July 13-August 5                North Kingstown, Rhode Island

With ongoing repairs to the boat (which were delayed by needed parts), we were docked  and left to watch others cruise off into the bay.  Weather became a constant concern.  We were subjected to several days of intense smoke from the fires in Canada.  We were kept inside to maintain breathing without problems.  Afterwards, we had monsoon-like rain and then uncomfortable heat.  It has been a different summer!

Cody and Sadie, his sister, alternate in coming to the boat once a week to help me clean. They are the teenage grandchildren of the marina owner and have been competent and reliable.  With their help, we had the boat pristine to greet Julie and Greg Galier who came again on their annual visit.  They are delightful, easy guests whom we cherish as the few family members (they are cousins on David’s side) we see often.

Julie and Greg had been to Newport on earlier visits, but they chose to return to visit the shops and sights. We stayed on the boat and let them take the car.   Newport was extremely crowded, but they found a great lunch site and several interesting shops.  Drinks and dinner were on the aft deck on a lovely cool evening.

Monday was a monsoon-like rainy day, and we spent a cozy time on the boat.  After three o-clock, the weather improved and we left for Narragansett and dinner at The Coast Guard House.  The sun greeted us on the way, and we enjoyed a lovely drive along the coast. 

Our guests returned to Newport to visit the home of Doris Duke and have another memorable lunch at a small restaurant on the docks near the main street.  We served dinner again on the aft deck (shrimp cocktail, baked cod and apple pie).  It is always delightful to have an opportunity to reminisce about family present and long gone.  These lengthy aft deck sessions give us this chance when Julie and Greg visit.

Another heat wave has hit the Northeast, and our A/C is going full-blast.  No relief for several days.   Ironically, we left Texas to escape the heat which has been duplicated in Rhode Island.