Early Sunday morning we decided to make use of the swimming pool because the entrance was two doors from our room. Getting there at 6 A.M, we weren’t the first ones to arrive. We opted to enjoy the hot tub, rather than the cold pool.

After checking out, we wanted to see one of the plantations located at Charles City, about half hour south of Richmond. We tried Shirley Plantation, but contrary to the guidebook, it didn't open until noon, so we went to Berkeley Plantation, birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V—a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and William Henry Harrison—9th U.S. president. The bugle call, Taps, was composed there when the general George McClellan used Berkeley for his civil war headquarters.

Hunger set in. Looking for local food, we ate at Charles City Tavern, a nearby restaurant. It turned out to be quite upscale. A Bentley convertible, upholstered with a beautiful white leather interior and with the top down, was parked in the parking lot. Trying more southern fare, we shared a plate of fried green tomatoes and a jambalaya, more than enough for two. This was our first taste of okra, which was not to Barbara's liking.

We hoped the food we be more to our liking in Raleigh.

Continuing into North Carolina, our first top was the home of Barbara's cousin Janet in Raleigh. Having arrived in time for dinner, Janet took us to her favorite Italian restaurant, Assaggio’s. Barbara and Janet had Shrimp Scampi. Nick had Shrimp Fra Diavolo. We enjoyed catching up on old times.