Robert and I crossed paths twice during our respective careers, first at the Travelers and later at Ernst & Young. Toward the end of my time with E&Y, I had the pleasure of actually working with Robert. With a family of skiers/snowboarders, he took an interest when Doug and I bought our VT house, initially intended to be a ski house. He, his wife Kassie and 3 young (at that time) kids visited and were quite taken with the area and Sugarbush. Soon after, they bought a condo nearby which afforded us more time to connect socially and become better acquainted as friends.
As the kids got older and started favoring skiing in the west, family trips to Sugarbush became increasingly rare, and Robert and Kassie sold the condo. With their now-grown and married children (and grandchildren) all living in Colorado or Utah, we haven’t seen each other in 10-12 years. When they’re not visiting the kids or traveling the world, Robert and Kassie split their time between Rhode Island and Florida – so we were delighted to learn they’d be in RI in mid-October. Yay!
The conversation started in the driveway and really never stopped until we left. It was a gorgeous day and they suggested a walk on or near the beach. They drove us to Watch Hill, a cute, historic summer resort nearby where we did a short walk on the beach with the pups Zena and Zuni, then strolled through the village – of course, talking the whole way.
Although our chosen lifestyles are different, we realized that we’ve all managed to live our retirement lives according to our passions. Rob and Kassie travel internationally and out west regularly. They are anchored by the performance and art scenes in both of their home communities. It appears their interest in glass studio art as collectors has inspired a desire to create, and both are now working with glass. Their collection of creations – their own and others – induces smiles!
Their home has lots of nooks and crannies, rooms and beds for visiting kids and grandkids, and outdoor decks for everybody. They admitted they didn’t really buy the house as much as they bought the view! That the house was fabulous was sort of a bonus. Kassie prepared an awesome dinner of cod with sautéed vegetables, the day cooled enough that Robert made us a fire in the fireplace… and we talked some more.
Putting a newly earned state or province sticker on our RV map is an auspicious occasion. Before we moved on, Robert and Kassie – along with Zena and Zuni – helped us celebrate the addition of Rhode Island to our adventure map.
They also suggested that we might enjoy stopping for a short hike in nearby Ninigret Park before heading north. That was a hoot! It’s always nice to get another walk in a beautiful park – this one converted from a WWII naval air base into a forest preserve – and finding giant trolls hiding in the woods is always a plus!
Thanks Robert and Kassie! Until next time…
For anyone interested, more Charlestown and giant troll pix…
