August 8-August 20        North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Once again, we were faced with frequent refrigerator problems.  David did extensive research on the internet to find a refrigerator that met our needs but would also fit through the narrow opening from the salon into the galley and then into the space which held the old one.  Earlier searches had been unsuccessful but he found one at Home Depot that met all our criteria.  It was ordered and plans were made for installation.  No easy task!

Suzanne and Eileen arrived on August 15 after a delay overnight in Charlotte.  They were excited to be in Rhode Island and we were delighted to have them.  Lobster rolls on the aft deck were a welcoming treat.  The following day, we went to Newport and the girls visited the Breakers and we drove the scenic drive along the sea before lunch at our favorite small Thai Restaurant. 

We celebrated Eileen’s birthday with special prime steaks grilled to perfection by David and blueberry pie instead of cake.  The evening was cool and we enjoyed a lovely sunset.  I was very touched when Eileen declared this to be her favorite birthday ever.

 On Friday, the girls and I perused the shops in Wickford before returning to the boat to learn the new refrigerator had arrived early.

Suzanne and Eileen immediately went into organizational mode and began moving furniture to clear a path from the aft deck to the galley.  Four burly guys from the marina easily moved the old unit to the aft deck, lifted it over the railing into a flat-bottomed work boat and hauled it away.  In a few minutes the boat returned with the new refrigerator which was then lifted by these amazing men over the railing and carried to the galley.  It fit perfectly into the allotted space and with some door adjustments was soon cooling with all the stored food inside. Suzanne and Eileen quickly began cleaning, vacuuming and moving furniture back into place.  They were wonderful!.

We had dreaded this day and all our worries proved to be useless.  All went well and we were awed to have our beautiful new refrigerator installed.  A farewell dinner of steamed lobsters on the aft deck was a great way to celebrate.  On Saturday, the girls left for home.  We were distressed later that evening to learn Eileen had soon become ill after reaching home, went to the clinic and was diagnosed with Covid.  It proved to be a mild case.  No one else to date has shown any symptoms

Saturday was our sixty-eighth wedding anniversary.  David had shown a special Italian restaurant in East Greenwich.  It was a lovely place with excellent food and service.  We enjoyed happy memories of  our special day so long ago and the wonderful people (many now gone) who had been a part of our wedding.