July 5, 2004

Rhode Island

After relaxing a bit in Cape Cod (or "the Cape" as it's know to New Englanders), we headed to Rhode Island to the lovely home of Sarah and Chris Kite. With stone walls and pastures abounding, the scenery evoked the feeling of a Robert Frost poem. After a magnificent Fourth of July dinner, Sarah’s daughter Katie (the most intelligent and mature 10-year-old I have ever met) whipped up a magical dessert of homemade strawberry shortcake. Robbie, her son, provided much entertainment with his coos, gurgles, and laughter.

The next morning we were up and off to Glocester, RI for the Ancients and Horribles parade�\which could be renamed Soggiest Parade Ever. As I followed behind in the car, Sarah, Katie, and Rebecca energetically braved the cold rain. Talk about dedication!

Throughout the entire parade the car was getting 99.9 miles to the gallon! A spectator asked, "What will you evolve into?" As the truck in front of us spewed nasty diesel fumes, I couldn’t help but respond: "Away from fossil fuel dependence and into cleaner parades!" Another favorite moment was hearing "Look it’s a hybrid!" echoing through the crowd as we passed.

One parade-goer commented that while I was getting 99.9 miles to the gallon he got 5 -- that is, gallons (of water) to the mile.

-- Steph