By: Pat Winter
Have you ever met anyone who married “the girl next door?” That’s exactly what Dennis Watson did. Amy’s family home in Michigan was right next door to the Watsons. And although Amy knew Dennis since she was 3, they didn’t start dating until he was a junior at the U. S. Naval Academy. Since then, they have lived in many different places, relocating often because Dennis’s 28-year career with the Navy kept them on the move. After moving from Oak Harbor, Washington, to Monterey, California, to Woodbridge, Virginia, the Watsons were living in Chesapeake when they started thinking about what they wanted in a retirement home.
After living in so many different homes during forty years of marriage, Amy and Dennis both had their retirement home wish lists ready. They were searching for a home on the water that had a walk-in pantry, a walk-in laundry room, a wine cooler, and a craft room. They spotted one on Zillow that looked like it might fit the bill and set out to visit Albemarle Plantation.
Not only did the Watsons love the house they saw on Perry’s Cove Drive, but they were also excited by all the amenities available to them. Amy said, “We came here for the waterfront house and discovered much more than just a neighborhood. It was a thriving community.”
Dennis decided this new home was not quite far enough away from work to retire, so he is still working part-time as a Navy contractor in Suffolk, Virginia, and he continues in his position as an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University where he instructs future engineers in Digital Signal Processing.
Amy was working as a permanent substitute teacher in a Chesapeake middle school when COVID hit and sent all the teachers home to teach over digital platforms. So, after 14 years in the classroom, she decided to retire. However, Amy has kept busy with her floral design business, specializing in weddings and special events. And, she always finds time to enjoy needle art, sewing, and gardening.
Dennis, the retired Navy captain, is now overseeing the construction of a lift at their dock in anticipation of the arrival of their new boat. Amy, the angler in the family, is looking forward to doing some fishing out on Yeopim Creek once their new boat is launched. The Watsons are some of the newest members of the Osprey Yacht Club, and Dennis hopes to find time to boat, kayak, and paddle board. Amy, who has joined our Women’s Club, comments that their three children love visiting Albemarle Plantation and always look forward to their next visit.
When you have the chance to meet Amy and Dennis, ask them about their “Ready Room” and be sure to welcome them “home.”