Eight Romeos showed up for lunch and greeted each other with enthusiasm. We were then seated at a long table that was already arranged for us. Jim always calls ahead and makes reservations.
I was first to arrive and checked out the place for its wifi availability and was pleased to see that it was available. I turned on my iPod and checked my email and Text-messages to see if there were any “important” items that I had missed in the last hour. This is becoming addictive.
As the other Romeos arrived we checked to see if they brought their toy "iPod" with them. Well it really is more than a toy. Its like having a mobile office in your pocket. (Phone, Computer, PDA, APPs, Address Book, Calendar)
Like excited school children we asked each other if we had seen this new APP or that. Ed wanted to bring his but left it on the kitchen table. Joe Lapiana had already loaded pages of APPs on his and was explaining them all. Jim also had his but hadn’t loaded any APPs. I told him he had to register first at the iTunes (APP) Store with his info, password and credit card. For the next half hour he was fixated on entering the info but was having trouble. Joe P. kept asking (and teasing) him when/if he was going to join the group for lunch. He finally put it down.
Joe Lapiana and I finally figured out how to use the FaceTime APP where you can have a video phone conversation between two iPod owners. Each had to have the correct email address on their respective iPods.
We finally ordered drinks and food. Most had beer on tap and martinis and non-alcoholic beer and soda. Some ordered the steak tips, fish and chicken. Everything was served quickly and was delicious. We also had cups of chowder or onion soup and salads. Later we ordered dessert to share and coffees.
The conversation was lively and we talked about politics, the latest shooting in Arizona and some upcoming trips. Jim was going skiing in Italy and later on a cruise. Nice to have millions. Those teachers get paid too much.
The Romeos present were Paul Girard, Joe Lapiana, Joe Loduca, Joe Pignatiello, Jim Terlizzi, Mark Ryan, Ed DeShuytner and Steve Winter. You can see some photos at the website below…… http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch11111#
We also talked about Peter Gabriel who recently had a blood clout and is at the Beth Israel Hospital. They removed the clout and he is recovering nicely. However, he will be going to the Regional Rehabilitation Center in Woburn for a while.
We talked about the upcoming snow storm and everyone was getting ready. I told the story about having flat tires on my Honda Snow Blower in the last storm and having to get new tires for $153. What are they made of ---- Gold?
We then decided on the next date and place in Salem. Jim will send out an email.
Comments always welcome ….. markryan82@comcast.net
