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.