Christened by Glass

Saturday, we experienced circling around the South Charlton Reservoir in a eight seat pleasure boat, the kind that slowly peruse the water in a very relaxingly and comfortable manner while sipping a glass of Merlot and conversing with family. I am not very good at describing the type of vessel but I'll try. It is white with a blue canopy top, and pillows. The seats are white leather and it has a table which runs along the center which swivels and is centered between the continuous seats. The front of the boat has lights, green on the left, and red on the right. It was explained to me that it is a way of communicating with other boats on which side they are able to pass you, in order to drive safely in the water.

Below the Plexiglas window is a bar which is lit up and wine rack in which you can place your bottles. Beyond the rack is a huge mirror, reflecting the light which is white and seen in the evening. Another cabin light is just above the table. Transparent Plexiglas is assigned to both the left and right to assure safety as well as break the wind. The vessel is operated by an electric system and is very quiet and smooth, except when waves rock the side of the boat.

The operator of the boat sits in the back on the same type of seating steering with a beautiful wooden wheel which is seated on a podium like instrument control which operates the boat, horn, lighting, dimmers, stereo system and boat function. It had three speeds I think, reverse and turned on a dime. Behind the operator, an American Flag. The safety equipment is located within the seats. Like a roll-up shade, the rest of the boat was equipped with a heavy duty plastic, which could be brought down all around to protect you in the rain, or from the wind. Once down it was secured with strips of Velcro.

The first trip out we sipped on our drinks and enjoyed the stereo radio station, which did not sound as good as the CD of Josh Grogan, which we enjoyed the second time around. So here we were on Saturday, broad daylight around seven and the remark was made as we were looking at the beautiful homes, which people spared no amount of money on, with the comment of christening the boat. Just then, as John was pointing to a house, he bumped his hand on one of the posts. Unfortunately, he had his prescriptive sunglasses in his hand, which were moments later, in the drink. All of twenty feet down into the water, and lost forever. Being glass, they did not float, to the tune of $250.00. (Glasses which he just got recently). It seems everything happens to John. We continued to eat our dinner on the boat and went home promising to return tomorrow afternoon for a cook-out and another excursion.

Sunday we went to Liturgy and following I made a blueberry-zucchini bread and a banana chip bread to bring along with a sauerkraut-with tomato, onion and mushroom pita. John went for some beer and my favorite wine. I was concerned that we would have a storm as the weather channel indicated T-storms. So much for grilling. It was that kind of day, not unfamiliar to us this summer. Overcast, with sprinkles, looking at times dreadful, but not really pouring, yet. The clouds would not spoil our fun. Long slacks and sneakers were a must, to ward off the mosquitoes. The air was pleasant but humid. John, in taking the bags out of the trunk along with the goodies didn't expect the bottom to be wet from condensation and out slipped the wine bottle crashing and breaking all over the driveway. Can't let a little wine spill spoil our day now can we? Our dinner was just coming out of the oven and so we decided to go on another boat ride while the eggplant lasagna was cooling.

The plastic was sprinkled with raindrops and it was wonderful. Actually there was a clearing before we got back which enabled us to feast on the deck. Meanwhile, while on the boat we enjoyed chips and salsa, hummus with pita and of course, wine and beer. A spirited debate on the political issues and we were ready for dinner on a beautiful summer day. The deck is surrounded with flowers and its perfection cannot even be described. Heaven on earth.

We took dessert on the boat, now going around several times, requiring lighting as the darkness set in on a warm and most pleasant evening. Strawberries and cream on a vanilla layered cake. Pinch me! Now of course the moon had appeared in all of its loveliness flashing its smile across the deep waters. Looking toward shore were those who were burning their logs and relaxing by the fire. The smell of wood pleasing to the senses, like in the fall at a campground.

The starless, yet romantic journey had come to an end and we were docked once again. Driving home through the dark woods would be challenging if you were unfamiliar with the roads. Reminded me of Purgatory Park, where we got lost once and it seemed like we drove for miles not knowing where we were. Fortunately, we knew the way through the curving narrowed roads. Thankfully, it wasn't raining. We couldn't even imagine driving those roads in the monsoons we've recently had.

Even so, we have had a wonderful summer so far. Vacation is still ahead, yet we felt that we had been on vacation this weekend having experienced so much fun. Did I mention that I saw another blue herring? Just like one I saw in ME with the long legs. This one was checking out the water skies parked in front of a home. Bet he would love to try them out, if he could figure out how to.