HUNGRY GERALD

Lesley R., HG/BSK’s gifted daughter, managed a memorable Sunday for HG/BSK. Lesley’s husband, the distinguished Professor and author, couldn’t join us because he was editing his most recent book before it’s published in Italy.  HG/BSK  met Lesley at her Riverside, RI, home and were off to a Rhode Island treasure–Blithewold Mansion Gardens and Arboretum–33 acres of nature magic in Bristol, RI.  The gorgeous floral displays there are seasonal–thousands of colorful yellow daffodils in  April. (Roses take over in May). Hyacinths perfume the air. But, most thrilling for HG are the trees–magnificent examples from all over the world—there are lofty sequoias plus trees that are riveting sculptures. It is all enlivened by stirring stone walls and arches plus paths lined with variegated shrubs. Blithewold means “Happy Woodland”–and it is that and more. The raw acreage was purchased by the Van Wickle family in 1894 (Their fortunes came from Pennsylvania coal). They engaged landscape architect John Dewolf and he created his masterwork. The mansions (The first burned down) were designed by eminent architects. Blithewold has lengthy frontage on Narragansett Bay and that’s where the family yachts and other vessels were docked. Blithewold remained a private summer property until 1976 when the last occupant, Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon, died at 93. In 1978, Blithewold was donated to Rhode Island and the public. BSK and Lesley  did much walking in intermittent rainy, cloudy and sunny weather. HG, wrapped up warmly, was in a wheelchair pushed by Lesley. HG/BSK and Lesley left fantastic Blithewold without going into the mansion–too challenging for an old guy in a wheelchair. A hungry trio was led by Lesley to Sakuratani –a Japanese restaurant and Izakaya in Bristol. Delicious food–Agedashi Tofu, pork belly in a fold of steamed bao and the biggest bowls of tonkatsu ramen ever–filled with pork, rice noodles, vegetables, etc. (Took some home for a late dinner).