Jeffersons Monticello

---

Today was a pretty bitchin' day for sure. We went out to see Monticello. It is a beautiful spot and house. It took 40 years to build because Jefferson kept changing his mind. Especially after trips to France which influenced both his architecture and favorite cuisine. Most everything is intact here as it has been spared battles and severe weather. He did die pretty deeply debt so the home was sold but was bought by people that wanted to keep it preserved. He also hated slavery but kept slaves, freeing only about 6 or 7 during his life or in his will. Slavery he said was like having a wolf by the ears, you didn't like it but you didn't dare let go. He was brilliant and interested in everything but especially gadgets that made life easier and more convenient. He had been President, Vice President, Minister to France, Father of the University of Virginia, author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Religious Freedom of Virginia as well as all around peach of a guy. On his headstone he only wanted the last three of those things engraved and "not one word more" He made little as a farmer as is typical of farming. He had 5000 acres total that he inherited from his father Peter. He was paid 25,000 a year for being President but out of that he had to pay for running the White House so that didn't leave much. Probably ought to still be that way. Only two of six children survived to adult hood not counting the ones he may have had with one of his slaves named Sally Flemming....oops. Well his wife had also died so we know how that can go don't we? Anyway, we are now just west of Washington DC at a place called Haymarket. We are poised and ready for more sight seeing tomorrow if Marilyn doesn't have Lymes Disease.

---

Photos

Marilyn
Perfect weather day here today.

Marilyn
and Big Tom's life size statue. He was very close to being a vegetarian and referred to meat as a condiment to have with veggies.

Me
Main house.

Grave
There are a bunch of his descendants here and still an active cemetery for them that follow.

Me
He was a pretty tall guy for the era. He liked his wine and loved books too. He lived to be 83.

Me
Main house. I have no idea who those other people are. I thought we had a private tour. Guess not.

Marilyn
In a small sort of greenhouse room that looked out over the garden area.

Me
His marker with the limited engravings. He was not proud of the political offices he held and could not wait to quit and go back home.

Marilyn
The veggy garden that is still active and working. A vineyard too.