We had such a great visit with our long lost friends the Barrius' after they moved away five years ago. They take such good care of our kids at BYU-I that it was a privilege having them use us as a home base during the Lexington part of David's semester-long sabbatical.
Lindsey was kind enough to share a ticket she won at an auction her old school was having, for a painting/dinner/wine-tasting class.
The class was at BD Mongolian Grill restaurant, and we had a wonderful time, even without the wine!
Our masterpieces!
This is what the original painting looked like, and our teacher's pretty much looked just like this when she was finished.
These are the other participant's pictures. It was fun to see all the variations.
Lindsey is a very talented quilter, and this was one of the many they brought on their trip which their kids actually use! If I ever made a quilt like this (which would never happen) I would be displaying it on my wall at home, not having my kids slobber (and everything else) all over it!
I tagged along one of the days, as we explored downtown Lexington, and went to the Mary Todd Lincoln house.
I've driven past it a million times, but have never gone in, so it was a treat for me, especially since I love old houses so much!
Mary Todd was born in Lexington, KY, in 1818 and the Mary Todd Lincoln house was home to the first lady and wife of Abraham Lincoln before she moved to Springfield, Illinois in 1839 to live with her sister, where she was introduced to Abraham Lincoln. After she married Lincoln, the two visited her former home often.
The home was built between 1803-1806 and originally served as an Inn until Mr. Todd bought the home in 1832 and lived there with his family until he died from cholera in 1849.
The house contains period furniture, and portraits and furnishings from the Todds and the Lincolns. (some of Mary's White House china)
Mr. Todd was a wealthy merchant, lawyer, and politician and was able to provide a nice living and many educational opportunities for Mary, her six siblings, and her nine half-siblings.
Robert S. Todd, Mary's father.
Mary's elder sister Elizabeth, whom Mary lived with before marriage, and after Lincoln's death at different times.
Unique period furniture.
Washing tub, basin, hot water container, and drying rack.
Children's toys.
Trundle bed.
Mahogany bed and brass foot warmer.
Intricate hand-stitched quilt.
Queen Ann canopy bed with crown.
Fine-laced bedspread from Europe.
Robert Todd's work desk.
Fireplace with humidifier.
Some of Mary's unique porcelain collectibles.
Actual newspaper clippings of Lincoln's assassination.
Painted portrait of Mary Todd Lincoln who actually had reddish-brown hair, blue eyes, and was only 5'2" tall.
The clothing Mary mourned in after the death of Lincoln.
A scrap book Mary created while living in the White House.
Inlaid floors,
and sugar cones, something only the wealthy would have.
The children's kitchen with dishes that were considered inexpensive to the Todds.
Books I would like to read now that I have visited the home.
Me standing next to Mary Todd and President Lincoln.
The Barrus' standing in the back garden.
Back view of the house.
After our tour, and after buying chocolate from Old KY Chocolates at Rupp, we ate at one of the Barrus' favorite fried chicken dives called Indie's.
It was so fun seeing David and Lindsey again, and having their boys bring so much energy and excitement back to our house. Hopefully our paths will cross again someday!
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