Day Five - A TJ Kind of Day

We started out early for our trip to Monticello. We were excited to
see the home of Thomas Jefferson on a gorgeous autumn day. We loved
the octagonal rooms, the dumb waiter from the wine cellar and his cool
clock in the front hall. Jefferson decorated his rooms to invite
conversation and discussion. They were full of Indian artifacts, great
artwork an interesting gadgets. My favorite room was his
bedroom/office. It has a huge beautiful skylight, a bed set into the
wall and a machine that made duplicate copies of his letters.

Outside we tried writing with a quill pen and ink and touring the
grounds. Evan especially loved seeing many varieties of plants.
Marianne took tons of pictures of the falling leaves. And Lavender
made friends everywhere we went.

We decided to forego the shuttle and walk back down the "little
mountain" stopping at Thomas Jefferson's grave. The cemetery is still
owned and used by the family.

After a great day at Monticello we made the drive back to Washington
and arrived just in time for a free concert at The Kennedy Center. Raw
Men Empire, an Israeli indie band, was performing. The four guys from
Tel Aviv played for about 45 minutes. Our favorite song was called,
"Israeli Women Are the Best Looking Women in the World." Another funny
song was called, "I've Got A One Track Mind That Leads No Where."

After a photo with the giant JFK head and a quick stop for more
pictures of the Washington Monument by moonlight, we appropriately
ended our day at the Jefferson Memorial. The white dome glows beside
the water and the statue of Jefferson is surrounded by quotations from
his writing. For some reason there were multiple signs admonishing us
to be quiet and respectful as well as a park ranger and armed guard
standing watch. This was quite a contrast to the free-for-all at
Lincoln's Memorial. I wonder if it was a reflection on the style of
the two great leaders. I've heard that Lincoln was a rather permissive
parent. Maybe Thomas Jefferson needed more quiet while he did all that
writing?

I'll leave you with my favorite new quote from Jefferson:

"It would be a great calamity if we did not have ice."