The Romeos met this month at the Latitude 43 Restaurant in Gloucester, MA. You can see menu info at their web site ….. http://www.latfortythree.com/ . You can also see photos of the area and the group at the web link ….. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo81209Before going I always look up the restaurant info online and check the directions (Restaurant and MapQuest). This time I printed out the MapQuest directions which stated that the trip would take me about 59 minutes and 40 miles from Wilmington to Gloucester. Unfortunately, the MapQuest directions were wrong and directed me to get off at Exit 13 in Gloucester rather than the next exit at Grant Circle. I should have followed the Restaurant Directions which were correct. At that point, I took out the trusty old GPS and 10 minutes later arrived at my destination. The moral of the story is that if you have multiple directions, make sure they are the same. The GPS isn’t always correct either.
After parking in the lot at the Town Dock (which was free), I walked over to the restaurant and met the others inside. Three other Romeos arrived a little later. The waiter gave out menus and took orders for drinks. Most got an assortment of beers on draft and a few sodas. However, Peter G. ordered water with plenty of ice so he could make his tradition “Crystal Light” lemonade. Peter, who is always frugal, also commented that he gets the 20 pack generic lemonade rather that the 10 pack Crystal Light for the same money. Those in attendance were Joe LoDuca, Joe Lapiana, Ed Deshuytner, Paul Girard, Peter Gabriel, Joe Pignatiello, Jim Kearns, Jim Terlizzi, Brother Tim Paul and Mark Ryan.
As we expected, the dinner menu was bit expensive with most entrees about $20 but sandwiches about $10. After contemplating the less expensive choices, most all picked an entrée which ranged from Seafood Platter (fried or baked), or Scallops, or Haddock. Although, some of the surrounding tables were served sooner, we waited a little longer so all ten plates could be served at the same time. The wait was well worth it and the meal was excellent. Later we had coffee and a few desserts that were shared with extra spoons.
As always, the conversation touched on various current topics in the news or sports or hobbies or trips. Jim K. commented that he went to a free Concert on the Common Tuesday night and watched the weather on the horizon threaten. A few thunder boomers also delayed the baseball game but soon passed.
Mark R. talked with Brother Tim about flying and the latest air accident on the Hudson River between a small plane and helicopter. Everyone commented that the air traffic along the Hudson is so busy that it is uncontrolled and left to the general aviation rules and pilot common sense. I told Brother Tim that when I first got my pilot’s license in 1985, I had the chance to fly along the Hudson River, Twin Towers and Statute of Liberty and remember it fondly. Today’s flight rules are quite different for general aviation.
Joe P. mentioned the idea of a deep sea fishing trip that we had talked about before. Paul G. said he would look into it and send out info by email for those interested. I mentioned that the Boston Globe had a photo of a man who recently caught a 62 pound Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish) off Martha’s Vineyard last Saturday which set a new record which was previously 47 pounds. See the Boston Globe at the link … http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/08/10/catch_of_the_day/
Paul G. said he just returned from family trip to Martha’s Vineyard where he caught some blue fish. We all mentioned how expensive it is there and the Obama vacation planned for $40,000 for one week. Paul said that the average large house rentals go for $30,000 per week.
Jim T. talked about taking a trip to San Diego for a great price. Joe Lod. and Joe Lap. mentioned that they were in San Diego with Jim T. years ago on a NSTA convention and went down into Mexico in a rental car. Mary Corcoran was also on the same trip and they said they had loads of fun. Joe P. then mentioned that we were going to take Mary out again for dinner to the Winthrop Arms. Jim T. said he would contact Mary and see if she wants to go.
Joe Lod. talked with me about gardening and tomatoes and the poor crop which he said was due to the cool and rainy weather. He also told me how he grows some of his vegetables now in raised beds and pots and has had better luck. I said that I have a second garden that I am growing on a compost pile and having better grow with all the plants. I have already harvested some cherry tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers. The squash, pumpkins and watermelon are all about 4 inches in size. He gave me some hints on harvesting broccoli.
Joe Lap. mentioned that he got an email from Jack Tweedie who recently got his JP License. He only had to wait a month after applying. Joe said that was certainly quicker than normal. Good luck to Jack.
We talked about setting a date for next month and settled on September 22 (Tuesday) at the Winthrop Arms. Jim T. is making the arrangements and will let everyone know by email.
The waiter brought the bill and gave it to Ed D. to figure out each person’s share. Although it was a little expensive, it is always great to meet the others and spend a relaxing lunch. You only have one trip on this Earth so enjoy it while you can.
Comments always welcome. Email to markryan82@comcast.net
