October 5-October 13             North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Our two weeks in France were wonderful!  We had lovely cool, sunny weather, met great people, experienced a pleasant stay in Paris and an exceptional cruise on the Rhone River.  We saw a lot, we did a lot and we learned a lot.  No drama for the entire trip—all went well.  We happily returned home on the afternoon of October 5 and drove through the expected heavy traffic from JFK to Connecticut and then made good time all the way to Wickford and our beautiful boat.  We were delighted to be back!

Rupe had finished varnishing the railings and cleaned the exterior and aft deck.  The refrigerator was working great (due to David’s cleaver improvising several weeks prior0.  Pretzel arrived the following day with a good report from Shannon, her dog watcher.  She immediately ran to David and stayed next to him throughout the evening.

Shannon is a first-year teacher in a challenging seventh grade position.  She has daily “strategy meetings” with administration about behavioral issues.  With thirty-two students in her science classes, she is struggling to focus on teaching and not discipline.  Trans-gender issues are one of her concerns!!!!  Girls are demanding to be treated as boys (with appropriate name changes) and boys are presenting themselves in feminine roles.  These are challenges for psychologists not educators!

Jill and Jerry came on Monday for lunch at Matunuck Oyster Bar.  David and Jerry devoured an assortment of oysters which reputedly come daily from the oyster farm in the channel next to the restaurant.  Afterwards, we returned to the boat for dessert on the aft deck as we watched a lovely sunset in the distance.   Packing has begun and we will leave tomorrow for home. Once again we are thankful for a great summer on The Bottom Line as we look forward to soon being with family and friends in Fort Worth.

 

 

 

 

September 2-22                       North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Labor Day weekend was rainy until Monday when we finally could enjoy the holiday activities.  The dock was crowded with boat owners and guests, the boats were busy arriving from and departing for the bay and the kayaks, paddleboards and dinghies necessitated a sharp eye to avoid collisions.  We loved watching all of it from our aft deck.

John and Maria Carpenter, our neighbors in the 70’ Hatteras, joined us for dinner.  David had made a delicious beef tenderloin with a mushroom sauce and new potatoes.  Maria brought a wonderful fruit and sorbet parfait for dessert.  Delicious food and interesting conversation made a most enjoyable evening.

With great excitement, we happily welcomed our granddaughter, Kennedy to the boat on September 16. After a four-hour delay in DC, she finally arrived about 9:00 PM, hungry and tired but eager to see and learn about Rhode Island.  I was ready for her!  Tickets had been booked for three of the fabulous Newport Mansions, The Breakers, The Marble House and Rough Point, the home of Doris Duke.  After a required visit to The Black Dog shop in downtown Newport, we hurriedly avoided the crowds gathered for the Newport Boat Show and headed for Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive.  Kennedy, as expected, was awed by the opulence and magnificence of the homes.  As an employee of one of the leading interior decorators in Texas, she was perceptive and appreciative of the extraordinary details in designs and furnishings. 

After a long day, we enjoyed dinner on the aft deck with steamed lobsters and corn—the traditional New England feast.  Saturday began with David’s delicious frittata, followed by shopping in Wickford.  Kennedy found several lovely additions to her wardrobe which she vowed would be perfect for the busy weeks ahead as she assists her boss at the Dallas Designer Show House.  Dinner was at the local favorite, The Coast Guard House in Narragansett.  We enjoyed great seafood as we watched huge waves crashing onto the rocks outside our window.

Sunday came too soon!  Kennedy enjoyed a leisurely morning with a pancake breakfast and a two-mile run through the adjacent neighborhood before packing for her return trip.  She is eager to return with Taft, her husband, next year to experience more of the wonderful life in Rhode Island.

Impulsively, on September 9, we booked a trip to Paris and a river boat cruise in Provence with an emphasis on foods and wines of the region.  We have hurriedly made all additional arrangements (including a sitter for Pretzel, our dog).  We will drive to JFK on September 22 and leave for Paris that evening.  We will return to JFK on October 5 and resume our stay on The Bottom Line until October 13 when we fly to Texas.

 

 

 

 

 

August 29-September 1                    Boston, Massachusetts

 

No trip to Boston would be complete without a visit to its exceptional museums.  Jill and I planned to go on Saturday to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.  Jerry graciously agreed to be our chauffeur.  We would see the Gardner first as Jill had not been there.  At the door, we learned no additional visitors would be allowed that day, however, when I mentioned my docent status at the Kimbell Art Museum, we were quickly ushered in without charge.  We were ecstatic!!

The museum is housed in an Italianate home built to exhibit Mrs. Gardner’s enormous collection of artifacts on three floors with an atrium in the center.  Mrs. Gardner’s will specified everything must remain as is at the time of her death. Almost one hundred years later, significant maintenance and other needs were reasons for legal re-interpretation of the will.  Improved lighting, extensive cleaning, replacement of frayed and faded wall coverings and a grand addition by Renzo Piano providing a lovely café, bookshop, library and additional space for exhibitions were carefully built adjacent and adjoining the original building without altering the design.

 Jill and I slowly perused the galleries and were fascinated by the woman who had defied Boston society, competed with Rockefeller and Morgan in art acquisitions and exuberantly enjoyed being a woman of great intelligence and wealth. Mrs. Gardner’s museum has withstood the criticism and changes and is a Boston treasure.  

Serendipitously, we learned a small exhibition was open of Titian masterpieces from the Prado, the National Gallery and other museums which had joined the Gardner’s own The Rape of Europa, the first Titian to come to the United States.  We decided to forego the MFA visit and see instead the Titian exhibition. It was a wise choice and we were enthralled to be encircled by a display of some of the greatest paintings in the world.

David had remained on the boat and prepared dinner from the copious supply of food on board.  Jerry and Jill joined us and we enjoyed grilled salmon steaks on the aft deck with a view of Boston Harbor. 

Weather reports for Monday were not favorable so we changed plans for leaving on Sunday.  Instead, we had the opportunity to walk across the site of the former “Dig,” now an expanse of plants and small shops, to the Quincy Market area.  Numerous shops and restaurants in an historical setting was the attraction.  We bought cannolis and enjoyed the ambiance.

The wind was 5 kts on Tuesday and we left early from Boston Waterboat Marina.  Our trip to the Cape Cod Canal was smooth all the way.  We docked at Point Independence Yacht Club in Onset before 3:00 PM and were ready to see the town and have a late lunch.  Eddie, the dockmaster, graciously took us in his truck into the town, gave us a brief tour of the many Victorian homes and lovely beaches before leaving us at a recommended restaurant. 

After a delicious lunch, we opted to return to the boat by walking.  It was arduous at times but we enjoyed seeing the quaint neighborhoods.  The following morning, we left for Wickford with 8-10 kt winds.  Shortly after docking at our usual slip, the wind began to increase and by nine o’clock, we were subjected to torrential rain and wind that threatened to destroy our Bimini top.  After two hours, the storm subsided.  The next morning, we learned Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey had experienced Hurricane Ida, the same storm which had brought great damage to Louisiana.  New York and New Jersey had severe flooding and loss of many lives.  We were fortunate and remained safe without damage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 17-August 28                        Boston, Massachusetts

Hurricane Ida was causing considerable problems for residents of the Gulf Coast and seemed to be headed for New Orleans.  Weather in the Northeast remained pleasant and we finally planned our long-awaited voyage to Boston.  Last minute stern and bow thruster issues threatened a delay but capable shipyard help arrived with a needed part, made the repair and we departed the dock on a sunny day with little wind.

Our destination was Onset Safe Haven Marina, located in the charming Victorian village of Onset at the western end of the Cape Cod Canal.  Buzzards Bay was busy with numerous ferries, sailboats, commercial fishing vessels and tankers.  Our automatic pilot was efficient in holding the course but keen watchfulness and alertness were required to avoid a collision.

The following day, we left Onset before 9:00 AM, entered the Cape Cod Canal and sped through on an outgoing tide.  As always, the shores were crowded with campers, bicyclists and fishermen.  The bridges were already showing traffic congestion as folks were headed for Cape Cod.  The Atlantic Ocean part of our journey required an alert vigil to avoid the many lobster pots and fishing vessels.

At 3:00 PM, we docked at Boston Waterboat Marina, located in downtown Boston and only a few blocks from the condo of our good friend, Jerry.  We enjoy a spectacular view in the evenings from the bow of our boat.

We were invited to come early to Jerry's home and then to dinner later at a nearby restaurant.  Jerry’s place is on the tenth floor of a converted manufacturing building and has an unobstructed view of planes departing from nearby Logan Airport and boats and ferries covering Boston Harbor.  The view is fabulous and addictive—one could watch the scene for hours.

We always enjoy the company of Jerry and Jill and they graciously invited us to take a motor trip the following day to some of the lovely villages north of Boston. Jerry is an excellent tour guide and we saw the historical sights of Manchester-By-The-Sea, Marblehead, Salem, Beverly, Gloucester and Rockport.  The beaches and the streets were crowded.  I saw again Le Provence in Rockport where  David had found years ago a special nativity for our collection. and a bookstore in Manchester where I had met a most interesting shopkeeper.

 All of Jerry’s favorite restaurants and lobster pots were requiring long waiting times.  Finally, we stopped at The Village in Ipswich and enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner on a charming patio.

Pretzel, our long-haired miniature Dachshund accompanied us to dinner and literally “stole the show.”  Long conversations about dogs with waitstaff and other diners continued throughout dinner.   Pretzel modestly lay quietly by David’s shoes and basked in the adulation.

 

 

 

 

July 27-August 16                            North Kingstown, Rhode Island

 

Days of lovely cool weather and sunshine encouraged us to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding us.  The quaint historic homes, miles of stone walls and charming restaurants continue to impress us.  On one excursion, we discovered The Carriage House on the outskirts of Wickford and enjoyed a delightful dinner of Cioppino made with the freshest seafood and a delicious sauce. 

Plans to dine at some of the more renowned places near Wickford and in Newport were consistently thwarted as reservations were not available except during awkward hours.  We finally were successful in securing a 2:30 PM reservation at Matunuck Oyster Bar for the upcoming visit of our daughter, Stephanie.  She was eager to enjoy New England seafood and that place offers the best in food and casual ambiance.  Her kind of place!

Stephanie arrived in Providence at 7:30 as scheduled.  Taking a chance, we called Blu on the Water in East Greenwich and were given a reservation.  Blu is another local favorite for seafood and overlooks Greenwich Bay and a busy crowded marina.  We viewed a gorgeous sunset while we enjoyed our drinks before being seated for a great dinner of assorted seafoods.  Stephanie felt appropriately welcomed.

The following day we traveled to Narragansett to view the crowded beaches and lovely homes, then on to Galilee to see the ferries and fishing villages, and then to Matunuck for a late lunch.  Located miles from the main road with nothing around it but small weekend cottages, this restaurant is noted for its home-grown oysters and even during the pandemic last year, it remained busy.  This year, it is unbelievably popular.  At the conclusion of a delicious lunch, I teasingly asked the waitress if bribery would secure a reservation for four on August 18.  In a few moments, she returned with an available time of noon on that date (not our best choice but we were delighted).

Saturday was a good day to visit Newport.  We first visited Jamestown and laughed at the cardboard regatta boats sailing and sinking in the harbor.  As this was not her first visit, Stephanie had seen the great “summer cottages” so we made a trip on Ocean Drive and saw the beautiful home of Jay Leno, high on a rocky cliff with ocean views on three sides.  Lunch was at the historic Casino (actually a tennis and social club for the aristocratic summer visitors).  The food was mediocre at best. 

Afterwards, we enjoyed our visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame on the second floor of the Casino.  This was a highlight.  The exhibition was exceptionally well-done with informative labels and beautiful displays.  The current emphasis was on the anniversary of nine women who joined together to form what eventually became the United States Women’s Tennis Association.  We remembered seeing them on tour at Colonial Country Club in the 1970’s.

Sunday was a day for brunch at Wickford on the Water and then shopping at our favorite place, Green Ink to see their fall clothing collection for women.  Stephanie found several items and her dad was pleased to make them a gift.  The day was hot and humid so we returned to the boat for naps and puzzles.  Dinner was on the aft deck with steamed lobsters, corn and blueberry pie. It was a perfect finale to Stephanie’s visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 19-26                               North Kingstown, Rhode Island

 

The pleasant weather has encouraged a busy boating scene and we are content to be interested spectators as the variety of watercraft passes by our aft deck.  David and I are both feeling very well but have postponed a trip on the boat until we complete several projects.

I spent considerable time dusting and re-staining the teak blinds in the salon.  They look like new!  David spent even more time adding quarter-round to the steps leading from the helm to the galley.  Years ago, when we tore up the carpet and had the steps installed, the workman was totally unreliable.  We dismissed him before the job was finished.  David used his métier box and saw to great advantage and the installation looks great.  Now the area will be stained and varnished.

Pretzel, a long-haired miniature Dachshund, was due a spa day.  We found Mini Manor Kennel about seven miles from the boat located through a maze of winding roads lined with stone walls and lovely homes.  We loved the journey as the trees were exceptionally tall and dense and the stone walls were a maze throughout the fields.  The Kennel was the only commercial building in this area and was in the process of expansion.  Pretzel had a three hour stay and was returned groomed and pretty.

During Pretzel’s spa hours, we continued south toward Point Judith and the small fishing village of Galilee.  Hundreds of cars filled the parking lots. This is the exodus port for many commercial fishing vessels as well as the ferries to Block Island.  We had lunch at George’s of Galilee, a renowned seafood restaurant next to the ferries and the lovely beach.  We enjoyed a light lunch of clams, oysters, calamari and lobster.  It was a real treat and we hope to return soon.

The beach area was crowded with folks enjoying the pleasant weather and the great view of the ocean with boats leaving and returning from the channel. Rhode Island provides many amenities at their beaches, lovely changing facilities, dining, etc., but they enforce strict regulations for maintenance and safety.  All the beaches we have seen are pristine with lifeguards on duty.

         

 

July 13-18                             North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We were delighted to have Nicole, the captain of the 70’ sailboat come onboard for Happy Hour.  Nicole is a tall, tanned beautiful woman who captains and cares for this magnificent sailboat for its owner, a prominent PI attorney in Atlanta.  He generously provides his staff vacation experiences on his yacht and Nicole orchestrates these events.

Until a few years ago, her primary profession was on the stage as a dancer.  She then became an aerial dancer (think Cirque du Soleil).  This evolved into devising a dance performance on the tall masts of sailboats!  She promised she would bring out her equipment and perform for our dock some evening before departing on her next cruise.

We engaged Bill the Diver to perform the annual cleaning of the bottom of the hull.  Barnacles attach to the props and shafts and cause real problems (as we learned last year).  In addition, he replaced the zincs (another necessity in salt water) which provides protection from galvanic corrosion (look it up).  Very, very important.  During his four-hour submersion, Bill surprised us by bringing up our dock cart, lost days ago in the high winds that swept our area.  We quickly canceled the ordered one and saved $350.00!!

Sunday was a lovely, sunny day and we drove to Hartford, Connecticut to visit the Wadsworth Athenaeum, one of the oldest art museums in the United States.  The 90-minute drive was mainly routed on state highways through small villages and towns.  Roadways in Rhode Island are banked by lush, green forests, few signs and NO litter.

The Wadsworth is housed in a mixed assortment of architectural styles (some dictated by wealthy patrons) from Gothic to Ultra-Modern.  The interior, due to recent remodeling, is striking, beautiful and offers delightful surprises throughout its maze of rooms and corridors.

From its inception in the 1830’s, the Wadsworth has benefitted from numerous and generous gifts of art and money to its endowment fund.  A $1,000,000 gift in 1928 (when $1,000,000 was REAL money) has provided the means to acquire more than 400 art objects.  J.P. Morgan, the noted financier had close familial ties to Hartford and was a major donor to the museum.

The collection is varied with exceptional displays of silver, porcelain, paintings and sculptures from medieval to modern, decorative pieces, coins, etc.  Something wonderful for everyone!! The Caravaggio painting of St. Frances is one of the finest in the United States and was the first to enter a museum collection.  Salvador Dali was given his first museum exhibition in this country by the Wadsworth and several of his works are displayed. I was surprised to see an unusually colorful painting of poppies by Van Gogh.  After three hours, we reluctantly left to make the journey back to the boat.