Chatham Manor, Part IV, Its Trees
by von.otter
“Outdoors, at the foot of a tree, within ten yards of the front of the house, I noticed a heap of amputated feet, legs, arms, hands, etc. — about a load for a one-horse cart. Several dead bodies lie near, each covered with its brown woolen blanket. In the dooryard, toward the river, are fresh graves, mostly of officers, their names on pieces of barrel staves or broken board, stuck in the dirt.”
— from “The Wound Dresser” by Walt Whitman (1819-1892)
The tree that Whitman is referring to is the catalpa tree, still standing outside the mansion (see photos #1 & #3 & #4).
These trees are rare on Chatham’s grounds because all other trees had been cut by the Union soldiers for firewood. The current crop of mature specimen trees have been planted and grown since the War Between the States.
Kenmore, Part IV
by von.otter
Stucco work was not reserved for the ceiling alone. Above some fireplaces, narratives in white plaster wait for visitors to read their story.
In Kenmore’s dining room Aesop’s fable of the fox and crow is told.
A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. “That’s for me, as I am a Fox,” said Master Reynard, and he walked up to the foot of the tree.
“Good day, Mistress Crow,” he cried. “How well you are looking today; how glossy your feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the Queen of Birds.”
The Crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the
piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox.
“That will do,” said he. “That was all I wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future: Do not trust flatterers.”
Zana's VT meeting in Fredericksburg, Virginia
by littlesam1
"Wonderful weekend in the Virginia Valley"
VT meetings are difficult to plan and organize even when you have small group to help you plan the event. Zana managed to organize a very successful and fun meeting left all on her own. As you look at the photos take notice of the smiles and the good times that everyone is having. Well done Zana. Thanks again.
"Two wonderful friends - Chris and Natalie"
Chris and Natalie both spent several days with Mark and I at our home in Baltimore before venturing down to the VT in Fredericksburg. It was a joy to find them on the street in Fredericksburg to continue our time with them. Hi!
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BarneyUK outside Inn at the Olde Silk Mill
Copper Martin guitar weathervane
Thirsty folks on the tour
Plesant setting at the Blarney House"
