Wednesday 31 May

Weds 31 May

Morning: out to the boat by dinghy, I am a backward-looking figurehead, with a swamped butt.
Afternoon: shop for the trip, collect the outboard
Evening: cookout to meet some of J’s many relatives – it’s his bon voyage party. Despite J saying New Englanders are notoriously reserved and proud of it, they are cheery and talkative, friendly and affectionate to each other. Can I judge someone by his family? J doesn’t drink, but I do – we all have a great time.

Dell tells me she has had 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 20 greatgrandchildren. One of her daughters, Dolores – such a vibrant person – is about to retire from real estate. She’s only 70, and means to keep a close eye on her mother. Later, it turns out, Dell’s children are naturally concerned about their mother. They are a close family – J has had quite a few phone calls on the boat.
About this age business, Jack at 72 with two replacement hips, had demonstrated his disdain for aging earlier today, when he went to clean up the impellor under the hull. Descending the ladder at the stern of the boat, he fell backwards halfway down, sinking below the peat-coloured water of the bay. I watched in horror as he disappeared from sight. I knew I should have insisted on doing this. But then up he came, blowing water and puffing air, making his way round the hull. They make strong fellows in Rhode Island.