September 21-September 30            North Kingstown, Rhode Island

After cleaning the boat interior and enjoying some “down” time, we were ready to have guests.  We had briefly met John and Betsie Tegtmeyer who lived near us on their boat Day Star, a beautiful blue-hull 55’ Krogen Express.  We were delighted they joined us one evening on our aft deck.  They had recently returned from showing their boat at the Newport Boat Show and we learned they were the owners of the Krogen Express company.  They have a home in Vero Beach, Florida and will return there for the winter before resuming their boat show sales efforts.  The KE is renowned for its fine craftsmanship and exceptional performance.

Intermittent rain and cooler weather brought a feeling of fall.  Golds and reds are seen in the leaves of the many trees along the roads.  We regret we will leave before the magnificent blast of color that will come later.

We were delighted to have an afternoon visit from Nancy and Chris Dressel, whom we met last year on our Tauck tour of Provence.  They live in Pennsylvania and were vacationing in Newport.  It was great to see them again! 

 We ordered shucked oysters for David and Chris.  Nancy and I had shrimp cocktails.  Sauteed scallops on salad greens followed with blueberry pie and ice cream for dessert.  It was a leisurely lunch with ample time for great conversation.  We were reluctant to see them leave and plan to stay in touch.

Three days of rain and wind kept us on the boat.  When John Carpenter called and invited us to go to Providence for dinner, we yelled “Yes, Yes.”  John expertly drove through the rain and heavy traffic to our restaurant in downtown Providence.  Mill Street Tavern is a local favorite with excellent food and wonderful ambiance.  It was great to again be with John and Maria, two of our favorite friends,