2011~A Year in Review

Hey guys,
So sorry for the silence lately. Things have been crazy with me lately. I’ve been working in overdrive with my hours at work plus a long commute everyday for several months. A few weeks ago I lucked out and was offered a new position that will be much better for my schedule and sanity. I’ve been off a few days and catching up on some zzz’s, organizing, cleaning, and putting up Christmas at Gap in the Hedge. The furry children are driving me nuts but I’ll be sad to head back to reality tomorrow. But hey, four day work week!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I’ll share some pictures from our holiday soon, I promise. I just thought I’d take a moment to wish everyone a wonderful 2012. I am SOO ready to get this new year started. 2011 wasn’t super great for me but there were a few highlights that are worth mentioning.
January 15, 2011~Mr. Bennet comes home. Here is is having a moment with his new mommy on his first night and then wearing a costume for school. Bennet is nicely settled in to his forever home and loves his feline brothers and sisters. He’s rolling around on the floor right now chasing his tail.

February 2, 2011~I started this blog! I honestly can’t believe it’s been almost a year since All Things Bright and Beautiful was created. It’s also feels like much longer in some ways but there is still so much to share. I’m hopeful that 2012 will offer even more great stories to tell. If you’re up for an adventure let me know. Onward!

June 8, 2011~Josh comes “Straight to You!” After several years Josh Groban finally went back on tour with his latest album Illuminations. It’s been too long my adorable friend. Too long. Thank you for brightening my 2011! And do come back soon!

August 2011~Road trip to Virginia! I’ve been wanting to visit Virginia for such a long time and finally got to go this year. Even though it was scorching hot we had fun and I can’t wait for another road trip.


October 9, 2011~Stellaluna comes home. We had absolutely no intention of adopting any more animals. Fortunately for Stella we were in the right place at the right time for her. Abandoned and a bit injured she tugged at our heartstrings as we knew she wouldn’t last long with all the other wild creatures around. We were hoping to adopt her out but when no one stepped forward we made some extra room for her. She is the craziest and wildest of the bunch here at Gap in the Hedge but she’s a keeper. Plus Pumpkin loves to snuggle with her even though she frequently plays too rough for his taste. Happy Birthday Mom!


October 2011~Got to be a movie extra! It was pretty crazy and unexpected but I enjoyed it and am excited to hit the theaters next fall. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1047540/
December 25, 2011~Bennet and Stella’s First Christmas. We had a nice little Christmas here at home. Good food, treats, and snuggling in pj’s all day.
Fireside

Lil’ bit with her new mouse Remy.
















Here’s hoping 2012 has twice the great moments that 2011 offered. I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year!
Have a bright new year!
Bright Girl

The Gardens of Monticello

The day we spent at Monticello was beautiful and sunny(still very hot) but interesting and inspiring. I love hearing little historic and cultural facts so touring the house and grounds was fun. They have several tours, we went on the house tour, the garden tour, and the slave life tour. Check out their website for any special events and plan your trip! I would recommend setting aside a whole day to see everything and definitely get there early to avoid crowds and the heat. I was really excited to visit this house not only because it is a wonderful historical site and beautiful house but in 2008 I visited another Palladio home, La Rotonda, in Vicenza. Palladio was and extremely influential Italian architect during the 16th century and continues to inspire others today. Jefferson himself was inspired by Palladio and used some of his ideas when he remodeled Monticello to it's current design.

La Rotonda, Vicenza, Italy

Monticello

On the garden tour! It's really interesting. TJ grew hundreds of plants while at Monticello. All of the plants on the property have been very carefully researched through Jefferson's purchase records and many journals to ensure they are the true original variety and breed during his lifetime. Today's seeds have been genetically altered to be more vibrant and hearty. These plants and flowers take you back in time to what they looked like in the 18th century. Here is Jane in a Cypress Vine.

Sniff Sniff

Entering the vegetable garden

A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and TJ orchard.

An old fireplace from a slave quarters. All that remains.

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Down in the cellars. These run directly under the house and are connected to the outside. Hard to explain. You'll have to see for yourself.

A Jeffersonian Lizard

Thomas Jefferson never grew grapes or made wine during his lifetime although he very much wanted to and bought land to create a vineyard. It wasn't until the 1980s  that the land was purchased and a vineyard created. We went for a taste.

Upon Thomas Jefferson's death he was over $100,000 in debt. His entire estate, furnishings, and slaves were sold. Later owners were unprofitable cultivating crops and left his house and property to the government who didn't know what to do with it for decades leaving it to fall into disrepair. It wasn't until almost a half century after his death that the Levy family bought and began to repair the home. In 1923 the Levy family sold the home to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation who own the estate today.

To learn more about any of these topics here are some resources:
http://www.monticello.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Palladio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Capra_%22La_Rotonda%22

I hope you've enjoyed this and be sure to have a bright day!
bright girl