Romeo Lunch (7-17-14 and 8-27-14)

Romeo Lunches (July and August)

Romeo Lunch 7-17-14

This Blog will be a combined one from two lunches (July & August 2014). I didn’t make the July Lunch so Ed D. was kind enough to supply some details as follows:

Go to www.michaelsharborside.com for more information and directions.

Attendees: Jim T, Joe P., Steve W. Joe L. and Ed D.
Conversations;
Jim T. is taken his granddaughter on a 3 week European tour involving France (Paris & Normandy), England (via chunnel) & Berlin Germany)
Steve W. is taking his 3rd river tour  (Viking Cruises) via Rhine
Usual talk about Red Sox and discussion about world cup events

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Romeo Lunch 8-27-14
This lunch was on Wednesday, August 27 at Jules By the Water in Methuen at 12 noon.  Jules is located at 478 Lowell Street.  It is just off of Route 93.
Go to www.julesbythewater.com for more information.

Those in attendance were Joe Pignatiello, Ed DeSchuytner, Paul Girard, Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi, Mark Ryan and Joe Tarello.  You can see photos at my Picassa web site …… Just click below.
https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/Romeo82714#6052418212209233970

We all started to arrive at the restaurant about 11:45AM for the 12 noon lunch. The waitress (Pam) greeted us at the door and asked if we wished to sit on the deck. We chose outside on the deck overlooking the Merrimack River and what a beautiful view. After a while motor boats would cruise by and wave to any on lookers.

The restaurant was done over recently and has all new decor. Other restaurants had previously been at this location including the Seaport where seaplanes would dock after landing on the river.

The waitress then brought bread and dipping oil and glasses of water. She then took drink orders which included margaritas, manhattans and beer on tap. We then read the menus and ordered from the lunch selection (clam chowder, salads, chicken-broccoli-penne, chicken parmesan, baked haddock and lobster roll.  The drinks and meal came quickly and were delicious. Compliments to the new chef (Bob).

Soon I was asked about my new boat with all kinds of questions. The night before I had sent an email to some Romeos with info and a video regards the boat. I responded with the excitement of a child with a new toy. It has certainly been a lot of fun although I spent a few months repairing the old boat (fiberglass, new wiring and some needed equipment). Owning a boat can be expensive. Ed D. reminded me that the two happy days for a boat owner are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. Hope there will be more happy days. We will see. For more distant Romeos, you can see my boat video at the following address :   http://youtu.be/6tqmG9xzw-Y

It was nice that Joe T. joined us for lunch even though he hasn’t retired yet !!!!  He has been teaching 50 years. We chatted about old times and mutual friends. He is still at Somerville HS and will be starting school after Labor Day. He hitched a ride with Joe P. who also used to be at Somerville.

Jim T. then told us about his trip to Europe with wife and granddaughter. He rented a car and drove most everywhere. They visited northern Europe including Berlin, Normandy and then Paris.

We then talked a bit about sports (Red Sox and Pats) and the big salaries players get. Jim said it is all relative and on the average prices have risen 10X more than they were in the 1960s. The starting teacher salary was about $4,000 and now about $40,000.

We then talked about heating bills this coming winter. The Almanac predicts a colder winter but not much snow. Joe L. then said he cut up an Ash tree that came down in his yard and got about 3 cords of wood which he will use to heat this winter.  He has a stove insert in a fireplace that is then ducked to a couple of rooms and gives great heat with the wood. His neighbour had a log splitter and they spent two days splitting the wood.  Jim T. then said that was too much work for him. He would just turn on the electric heat.

We chatted about a bunch of other topics here and there and just enjoyed the fine weather. Soon it was time to leave but we still had to pick a place for next time. Joe P. recommended and place in Belmont.  Jim T. will let you all know by email.

Comments are always welcome ….   Markryan82@comcast.net