It's no wonder

I have always loved architecture. I would say it is one of my passions. I have studied the hundreds of classical motifs, the stories behind the styles, and chosen my favorites for some future time when I might be able to implement them in my own house. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were similarly fans of architecture, and carefully designed and supervised their own buildings. I was able to visit Mt. Vernon and Monticello recently and I was amazed by the estates these venerable men created. Washington considered himself a farmer first and foremost, as did Jefferson and their first desire was to spend as much time as they could at their homes. Unfortunately for them other duties called them away for much of their lives, but Jefferson enjoyed the last 17 years of his life at his beloved Monticello which means little mountain. Though the mountain may be little the view is breathtaking. From Washington's back porch at Mt. Vernon, he could see the Potomac and miles of surrounding Virginia countryside. What I gained from my visits was an appreciation for the magnitude of sacrifice it was to leave their homes and serve the cause of liberty. Their homes were particularly stunning surrounded by fall leaves.