Back to Virginia..

This past weekend I went back Virginia to see the first boy I ever kissed get married.  It had been six years since I'd been back to VA, four years since I'd seen Jake, and two years since I'd seen my dad.  Obviously, a trip was overdue, and I'm glad that Jake's wedding gave me the kick I needed to go back and visit.

I don't know what kind of differences I was expecting, but things haven't changed much from what I remember.  I spent a morning driving around Ashland, checking out places we lived over the years, driving past random places I recognized.  With the exception of the occasional fresh new coat of paint, most places looked just as I remember them.  I tried to think of an Ashland-analogous town here in AZ, and just couldn't imagine what the best comparison would be.  Bisbee is about the same population size, but is very different in terms of demographics and history... although I suppose one might get a similar small-town feel from both.  Anyway, my point is that where I live now and where I grew are two very different places, and that really stuck with me on my return this past weekend.

Another thing I noticed while driving around is that Richmond is actually a very charming city.  Cobblestone streets, tree-lined avenues of historic brownstones, Monument Avenue, the James River... I think I have been very willing to ignore these things for the last decade.  I still hold my vow to never live in Virginia again, but, I admit that perhaps I've been a bit harsh on Richmond in my absence.  Sorry, Richmond.  You're actually very pretty, in your own way.  I did some quick drive-by photography, drove by a few other houses we once inhabited, did a lap around Hollywood cemetery, longingly watched people splashing and kayaking in the river, toured through Carytown, and ate at a diner in Shockoe Bottom with Dad.  It was a nice refresher.

The Jake-Ali wedding festivities were quite fun, and it was great to be able to catch up with some people I hadn't seen in a very, very long time.  Jake is the only person from high school that I actually keep in touch with at all anymore, and is definitely the only person whose wedding I would travel across the country to attend.  I could tell that my being there meant a lot, and I was happy to be a part of the celebration.  The ceremony and party were, appropriately, held at the Williamson farm.  The farm looked beautiful with flowers everywhere, lanterns and candles lit, and tents set up for the event.  There was live music (both a fun bluegrass band and a terrific wedding cover band), wonderful food from a local BBQ place, and tons of tremendous positive energy and happy people.  It was the perfect party for Jake and Ali.  Congrats to them.

(Please ignore the shininess.  I just can't handle the humidity.)