Economic indicators might be pointing in the wrong direction and 401(k)s might be lighter than a year ago, but forgetting mom on Mother’s Day tomorrow could really make things difficult for some. Fortunately, businesses and restaurants around the Richmond area say business is strong, as many try to stay out of the doghouse. “It’s been as good as I expected,“ said Steve Papoulakos, president of Vogue Flowers & Gifts.

John and Maria Shugars have proved that you can teach an old house new tricks. Their 1923 row house at 3113 Floyd Ave. was indistinguishable from its neighbors when they bought it in 2001. The exterior was red brick with white trim and a full front porch.