Mothers Day

May 13, 2007; Mothers Day!

Unlike for most of you, I am sure, Mothers Day became a decision making day for us here in Fredericksburg VA.

Decided not to spend the day at work but rather, to spend it doing something my bride of 49 years would enjoy.  She has always liked photography but just recently became interested in digital photography.  With it being such a beautiful day, we decided to make a visit to a local attraction that I had never seen.

Belmont was the home to one of the early 20th Century's prominent artists, Gari Melchers (1860-1932).  Melchers was born in Detroit MI and studied art in Europe.  Like many of his time, he never received the recognition attributed to others.  Talented artists became lost in the masses of them that populated Europe at that time.

Upon his return to the United States from Europe, Melchers established his studio on the Rappahhannock River in Stafford County (just north of the City of Fredericksburg).  This site provides a wonderful view of the River and the rolling hills of Stafford County.

Today his estate is owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia but is administered by the University of Mary Washington.

The grounds of the home are as impressive as the buildings on it.  Naturally, the main home is the center of attraction, but the artist's studio is a center of interest as well.

Walking the grounds of the site you will find both beautiful and interesting things:

Remember that I mentioned that we visited on Mothers Day?  Well here is a picture that I took of the mother of our five children.  This was not posed - she actually received a call from one of the children wishing her a "Happy Mothers Day."

And not to be outdone, when we were ready to leave the beauty of Belmont, we encountered our very own security forces.  No, they were not there to escort us home, but we suspect that they found someone doing something in violation of the laws of Stafford County or the Commonwealth.  Who knows, but anyway it was an interesting conclusion to a wonderful visit.  And to those of you to whom this applies, I hope you too had a Happy Mothers Day.