The title “May Days” refers to “days in May,” not the distress call “may day.” Rest assured, all is fine.
Although we launched in early May there was still a lot of land and dock time during the month. And lots of back and forth from house to dock with a loaded car. May is a busy month away from the boat with assorted grandchild school events. We try to make these special events whenever we can.
Caleb’s artwork was displayed at the annual art show. The two pieces hanging above his head. The guitar painting is my favorite.
Ceci received an award at the “Annual Mayor’s Youth Award.” ceremony. Very proud of her!
Addie’s 4th grade band concert was exceptionally good. She plays the flute. Ceci plays the clarinet (We could not make that date.) Caleb plays the trombone (I wasn’t able to get a good photo from the distance when we were there.)
it was time for another all-day medical visit to Boston for my lymphedema. Since we have to stay overnight we try to build in some fun time.
Our walk to a restaurant using the Maps app took us through a section of Boston we had never seen before. The Riverway is a narrow 34-acre park with paths that follow the meandering course of the Muddy River and serves as a border between Boston and Brookline. It winds past internationally known medical, cultural and educational institutions. It was a beautiful walk.
There was a Red Sox game at Fenway so restaurants were hard to find. We tried Bar ‘Cino, a little Italian place that was really good. ( Full disclosure – not my photos. They were from Yelp.)
We sat at the bar and enjoyed the food and conversations with diners near us.
Caleb had outgrown his bike which he rides nearly every day, so together, Mom, Dad, Papa and Nana searched for a good used bike. We got this one on our way to Boston and put some elbow grease into shining it up and replacing a tire. Perfect! Because he will outgrow this one, too!
May did find us on the boat, more at the dock than we would have liked, but May was a pretty chilly windy month. One of the best dock times was a visit from Addie. Adam and Steph dropped her off while they attended an event nearby.
How could I forget to have hot dogs or meat for the fish!! Addie and foraged in the cupboards and “sacrificed” some crackers.
Reminder – These stripers are not tempted by crackers. They are true carnivores. They would nibble a bit and sometimes reluctantly bite a cracker.
Addie spent most of her time with us, getting reacquainted with Kindred Spirit.
Family photo with a photo bomb from Papa.
Unbelievably, it was late May when we finally got off the dock for a mini-shakedown cruise. We began it with a short trip across to West Harbor, Fishers Island, to connect with Marcia and Dan on Cutting Class.
Not bad for our first night on the hook. Sunsets can always give you an appreciation of just how beautiful nature can be.
The boats were far so apart that they barely both fit into the photo. Time to stretch our legs so we went for a walkabout on the island.
Kindred Spirit, sitting peacefully.
Alas, this sailboat was not sitting so peacefully. What happened???
Our original plan was to head to Napatree next and enjoy some time in Watch Hill. Once again. a weather check indicated the winds would be too strong and in the wrong direction, plus some rains – cancel that plan! Back to the dock.
We decided to stay on the boat since we had everything we needed, but by the next day we felt the need to “GET OFF THE BOAT”, as we say. Road trip to Mystic, wrapped in our foul weather gear. Rain and wind won’t hurt us on land, right?
After a stop at Mystic Knotwork (great place) and a walk up and down Water Street, we tucked into The Mariner for a bite to eat.
We were sitting in that spot and noticed the framed photo of a cleated line. Not cleated properly! I will be the first to admit that I don’t always get it right, but if I were going to hang a photo on a public wall I might try to get it right. 😉
Lunch was very good. We would definitely stop here again. Al had his fried clams and I tried a nice seafood gumbo, The diner next to us chose the lobster roll and it looked so good I suffered some regrets. Next time?
There is absolutely no way we would be in downtown Mystic and not stop at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream. No way. Once again, I had my all-time favorite flavor — Lemon Chocolate Kiss. Al had his favorite — Chocolate Raspberry Truffle.
It was WINDY, blowing like a hoolie! Al snapped several quick photos of me standing on the drawbridge. Crazy!
Typical New England, the weather changed again and Sunday was much better. Nice enough to put the Molly B in the water. She had spent the winter at Shennecossett so that Al could have his side of the garage back for the car.
In she goes.
Chilly day, but a nice ride. We repeatedly said to each other, “What a sweet boat Molly B is.”
You know how when you get a new car that you have never had before and you see the same type everywhere? I feel like it’s that way with our Boston Whaler. I never really noticed or recognized any before, but now I spot Whalers everywhere.
We passed some of the lobster boats sitting at their docks. Lobster Kingz at Jupiter Point looks intriguing. We have seen it from land but not from the water. Perhaps we will pick up some live ones to cook, someday.
After lunch, we took Patrice and George out in the Molly B. More clouds and chill, but still a fun time!
We are hoping to spend more time on the water, away from the dock, soon, in June!
We’ll be in Portsmouth by Tuesday evening – lots of work in the coming days but it will be worth it. Perhaps we’ll see you in Stonington later in the month.
Prue Preston
We’ll be in Portsmouth by Tuesday evening – lots of work in the coming days but it will be worth it. Perhaps we’ll see you in Stonington later in the month.
Ellen Margel Seltzer
Great pics. Loved seeing the family!