As an accountant, the acquisition of real estate is an objective financial transaction, which had nothing to do with buying River Bend Gardens. I was in love with the place and have known since my first hike on the property July 3, 2017 this was the place I would retire, and garden the rest of my life away. During the fall of 2017 Jim Mann and I entered into negotiations over the price of property which ultimately lead to a purchase agreement signed December 18, 2017 with contingencies on completing due diligence within twelve months.
Once we had the property under contract, it seems more reasonable to allow ourselves to plan for the future. Julie and I intend on designing and building a home where our family can gather, and spend time together.
As our children mature, settledown and start families of their own, they are welcomed for every holiday in Manchester at River Bend Gardens, but we’re not going to burden them with choosing between their mother and I or their in-laws. No choice to be made for Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, New Year’s Eve, or Thanksgiving……any holiday they’re welcome to spend with their in-laws except Independence Day! 4th of July is the holiday Julie and I claim. No discussion or argument with the in-laws, and regardless where our children are, no matter what they are doing, without exception, we expect them to travel home to Manchester. Savvy kids?
Our family has attended the 4th of July Fireworks at Carr Park in the Village since 2005, so it only seems fitting that we continue our tradition of gathering the family at River Bend Gardens on Independence Day.
At the time of publishing this journal entry the 2020 Independance Day Fireworks in Manchester have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Thanks for everything you are doing to preserve the incredible space that my family and I have loved walking since calling Manchester home in 1980.
Its wonderful to have that appreciation for this land from someone who has been familiar with how special it is for as long as you have. I am enjoying every moment of designing the gardens, planting seed, fighting invasives, setting plants…..and maybe someday, it may be something folks might want to come see…..too soon to say, but I am hopeful.