From Ontario to Virgina

Barb and Jim spent a delightful September weekend visiting John, Karen, Jacob and Jonah in beautiful Southampton, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Huron. From fine dining, exploring local shops and experiencing the sunsets to discovering wind farms, lovely beaches and mammoth powerplants, they got a great introduction to the Zoll's new stomping grounds. Impressions? Get up there and visit - it's a great area and the "tour guides" are tops - eh?

The Zoll Homestead (a ten minute walk from the beach)


A beach at a nearby nature preserve


Jake contemplating Life



Very cool rocks



The renowned sunsets of the Saugeen Shores, Southampton style





The last weekend in September, Barb accompanied Jennifer to Lexington, Virginia to see Anne at Washington and Lee. After spending an afternoon on campus and having dinner at The Red Hen (highly recommended!), they drove up a winding country road in the moonlight to The Homestead, located in Hot Springs. The Homestead was established in 1766, and is one of the oldest inns/resorts in the country. It has a great reputation and they were not disappointed. Thanks Jen and Anne, for including Barb! She WILL be back!

Washington and Lee Administration Building


Robert E. Lee Memorial Chapel (He is buried here along with family members.)


Lee's horse, Traveller, is buried outside the Chapel - note the apple!


The Homestead grounds - what a beautiful setting!










On a side note, Anne and her friend, Zach, are very involved with the historic Mock Convention that is held every four years at W & L. Zach is the political chair and Anne is the editor-in-chief of The General Constitution, the official publication of the 2012 convention. The first issue just came out - very impressive and interesting reading.

Here's a description of the convention, straight from their website. "Washington and Lee's Mock Convention has been billed as the nation’s most accurate mock convention since its inception in 1908, but cannot claim to be the oldest such exercise; Oberlin College has one that dates back to pre-Civil War days. Nevertheless, for consistent accuracy—and eye-filling opulence—the Mock Convention simply has no peer. With 18 correct predictions in 23 attempts, the convention has been described by Time as the “biggest and boomingest” of all amateur gatherings."

As 2012 approaches, keep an ear out for MockCon, with our very own Anne in the midst of the action!