Friday evening Dave and I drove down to Richmond for a working visit with Maggie and Jan. Maggie and I, along with her friend Kate, were on a quest to find “the dress” for her wedding, while Dave and Jan and Kate’s boyfriend, Kyle, did what most men do during wedding preparations; drink beer and bond.
Since my mother made my wedding gown, a task I didn’t choose to undertake for myself, I had very little knowledge of what wedding gown buying was like except for what I’ve seen on TV; mothers sitting in comfy padded chairs while well-dressed sales clerks bring them glasses of champagne on silver trays. Surprisingly, my real-life experience, bore little resemblance to television. I did get to seat in a comfy seat which bore evidence of having seated many mothers before me, but the sales clerks at David’s bridal, although congenial, were not what I would consider well dressed and no beverages were offered.
Despite the disconnect between fantasy and reality, we did find “the dress” in pretty short order. I don’t want to give away any details about the gown, but suffice it to say, Maggie looked knock dead gorgeous in it and I was happy to have had the luck to find it on our first time out.
Another one of our goals for the weekend was to check out local hotels for our wedding guests. We stayed at the Hampton Inn and it too was a good choice. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the room was comfortable and spotless, and the complementary breakfast was tasty. They are a definite contender.
Our final goal of the weekend was to see the house Maggie and Jan are in the process of buying. It is a charming 1920’s bungalow in a the Forest Hills section of Richmond, a well established neighborhood just up from the James River. The home has been well maintained and is surrounded by flower beds that, while still in a semi dormant stage, promise to be spectacular when in full bloom. Almost as soon as we’d parked, the neighbors from the right side of the house came over to introduce themselves, followed in short order by the neighbor to the left. They were so welcoming and the house so cute, I almost wished we were moving in there!
The current owner was away for the weekend, but one of the neighbors was certain she wouldn’t mind if we peaked in the backyard as long as we didn’t let the dog out. So, she opened the gate to let us see the back. It too was delightful, with a porch perfect for sitting, a greenhouse potting shed and more gardens to keep Maggie and Jan busy. There was also a chunky kitty sunning herself on a chair in the yard; a reassurance that Rupert and Ivan will also enjoy their new surroundings.
After we checked out the house, we took a short walk around the neighborhood and down to Forest Hills Park. Unlike the areas we lived in most of our married life, where cookie-cutter houses line short streets that end in cul-de-sacs, Forest Hills is a patchwork of homes built at different times by folks with distinctly different styles in mind. The lots are very large for city lots and although most have been updated, many of the old architectural details still remain adding charm and interest. The history of the area hangs in the air, begging to be discovered. I can see why Maggie was drawn to it. She mentioned she is eager to begin volunteering with the local historical society.
As a parent, it is so incredibly rewarding to see your child’s life bud and begin to fully bloom. Maggie and Jan are embarking on an amazing journey together, their path clear and sunny for as far as the eye can see. Just like their new gardens, there is much promise for great beauty with some work and maintenance along the way. As for me, I will enjoy the view from the porch!