller to read aloud the Declaration of Independence here on July 25th, 1776, after it arrived from Philadelphia.

The old stocks were not in use for photo ops.  There was a sign explaining why, and I read online that they are perhaps getting too old for safe use.  

The Duke of Gloucester Street is lined with these lovely colonial homes.  A few are privately owned, so make sure you are not having a looky-loo in someone's garden before checking to see if there is a sign out front.  I am not saying the building below is one of those homes, I don't know. It's good to check though.

Next is the Greenhow Store which "offers a variety of colonial items similar to those sold by Mr. Greenhow in the 18th century, including wrought iron, willow baskets, fabrics, tinware and porcelain."  

John Greenhow came from High House near Kendal in England, and settled in Williamsburg, America.  The emigrant ancestor of the Greenhows in America was a prosperous merchant of Williamsburg, carrying quality merchandise and fine teas.  He was active in the commercial and social life of Williamsburg for more than a third of a century.

Next is the home of Catherine Blaikely, explanation in the photo below this one.

There is a fascinating podcast about being a midwife in colonial times, not for everyone I know but its more historical than anything else.  You can listen to it at this link.

Next you can see another building with a ladder on the roof, which is there in case of fire.  It is the Hartwell Perry Ordinary.  Hartwell Perry was the gentleman proprietor.  An Ordinary was similar to a tavern or inn but was usually less elegant.  

The sign outside is a rebus based on his name (rebus is defined as a representation of words or syllables by pictures of objects or by symbols whose names resemble the intended words or syllables in sound.  Also, a riddle made up of such pictures or symbols). Now when I go back, I will be looking at all the signs hanging by these shops, trying to figure them all out.  For this 'rebus', someone explained that a male deer is known as 'hart', the 'well' is another part of his name).  Perry (as in his last name) is a drink made from pears.  I found a blog that shows how Perry is made if you'd like to take a look.  You can see it here.  

My research takes me all over the place.  And to repeat something I have perhaps shared before, my parents always said, "She was always a very curious child."  I am not sure that was meant to be said as a good thing or a bad thing, hehehe!  They loved me, that's all that counts.

Also, Gregg made a good point, that many people in those days were not taught to read, and the signs would point them in the right direction.

The last two photos I took I was near Merchant Square, and looking at a sign in the flower bed.  At the bottom it thanks us for giving the Ground wasps their space, and a short explanation of how they protect our deciduous trees.  At this link you can read more about them, but here are a few facts:

Solitary wasps are common beneficial insects in landscapes * they hunt and capture other insects or spiders to feed their young * they are not aggressive toward people and rarely sting * Solitary wasps should be tolerated and ignored whenever possible.

And, if you enlarge the sign below, you will read that they are Cicada killers and protect deciduous trees from leaf damaged caused by Cicadas.

I found two interesting articles, the first of a blogger on a walking tour around Williamsburg.  You will find it here.  Also, a gentleman who is one of those in costume, was interviewed here.  

That's about all for now, and the 'curious child' is going to give you all a break.  This will be the last of my photos from Colonial Williamsburg, until we can go next time.  We are hoping to see it all decorated for the holidays before the end of the year.  Fingers crossed!

Have a great weekend everyone. 

A MOTHER’S POEM ABOUT HER CHILDREN

I am in the middle of another post on Williamsburg and have been reading a lot on colonial times.  As often happens, I came across people unknown to me, such as Anne Bradstreet from 1612-1672, and her photo I found online. There is no connection to Williamsburg as far as I know, but I enjoyed this lady’s writings very much, and she lived in that time frame.  

One of my favorite things to do is read poetry, and when I recently learned of Anne Bradstreet, and that she was described as one of the most prominent early American poets, and the first writer in the American colonies to be published, I was intrigued.

I also read this description:  

"At a time when it was considered unacceptable for women to write, Anne rejected the prevailing ideas of women's inferiority.  She endured criticism, not for the quality of her work but that she, a woman, dared to write.  

"The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America” (1650), was her first volume of poetry, first published in London, and favorably received.  Published under the pseudonym "A Gentlewoman from Those Parts," this collection, like Ann Bradstreet's subsequent work, reflected the duties of a Puritan woman to God, home and family.  She did so skillfully, and occasionally allowed notes of cynicism to creep in - perhaps the only form of rebellion possible for a woman of her time.  For example: "I am obnoxious to each carping tongue that says my hand a needle better fits.""

This poem stood out for me.  It is long but one I thought very much worth my time.  I want to read it again and that's why I am sharing it here, and hopefully you will enjoy it also.  She uses birds as a metaphor for her children.  Another reason I was drawn to her poem.  It is dated June 23rd, 1659.

"I had eight birds hatched in one nest,

Four cocks there were, and hens the rest.

I nursed them up with pain and care,

Nor cost, nor labour did I spare,

Till at the last they felt their wing,

Mounted the trees, and learned to sing;

Chief of the brood then took his flight

To regions far and left me quite.

My mournful chirps I after send,

Till he return, or I do end:

Leave not thy nest, thy dam and sire,

Fly back and sing amidst this choir.

My second bird did take her flight,

And with her mate flew out of sight;

Southward they both their course did bend,

And seasons twain they there did spend,

Till after blown by southern gales,

They norward steered with filled sails.

A prettier bird was no where seen,

Along the beach among the treen.

I have a third of color white,

On whom I placed no small delight;

Coupled with mate loving and true,

Hath also bid her dam adieu;

And where Aurora first appears,

She now hath perched to spend her years.

One to the academy flew

To chat among that learned crew;

Ambition moves still in his breast

That he might chant above the rest

Striving for more than to do well,

That nightingales he might excel.

My fifth, whose down is yet scarce gone,

Is 'mongst the shrubs and bushes flown,

And as his wings increase in strength,

On higher boughs he'll perch at length.

My other three still with me nest,

Until they're grown, then as the rest,

Or here or there they'll take their flight,

As is ordained, so shall they light.

If birds could weep, they would my tears

Let others know what are my fears

Lest this my brood some harm should catch,

And be surprised for want of watch,

Whilst pecking corn and void of care,

They fall un'wares in fowler's snare,

Or whilst on trees they sit and sing,

Some untoward boy at them do fling,

Or whilst allured with bell and glass,

The net be spread, and caught, alas.

Or lest by lime-twigs they be foiled,

Or by some greedy hawks be spoiled.

O would my young, ye saw my breast,

And knew what thoughts there sadly rest,

Great was my pain when I you fed,

Long did I keep you soft and warm,

And with my wings kept off all harm,

My cares are more and fears than ever,

My throbs such now as 'fore were never.

Alas, my birds, you wisdom want,

Of perils you are ignorant;

Oft times in grass, on trees, in flight,

Sore accidents on you may light.

O to your safety have an eye,

So happy may you live and die.

Meanwhile my days in tunes I'll spend

Till my weak lays with me shall end.

In shady woods I'll sit and sing,

And things that past to mind I'll bring.

Once young and pleasant, as are you,

But formers toys (no joys) adieu.

My age I will not once lament,

But sing, my time so near is spent.

And from the top bough take my flight

Into a country beyond sight,

Where old ones instantly grow young,

And there with seraphims set song;

No seasons cold, nor storms they see;

But spring lasts to eternity.

When each of you shall in your nest

Among your young ones take your rest,

In chirping language, oft them tell,

You had a dam that loved you well,

That did what could be done for young,

And nursed you up till you were strong,

And 'fore she once would let you fly,

She showed you joy and misery;

Taught what was good, and what was ill,

What would save life, and what would kill.

Thus gone, amongst you I may live,

And dead, yet speak, and counsel give:

Farewell, my birds, farewell adieu,

I happy am, if well with you."

That's quite a poem, with all the emotions a mother would have.  Though words were more poetic in those days, she has many of the feelings modern mothers have for their children and can identify with.  

You can read more about her life here.  

I am slowly getting through my photos from Williamsburg, as you can see.

Have a great day and