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2 August 2010
Well, we're almost packed and ready for departure tomorrow morning, the 2nd of August. We have had a whirlwind of a time since and of course including the PSG in the Ozarks. It's been doctors and medical check-ups after Arkansas, and the discovery of leaking heart valves has brought an increased awareness of finitude and the end of that taken-for-granted health run of youth. As Rosalind points out, all men over a certain age have coronary situations less than fully functioning, so it is only to be expected.
Our boy Woody – scarcely now a boy as he has turned 19 since we last saw him – stayed with Joe Plante, and they both came over for an evening in Rhode Island and then again to the legendary Pyramid Room in New York's Ansonia when we were there visiting Freeman. Woody begins a Chemistry major at Sheffield in September. In Manhattan, we stayed in the lovely Sunrise Room, courtesy of Drew, on East 21st and 3rd Avenue. It was perfect and from there we had lovely evenings with Chickie and Paul (Chickie steadily gaining in strength and beauty), Charles in Soho (Charles demonstrating remarkable strength and resolve to get on despite the loss of Fritz), Benito who took us to Zarela's (Vassili had to decline on going with us that evening), an impromptu visit to Peter and David after the disappointing Spain-Netherlands World Cup final (we never had even one chance to scream and declare our allegiance in the bar where we watched the game), and a most enjoyable breakfast with Doctor Eddy in the Upper Westside. There was even a brief get-together with Margot.
Back in Narragansett, we were able to host Freeman, Phyllis and Tom, and Deirdre and Andras. We did a Garden Tour of Pettaquamscutt Plantations one day, have had several visits to Newport, and, following a delightful Hello Dolly at the Theater-By-The-Sea before New York, we saw Waiting for Godot at the University of Rhode Island afterwards. We had an outdoor's dinner at Leilani's with Nel. Joe had us over for delicious scorpinos and fresh clams on the half shell one evening before we walked next door to Peg and Lise's for a rollicking fun dinner. On a more political note, I attended a Planning Board meeting for Canonchet Farm development plans and a town meeting on the beach erosion issue. Finally, two days ago, we drove to Torrington, Connecticut, to meet our dear Susan who drove an equal distance from Woodstock to meet us.
All in all, we have had some perfectly lovely rendezvous with so many perfectly lovely people. My regret was not being able to see Fred, Betty and Cindy, Susan Rush or Phoebe, but in general we were able to connect with more people than I thought would have been otherwise possible. So now we are off for this three-and-a-half month drive across the country with a return drive taking in Florida as well. It is not necessary for anyone to write at this point and wish us well on our travels. I know that is how most feel. Email will be minimal if even existent. Scott has set Richard up with a new iPad, and he seems so far to be happy with it.
So my wishes for the happiness and prosperity of everyone, and may the rest of the summer be fulfilling for each of you.