The Romeo gang met again for lunch today at the Mt. Vernon at the Ship Restaurant in Lynnfield. I arrived a little early and went to the Christmas Tree Shop next door to walk around. After a few minutes of roaming through the store several times, I decided to walk over to the restaurant. Since I was still early, I decided to wait at the bar. I ordered a beer and talked with the bar tender for 20 minutes before several others arrived.
When most had arrived at about 12 noon we were all seated in a special area with a long table on the far wall. The room was nicely decorated for a small party and you could see out into the parking lot. From the outside we were now located at the stern of the ship ready for our culinary voyage. The ship mates in attendance were Peter Gabriel, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Lapiano, Bob Simmons, Jim Kearns, Jim Terlizzi, Ed Deschuytner, Mark Ryan and Joe Balsama.
After ordering drinks and looking at the menu we all made our selections and gave the order to the waitress. Although twin lobsters were advertised at $9.99 and then $11.99, today’s price was now $18.99. There was also an extra charge for baked stuffed at $3.00 more each. Needless to say we all order other items from the menu which included a clam plate, meatloaf, lobster pie, stuffed shrimp and seafood paella. In a short time the meal was served and it was excellent and in large portions. The restaurant does not have a web site but you can reviews at Google.
Although we all enjoy a good meal, it is the conversation and the jokes and the camaraderie that we enjoyed more. The conversation bounced around from health insurance, to medications, to the Senate Elections, to skiing, to vacation trips and movies.
Peter talked about getting medical prescription by mail through Express Script and the rise in GIC insurance co pays and premiums mid year. Ed said that those on Medicare and GIC won’t get an increase since can’t raise federal rates (Medicare) mid year. He also said that those on Medicare will get a $250 federal stimulus check in March and those over 65 and not on SS can take a $250 tax deduction.
Jim Terlizzi said the skiing was good this year. I asked Ed if he skis and he said no since his knee injuries. However, his son just went to Killington and the prices for lifts, rental and helmet for one day were over $300. But Joe Pig and Joe Lap still go to Wachusetts which is much cheaper.
We talked a little about the Senate Election and possible reasons for the upset and Brown win. Most believed that it had to do with the national Health Care Plan, economy, bail outs for Wall Street and no jobs for the regular folks.
Ed talked about getting vinyl siding put on his house and got a cheaper price if it was done during winter months. No maintenance vinyl siding increases the resale value of a home. Jim T. said he use to do a lot of work himself on his home but now would rather pay a contractor. The older you get the less energetic.
Joe P. talked about a friend who had diabetes had to have a leg amputated and was having a real rough time now. I mentioned that the Haiti earthquake victims with simple broken bones in arms and legs were getting severe infections resulting in amputations.
We talked about taking online courses with Ed D. and he confirmed that they now cost the same at most colleges. However, taking tests online was still a problem since you really didn’t know who was really taking the test. Eventually it all catches up with the person.
After having coffee and sharing dessert it was nearing 2:00 PM and the time just went by so quickly. We then chose a date and place for next time which Jim T. will be emailing to you shortly.
You can see photos of the group at the web link below …
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo12010#
Comments … send email to markryan82@comcast.net
When most had arrived at about 12 noon we were all seated in a special area with a long table on the far wall. The room was nicely decorated for a small party and you could see out into the parking lot. From the outside we were now located at the stern of the ship ready for our culinary voyage. The ship mates in attendance were Peter Gabriel, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Lapiano, Bob Simmons, Jim Kearns, Jim Terlizzi, Ed Deschuytner, Mark Ryan and Joe Balsama.
After ordering drinks and looking at the menu we all made our selections and gave the order to the waitress. Although twin lobsters were advertised at $9.99 and then $11.99, today’s price was now $18.99. There was also an extra charge for baked stuffed at $3.00 more each. Needless to say we all order other items from the menu which included a clam plate, meatloaf, lobster pie, stuffed shrimp and seafood paella. In a short time the meal was served and it was excellent and in large portions. The restaurant does not have a web site but you can reviews at Google.
Although we all enjoy a good meal, it is the conversation and the jokes and the camaraderie that we enjoyed more. The conversation bounced around from health insurance, to medications, to the Senate Elections, to skiing, to vacation trips and movies.
Peter talked about getting medical prescription by mail through Express Script and the rise in GIC insurance co pays and premiums mid year. Ed said that those on Medicare and GIC won’t get an increase since can’t raise federal rates (Medicare) mid year. He also said that those on Medicare will get a $250 federal stimulus check in March and those over 65 and not on SS can take a $250 tax deduction.
Jim Terlizzi said the skiing was good this year. I asked Ed if he skis and he said no since his knee injuries. However, his son just went to Killington and the prices for lifts, rental and helmet for one day were over $300. But Joe Pig and Joe Lap still go to Wachusetts which is much cheaper.
We talked a little about the Senate Election and possible reasons for the upset and Brown win. Most believed that it had to do with the national Health Care Plan, economy, bail outs for Wall Street and no jobs for the regular folks.
Ed talked about getting vinyl siding put on his house and got a cheaper price if it was done during winter months. No maintenance vinyl siding increases the resale value of a home. Jim T. said he use to do a lot of work himself on his home but now would rather pay a contractor. The older you get the less energetic.
Joe P. talked about a friend who had diabetes had to have a leg amputated and was having a real rough time now. I mentioned that the Haiti earthquake victims with simple broken bones in arms and legs were getting severe infections resulting in amputations.
We talked about taking online courses with Ed D. and he confirmed that they now cost the same at most colleges. However, taking tests online was still a problem since you really didn’t know who was really taking the test. Eventually it all catches up with the person.
After having coffee and sharing dessert it was nearing 2:00 PM and the time just went by so quickly. We then chose a date and place for next time which Jim T. will be emailing to you shortly.
You can see photos of the group at the web link below …
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo12010#
Comments … send email to markryan82@comcast.net
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