Since February, we have stayed plugged in to new listings, price reductions, and foreclosures. OK, the head did at least play a part in this decision because we centered our search on CBS construction, preferably stilted, and just something that we thought might stand a chance of making it through a hurricane. But there was nothing (other than the multi-million dollar mansions) out there.
We had planned to make a quick trip down and look around in the fall. But, as our schedules began filling up, we decided we'd better book a flight sooner than later. After purchasing tickets, we began talking to Richard's mom about going with us. She had never been to the Keys before and as we described it, it wouldn't get any easier to get there than on this trip (a 2 hour drive to Nashville, a 2 hour flight to Fort Lauderdale, spend the night there, and then drive 2 more hours the next morning). We neglected to mention that the return trip would be done in one long 12-hour day. We were thrilled that she was going.
Our friend Mary graciously let us stay in her beautiful home while she was away. This worked out beautifully in that we could all be together instead of in two hotel rooms. We took Richard's mom with us to see the properties. She quietly observed and then, when asked, would tell us her favorite.
While there, we had to take her to Sunset Park, which is much less crowded than it is in the winter months. However, on this particular day, we saw two weddings. The first appeared well planned, with the groom and friends there anxiously awaiting the bride's arrival. Shortly after this ceremony ended, another couple and the person (I won't say minister) registered in the State of Florida to conduct wedding ceremonies. They stood and talked awhile and then began the ceremony. As we sat under the tiki hut observing, I couldn't help but notice that not only did they not have any friends there and more importantly did not have a photographer. This simply would not do! Not as long as I had my IPhone with me. So, I secretly took a few shots. Then, without warning, the groom's cell phone begins to ring. He takes it from his pocket, looks at it, and yep.....he answered it. Richard's mom and I were about to die. She said something to the tune of "well this one is never going to last"!
The bride and justice of the peace just stood by patiently waiting. We were making assumptions as to who had called....his ex-wife, his mother, another girlfriend? After he put the phone back in his pocket, they all bent over and started looking in the sand. They spend the next 5 minutes walking around bent over obviously having dropped something. Yep.....the wedding ring! By then we were unable to conceal our laughter. But I took pictures!
Finally, they found the ring, they were pronounced man and wife, and I went over to ask them if I could send them the pictures I took. They told me the story of the phone ringing, the groom dropping and losing her ring, then added that they had eloped and that when she put her wedding dress on, the zipper had broken and she had to go buy a new dress. Hopefully they will have fond memories of this day and they will live happily ever after!
So, did we buy a house? More later!
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