August 4-August 27                North Kingstown, Rhode Island

The expected high winds came and were gone in one hour.  Rain was heavy for a short time and all was well before nightfall.  We could not believe we were so fortunate.  Despite all our preparations, we had neglected to secure the seat cushions on the bow.  We discovered the following morning one of the upper cushions had disappeared.  A call to Gidget, the local “Tailor to the Sailors,” whose shop is near our location, was successful in ordering a replacement.  Our negligence proved to be expensive!

David continued to focus on his plans to add a console and steering to our dinghy.  He spent hours researching and talking to “experts” but no one was encouraging.  The Lehr propane motor is no longer being produced and the company is out of business.  Parts to facilitate a connection to the console were not available.

Never to be hindered by obstacles, David designed the needed parts, bought material, cut it to specifications and persuaded a welder here at the shipyard to weld the pieces to make the needed parts.

With Rube’s help, the console, new seat and steering were finally in place.  The results were successful.  We boarded with wine and snacks for a long-overdue cruise of the channel into Wickford.  The same skills, expertise and determination that once converted a Lay’s Potato Chip truck into a classy little motorhome had once again achieved a triumph.  Not too shabby for an octogenarian!

A trip to the Narragansett area to complete registration of our newly purchased automobile, provided another opportunity to visit Two-Ten Oysters, a lovely seafood restaurant with ample outdoor space for safe distancing and  accompanying dogs.  Pretzel docility remained at David’s feet, ignored all others and munched happily on bits of French fries.  As expected, the fried oysters were outstanding!

We are cleaning, packing and completing last minute details to return to Texas.  Kennedy and Taft will be married on September 5 and we are excited about this happy event and seeing again our family and our home.  We will return to the boat on September 7.