2020

May 19-25                   North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Everything is different this year with the Coronavirus pandemic.  After more than a month of quarantine at home, we decided to continue our plans to return to Rhode Island and our boat.  We would be required to self-quarantine there but the venue change would be welcome.

The plane to Charlotte was about 2/3 filled and everyone wore masks.  No food or beverage service was offered even in First Class.  The connecting flight to Providence was similar but with fewer people on board.  The airport there was almost deserted.  Rupe met us and graciously agreed to take us to the rental car facility and then transport our luggage to the boat.  His help was invaluable as we were both tired and ready for naps.

The boat, shrink-wrapped since the fall, had been uncovered, washed and cleaned by Rupe and his helpers.  We settled in quickly and once again enjoyed the great view of the harbor area and the bay.  Later, David made a quick trip to the wonderful grocery store in Wickford for necessary food items.  He noted most businesses were closed and people were masked.

After he returned to the boat with multiple bags of food, we noticed the refrigerator was not cooling.  Once again, the fan had quit working. The call to a repairman went unanswered.  After several hours, David quietly began to dismantle the interior of the refrigerator, found the fan had “iced-up” and set about defrosting it.  Food was placed in a large ice chest during the interval.  The next morning, he re-assembled the parts, the fan worked and cooling began.  The man is amazing!!! The repairman never called.

With the exception of one lunch on the outside deck of a local place, we have dined onboard with fresh seafood and local specialties.   Narragansett Bay oysters fried in a cornmeal batter were outstanding as were grilled boneless salmon steaks with a dill-lemon sauce.  Really quite simple when one has the right ingredients and fresh seafood here is readily available and inexpensive.

Reading and needlepoint occupy much of my time.  I completed Deborah Feldman’s recent autobiography Unorthodox, a fascinating account of her life and eventual exodus from the Hasidic community in Brooklyn.  In many ways, it reminded me of another autobiography Uneducated.  Both authors rebelled against strong repressive authority figures and bravely endured the personal losses that ensued. 

I was able to participate in a GotoMeeting with my Kimbell friends for an informative lecture by Connie on Maori Art and Culture.  Hopefully, more of these educational opportunities will be offered by the Kimbell and/or the Modern.  It is a delight to be part of these two great museums.

An afternoon driving trip into Newport reminded us again of the beauty and unique historical heritage of that lovely place.  Some outdoor dining was available and many cars and pedestrians were seen, although far fewer than usual.  We stayed in the car and chose not to mix and mingle with the masses, some unmasked.  TV reports continue to show this area is not free of the virus danger.