July 4-July27                  North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We have been increasingly isolated due to a minor illness which left me fatigued and sleepy.  We have canceled twice on lunch dates with Jill and Jerry.  I have recovered with an adjustment in medication and much TLC from my favorite onboard nurse.  We are excited they are coming today and we will go to a favorite restaurant in Matunuk.  Dining out is a rare occurrence as we are wary of exposure to the virus.

I indulged in more Dick Francis mysteries but have also re-read Brunelleschi’s Dome to assuage my “guilt” for frivolous reading choices. Vasari’s Lives is on my Kindle and is a frequent source of enjoyment.  For the acknowledged first art historian, he included a good deal of gossip as well as fact in his narratives.

David completed his aft deck project and the results are amazing!  I have tried for years to bring a shine to the top of the bar area.  I used a vast assortment of chemicals and waxes but nothing was long-lasting.  With careful and meticulous work, David applied a lacquer overlay that provides a professional finish.   I am awed by the results.

Renting a car for our time in Rhode Island has become increasingly expensive.  We hope to return next year and, therefore we decided to buy a car and store it here at the marina when not in use.  By luck, we found a VW at a dealer in Cranston which we trusted to give us a good vehicle.  We love our new car and are happy we are not paying exorbitant rental fees.

News from family and friends continues to be positive so we remain content in our nautical environment.  If Kennedy’s wedding plans remain unchanged, we will return home on August 29 and then back to Rhode Island on September 7.

June 23-July 3                        North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We continue to be pleased we left Texas as we watch the news and see the rising virus count in our state.  The governor of Rhode Island, a Democrat, has even won praise from her Republican constituents for her aggressive stance in controlling the spread of the virus.  Citizens are complacent and uncomplaining about the restrictions.  Most stores have opened and restaurants are making adjustments to allow customers so a semblance of normalcy has returned.

Pretzel’s loud barking alerted me to a visitor at the door of the boat.  Looking out, I saw the cute little delivery truck for Twigs Florist and a big guy carrying a large and beautiful floral arrangement.  Our dear friends, Karen and Johnny Johnson had sent it as a lovely affirmation of friendship and a 4^th of July greeting.  Karen is a long-time friend from Big Spring days.  Her sense of style and taste makes Martha Stewart look like an amateur.  I have always admired her decorating and cooking skills and enjoyed her delightful sense of fun.  The floral arrangement was made to her specifications with pale pink peonies, white hydrangeas,  a dramatic dark maroon lily in the center and all sorts of lovely additions.   The delivery person told me the florist had been impressed to make such an order!

Strict observance at Wal-Mart no longer allowed Pretzel to enter.  We left her in the car with windows open for less than 30 minutes.  We returned to see an angry note on the seat and a woman nearby who yelled at us for leaving a pet in a car on a HOT day when it was 80 degrees (and raining slightly).  That temperature in no way was uncomfortable for our spoiled and very needy dog but I quickly thanked her for her concern and assured her we would do better in the future.  David was not given an opportunity to respond!

Our planned boat trip continues to be delayed because damaged spare props have not been repaired and returned.  They have been in the shop for a year.  Calls and a visit to the facility verified that work has not even begun!!!  Payment was made last year.  We are frustrated but can do little but continue to wait and apply pressure by calling.  Reasons for the delay have been unsatisfactory at best.

A lovely car trip to Old Saybrook and Essex gave us another opportunity to visit two distinctive Colonial Connecticut towns, both renowned for their impressive Federal style homes, exquisite landscaping and maritime history.  We hope to return later on the boat (with spare props onboard).  Lunch was at Flanders Seafood, a local favorite that deserved the praises.