WWJD

What would Jefferson do?  The Deans are packing up to go to Monticello for the Fall Festival Harvest this weekend to ask him ourselves. We couldn’t be more excited.

Thomas Jefferson's ethos is the plinth atop on which the Academy perches. What the Deans espouse, Thomas Jefferson taught us: a house is the ultimate tool for living. Remarkably, both Deans live in 18th century houses, so we have loved poring over Thomas Jefferson’s style of household management and find much that we can incorporate today and much to ponder. One question that we simply can’t get out of our heads is where did Sally Hemings sleep? Did he bring a French chef back to the United States? What questions do you want answered? Let us know and we will ferret out the answers anon.

Left: Exterior home of Lee Manigault                                                                           Right: Interior home of Suzanne Pollak

Being ever hungry Deans, we plan to stop at least half a dozen places to eat on our drive up 95. Please let us know if there is a gem we might miss. The first night we are there, we are sampling some of Richmond's delights.  Rappahannock we hear is fab, as well as a jewel called Mamma Zu.  Perhaps a night in the historic Jefferson hotel to get us in the mood? We are booked for a behind the scenes tour of Monticello on Friday and we are tickled pink.  We plan to sit in the lotus position being carried room to room so we can absorb as many vibes from TJ himself as we can.  We just know he has been dying to share his secrets with us personally, so we can spread his message, just like the seeds he so loved to scatter.  Saturday finds us speaking from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. and on a panel with Charlotte Moss, Annie Vanderwarker, Holly Shimizu, and Gabriele Rausse. Heady company indeed. 

Get tickets here to join us at the festival where we will talk about Living Like Thomas Jefferson: 18th Century Living in a 21st Century World.

Monticello's West Front and pond

The Deans Globe Trot

July 1.

Dear Diary, 

Since we are packing to go on our Alaskan holiday, and bundling our sweaters, long pants and hiking boots in suitcases, we Deans can't but notice our thoughts are drifting to the Caribbean. Who did we think we were when we planned this vacation? We are warm weather mermaids, not snow bunnies. Oh, what to do?

First thing on our to do list is to make a big strong drink. Eureka! It just dawned on us! Nothing says warm weather like a Pina Colada (unless it's Chicken Cane Garden from our book.) As we finish packing, we find our taste buds totally tricked and we imagine the plane is flying south instead of north. Check back next week to see what we drink when we get to Alaska. 

Thanks Diary! You are always such a big help. 

---

PINA COLADA Deans' Style 

INGREDIENTS

2-3 ounces light rum

2 ounces Coco Lopez (cream of coconut)

2 ounces Pineapple Juice

Cubes of ice

1.  Alternatively puree Pina Colada in blender.

2.  If using cubes of ice you may top drink with some soda water, if you feel it needs some leavening. 

The Deans Visit Their Sister

You cannot imagine the look on Dean Pollak's face when she learned that Dean Manigault had never been to Savannah, GA.  Her jaw dropped open and hit the floor!  How could Dean Manigault have lived and hour and half from such an idlylic spot for 20!!! years and never ventered forth? 

The Owens-Thomas House

Both Deans took a field trip yesterday to rectify this travesty.  Dean Pollak's good friend Father Gavin Dunbar from St John's Episcopal church agreed to join us for lunch and Logan Pollak, Dean Pollak's daughter-in-law was at home to allow a visage with grandson, Pierce Pollak.  Added to these excitements was the dropping off of the Academy salad bowl at the wood working shop of master carver Greg Guenther.  A quick trip to SCAD and the day was shaping up to be a real winner.

One of the 28 squares around which Savannah is built

Lee and Suzanne jumped into the official Academy vehicle at about 9:45 and headed due south.  Less than two hours later, we were crossing the bridge into the jewel that is Savannah. What a treat!  The city is laid out on 28 squares with all the buildings surrounding them.  Live oaks and azaleas abound. The weather has been such a nightmare this year, and yesterday looked to be no different, but while the Deans were enjoying their midday repast with Father Dunbar at local hot spot Chives, the sun came out! Unbelievable! Lady Luck had obviously joined us on our sojourn south.  The gorgeous sun, absent for so long, inspired both Deans to walk as much as possible.  

Father Dunbar at an Everyday Cooking class with his legions of fans

Dean Manigault is smitten.  Her head is so filled with dreams of her return that there is barely room for anything else.