James Madison, president #4 for the US, lived at Montpelier, VA. It was a fine estate — rolling meadow, probably over a hundred acres. And there is an annual horse racing early November: Montpelier Hunt Races.
Fall, on the US east coast, is like sitting in the family room after a nice dinner of a good day. The exuberance of spring and abundance of summer were over. Earth and people are now just waiting for the regeneratiive winter to come. There is a slight sadness hanging in the air that another year is over. Where are the winter gears: the ear muff, the mittens, the scarves, the boots, and, of course, ski gears?
The leaves screamed with their colors. The grass stubbornly kept their green. The sky was gloomy that day, also drizzling steadily. This was the day that east coast maximized visual effects. The drive from Dulles Airport to Charlottesville, VA, was pleasant. Even the windshield wiper was adding to the relaxing effect.
The Montpelier area, my destination, was simply beautiful with a mist in the air. I guess they are plantations that I drove through. The owners, generations of them, proudly put up a name, instead of an address, for the properties. Short fences exist to keep livestock in, instead of human beings out. Impressive houses dotted the landscape, with lazy cattle grazing as if that is the only purpose of the land. I was actually glad that no one has put up holiday lights yet. That would have spoiled the ambient.
It is a steeplechase race, that horses need to clear hurdles during the race. The track does not have grand stand. We stayed in the tents that lined up along the track in the infield. There were long waits between thunderous horses rushed by. No matter, people paused their eating, drinking, or chatting for the short excitements and resume whatever they were doing. A bit drizzle bothered no one.
I fantasized living on the east coast on my way back to Seattle. Only if they have more days like this…