I did everything I was supposed to do - clean, launder, sew, organize, mow... Then, I did a few things I wanted to do - went to the 150th anniversary re-enactment of the Battle of Cedar Creek and also went to the Virginia Wine and Balloon Festival at Long Branch. Had amazing times at both events, great weather, fun crowds, cool stuff to see and do.
If you've never been to a Civil War re-enactment you should add it to the bucket list. The men and women who participate in these events are amazing. They are experts about the Civil War, they know things you will never learn in a classroom, never see in a classroom and never fully understand from a classroom. The battles are accurately portrayed - the experience is quite overwhelming, it will truly give you a much better understanding of what occurred.
After my little history lesson, I stopped at Long Branch to see the Wine & Balloon Festival. Thousands of other people had the same plan! Dozens of local wineries, some great food, bands and lots of interesting art and craft vendors. My favorite vendor of the day was Finchberry Soapery. A small, woman owned soapery in Fairfax, VA the soaps and lotions were the most unique, delightful, delicious, wonderful concoctions I've ever seen. You should definitely visit her website... www.finchberry.com -- you'll be so happy!
