I was born in Newport News, Virginia many years ago.~smile~ It was home to my Mom when my Dad met her while he was in the Navy. He was stationed in Norfolk not far from Newport News. My Dad's home was Ft. Smith, Arkansas and soon after I was born that is where we moved. But, we returned to Virginia every year since that was where my Mom's Mother lived and her siblings. Visiting our Virginia family was something that I always looked forward to.
Over the years I have continued to go back to Virginia for occasional visits and this year Hubby decided that he would join me. We made our plans about 3 months ago and of course, never dreamed that a hurricane would be brewing and heading straight to the East Coast. We found ourselves going back and forth about whether we should go or not. We finally decided that we had put so much planning into the trip and we would just take our chances and go. We all know that hurricanes have a mind of their own and can change their courses in a minutes notice. AND, that's exactly what Florence did, she left us alone and we had wonderful weather and only experienced a sprinkling of rain one day.
I only have one Aunt left and I love her dearly and am so thankful that I got to have this special time with her. I also have 5-6 cousins in the area and it was sooooo much fun getting to see them. My two girl cousins and I spent a day with Aunt Mary. We talked and laughed the entire time.
I have one cousin who lives in Virginia Beach and we spent a morning with her and her husband enjoying the beauty there. I had not been to Virginia Beach in many years and I could hardly believe how much it had changed. Quite a thriving city!
Another cousin owns a 42' cabin cruiser and we enjoyed seeing it and area where it is housed. He and his wife go out on the boat for weeks at a time and have done this for years and years. Nothing about it sounds like fun to me. I cannot even imagine living on a boat and it is very nice with bedroom, kitchen, living area, TV's, etc. I think I would just always be concerned about the weather or needing assistance and the list goes on and on. But, they absolutely love every minute they are on the boat and if I were to go out for an extended stay I would want to go with them. They are well experienced and take no chances. But, think I'll just settle for an occasional boat ride.
Right across from the marina where their boat was docked was this house. I looked up and saw this window in the chimney and had to scratch my head. I've never, never seen such and cannot imagine what purpose it serves.
One afternoon Hubby and I went over to walk around historic Williamsburg. Even though it was the historic district, they did have many of the popular stores and shops. I had to chuckle when I saw the Chico's store as Chico's style is so far from what the colonial ladies wore.
Later that evening we met some of my cousins for dinner at a neat little restaurant called Food for Thought. One thing for sure, the Tidewater area of Virginia is NOT lacking in great eating establishments. My cousins all made sure that we dined at many of them while we were there and we enjoyed them all.
We drove over to Smithfield one morning. We took the ferry part of the way and then drove through beautiful countryside for the rest of the trip. When I was 14 years old our family returned to Virginia. My Dad had entered the ministry when I was 6 years old and a church not far from Smithfield called him to be their pastor. It was great to be back near my Mom's family. I attended Smithfield High School for 3 1/2 years.
I have not been back to the Smithfield area for probably 45 years and I hardly recognized it. It has grown by leaps and bounds and many of the old homes have been beautifully restored. Smithfield is known for it's meat packing plant. Perhaps you have had a Smithfield ham before, if so, this is where it is processed.
Battery Park is where the church was located that my Dad pastored and just a few miles from Smithfield. It is just a small quaint little village and when we lived there was known for it's fishing and the local oyster house was located there. It is quite run down and in need of a whole lot of tender loving care and it really made me sad to see it in such a deteriorated state. But, that is what often happens when folks move from an area and no one moves in to replace them. I have the fondest memories of the time we lived there.
Our last morning there we drove over to Jamestown and toured the area. It is so full of history and we could have spent an entire day seeing the outside and inside exhibits.
It was such a awesome trip and I especially the treasure the special time I had with my Aunt Mary. She was married to my Mom's brother but my Mom (and her sisters) always felt like Mary was their blood sister. She's more fun than a barrel of monkeys and I'd give anything if I could just run by and see her anytime I wanted to. She spends the majority of her days cozied up inside her little house and really seems quite content and happy. I pray the Lord will continue to bless her with good enough health that she can remain in her house all the days of her life.
My heart is full of sweet, sweet memories and I know it would make my Mom so very happy if she knew that I had been back to her "home" to see and visit with her/our remaining family members.
Awe, what a fun and memorable trip for you Lea. So glad you all was not affected by Florence while there. I am sure your Aunt and cousins was thrilled to see you. Making wonderful memories is what it's all about. Melted my heart looking at the church sign where your daddy was pastor. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful walk down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad y’all had a fabulous time in Virginia and that Florence did not ruin your plans! You look so happy and joyful in all your pictures. I know you wish your sweet Dad could have joined you!
ReplyDeleteYou'd make a great Tour Director. Charming area and with so much to see.
ReplyDeleteI've never been on the East Coast. The History and beauty are calling!
Hurricanes are scary and we all know how dangerous. Happy you decided to keep your visit.
You can see the joy in your dear Aunt's face in the last pic. It sounds like a fabulous trip. Glad you missed Florence!
ReplyDeleteSweet, sweet memories you have added to your treasure trove.
ReplyDeleteYour Aunt Mary has a great smile with happy laughing lines, so you can tell she is as "fun as a barrel of monkeys"
God certainly looked after you with the weather and blessed your time away.
By the way, red looks great on your husband. :}
Bless you~
So much to love. Guess what my daddy is a Navy man, 8 years, and before I was born, was in Norfolk for a stretch. So cool you made all these amazing memories to add to your treasure trove!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip down memory lane! I enjoyed traveling along with you and hearing about your family history in this area! I am happy that you decided to go on the trip in spite of the threat of bad weather! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteNow you didn't do your job, you needed to knock and ask what the window was for ;)! Looks like you had the best trip and I kept thinking of you all while you were there! Bad weather came that way after you left!
ReplyDeleteSo glad the weather held out for you! You saw so many special people. I'm kind of wondering if that little window was put there for purposes of cleanout access or something..weird. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteFive weeks ago my boyfriend broke up with me. It all started when i went to summer camp i was trying to contact him but it was not going through. So when I came back from camp I saw him with a young lady kissing in his bed room, I was frustrated and it gave me a sleepless night. I thought he will come back to apologies but he didn't come for almost three week i was really hurt but i thank Dr.Azuka for all he did i met Dr.Azuka during my search at the internet i decided to contact him on his email dr.azukasolutionhome@gmail.com he brought my boyfriend back to me just within 48 hours i am really happy. What’s app contact : +44 7520 636249
ReplyDelete