On The Fly

Photo by; Patrick B. Ball Transport yourself to a simpler time—the late 18th century. It’s spring. Stop for a moment and listen. With a palm to your ear, can you hear the birdsong? As you stroll the gardens, feel the lush lawn  beneath  your feet, smell the fresh mountain air at Monticello , Thomas Jefferson's retreat in Charlottesville, Virginia. On this beautiful spring morning, we begin with a tour of Jefferson's home. Our docent, dressed in period attire, is a knowledgeable guide and polished presenter. He begins with the story of how Jefferson welcomed his guests in this very entrance hall . As we make our way through the house, it strikes me that the adults in our tour don’t ask questions. Later that morning, I slip into a group of third-graders. With small hands and arms flailing, the kids barrage the docent: “Did they brush their teeth?” “Why is there dirt here?” “How did they wind the clock ?” Questions that adults perhaps considered but were too embarrasse...