Romeo Lunch 12-18-08

Another month has gone by and the Romeo gang met again for lunch today at PF Chang’s Restaurant at the North Shore Mall, Peabody, MA. You can see the web site at the link … http://www.pfchangs.com/ . The web site also contains a complete menu as well as calorie and nutritional information about each menu item.

In addition, you can also photos at the link …. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo121808


I arrived at the parking lot a little early and drove around looking for a spot. The lot was filled to capacity, due to a zillion holiday shoppers who were taking advantage of the mild weather. Although we are still recovering from last week’s ice storm, we now await tomorrow’s snow storm with several others to follow. Could this be another stormy winter to remember?

I entered the restaurant and joined Joe Lapiana who was the first to arrive and seated at a long table. Eventually, other Romeos arrived and in attendance were Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi, Jack Tweedie, Jim Kearns, Joe Pignatiello, Steve Winter and Mark Ryan.

The waitress then asked for drink orders which ranged from Japanese Beer, to martinis, to water. She also left the menu and gave us time to look. Finally, Jim Terlizzi explained the cast he had on his right wrist. It turns out Jim likes to play ice hockey and plays often but at last week’s game he collided with another player and went ass over tea kettle. After spending time at the hospital emergency room, another day at the doctor’s office and another day getting an MRI, he finally got a cast on a small wrist bone fracture.

Joe Lapiana also explained the absence of Joe Loduca who had surgery to replace his pace maker (defibrillator) but developed an infection when he got home and had to be treated for that complication. Others, who couldn’t make it, had other obligations. We also wondered whether some Romeo absentees might still have no electricity from the ice storm.

The waitress returned and we all ordered one of the Lunch Bowl selections (Moo Goo Gai Pan or Shrimp with Lobster Sauce). This selection also came with soup and rice. In a short time the soups arrived and were very tasty (Egg Drop Soup or Hot and Sour Soup). The main course was then served with a tray of seasonings for all to use. The seasoning tray was immediately apparent since the rice was very bland unless you put on a lot of seasoning. This made the main entrée somewhat disappointing.

After the main entrée the waitress showed a display of the mini desserts. However, we ordered two of the large desserts (Banana Spring Roll) and spoons to share. The dessert hit the spot with crape rolled chunks of banana drizzled with strawberries and blue berries and refills of coffee and cappuccino.

As always, the conversation was great and centered on hot topics of the day. Jim Terlizzi mentioned some movies that he recently saw and a list of others were added by Jack Tweedie and Jim Kearns. The list included (Australia, Quantum of Solace, Milk, Slumdog Millionaire, Doubt, Valkyrie and others).

Other topics were also discussed like the $50 Billion Hedge Fund Scam of Bernard Madoff, another housing crisis predicted for 2010, foreclosures in Florida and Arizona. . I said that the foreclosures are so bad in Florida, that Real Estate companies now take buyers on tour buses through foreclosed neighborhoods.

Jim Kearns said that he attended an Obama rally where some were citing instances where people were afraid to vote in Florida due to threats from KKK groups who were also buying up property in foreclosed neighborhoods.

Jim Terlizzi talked about his upcoming trip to India with wife and grand daughter. He will be visiting the northern part of India around Deli and the Taj Mahal. He already started pills for anti malaria and other diseases. He also said he had to send away for special Visas to visit the country.

Joe Lapiana and Joe Pignatiello talked about getting ski lift tickets for the season at Wachusetts Mountain which they said was a great bargain especially if you can ski during the middle of the week.

The two hour lunch date sure flew by quickly as we listened to each interesting story. Eventually we decided on the next lunch date and place to be, January 13th at the Café Madrid in Chelmsford. Jim Terlizzi will send out an email with particulars.

Romeo Lunch 11-18-08

The Romeos met again for lunch today at Massamino’s Restaurant in the North End. What a beautiful winter day. It was cold but the sky was blue and the air was crisp.

I took the train from Wilmington to North Station and met Joe Lapiana and Joe Loduca who got the train in Lowell. We arrived at North Station in a short 28 minutes and started our walk to the North End. It was great watching other people on their way to different destinations as we leisurely gazed around.

The old elevated train is now gone and you can see tall buildings and new construction in every direction. As a youngster in the 1960’s, I remember taking the elevated train from City Square to North Station as it squealed around the right angle corner and you got the smell of baking bread from the bakery below..

As we walked along Causeway St. , you could see the Rose Kennedy Green Way on the right, the Lenny-Zakum Bridge on the left and the Banknorth Garden (Old Boston Garden) behind us. We waited for the crossing lights and then headed toward the North End.

Joe Lapiana’s family came from the North End and he gave us a guided tour along Endicott St. as he talked about the St. Anthony’s Feast and the various Italian social clubs which helped Italian immigrants who moved here in the early 1900’s. I added that my mother grew up on Prince St. just around the corner. As we arrived back in front of the restaurant, we met Paul Girard and went inside. The maitre’d met us at the door and seated us downstairs in a small function room. We ordered some house wine and toasted the event. Shortly, others arrived and the waiter brought bread and oil and drinks. Those in attendance were Jim Kearns, Mark Ryan, Joe Loduca, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Balsama, Steve Winter, Jack Tweedie, Ed Descheytner, Paul Girard, Joe Lapiana and Jim Terlizzi.

The menu had great selection of fish, chicken, and veal all with an Italian flavor and side of pasta. After ordering, the meals arrived at the table in quick time. Each of us ordered something different as dishes of unique size, shape and color were placed on the table. In addition, large platters of antipasto salad were placed in the center of the table for all to pick from. The antipasto had an assortment of greens, peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, calamari, cheese and salami. After the main course we ordered coffee and dessert and spoons to share. Our waiter Michael, was informative, quick and attended to all are needs in short order. Everyone enjoyed their meal and thought they might come back again soon.

As usual the conversation was great as we took turns contributing to each story. Joe Pignatiello had gone fishing earlier in the day for smelt and herring near the Charles River. The day was pretty cold and the catch light. Next time he would try shrimp for bait. Jim Kearns talked about shopping at Demoulas and the family controversy that finally was settled in court. Joe Lapiana had the Demoulas children in science class at Dracut HS. Jim Terlizzi added that the prices at Demoulas were certainly better than Shaws.

Joe Loduca commented that next we will be talking about the old age home and our ailments and medications. Ha Ha. Later, Joe Loduca talked about watching Judge Judy on TV and the court participants. I said that they have to be pretty desperate to appear on live TV but Joe added that they get paid for participating ($10,000 he thinks).

Next, the automobile bail-out issue was discussed. Joe Loduca said, isn’t funny how Chrysler and GM were talking about a big merger to solve their financial problems until the senate offered a $25 billion loan. Jim Kearn’s son works in finances and said that the merger would have given Chrysler control of the GM financing departments (car loans) and GM would take over Chrysler’s auto building. The merger was ready to take place and then put on the back burner when congress offered free money.

We then talked about taking the train into Boston because the parking was so expensive and the train cheaper. The one way fare from Wilmington to North Station is normally $5.25 but for seniors $2.60. It also costs about $4.00 to $5.00 per day to park at an MBTA lot. Ed Deshuyntner took his car in today and parked for $12 per day near North Station which wasn’t bad. Joe Lapiana said the parking garage at Government Center was $24 per hour !!!!!

Although some left early, we all departed the restaurant about 2:30 PM and walked toward North Station to take the train home. Joe Loduca, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan took the Lowell train at 3:10 PM and talked as we traveled north. Joe Lapiana talked about burning wood in his wood stove but commented that the price of a cord of wood was about $425 as oil prices continue to decline. The conversation then changed to cooking and Joe Loduca talked about his days as the chief steward at the seminary. He prepared all kinds of meals and especially Thanksgiving Dinner. He would buy several smaller turkeys so everyone could get a leg or wing. He also made several meals out of the turkey which lasted all week in different forms. Turkey dumplings, pie, sandwiches, croquettes and what ever else he could dream up.

As I departed the train at Wilmington Station, I reflected that this was a great day spent with some great friends and anticipated our next great adventure.

You can see photos of the trip at the link …..
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch111808?authkey=QHjKbRGx7N0


Comments or suggestions are always welcome. Send emails to markryan8@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 10-21-08

The Romeo gang met again this month for lunch at Moonstone’s Restaurant, Chelmsford, MA at 12 noon on Tuesday, October 21, 2008. . The web link is …. http://www.moonstones110.com/ . You can find directions and a menu online.

The online directions were very good and if you followed them closely, you would have arrived on time. Going south on Rte. 495 you got off at exit 34 and the restaurant is right in front of you. However, I took a right and luckily only realized the mistake after a few miles.

When I finally got there, a few Romeos were still out in the parking lot waiting for others to arrive. After awhile, we drifted inside and were seated. The waitress asked if we were with the “older man” that had arrived earlier (Peter Gabriel).

We sat at a long table and eventually 12 Romeos showed up. That was a greater number than had been attending the lunches lately. In attendance were Jim Terlizzi, Jim Kearns, Joe Lapiana, Ed DeShuytner, Steve Winters, Mark Ryan, Peter Gabriel, Joe Pignatiello, Joe, LoDuca, Joe Balsama, Bob Simmons, and Paul Girard. You can see photos of the group at the link ….. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch102108

As usual the conversation bounced around the table. We talked about health problems, travel places and trips, families, health insurance, politics, ballot questions, Social Security benefits and teacher retirement, Medicare and GIC, jokes, other restaurants, Hall of Fame dinner, MSELA, NSTA conventions, and last months NSSSA meeting at Cat Cove which was very good.

The waitress took orders for drinks which were varied from beer and martinis to soda and lemonade. For appetizers, we ordered some focaccia bread, seafood platter, salads and soups. Latter we ordered the main course from the lunch menu (lunch salads, focaccia breads, sandwiches and entrees). It was hard to pick from the menu since the descriptions were limited and prices ranged from $10 to $15 in small print. Most of the gang ordered Petite (small….) Fillet Mignon, Gnocchi Bolognese, Seafood Paella and sandwiches. Some meals had large portions and others small but the food was good.

After the main course we had coffee and a few desserts that we shared around the table with extra spoons. However, the dessert choices were again limited and small in size. In general the food was good and the waitress was prompt with the servings arriving all about the same time.

We split the bill as Ed Deshuytner tallied up the amounts. A few Romeos left after dinner but some remained for more funny conversations. Joe Loduca talked about grocery shopping with his wife and putting items into the carriage as she took them out. Jim Terlizzi said he was a list guy who quickly ran through the grocery store only buying what was on the list.

Before leaving we decided to meet next month on November 18 at a restaurant in the North End. Jim Terlizzi will be sending out an email. At 3:00 PM, we finally left and said our good bye’s until next time.

Romeo Lunch 9-16-08

This month the Romeo gang was invited to John Tweedie’s summer house in Mashpee (Cape Cod), MA. The regular gang said yes and made a commitment to go at last month’s lunch. Although the ride took most of us over two hours, it was well worth the trip. To ease the long ride, we car pooled. Ed D. and Mark R. in one car and Paul G. and Jim T. in another. The extra person in the car made the ride less tiresome and the mutual conversation was great.

Although, Jack T. provided the best directions, I wanted to confirm the different travel routes and used MapQuest for help. I tried to avoid going through Boston and use Route 128 to go around the city but Ed D. decided to try the expressway and Route 3 and we just breezed right through. However, when we got to Mashpee, we made a few wrong turns before finding the right one. No problem for Big Guys like us.

When Ed and I arrived, the others were already sitting comfortably on John’s Deck. In attendance were Jack Tweedie, Paul Girard, Jim Terlizzi, Ed Deshuytner and Mark Ryan. Ed and I quickly joined the party and John served drinks all around (Beer and Wine). We also brought our own drinks to have with lunch. Jack started the barbeque grill with a charcoal chimney that uses no lighter fluid. It made white hot coals in short order and Jack put on the burgers. However, Jim T. suggested that Jack get a Weber Grill like he has and have gas from the street piped right to it. What happened to the Boy Scout method with flint, rock and kindling? Some Romeos are getting too soft.

Jack cooked hotdogs and burgers on the grill and some with cheese. When done, he set up a buffet table in the sun room with salads, condiments, burgers, dogs, buns, utensils, and napkins. However, we all elected to eat outside on the mostly sunny deck. Most Romeos went back for seconds, since the sea air makes a MAN hungry.

Since I had seen Jack’s house more than twenty years ago, he had made a lot of changes and gave me the tour of the new additions. He added a second floor with master bedroom and large private bath. Downstairs he took down a wall and made a larger room. The changes were great improvements to an already nice house. His house is also on a corner lot and has a great view of the neighborhood. The beach is only a short 5 minute walk.

During and after lunch, the conversations were congenial and bounced around the table. Jim T. talked about his love/hate relationship with cable television regarding the services and cost (Comcast vs. Verizon). He also is a movie buff and orders a list of flicks from a local video shop. He first makes his selection from an online web site )RottenApples.com) that rates movies and gives brief descriptions. Recently he saw a movie called “Recount” with Kevin Spacey about the 2000 election. A discussion then broke out regards how Al Gore lost the election. I added a side note that the color of the current Massachusetts Ballot was Red for Democrats and Blue for Republicans, since I had voted at 8AM that morning. A look online at Google showed an article from the Boston Globe (Feb 6, 208) that explained the reason. Click to see …..
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/02/06/red_and_blue_trade_places_only_on_paper?s_campaign=8315

John T. also recently saw a movie by Woody Allen (Vicky Cristina Barcelona). He was laughing out load in the Lowell Theater while others were deadpan serious. He guessed that most didn’t understand Woody Allen’s dry humor.

Paul G. talked about his chipmunk problem, with hundreds of holes all over the lawn. He contacted a local agriculture coop and they gave him an off beat method that seems to work. He has got rid of a lot of chippys with this method. If interested, send the Grinch an email. Ed D. also talked about have-a-heart traps and rodents getting into his roof siding and digging through wood frame. Mark R. talked about feeding birds with the chippys and squirrels getting into feeder. Get me a shot gun brooooother rabbit !!!!!!!

Paul G. also talked about how he was selected for the grand jury for 3 months, 3 days per week, in Lowell. He explained that the grand jury heard a large selection of cases and decided whether they should go to trial. Some of the cases dealt with child abuse, attempted murder, and drugs. The courts are so over burdened with drug cases dealing with possession of marijuana that it has been recommended to make it legal but controlled.

Ed D. talked about last night’s 20/20 tv show dealing with the arrest in England of suspected terrorists making liquid bombs. The accused already had made their suicide video tapes and the last of the explosive parts was assembled and were ready to blow up another bunch of airplanes. Having a science and chemistry background, we all speculated that the liquids had to be peroxides with heavy amounts of sugar.

Jack T. explained that after retiring, he got a part–time job working for a company that tested homes for mold and mildew and later made suggestions for how to remediate the problem. One household that he visited had a wet basement, over hanging trees, was near a wetland and no ventilation and the owner wondered why they kept getting mold. He showed us sampling dishes and filters for doing tests and running cultures that could take a few weeks to process and get results.

Recently, his new boss who is also a private pilot was flying his plane to Florida. John T. hitched a ride on the trip which was planned to take about 8 hours with a few stops for gas. After running into a line of thunderstorms, they had to land in Georgia and spent two days there waiting for the storms to pass. That was the last time John would hitch a ride on a small plane.

Mark R. talked about going to Maine Maritime Academy when he was a young college student. He had hopes of graduating from MMA and receiving a merchant marine license as well as an ensign commission in the Navy. During his first year at MMA he went on a training cruise to South America including Brazil. The school operated an old WWII , 300 foot, refurbished hospital ship and during the training cruise he learned about deck work and navigation, engine room operation and galley work.

Although he made it through his first year, he was involved in an auto accident that curtailed his career at MMA and he ended up in the hospital for six months with severe injuries. Luckily he recovered and a year later chose a career in science education, obtaining a BS and MS degree. After 40 years teaching science at Medford HS, he retired 5 years ago. He now has a few hobbies that keep him busy.

The day passed by quickly as each of us told interesting stories. Before leaving, Jack T. suggested we take a short walk to see the beach and ocean view. He often walks around the neighborhood with a glass of wine and talks to his neighbors. If he is lucky, his wine glass gets refilled at each neighbor’s house. Jack also told us that some cottages were being converted into year round houses and the ones that were in need of repair, he called “take downs”. These would be demolished and new homes built in their place.

Ed D. and Paul G. stopped by one house near the beach and discussed the siding which looked like real cedar shingles but was actually imitation vinyl. Ed commented that his real estate agent said vinyl shingles add more resale value to a home since there is less maintenance.

When we got to the beach, we were in awe at the million dollar view. In the distance, Jack pointed out Martha’s Vineyard as well as Hyannis and Barnstable airports.

It was now time to leave. We thanked Jack for a great day and departed for home. We decided to try a new way and went via the Bourne Bridge, Rtes. 495, 24 and 93. With a few delays we made it home in about 2 hours.

You can see photos of the entire trip at the following link …… .
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch91608

Romeo Lunch 8-27-08

The Romeos had another successful luncheon on Wednesday, August 27th at the Lobster Pool Restaurant now owned by the Tedesco Family. The restaurant was established in 1954 and purchased by the Tedescos in 1997. While many of the clam shacks and seafood restaurants on Cape Ann and other parts of the North Shore are often packed during the summer months, there are a few places that the public does not seem to know about. One of the best of these is The Lobster Pool Restaurant on the outskirts of Rockport. What makes The Lobster Pool so special is the fact that this casual restaurant serves outstanding seafood in a setting that can be conservatively described as "spectacular." An added feature is that patrons are invited to bring their own wine and beer since the restaurant does not serve liquor. Situated on Ipswich Bay, between Halibut Point and Foley’s Point, the Lobster Pool has a west-facing view over the ocean, a relative rarity in New England. The sun gods shined on the Romeos this day and the weather was perfect for one of the last days on August.

In attendance were Joe Lapiana, Joe Pignatiello, Joe LoDuca, Jim, Terlizzi, Paul Girard, Ed Deschuytner, and surprise guests Paul DeCourci formerly of Peabody High and Jack Tweedie, who is one of the past President’s of MASS, having served the organization in 1989 and 199O. Conversation was good as usual with talk of good books to read, great inexpensive vacation locations, and of course the joys of retirement, especially as those first school buses roll for the 2008-2009 academic year. On a warm summer evening, diners at the Lobster Pool, order their food at the counter, then wander down to one of the outdoor picnic tables and soak in the exquisite view of three states, including New Hampshire and Maine. There are few spots on the Massachusetts coast that are this beautiful, and even fewer that have the benefit of a great restaurant.

The menu at The Lobster Pool is varied and the Romeos sampled many seafood dishes, including such items as clam chowder, fried clams, lobsters, seafood quesadillas, fried sole, broiled swordfish, and crabmeat rolls. And for those who do not eat seafood, the menu also has hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken sandwiches. Most of the dishes at The Lobster Pool are excellent, and the prices are very good considering what people often pay for seafood these days.
The next time you are looking to escape the heat, or just want to enjoy the day on the wonderful Cape Ann, head west out of Rockport until you reach Halibut Point State Park, then look for The Lobster Pool around the next bend in the road. It will definitely be the perfect ending to a great day, and you may even catch a memorable sunset over the ocean from the picnic tables of this little-known seafood shack. (www. Lobsterpoolrestaraunt.com).

Talk to you soon............................Joe Lapiana

You can see Joe's Photos at the following link ..........

http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch82708

Romeo Lunch 7-22-08

Our Romeo Lunch date was scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2008 on the Horizon’s Casino Cruise Ship out of Lynn, MA at .... http://www.horizonsedge.com/
. However, storms threatened for a few days this week and put the Romeo Lunch on hold. The Boston area seems to be in a rainy pattern for the last few weeks with thunderstorms popping up in late afternoon. Where I live, in Wilmington, MA we had a mini tropical storm blow through on Saturday, 7-19-08 breaking branches and toppling trees. On Wednesday a tornado was spotted in Taunton, MA. Several homes near Wilmington’s Silver Lake lost power for most of the day. Jim Terlizzi sent out an email with some second choice suggestions and we decided to meet in the parking lot of the cruise ship and decide then (to go or not to go) depending on the weather.

The ship was scheduled to leave at 11:00 AM sharp, so we all met in the parking lot after 10:30 AM to make a last minute decision. The forecast looked Okay with low clouds and 2 foot swells so we decided to go. Joe Pignatiello was a little late and we waited at the ticket booth until he showed at the last second. Only a small group of Romeos gathered for this trip. In attendance were (Joe Pignateillo, Ed Deschuytner, Joe LoDuca, Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi and Mark Ryan).

We bought our tickets ($27 for cruise and buffet) and some of us had coupons from the newspaper for reduced price ticket or free tokens. We then had to go through security check, empty pockets and search bags. The buzzer went off a few times as some Romeos left their keys in their pocket.

Buffet lunch was served immediately, as the ship left dock and sailed out to the 12 mile limit for a gambling boat. (New law has changed 3 mile limit to 12 mile limit. More info at link... )http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9900E2D9143DF930A35751C1A961958260
The buffet had a good selection (ham, sausage, chicken, fish, scrambled eggs, vegetables, pasta alfredo, salads). Soft drinks and coffee were served at the table by our waitress and dessert was available after. The meal was very good and you could get seconds.

Not being professional gamblers, we sat at the table for a while after dinner making small talk. Jim Terlizzi told us about a non-fiction book he is reading, about a man who climbed Mt. K2 in the Himalayas. On the way down he got lost and wandered into a village where he was given help and shelter. He made a promise to come back to the village and return the favor. Years later he came back and built a village school which would educate both boys and girls equally.

Joe Lapiana then told us about his exploits as a new Justice of the Peace (JP). He now is booked solid for several months performing marriage ceremonies all over Massachusetts. He explained how he has three meetings with the prospective couple; (a pre-consultation, wedding rehearsal and wedding). Of course he gets invited to the meals and reception and enjoys meeting all the various people. A recent wedding turned out to include some of the science teachers he knew from Dracut High School.

After lunch, the ship arrived at the 12 mile limit and the slot machines started ringing. It was time to go lose your money. All the “old timers” hurried to their favorite slot machines or card tables and initiated their “grand game plan” for the day. Each one had a strategy to beat the odds and fool the machine. Play the odd number machines or play 4 quarters for 5 minutes then switch to 5 quarters. Each plan had its merits, if you won.

After a while we all gathered out on the aft deck telling our stories about “almost” winning the BIG ONE. Ed Deschuytner said he kept losing at one machine and so moved over to another. The lady next to him started playing his old machine and won on the second try. Joe Pignateillo lost his big bag of money but said that someone next to him won $800.

Jim Terlizzi and Mark Ryan were the first ones to sit out on the aft deck and enjoy the sea air. Jim had brought a book along to read but I soon interrupted him with conversation. We started talking about sailing and how he loved being out on his boat but hadn’t been out much lately. I told him the story about when I was about 20 years old and had a small sail boat with two other guys. We loved sailing and decided to go on a trip from Marblehead, Mass. to Castine, Maine. On our first day out, we ran into fog, had a fire on board, stopped a big ocean tanker for directions, then sailed into Boothbay Harbor to wait out the fog and eventually sailed back to Marblehead when the weather wouldn’t clear.

Later on the aft deck Joe Lapiana told us the story of how he lived in a house in Medford as a young boy. At his aunt's house in Somerville, they put a big table in the basement near the furnace that could seat 50 people for family gatherings. He remembered how his father and uncle would cook salted cod for hours while they also drank the family wine.

Joe Pignateillo talked about playing half ball and ring-a-lerio. I talked about playing kick the can. Joe Lapiana said kids today have to have organized sports but back then (in ancient times) we just played games with whatever items we found (broom stick handle bat, half rubber ball, waxed playing cards, bottle tops, chalk on the sidewalk).

I grew up in Chelsea, MA. In 1948 the Mystic River Bridge (Tobin) was being built. The city was divided right down the middle. This split off the even numbered houses on Chesnut St. which were sited for demolition. The condemned houses became the neighborhood playground. However, before they were razed, the local kids would take all the salvageable materials from the houses to resell at the salvage dealers on Second Street. We took out old cast iron bath tubs, stack boilers, sinks, window counter weighs, door hinges. The 1940’s and 50’s, after WW II were times where families recycled everything and reused it a hundred times.

Ed Deschuytner also came from Chelsea and his father owned a bar there on Murray St. He recalled how local politicians were always looking for a payoff. During that time his father loved to vacuum the new rugs so much in his house that he eventually wore them thin and had to replace the rugs. Sitting at another table, we met another teacher who taught at Lynn Classical and knew some of the other science teachers from the Salem Collaborative who Jim Terlizzi knew.

The cruise was very enjoyable. We got to eat a lot, gamble a little, enjoy the salt air and have an extended conversation with good friends. The ship left port at 11 AM and returned at 5 PM. During that time I turned on my hand held GPS and tracked the entire trip. The GPS gave data on MPH, Time On Trip, Average Speed, Compass Directions and Headings and Lat/Long position. When we got to our 12 mile destination, the ship sailed around on a box course at about 5 mph and was located at a point 15 miles from Hull and 16 miles from Lynn. The exact Lat/Long position was N42.21 and W070.37. You can see pictures of the GPS, Map Location and the trip at the web link ……
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch72208

Romeo Lunch 6-26-08

The Romeo group met this month at the Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead, MA courtesy of Paul Girard who is a member there. Thanks Paul . We had a beautiful summer day to spend near the ocean watching the boats go by. (More info on BYC at the link … http://www.bostonyachtclub.net/ ).

Since I arrived early, I walked up to Crocker Park which is located on a rock cliff next to the yacht club. You can see photos of the area at the link …. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo62608 .



Crocker Park has several benches on which to sit and look out over Marblehead harbor. Stairs lead from the park down over the cliff to the water where there was a gangway leading to a floating dock. Some young boys were swimming off the dock enjoying a cool dip. Looking further, hundreds of boats of all sizes filled the harbor, all tied up at their moorings.

Plaques located in the park describe some of the local lore and the benches donated by those who loved the area. One plague stated that the United States Navy began with some schooners from Marblehead in 1775. The schooners had orders from General Washington to engage in naval operations against an enemy. (More info at the link… http://www.marblehead.org/index.asp?NID=876 ) .

Leaving the park, I walked up some side streets and noticed many of the houses were restored from the 1700’s and displayed plaques that described the profession of the original owners. The plaques stated (ship builder, sail maker, baker, painter, merchant, shoreman, boat builder, shipmaster, innkeeper, fisherman, machinist, etc.). Joe Balsama told me that the town hall -Abbott Hall, with its towering steeple, houses the famous old painting by Archibald M. Willard “The Spirit of '76” (with the drummer boy and fife player), on display in the Selectmen's Meeting Room. He also said that Marblehead has the distinction of being one of the oldest towns on the New England coast to have the most restored old houses. (More local history at the town link …. http://www.marblehead.org/index.asp?NID=10 ).

Many of the Romeos started arriving just before noon and we met upstairs in the bar at the yacht club. After getting our drinks, we strolled out on the porch to view the harbor and enjoy some small talk as we waited for the others. A short shower moved us inside and we sat at a long table reserved for our group. The specialties on the menu were lobster bisque, crab cake roll, lobster roll and prime rib in addition to the regular fare. Most ordered the lobster roll which was just delicious.

The conversation is always a treat and the Romeo’s have a bag of stories to tell from all their experiences. Brother Tim took a short break from his summer schedule. He is now fully entrenched in scheduling classes for next year. Ed Deschuytner asked if anyone was interested in summer work at NECC. Joe LoDucca commented that there were tons of teaching jobs being offered all over the area. Joe Lapiana talked about gas prices, diesel fuel, and the first gas station in MASS to offer ethanol 85. Jim Terlizzi was going to rent a car for two weeks on his trip to Slovenia and Croatia . Joe Pignatiello talked about his laser eye surgery which he had two weeks ago and is doing great. Joe P. now has a buzz cut for the summer. Paul Girard said he would spend a few weeks on Martha’s Vineyard and that it now costs $150 to bring your car over on the ferry.

Our conversation continued as we left from the parking lot. Even though we have been here at BYC a few times the one way streets in Marblehead are still hard to maneuver. We followed Joe P’s. car in a caravan who took us on a tour of Marblehead and we quickly got lost. Eventually we found or way out and back to Route 114 and home.

Romeos in attendance were Joe Loducca, Joe Lapiana, Joe Balsama, Joe Pignatiello, Paul Girard, Brother Tim Paul, Ed Deschuytner, Jim Terlizzi, Mark Ryan.

Romeo Lunch 4-23-08

Photos of the trip and lunch can be seen at the following web address link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/TrainTrip42308

Although it was the day after Earth Day I celebrated the day by having lunch with the Romeo Gang. (Sounds like the Bowery Boys from the 1945 movies or maybe Spanky and Our Gang). From the stories that they tell around the lunch table, these guys were hellions when they were younger. Now they are just hell on wheels or canes which ever fits.

Romeos in attendance were Paul Giolotti, Joe Lapiana, Paul Girard, Ed Deschuytner, Joe Balsama, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Jim Sicuso, Jim Terlizzi, Mark Ryan and Bob Siggens.

I decided to take the train into town to reduce my carbon footprint and save gas. It was quite an adventurous trip. I am a people watcher and enjoy trying to figure out people, how old they are, their occupation, and where they may be going. I also can’t help listening to the idle chatter and the cell phone conversations. Sometimes they are amazing.

I haven’t taken the T for many years, since I live in the suburbs and use the car most everywhere I go. So I got the train at Wilmington Station at about 9AM to North Station and then the subway over to Down Town Crossing to get my Senior Citizens Charlie Card. I can now pay about 50% of the regular fare. (See photos in web link above).

Sitting on the train, I watched out the window and saw the panorama change from suburban to inner city. I first saw trees, ponds and small houses and then roads, bridges and high rise buildings. Graffiti was prevalent under all the bridges and on the backs of large buildings adjacent to the train track. Although the graffiti is a form of vandalism, it is also an artistic expression of young adults and their frustration and defiance with society that needs to be addressed. As the train moved on, I saw the new Zekum Bridge, Bunker Hill Monument, Museum of Science and Duck Boats in the water ways.

The train ride from Wilmington to North Station took about 30 minutes compared to a much longer ride by car. Exiting the train at North Station I saw relatively modern and clean facilities and many Electronic Terminals where you could buy Charlie Card Transit Tickets for cash or credit card. (Yogi Berra says cash is the same as money). There were also plenty of MBTA workers who provided helpful assistance and directions for all commuters. In addition, transit system maps were posted on most walls to assist you.

Since I was still early for lunch, I walked over to Park St. Station and the Boston Common. Again I watched in amazement all the different people and it reminded me of the Beatles Song- All the Lonely People – (Where Do They All Come From?). I then entered Park St. Station and took the subway over to Lechmere and the bus up Cambridge St. to the Portagalia Restaurant. It was only 11AM so I walked around the area a bit and noticed the Public Library and St. Anthony’s Church. A quick look inside the modern church showed simple but also beautiful main alter and side chapel. On a busy city street, the church provides a quiet sanctuary to the local Portuguese community.

The Romeo guys all arrived about 12 noon and we ordered drinks. Since this was a Portuguese Restaurant we try to order accordingly. The Strages Beer (Portuguese) seemed to be good choice. The waitress said it was between an ale and a larger. Drinks were served and bread and olives were available to munch on. We then looked at the lunch menu and ordered a variety of choices (steak tips, mussels, fish and pork). Most meals also came with two side orders.

The food came quickly and it was very good. I decided to be daring and ordered the Bacalhau (Portuguese salted cod shredded with scrambled eggs, onions and potatoes. I also got Portuguese cabbage soup and Portuguese fries. Everything was delicious. I only finished half my meal and had the rest boxed to take home. I didn’t realize how odorous the Balcalhua was until I was on the train home. The fish and garlic filled the train car and that is all I could smell (as well as everyone else). I felt like the skunk on Noah’s Ark.

The greatest thing about the Romeo Lunch is the conversation. These guys are just stock full of interesting information. Paul Gir. Spoke about a new cure for cancer with interveneous metal salts and radio waves, Joe P. talked about his bike trip to France and the Boston Marathon. Joe La. told us that Joe Lo. had a fall and stitches. Paul Gil. told us about Mary C. and that she is in a nursing home. Jim T. suggested that we have our next Romeo lunch in Revere and visit Mary. We all agreed.

After lunch, the waitress took our picture and we said our goodbyes for another month. About 12 Romeo members were able to make this lunch date. Others sent there regards and would try to make next time. A great day had by all.

Romeo Lunch 5-21-08

The Romeo group had a great lunch today at the New Bridge Café in Chelsea, which is highly rated by the Phantom Gourmet. Our special guest was Mary Corcoran who now resides at the Lighthouse Nursing Care Center in Revere and just celebrated her 82nd birthday (see Mary’s address below). She was accompanied by her aid Penny M. and on behalf of the group, Joe Pignatiello gave Mary a bouquet of flowers.

Mary Corcoran
Lighthouse Nursing Care Center,Room 106,
204 Proctor Avenue, Revere, MA 02151

As always, the conversation was tops and ran the gamete from high gas prices to crashed computers. In addition, Joe P. told us a story of a ski trip he made to Italy in the 1980’s where he spent some time in the local jail. The local police made a derogatory remark at Joe’s group. Joe understanding Italian, replied back “Stupido”. The police beat him and threw him in the clink. It took the US Consulate to give Joe a “Get Out Of Jail Card” before he was able to rejoin his group. However, all was not lost since he ate like a king when his cell mate’s wife brought a full course meal each day.

The menu choices at the New Bridge were steak tips, pork, lamb and baby back ribs as well as Italian fare and sandwiches. The meal was just delicious and the service was outstanding. Prices were very reasonable and it would be worth a second trip back someday soon. However, no dessert or coffee is served although there is a well stocked bar.

The Romeo’s in attendance were Jim Terlizzi, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Balsama, Joe LoDuca, Joe Lapiana, Steve Winter, Ed DeSchuytner, Paul Girard and Mark Ryan. Jim Sicuso also stopped by to wish Mary well. A picture of Mary and Joe B. is above. Other pictures can be seen on the Picasa website. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch52108

Lunch Dates (2007-2008)

August 15th at the Orzo Restaurant at 114 Broadway in Saugus.
http://www.orzorestaurant.com/

September 19th at Vinny's Superette at 76 Broadway, in Somerville
No Web Site

October 18th at the Fire Bull Restaurant in Peabody at 5 Central St ,Peabody.
http://www.firebullrestaurant.com/

November 15th at The Cheesecake Factory at North Shore Mall in Peabody
http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/.

February 7 (March 6) at the Old Mill Restaurant, Rte 2A in Westminster
http://www.1761oldmill.com/

February 14 at Romano's Macaroni Grill, 50 South Ave in Burlington.
http://www.macaronigrill.com/

April 23rd at the Portugalia Restaurant at 723 Cambridge St. in Cambridge
http://www.portugaliaincambridge.com/

May 21 at the New Bridge Café at 650 Washington Avenue in Chelsea. http://www.newbridgecafe.com/

June 26 at the Boston Yacht Club at 1 Front St. in Marblehead
http://www.bostonyachtclub.net/

July 22 (Tuesday) on the Horizons Edge Boat in Lynn off of Route 1A.
www.horizonsedge.com

August 27, 2008 (Wednesday) the Lobster Pool in Rockport, MA
www.lobsterpoolrestaurant.com

September 16, 2008 (Tuesday) at Jack Tweedie's place in Mashpee, MA (Cape Cod)
NO WEBSITE…..

October 21, 2008 (Tuesday) at the Moonstones Restaurant in Chelmsford, MA
www.moonstones110.com

Welcome "ROMEOs"

Welcome to all you Romeos and wannabees. ROMEO stands for "Retired Old Men Eating Out". There are national and international chapters. You can see some of the other groups at the web site http://www.romeoclub.org/ and http://www.romeoguys.com/ .

The local Romeo group was started by some retirees from the "North Shore Science Supervisor's Association" or NSSSA. Most of us have known each other for over 40 years since we started our teaching careers at about the same time.

The local Romeo-NSSSA group meet once per month and have lunch at a different restaurant in the area. We also try to stay in touch with each other through emails.

In addition to the monthly Romeo meetings, we also try to attend other science education meetings of interest such as the local NSSSA monthly meeting and the regional and national science teacher conventions.

Some of the meetings and lunch dates are listed in the "Lunch Dates" message. "Bon Apetite et tu Romeo".