June 2-June 13                North Kingstown, Rhode Islaned

This year we are docked second from the end facing the bay.  This was our choice as we have a great view of the boating scene and the lovely homes on the opposite shore.  Next to us and adjacent to the bay is a 65’ Hatteras motoryacht which sold two years ago, moved to Portland, Maine and has now sold again and returned to Wickford Shipyard.  The new owners are friendly and interesting folks who live about an hour away in Connecticut. 

On the starboard side of our slip is a space periodically leased by Jim Armante, whom we met last year.  Jim has a 75’ tug-like boat which is used to bring large ships into port.  Although it is a working boat, it is always clean and polished to look almost new.  Jim is a delightful fellow and we look forward to visiting more with him this year.

David quickly recovered his enthusiasm for grocery shopping and returned almost daily to the wonderful market here in Wickford.  We are well stocked and eating on the boat is preferable most of the time to eating out.  Fresh seafood is readily available and easy to prepare.

We will probably remain at Wickford for several more weeks.  We are content to finish projects (David) and read and do needlepoint (Wanda).  A long overdue reading choice was “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton.  This book is often mentioned by other authors who find her descriptions of life and customs of the New York City wealthy social set to be fascinating. 

I agreed and thoroughly enjoyed the book.  Needlepoint is progressing.  I finally finished a pillow with a difficult design and have happily begun another simpler project.

Rhode Island is a botanical treat with the magnificent rhododendrons and colorful lilies.  We made several drives to see the lovely yards filled with flowering shrubs and tall beech trees with their dark purple foliage.  Stone walls border the fields and yards adding a special charm to the scene.