Arthur

Independence Day, 4 July

“Arthur, he does what he pleases.

All of his life his master’s toys

And deep in his heart

He’s just a boy

Livin’ his life one day at a time.”  lyric from the theme to Arthur.

Rain and fog shroud the harbor but, so far, that’s all Arthur’s up to in New Bedford.

That may work for Dudley Moore but the Arthur now visiting here does what he pleases and is not playing around.

It is raining. That is, RAINING, as in rain coming down sideways. The air has cooled considerably. The occasional flash illuminates the thick overcast and fog that now smother New Bedford Harbor. So far, those bolts have been followed by low rumbles, not loud claps, so there’s a sense they’re not near. It is hoped they continue to stay away.

Steadfast, meanwhile, shudders off and on with a northerly gust, rocks gently in her slip at Pope’s Island Marina, just east of the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, tucked in among dozens of other boats, mostly larger, all seeking shelter behind the hurricane wall and gates where it’s hoped Arthur doesn’t find them. The crew’s aboard, hunkered down, staying dry. Mostly.

There were brief showers this morning as if to announce Arthur’s impending arrival.  Now that he’s here for real, his mischief pre-empts much photo documentation of the day. Perhaps he’ll take a break later.

As for Dudley Moore, it is well-documented what he did when “caught between the moon and New York City.”

It remains to be seen what this Arthur does in New Bedford. But this much is known, for sure: it will be a Dark & Stormy night!

Steadfast out.

Post Script: the National Weather Service measured Arthur’s total rainfall in New Bedford at nearly seven (7) inches.