Fortunately, I came early and avoided the traffic tie up since I wanted to try out a new toy. I bought my self a Metal Detector and wanted to use it at the beach. I parked a few miles away and walked along Long Beach. Hoping to find Pirate Gold and Sunken Treasure but all I found were some rusted bottles caps and iron nails. Better luck next time. You can see some interesting videos on YouTube if you want.
We were all seated at a table near the window overlooking the harbour. You could see boats of all sizes sailing in and out of the channel. Paul asked the waitress which container facilities belong to Whole Foods. He then commented about the price of lobster they were charging even though most prices were done. Joe L. said that Market Basket was selling lobster for $4.95 a pound and local fisherman were only getting $2.95 pound for their catches. The Seaport had a special for twin lobsters $15.95. However, the lobster roll was $20. Go figure.
The waitress soon took drink orders and several ordered the salted margarita and beers to cool off from the traffic delays. When the drinks came, we all gave a toast to good times. Mike then talked with Jim about the idea of making wine at the Boston Winery. They only had three takers (Jim, Mike and Bob Siggens). However, Joe P. said he would buy a half barrel and the others could share the cost of another half barrel. There was also some discussion about getting a variety of wines at the end rather than just the wine they decided to make. If you are interested in making wine, send an email to Jim.
We then ordered appetizers which consisted of steamers, stuffed artichoke hearts and calamari. The dinner choices were twin lobsters, lobster roll, grilled salmon, hamburger and cioppino (seafood stew). Prices were at the top of the ladder. After dinner we had some shared desserts and coffee. The food was excellent and included large portions.
Paul suggested that the Romeos come up with a food rating for all the restaurants that we’ve been. We talked about a name to call the rating and someone suggested the triple RRR (the Romeo Ratatouille Rating). After all we are the original rate pack in reference to the movie (Ratatouille). If you have another suggestion, let me know.
We took a vote on how to rate the Seaport Grille and decided on a rating scale 1-5 (5 being the best). We decide on the rating categories (Good Food, Price, Atmosphere and Service) with a tally of 4,4,3,4. The view faced the ocean but we were looking at the fish pier. The cost for dinner was kind of steep ($48 each) but included several orders of alcohol, appetizers, meal, dessert, coffee and tip). Without the drinks the cost would have been about $30 each.
I will put together a list of some of the past restaurants that we have been to and ask for your vote on a survey form. Give me a week or so to put it together. Being retired, I have too many other things that occupy my time.
Joe L. said is still having trouble with a gopher in his garden. He set out a trap and loaded it with different fruits (apples, cantaloupe, celery, etc.). The critter ate everything but still hasn’t been caught in the trap. I am also having critter problems in my garden. The birds or raccoons have eaten my corn and low lying tomatoes and all the zucchini which was not fenced in. How did the old farmers do it?
Jim said that he was planning a trip in October to Germany. He then was hoping to drive from Berlin to Odessa, Ukraine to visit the grave of his wife's father who was captured during the war and died in captivity. He also hopes to go to the Crimea and visit Sevastopol.
Joe P.
just returned from a month long trip to Italy. He stayed at a hotel in Giada,
Italy where his son and his family joined him for a couple weeks and then his
daughter and her family for the last couple weeks. They went to the beach a lot which was near the hotel and
took a side trip to Pompeii. However, the beach was quite crowed since most
Europeans take their vacations at this time of year. The last few days Joe took
a train to Rome by himself and visited most all the sights on foot.
I believe
Steve also just returned from a trip on a Danube River Cruise. The cruise winds
along the vineyard lined valleys and beautifully preserved medieval towns in
countries of Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia and Romania.
Being
more of a local boy, I have been spending most of the summer at my trailer camp
in Littleton, NH with the grandkids and family. We hike, fish and boat every day.
At night we sit around the campfire, tell stories and toast smorse.
Ed said
that he will again be teaching some courses online for Northern Essex CC. He
also will be doing a one day a week face to face lab at the college.
Mike
said that he is getting ready to teach a History of Education graduate course
at the International College at Northeast Voc Tech in Wakefield, MA.
We decided to meet next month on September 19th. Jim will send an email.
Comments
and suggestions welcome….. markryan82@comcast.net
