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There were two things I couldn’t ignore about Newport, Rhode Island when we visited last month.

First?

The wind. It blew a gale force, every minute of every day, everywhere we went. Seriously, it put Chicago to shame and must be the windiest place on earth. Temps were in the 50’s but rarely felt like it. I brought one scarf and wore it every day. My hair spray screamed uncle. It was nuts.

Second?

The Canada geese. In every field, on every lawn, by the edge of all the highways and on every median strip. You might see three, or three dozen, or three hundred, but see them you will. And watch where you walk, because where there are geese there is … well, goose 💩.

Copious amounts of goose 💩.

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After we settled into the resort, the first thing my husband wanted to do was tour his old duty station.

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I’d never been there, so after clearing the security gate… we drove.

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Past a lovely marina.

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And the Admiral’s quarters.

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With the ever present bridge in the background.

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Did I mention there were geese?

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We drove past a giant anchor.

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And the Naval War College.

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And yes, more geese.

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The husband was searching for his old Marine Corps barracks, where this picture was taken in 1976.

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Husband is on the right, receiving a commendation for saving a young man’s life.

❤️

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We found a big red Marine Corps ball, but couldn’t locate the barracks.

I know he really wanted to chat with someone about his time there in the mid ‘70’s, but there were no Marines to be seen. The office was closed, as was the military museum.

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He recognized a few buildings.

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But so much had changed.

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Vowing to go back again another day, we made our way to Newport’s famed waterfront for dinner.

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The sun was beginning to set on The Reef and we were more than ready to relax.

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The restaurant looked nice…

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And even from the bar where my husband always wants to sit, the view was lovely.

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My spiced cranberry Sangria was perfect.

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As was the husband’s local beer (Whalers Rise APA) and butternut squash soup.

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My coconut shrimp appetizer was tasty but things went straight downhill with our entrees.

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I opted for the wild mushroom risotto which was beyond horrible and literally crunched. Not what one looks for in a risotto. I didn’t photograph the husband’s salmon but it was equally as awful and sent back as well.

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Shame, because the location was wonderful.

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And the sunset just about perfect.

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