2 Days
208 Miles
5 Restaurants
4 Bakeries
1 Ice cream shop
1 Whole Foods Market
Yep, just seven weeks later back to New England.
In an e-mail from the beginning of this month Mom mentioned they were going to Rhode Island to surprise Aunt Betty who was throwing a party.
So I decided to go out and surprise everyone.
Friday, September 10th, 2010
It was a brilliant move to stay at the Hilton Logan Airport based on getting in at 10, the weariness of travel and not one to stay up past 8:30. I just had to walk across terminal E, the pedestrian skywalk and into the Hilton.
Saturday, September 11th, 2010
The Boston skyline from the room.
It seemed fitting the first stop was a bakery AND Brazilian. I wished Monika & Rodolfo were there to give input.
Along a shady residential street in Boston’s South End Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe dates back to 1927.
With character beyond its narrow confines it was packed with locals.
Had to go with their award winning Turkey Hash.
Good thing New England has small states since it only took an hour to get to Uncle Bob and Aunt Lore’s, who knew I was coming. Left Boston at 8:40, crossed into Rhode Island at 9:06, through Providence at 9:11 and arrived in Wickford at 9:35.
Uncle Bob opened the door with, “YOU'RE HERE AGAIN?”
Being intersected by waterways Rhode Island has a lot of coastline. These winding lines of shore create ample outlets for nature’s beauty. Conanicut Island lays where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
At the southern end of the island Beavertail State Park offers seascapes.
On this same island Jamestown was founded in 1678 and was a frequent spectator and participant in the events of a growing nation.
Lunch was al freso at Trattoria Simpatico.
Fantastic Spinach Salad made so by roasted garlic-peppadew pesto, pine nuts, Narragansett feta, golden raisins and shallot relish.
Fruit Scone from Slice of Heaven.
Enjoying a Purple Cow Frozen Yogurt and view of the Jamestown Bridge going into Newport.
The visit with Uncle Bob and Aunt Lore concluded at their house including tales and photos of Uncle Bob’s laudable service in the Air Force.
Back north to Providence arching south around the water to Barrington.
Parking down the street from Aunt Betty and Uncle Ben’s I nervously approached the side of the house and turned into the back yard. A couple dozen people were arrayed on the lawn and deck. I spotted family members with Aunt Betty being the furthest away. Purposely striding towards her I eyed everyone wondering if they’d see me. There was Uncle Ben, cousin Jeff, his wife Liz and their kids Morgan and Madison. I grinned at second cousin Luke when he spotted me.
Aunt Betty had her back to me talking to several of her seated friends. I gently touched her elbow and politely asked, “Excuse me, do you have any littlenecks?” She turned and looked at me for a full second before screaming for twelve seconds. It was heard in Maine. She took a breath and continued to scream while giving me a big hug. Mom, looking to see what was up with her sister, joined in.
I’m being fitted for hearing aids next week.
There was a blur of hugs and handshakes.
Soon things calmed down and everyone enjoyed the weather, views and company.
Uncle Ben, cousin Jeff and stepdad Jim no doubt solving world problems.
The MEN of the house- Luke and Uncle Ben.
Jeff was always the favorite cousin and his storybook wedding to Liz 17 years ago created a fond memory. His family with my Mom.
He now has a household of lovely ladies.
I hadn't seen Madison and Morgan in 2 years when Maddy impressed with her spunk. It was a relief to see this positive energy has not diminished. In 11th grade the bright Morgan continues to evolve into a young lady.
The Queen, with friend Ellie, surveying her kingdom.
Aunt Betty and Uncle Ben’s friend Walter did the cooking creating a very impressive spread.
As darkness fell everyone consolidated on the deck and in the house.
With buddy Liz and Spunky Maddy.
A dessert table?! I had just a little bit of everything. Three times. OK, maybe four.
Sunday, September 12th, 2010
A day of lazing around. Worked out at my Providence hotel and then drove back down to Barrington to meet up with Uncle Ben at his regular Starbucks haunt and on to their house to be joined by Mom and Jim.
Despite having unexpected guests Aunt Betty still put out an attractive lunch spread.
Back up to Boston. I didn’t fool myself into thinking this Honey Whole Wheat is healthy, but it is better than refined flour.
Chinatown.
It’s a bummer that all these remarkable people live half a country away. But maybe that makes them that more cherished.