June 16-22                              North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Our quiet, somnambulant existence suddenly changed on Tuesday when David looked out the door of the boat and yelled, “Wanda, quick call the police.  We are being invaded.”  I was in the galley and could only imagine protestors from Boston had come to Wickford Shipyard!  Fortunately, I was mistaken.  The invaders were Blake, Amanda and Winn.  They had flown to Boston, Ubered to Wickford and surprised us for a visit!  We were delighted and overwhelmed.

They quickly made themselves comfortable and pronounced they were starving.  With only a few minutes before closing, we called the seafood market across the channel and ordered two dozen shucked oysters and fresh swordfish for dinner.  Another great meal on the aft deck with the setting sun giving radiance and color to the bay.

A trip to Newport gave our guests another opportunity to see the mansions (exterior only).  Decreased traffic helped us make a journey on Ocean Drive before returning to Bannister’s Wharf for lunch at a favorite restaurant.  We were pleased masks and social distancing were being carefully observed.

As a Father’s Day gift, the Schoolers had arranged an afternoon of fishing in Narragansett Bay.  Captain Dave had an immaculate boat and hosted a four-hour fishing excursion which resulted in catches for everyone.  Winn caught the first and the most!   I remained on board with Pretzel and napped.

Evening cruises on the dinghy through the channel and to the neighboring beach area were fun for everyone.  Blake was adept in operating the engine and maneuvering in and around the many buoys.

Saturday was a special shopping day for Amanda and me.  Winn stayed with the other males and we leisurely perused the charming shops in Wickford.  Both of us made purchases but Amanda was more astute with bargains than I proved to be.  Dinner was a special occasion with steamed lobsters, shucked oysters and baked corn on the cob. 

With their usual organization and promptness, our guests were ready to depart the boat as scheduled and we easily made our reservations at a favorite local restaurant for a farewell breakfast.  Winn, who just completed first grade, amazed us by easily reading the comprehensive menu.  Despite the hiatus in regular school caused by the virus disruption, he obviously benefited from Amanda’s conscientious home-schooling regimen.  

We were grateful and appreciative of their visit.  It had been an exceptionally delightful time.  The weather stayed cool and sunny and there were no problems with heads or other mechanical boat features.  Blake, Amanda and Winn are easy guests who look after themselves and often us as well.  More than considerate, they are innately thoughtful and generous.  We are fortunate.