Shared Illusions

This is our last night in Rhode Island. We arrived last Tuesday night the 6th, coming to town for the wedding of my brother Steve. I’ll have a few photos of a few people at the wedding, but none of the nuptualing couple. Blame the martini.

The wedding was on Saturday the 10th (also Ed’s birthday, but we kept that on the down low) so we had plenty of time to sight see and see family and a few friends. Mostly family as I have few friends left here.

Gosh, I’m really terrible at remembering to take photos. Took Steve and Janis (the affianced) to lunch on Wednesday. Visited old friends from mom’s time at Atria after that. Then to friends Kim and Ed. No photos – pathetic!

On Thursday we walked to downtown Providence and up the hill to Brown University. Here are some sights from downtown.

Thayer Street near Brown has changed so much since my hay day. The IHOP where we used to go for late night chocolate chip pancakes after a concert or a crazy night at Lupo’s is gone. Most of the cute little shops and independent shops are gone. But the beautiful mansions remain and we had a nice walk, including to this overlook that I don’t recall having seen when I lived here.

I don’t know what it is, but I’m allergic to something blooming here. And there’s lots blooming! It’s beautiful with dogwood, azaleas, catalpa, and lots of other plants I don’t know the names of. An it only just started yesterday! Does the body require time to dis-acclimate?

Thursday night we met Peter, Debbie and Kim for dinner (at Cafe Vino) and then dancing at Strings, where a marvelous band was playing. Dancing ensued. And playtime with a little man that showed up on the bar.

On Friday we walked to India Point Park. Along the way we came upon the flood gates installed after the 1938 hurricane that wiped out downtown Providence. It took until 1966 or so for them to be completed. Truly a marvel of design and implementation.

There were several informative boards providing the design and placement of the gates and of the Highway 195 bridge atop them. Parts for the bridge were constructed in various locals, then brought together. The bridge platforms were placed on tugboats and chugged into place, including waiting for the tide to come in to be raised to the correct level.

India Point Park had several historical information boards as well, from information about the arrival of Roger Williams and his relationship with the local Indians, to the many immigrants who came to the Providence ports, and up to the woman who had te vision to create a park where before was just a blighted and no longer used port.

On the way back to the apartment we stopped in to Trinity Brew House for a bite and a beer. It has this wonderful mural. See if you can name everyone. I missed two of them.

Saturday morning found us in Roger Williams Park, walking around a large lake. It was a delightful change from the city.

And then, the big event!

I was too busy catching up with nieces and nephews, and old & new acquaintances, to take photos. It was a beautiful event, with some levity included in the ceremony. The food was great and we had a good time dancing!

The above is from our walk today, through the neighborhood to a greenway bike and walking path. Although a bit humid, the day was pretty comfortable with breezes taking the stuffiness out of the day. All in all, this June weather has been great. A few sprinkles here and there, no big rain storms, beautiful cloud formations adding drama to the sky, and comfortable temps. Not to mention the late spring blooming plants that add depth and interest. Even if they also added sneezes. We’re home tomorrow night! I do love my home state and am ever happy to return – for a visit.