July 15-August 1                   North Kingstown Rhode Island

Summer in Rhode Island is beach time, The state has large lovely white sand beaches with wonderful conveniences, changing facilities, concessions, lifeguards, and close parking.  Smaller and more private beaches lack those conveniences but are perfect for the lazy sunbather or for intimate family outings.  We enjoyed going with Maria to Moonstone Beach and join in her quest for small stones washed ashore with the tide.  Maria needs 700 stones for her current craft project.  The waves were crashing onto the beach and it was delightful to walk in the surf.

We have enjoyed dining with Maria and John (steaks on the boat) and with Cecil and Bob, our neighbors.  We joined the latter at Circe, a lovely restaurant on the grounds of East Greenwich Country Club.  We watched the flocks of Canadian geese stroll on the greens.  The food and service were exceptional as was the conversation.  We enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about our neighbors’ life in California and their boating adventures.

Jill, our boating friend who lives in Canton, came for lunch at Matunuck Oyster Bar.  Since Jerry’s demise in October, she has made an amazing and positive change in her life.  She credits much of this to her new acquisition, a large Tuxedo male cat which fills het life with joy.  She came to the boat with beautiful flowers and wine to celebrate our soon to be 70^th wedding anniversary (and then treated us to lunch).

Three hot (90 degrees) days have kept us inside the boat with the AC going full time.  Lots of time to watch the Olympics, read and nap.  BORING.  Looking forward to our road trip to Maine next week.