"How he lived, and toiled, and suffered"

After skydiving, four of us decided to have breakfast at Henrietta's Table inside the Charles Hotel. Jason had the fantastic idea of sharing different items, which I love because so many things always sound good on a menu. We shared cinnamon cranberry french toast, eggs benedict, and an omelette. It was all delicious. I love being able to spend time near Harvard Square. I am usually only in Cambridge on Sunday, when I can't really enjoy all the fun shops and restaurants.

On a whim, we also decided to tour Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's home on Brattle Street. This house was actually General George Washington's headquarters for a time during the Civil War. There were little nods to George and Martha in many of the rooms. All of the furnishings and decor are original to the Longfellows (except for tapestries that had to be replaced), which is so unusual for historic homes.

Isn't the portrait of the three girls adorable? Longfellow described his three daughters as "grave Alice, laughing Allegra, and Edith with golden hair."

Henry spent most of his time in this room.

The second story window affords a view of the Charles River... or at least it used to. The Longfellow's owned all the land between, and Henry made sure that nothing could be built between them, which is why that park is there now. Can you see the orange construction going-ons on the left side of the picture? That is where our church that burned down last year is being rebuilt.
One of my favorite things about the house is the double staircase. One on each side of the house, connected at the landing with this beautiful window. I'm sure the kids loved to play there.

That evening my friend Cristi came over to watch a movie and she introduced me to the Purple Cow. Have you ever heard of it before? It is like a root beer float with grape soda. It was yummy. You should try it.