October 27, 2007:

Rhode Island

I spent the day in Rhode Island!Yes, you can spend a whole day in that small state

New MINI dealership InSkip MINI held their “Motor Tober” event today, so I visited to see what it was like …

(the MINI full-of-pumpkins was a contest with a chance to win a MINI lease if you guess the number of pumpkins!)

InSkip is at least twice the size of MINI of Peabody or Herb Chambers MINI – but it was very strange to walk in to a MINI dealership and not be greeted by anyone … admittedly I know most people at both my “local” dealerships, but there was no receptionist at InSkip, no Motoring Advisor said “hi” … maybe it’s different on a non-event day?

However, I was greeted by MINI friends Pete, Keith, Sheena and Ron, who had also decided to drop by InSkip before heading over to the main Rhode Island event of the day:

So we drove in “convoy” across Rhode Island (which didn’t take long), to Pat & Angela’s home …

(gas stop)

Pat, you might remember, was seriously injured earlier this year, and is finally back home after months of hospitalisation and physical therapy, to a rebuilt house now suitable for his wheelchair bound life. And just like week, he and his long time lady Angela got married – so today’s visit was a combination “Welcome Home Pat” and “Congratulations” day, with an ENORMOUS amount of food!

Pat & Angela had many friends visit today, both from the MINI community and others … everyone had a great (and filling!) time, chatting, eating, and playing a game of “pass the baby”!

Many thanks Pat & Angela for inviting me to join you in your celebrations – and best wishes Pat for continued improvement in your health. Thanks too to MINI friends Pete, Sheena, Brian, Keith, Jock, John, Rick and Laurie … it’s great to have suich friends!

(more pictures in the Gallery)