My Birthday at Rippavilla Plantation (Marian's First Historical Event)

On my birthday in July we attended an event at Rippavilla Plantation. It was Marian's first event in historical attire, so I was definitely very excited. Rippavilla was having a big fancy craft/antique sale on the front lawn, and they requested that some living history people attend to populate the house and grounds for the day to give visitors a more authentic experience. That was our role.

Here we are in the back courtyard.

Marian and I spent a good part of the day sewing with the other ladies in the sun-room.

Some of the time she played happily in her basket.

We also got to hear some wonderful period music.

 

  

 Marian was such a show-off that day, she wore herself out smiling at everyone. 

She finally fell asleep on Dad's shoulder, and then napped in her basket.

 Several people thought she was a doll at first.

  

 More pictures of the inside. It was a beautiful house! I wish I had gotten pictures of the upstairs.

 This is a new sheer dress I made for myself. Finished it the morning of the event, actually. lol. 

(Not the most ideal thing for your sanity.)

Some of the time we spent outside, admiring all the neat booths and antiques, 

and enjoying the shade of the front porch. Marian was quite the star attraction wherever we went.

Marian and Mommy in the rose garden

 We wondered our way home that afternoon via back-roads looking for old houses, it was quite a fun day!

The Homeplace (Tennessee Trip)

During my trip to Tennesee in June, we had several things planned to do. One of these we were most excited about was visiting 'The Homeplace'. Located at the Land Between the Lakes, it is a replica of a working 1850s farm. Many original structures, and without anything modern in view! There are volunteers on site every day doing the normal tasks of the 19th-century inhabitants - gardening, quilting, cooking, plowing, tending the animals, etc.

(read the link above to find out more about the site)

The houses are also fully furnished, and you can wonder through the entire site at your leisure. I thought this was just the best - not like being in some sort of stiff museum display, but instead you could really get the feel of a mid-century home.

It was just like a painting as we approached.

Enjoying the sitting room. (and of course both Jordan and I went in costume...)

I loved the pie safes and the woodstove in the kitchen!

Two volunteers at work in the kitchen.

Herbs grown on site were hanging up to dry in the kitchen, filling the air with a wonderful aroma!

It was so interesting to be able to poke around and even open up the cabinets to see what was inside! I felt a little like I had gone back in time and was snooping around in someone else's house! lol.

 It was fun, though.

Clothes hanging on pegs in the upstairs bedroom.

Feather mattresses and hand-sewn quilts were hanging out on the porch railings to air.

A view unspoiled by modern structures.

In one of the barns/workshops we encountered a friendly fellow who did much of the woodworking and blacksmithing for the place. When we came up he was sharpening a few saws.

They had chickens, pigs, a horse and mule, and oxen who all live on site.

Even the animal breeds are types chosen because they are period correct. Very neat!

This was my very favorite spot. Next to the smaller house was the most charming little fenced in herb and flower garden. I'd like to have one just like it someday!

We had a magnificent time, and gleaned much inspiration for our future log home!