The first time I came to this restaurant was in 1986 when Hubby #2 was being interviewed to join the local medical practice as an internist. It was my first “doctor’s wife” experience…a role I never really fit into very well. I was very nervous and I’m sure I spent most of the night chattering away while wringing my hands under the table. Things went well though and we soon moved to this adorable mountain town the Rand McNally Atlas voted as the “Most Fun Town in America” two years running…Glenwood Springs.

Penelope’s became Rivers Restaurant at some point and was a favorite Friday evening hot spot till our second child came along and we didn’t get out as much. Then, many years later when Mr. Virgo and I got married, we had our wedding here. We were married out on the balcony on a beautiful spring day nestled between snow storms. We had a brunch reception with a number of wonderful food choices, champagne, and a divine carrot cake generously provided by the Hotel Jerome in Aspen where Mr. Virgo was working. It was truly a beautiful day full of love.

I was supposed to go back to Denver Wednesday but the snow did not cooperate and I ended up staying one more night. I’ve only been in this restaurant once since Mr. Virgo died. It was on a date that turned into a disaster when I was seated facing the very table Mr. Virgo and I sat at our reception. The only thing I could do was stare at that table. When my “date” asked what was wrong, I told him and he blew right over it with, “It’s a beautiful place, isn’t it?” Yeah…no more dates with Mr. Sensitivity there. No more dates actually for a long, long time.

Since I stayed over an extra night, I visited with my brother for a while and was headed to my “surrogate parents” to spend the night and was driving by here. It’s been almost ten years since we danced on the parquet floor over there to the left. Our wedding cake was served on the table where the Christmas tree is. We sat at the table to the right in front of the windows. I can sit here now and remember where each guest sat. I remember waiting in the ladies room for the guests to be seated so Mr. Virgo wouldn’t see my dress. I remember the minutes ticking past the appointed hour, cracking the door open, and saying, in a loud stage whisper, “Let’s get this show on the road! I want to get married!!!” I remember hearing Mr. Virgo laugh when he heard me from the front porch where he was waiting as well. I can remember dancing to “At Last” by Etta James…the only time Mr. Virgo ever danced with me. I remember the champagne toasts and what each person said. Good memories. Warm memories. Poignant memories. But not sad memories anymore. Just really great sesame ahi tuna steak with mango ponzu sauce, warm beet salad, garlic mashed potatoes with horseradish sauce, and a medley of steamed vegetables. Served with a side of love. Always love. Nothing but love. ❤️

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬