15-16 years ago, your Mom and I (and I think Grasshopper No.5) took a trip to Washington D.C. to visit the different monuments and museums.
One day we took a trip across the Potomac River to Virginia and drove down to visit the George Washington estate at Mount Vernon. I remember the terrific location over looking the Potomac. We toured the house which had been restored to it’s original condition. My thought was that the house was smaller than I had imagined and very square in it’s design. Lots of little rooms and narrow stairways. The home was considered austentacious in it’s day. The quality of wood thoughout the house was impressive. The front porch overlooking the river had a view that was worth the price of admission. Stunning.
Which brings me to my story. Your Mom and I got an invite several weeks ago to visit Mom’s brother Bob (and Mary) at their renewal project on the edge of the Kettle Morine west of Plymouth. I had teased Bob and said I was only going to show up when invited. We were invited. Mary prepared a home made meal and we toured the farm house. I will say that Bob and Mary are doing their part to keep the economy going.
Bob and Mary’s home took me back to the Early American construction similar to what we had seen on the banks of the Potomac. The home is squared off with a big front porch (I understand it will soon get even bigger). The view of the “Kettles” is special and my guess is that a lot of time will be spent on the porch. The “renewal project” has been done in a very classy way with high quality wood, windows and decorations. Just like the George Washington home, every room is very simply designed and utilitarian in nature. Using the geothermal heating and cooling system makes it very unique.
So if you want to go back in time and enjoy a little bit of “yester-year”, journey out to the Kettles and visit your Aunt and Uncle.
I did notice that there are no curtains on any of the windows. Mary’s comment was “who is going to see you out here in the country”? I guess she is right but it would make me uncomfortable (maybe I’ve just got to learn to chill out). I visited the gorgeous Kohler bathroom to use the facilities and there were no curtains in the bathroom either. I wonder if George Washington had curtains on the windows.
Bob and Mary seem to enjoy their labor of love as they renew the past with the home. Isn’t that what life is all about. They are enjoying the trip.
Love,
Dad