Romeo 12-9-15

The Romeo Gang met again for lunch on Wednesday, December 9 at Michael’s Place in Wilmington at 12 noon.  Michael’s Place is located at 110 Lowell St. (Route 129). Go to .... www.michaelsplacerestaurant.com or Trip Advisor for more information and menu.

There were five Romeos present including Jim Terlizzi, Joe Pignatiello, Ed DeSchuytner, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan. You can see some photos at the Picasa Web site. Just click the link below ..... Romeo Lunch 12-9-15

Joe L and I arrived early and grabbed a table. The place gets real busy at noon as a popular lunch spot. I live in town and come here often. Food is always great with extra to take home.  You order your choice at the counter and wait for your number to be called. Service is real quick. The menu choices include seafood (fried and baked), subs (hot and cold), pizza, calzone, steak and turkey tips with sides and baked Italian dinners.

When everyone arrived we ordered and most got the baked combo of shrimp and scallops with potato and vegetable  sides and one order of chicken Parmesan with ziti. We also had soda and beer. The food was super delicious and plenty of it. Joe P and Jim took home a doggy bag. As we ate the conversation bounced around the table. 

Joe L is doing well at his art studio in Lowell and is having an open house the weekend of 12/12 and 12/13/15. Over 300 artists will open their studios for exhibit and sales. The website is ... http://westernavenuestudios.com    for more info.

Joe P said he would be going skiing this weekend at Mt Sunapee even though there is little snow. He volunteers at a ski clinic for disabled vets.

Jim just returned from a trip to Japan and Korea. He said it was a great experience. Food good and he was surprized to get a private tour for him and wife and tour driver. 

I then told a story about my neighbor’s son and wife who are taking a year long trip around the world. They recently were in Vietnam and Thailand. They write a weekly blog describing their adventures. Being in their 40s they are young and healthy and backpacked most of the time. They are now on their way to Spain and then South Africa. Along the way they have biked the country side, taken sailing lessons, hiked and enjoyed the local cuisine. Nice to be able to see the world at a leisure pace.

We then talked about the new state testing program. Ed D said it may be a combination of the MCAS and PARCC tests. However, the state wants to develop their own and incorporate an online version which would cost less money.

Joe L said he went to the last NSSSA meeting held at the Terrafugia facility in Woburn. They are developing a flying car. Joe said they have three working crafts and hope to market them soon. It still needs a short runway to land and take off. However, they are working on a model that will have electric vertical thruster engines so you could take off straight up from your driveway.

We then talked about where to meet next time. Joe L mentioned a Brazilian Steakhouse. We explored a few online but most only opened after 4PM. We finally found one in Saugus for January 20th. Jim will send out an email.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all you Romeos and Juliets and youngsters.

Comments always welcome ... Markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo 11-18-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, November 18 at Moody’s Deli in Waltham at 12 noon.  Moody’s is located at 468 Moody Street. Go to www.moodyswaltham.com for more information.

There were only five Romeos present including Steve Winter, Jim Terlizzi, Ed DeShuytner, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan.   Joe Pignatiello couldn't attend. He had another appointment. So Steve had his wife drop him off at the restaurant. Later I volunteered to drive him home to Belmont

 

You can see photos at the Picasa web site below .... Click

Romeo 11-18-15

The restaurant was in downtown Waltham with limited parking. Street parking for one hour and no meters. There was a public parking lot on a side street for $2.00 all day. The secret is to first see the Public Parking sign. Of course I didn't and so I parked on a side street with no VISIBLE parking restrictions. 

Unfortunately, there is a time limit of two hours for side street parking and I ended up with a $25 parking ticket. They always say Buyer Beware. Or is it stupid is that stupid does. Later Joe L. told me he parked in a local school parking lot. Why not, he was a teacher and teachers have privileges.

We entered the deli and the counter help told us to sit anywhere and push a few tables together. We then learned that we had to order food and drink at the counter and pay. When ready they brought it to the table. The small menu listed about 10 sandwich dishes all made with fresh meats processed right there in the deli. You could see the selection of cured meats hanging on display.They served local beers in cans or soda in an ice chest. A full bar was available later on the dinner menu only.

I had a corn beef on rye with truffle chips and an IPA beer for about $20. 

The others got similar sandwiches. Joe ordered a charcuterie which is a plate of various meats and cheeses with flat bread slices. His order took the longest to be served. 

We had all arrived before noon and the place was quiet with a few customers. By 1PM the line at the counter went out the door and every table was filled with patrons. They all were in the 30-ish age group and probably worked at local businesses. 

The food was very good and fresh for a deli. It brought back memories of the old Jewish deli "Maxie’s" in Chelsea where I grew up.

The conversation was lively as usual and included topics from sports, trips, health insurance, the terrorist attack in Paris, the presidential candidates and local news.

Joe L. just returned from a river boat trip along the Danube. He said it was great with everything included - food, drinks, side trips and gratuities.

Steve told me that he went on a trip to Vienna "by car". That is Vienna, Virginia to visit his son's family. His granddaughter was in a high school play. She had a 5 minute part! They also stopped in Ithaca, NY to see his daughter and family.

We then talked about where to go next month for lunch. We decided on a restaurant in Wilmington. Jim will send out an email.

Comments always welcomed....

Markryan82@comcast.net

 

Romeo Lunch 10-14-15

The Romeo Gang had lunch on Wednesday, October 14 at Osteria Nino in Burlington at 12 noon.  Osteria Nino is located at 19 Third Avenue, next to the Burlington Mall.

Go to www.osterianino.com for more information.

There were six Romeos in attendance including Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Lapiana, Mark Ryan, Jim Terlizzi, and Paul Girard.

You can see photos at my Picasa web site ..... Click below.

Romeo Lunch 10-14-15

 

I got there early and met Joe L. sitting on the outside terrace. The terrace is great for warm days and has a variety of plants along the border including rosemary, chives and cherry tomatoes. I picked a few rosemary twigs just to savour the armour.  There is also an outside oven for cooking that adds uniqueness to the eating experience.

 

We sat and talked for a while but decided to eat inside since it started getting cool and windy. The others arrived shortly and we moved inside near the window. 

Our waitress Makenzie was very attentive and brought bread and water to the table. She then took drink orders which included Italian beers and margaritas. We then ordered an appetizer for the table which included Italian cold cuts and hard cheese.

Most of the menu entrees were pasta dishes made fresh at the restaurant including pork, beef, chicken and fish sides.  The waitress took our meal orders and came around the table explaining the different selections and there subtleties. Everyone ordered something different including lasagna, spaghetti, seared swordfish, noodles and Caesar salad with scallops.

The conversation circulated around the table including topics on sports, news, weather and politics. Jim mentioned how the Red Sox were out but the Cubs might have a chance for the World Series. 

The Pats game on Thursday night was great with some memorable plays. Bill Belichick has a gift for picking great talent like Brady, Gronkowski, Edelman, and Lewis.

Joe L. and I were the only ones who watched the Democratic debate and by far Clinton out shined all the others. Jim said jokingly that Trump would make a good choice for Pres......as he needled Joe P..

Of course the traveling trio are off again on their jetting around the world. Joe P. is taking a Viking cruise out of Rome. Joe L. is taking a Mediterranean cruise and Jim is thinking about a trip to Korea.

Steve said he just returned from a trip to Oregon. He and his wife attended a wedding of a niece. They had the service out in the woods under a big tent. The young crowd partied all night and slept in sleeping bags under the stars. Steve and his wife found the nearest warm and comfortable hotel.

We then talked about TV shows and remembered our favourite comedians like Seinfeld and Larry David.  I said that I saw a YouTube clip of an old Carol Burnett show with Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. Conway played a newbie dentist stabbing himself with a nova cane needle and then trying to operate with limp arms. We all laughed.

We then made suggestions on where to go next month and Joe L. mentioned a place in Waltham. Jim will send out emails.

Comments always welcome......

Markryan82@comcast.net

 

Romeo Lunch 9-16-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, September 16 at Besito Mexican in Burlington  at 12 noon.  Besito Mexican is located in the center of the Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike. Go to www.besitomexican.com for more information.

Six Romeos attended including Joe Pignatiello, Steve Winter, Ed DeShuytner, Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi, and Mark Ryan.

You can see photos at the Picasa web site ......

Romeo Lunch 9-16-15

Although the resturant is in the mall some of the guys had hard time getting to the entrance. Most arrived shortly after noon.

The waiter Humberto set the table with tortilla chips and made a guacamole dip at the table in a stone bowl. The dip was delicious as we all devoured it.

We all ordered drinks which included margaritas and Mexican beer. As we sipped our drinks we pondered the menu quizzically and tried to pick different entrees written in the Mexican language. Fortunately Joe L. found a card at the entrance that helped explain some the terms on the menu. We finally asked the waiter what he might recommend.

By coincidence it was Mexico's national Independence Day and there was a special on the menu to celebrate the event. It included three enchiladas filled respectively with chicken, vegetables and beef with each colored red, white and green depicting the Mexican flag. See the links below .....

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grito_de_Dolores

Not to be confused with Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican American Battle on the 5th of May. 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo

The meal came quickly and was served in super hot dishes. It was a great choice and super delicious.

To wrap up the meal we ordered a flan custard to share with cappuccino.

The conversation was lively as always and bounced around the table as we ate and drank. We talked about sports, politics and headlines in the news.

Jim said his sister is living in an assisted living facility and pays $9000 month until her estate cash runs out. They don't take Medicare. Isn't it fun getting old.

Joe P. took trip last month to Seattle and British Columbia.. He visited Whistler in BC which is a world renown ski resort in winter and a bike Mecca in summer. He said the bikers were real dare Devils racing the mountain trails and down hill courses.

Joe P. also bought a new car. His old 2001 Lexus had 150,000 miles. He bought another Lexus with the same color so no one will notice the difference . I also had high miles in my 2004 Chevy Tahoe with 110,000 miles. But since it's still running good, I decided to keep it and bought 4 new tires for $800. We will see.

Joe L. is having an open house at his art studio on October 3rd. All are welcome. You can visit hundreds of studios and buy original art work including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and glass. There will also be a beer garden. See info below on Facebook .......

https://m.facebook.com/events/1618474708435566?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A98%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&aref=98

Mark talked about a book he has read recently and highly recommends. "Madame President" by Nicole Wallace. A women president with all female cabinet endures personal tragedy as well as five simultaneous terrorist attacks on US soil. 

We then talked about meeting next month and picked an Italian place in Burlington. Jim will send an email.

Comments always welcome. Markryan82@comcast.net

 

Romeo 8-19-15

The Romeo Gang had lunch on Wednesday, August 19 at Renzo’s in Revere at 12 noon.  Renzo’s is located at 381 Revere Beach Boulevard. Go to
https://foursquare.com/v/renzos-brick-oven-pizzeria/4c675e0c7abde21e8e8f6668
 for more information. 

You can see photos at the Picasa website below .....

https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch81915?authuser=0&feat=directlink
 

 Eight Romeos attended including Paul Girard, Jim Terlizzi, Brother Tim, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Mark Ryan, Ed DeShuytner, and Joe Lapiana.

I got to Revere at 10 AM so I could walk the beach and do some Metal Detecting. The hobby is interesting because you never know what you will find. You hope for unique items like "Gold Doubloons" and diamond rings but most of the time you end up with old bottle caps and maybe a few coins. After an hour I put my gear back in the car and walked to the restaurant. 

Revere Beach has a new look. It is very clean and well kept. Machines rake and clean the sand each day. There is bird nesting areas at the north end to protect various sea birds.  There was a lot of parking spaces at 10 AM but soon filled up as families arrived for a day on the sand.

When I got to the restaurant Joe L and Ed were already seated near a deck door that looked out on the beach boulevard. Soon the others arrived and the waitress took drink orders which included margaritas and draft beers. We then ordered a few appetizers which included calamari and artichokes which were tasty.

The waitress then took meal orders which included steak tips, lobster sliders, turkey BLT, fish and chips and Cobb’s salad. Everything came quickly and was tasty and good portions.

The conversation was lively as usual including sports, news and politics. I talked with Joe P about real estate. He sold his tenant house in Somerville and is glad since there were always tenant needs. I said my sister in law is still looking for a condo and discovered they were in the $400 thousand range for a single bedroom. They use to be priced less than a starter home. 

Ed said he was having new air conditioners put in his home. They are Mitsubishi that cool and heat and go right in the walls. Similar to central air. I said I had two 13000 BTU units put in the walls on opposite ends of my home a few years ago and it keeps the house nice and cool. I also have a sun-setter awning over my deck. It's 16 ft. and shades that side of the house and keeps the adjacent rooms cooler.

Brother Tim talked about correcting national AP Tests in Kansas this summer. There is a rubric standard to compare the essay answers. Several scorers correct the same student tests and if they don't match within a point, another scorer has to check.

He also talked about seeing a new helicopter at Beverly Airport with some students. As they were leaving the owner of the new helicopter invited them all for a ride. It is a big one and seats eight people. They were all ecstatic being treated with such luxury. We also talked about airplane accidents, drones and laser pointers. He had some interesting stories.

I then talked with Ed about my garden. I have had a good harvest this year. My electric fence has kept the gophers away. I'm getting big tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, potatoes, summer squash and cucumbers. 

We then talked about the latest escapades of Donald Trump. He is still up in the polls and may get the GOP nomination. If not he says he will run independent. Hillary hopes he does. It will certainly boost her chances. Jim said that Jeb Bush has millions in his coffers to spend on advertising. It would be nice if all this money could be used to feed the homeless and help the sick. 

We then talked about the rise in pan handlers all over the country. Joe P was recently in Seattle and saw many homeless on the streets. I said they are even at the Market Basket parking lot in Wilmington. Jim said that a lot of homeless are suffering from mental illness. We need to provide more treatment for them instead of throwing them out to wander the streets. 

We then talked about meeting next month on September 16th. Joe L recommended a Mexican place in Burlington. Jim will send out an email.

Comments always welcome .....

Markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 7-29-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday,  July 29 at the Aragosta Bar and Bistro in Boston at 12 noon.  The Aragosta Bar and Bistro is located at 3 Battery Wharf in the North End next to the Battery Wharf Hotel.  Go to www.aragostabistro.com for more information.

You can see photos at the Picasa Link below …….

https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch72915

Six Romeos attended including  Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Ed DeSchuytner, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan.  Some came by train and others by car. Joe P. and Steve parked at a spot near the restaurant. Ed parked in a garage. Jim took the Blue Line to Aquarium Station.  Joe L. and Mark took the commuter train from Lowell. 

The Commuter Train trip is half price with senior citizens rates only $7 round trip from Wilmington to North Station. Go online for train schedule at  http://MBTA.COM   and buy tickets and get the apps.  Parking at MBTA stations is still $4.00 per day.  Still Cash at some lots and pay by phone at others.   Get the APP and register to pay by phone. Paybyphone.com

I recently found out from a neighbour that there is cheap parking at a garage near the North End. The garage is called Parcel 7 and you can park there for less than $3.00 for under 3 hours.  You can read the reviews on YELP at the link below  ……

Parcel 7 Parking Garage
136 Blackstone St
Downtown
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 973-6954
http://www.yelp.com/biz/parcel-7-parking-garage-boston

Jim said that he has taken the Ferry Boat from Salem to Boston with his wife and then walked along the shore using the Harbour Walk. Nice views of the boats and harbour activity.

On the train trip to North Station I saw the Duck Boats driving into the channel near the Museum of Science.  Later I saw them from the restaurant.  One in particular looked like a yellow school bus driving across the water.

It was a hot day with the heat index over 100. Joe L. and I arrived at 11:30AM and waited in the restaurant lobby with AC. The others soon arrived and we decided to sit outside on the deck next to the water. At least it was in the shade.

The waitress took orders for drinks and appetizer and bread with dipping oil. The drinks included margaritas, mohito and beers.  We then ordered from the lunch menu Lobster Rolls, Kobe Beef Burgers and Salmon. 

The conversation moved around the table from sports, to weather, to headline news.  Jim talked about the recent Red Sox trade of outfielder Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for infielder Josh Rutledge.

I talked about my garden and catching some gophers in my garden traps and electric fence. Last night I caught a racoon.  I let most critters go but transport the gophers several miles away since they are eating my vegetables and flowers.  Ed said that he caught a fox when living in Chelsea as a boy that had killed several of his prize racing pigeons.

Jim then told us about his trip to Iceland. He flew in and then took a guided bus trip around the island, 1000 miles.  He then told us a story about how Iceland became dominated by the Lutherans.

Steve then told us about his river boat trip from Budapest to Amsterdam. We should write a travel book.

Ed then said that he was watching Chronicle on TV and saw the new weather lady Bri Eggars from channel  7 cooking in her new kitchen, in her apartment in the North End. The kitchen looked familiar and it turns out to be the same one his son recently moved out from.

We then talked about where to go next month and decide on Revere Beach restaurant with an outside deck.  The date is August 19th and Jim will send emails.

After lunch we all said our good byes and went our separate ways.  On the way back Joe L. and I stopped at a bakery on Hanover St.  It’s called Bricco Panetteria. The bakery is down a long alley off Hanover St. and in the basement. It also has a hotel and resturante.  http://www.bricco.com/   Hotel rates in Boston are not cheap.  Off season at Bricco Suites the rooms are $200-$300 per night.  Compare this to the Battery Wharf Hotel rates $400-$600 per night.  We both bought a loaf of bread to have with dinner at home.

We passed St Leonard Church and Peace Garden and the grotto with Paul Revere Statue. Joe L. reminded me that Joe Loducca’s uncle was one of the sculptors that made the bronze statues seen in the North End.

Along the sidewalks men were getting booths ready for the next feast day parade Saint Agrappina.  Joe L. then told me he was sad to hear that the St. Joseph’s Society changed the date of the St. Joseph’s Feast day from July to October.

We walked out of Hanover St. on to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. There was a sitting area under sun umbrellas and kids playing in a splash pool.  Refreshing on a hot day.  Across the street was the new Boston Public Market which opened today.  It’s an indoor space open all year selling fresh produce.

We then walked to North Station and made it there for the 3:10 PM train home.

 

 

 

Romeo 6-10-15

The Romeo Gang had lunch on Wednesday, June 10 at Jules by the Water in Methuen at 12 noon.  Jules by the Water is located at 478 Lowell Street (Route 110). Go to www.julesbythewater.com for more information.

There were seven Romeos present: Joe Pignatiello, Steve Winter, Mark Ryan, Joe Lapiana, Ed DeShuytner, Paul Girard and Jim Terlizzi.  You can see photos at the Picasa link below ... Romeo Lunch 6-10-15

I got there early at 11:30AM along with Joe L. The waitress had set a table inside but Joe asked for a table on the deck outside. The place started to fill up with patrons quickly. When Joe P. arrived with Steve at 12:10PM. he heard the waitress say there was a 45 minute wait. It pays to be early.

The waitress brought bread and dipping oil to the table and took drink orders. Margaritas, beers and diet cokes. We also got some appetizers of calamari and mussels with cocktail sauce. We then ordered from the lunch menu, baked haddock, steak tips, seafood chowder and salads.

The chowders came quickly but accidentally Steve got mine. It took me a few minutes to remind the waitress about the mix up but I finally got mine too. 

The food and service was very good and of course the conversation better.

Our table on the deck overlooked the Merrimac River and you could see small pleasure boats dotting by. Joe P. walked over to the railing to see if he could spot any fish in the water. He returned shortly and said he didn't see any but mentioned that there are a lot of large carp in the upper Merrimac which some people like to eat.

I said that I had been looking for a public boat ramp along the Merrimac to put in my boat. I Googled boat ramps and found the Rourke Bros. State Park Public Boat Ramp a few miles west in Lowell. Joe L. also mentioned the Sampras Pavillion with the Rourke Ramp a short distance further west.. There is also the Lowell Boat Club on the south side of the river but you have to be a paid member.

The conversation bounced around the table about sports, news and trips. Joe L. had just returned from a Mediteranean cruise, Steve is planning a Viking River Boat Cruise and Jim is taking a trip to Iceland. My God, these Romeos are becoming world travelers.

Ed and I talked about the cost of college education. I said that it was a shame that foreign students can come to the U.S. and get a free education while American students have to pay the full boat. Of course there are grants, scholarships and loans but some kids are excluded because their family income is right on the line. The rich get richer and the poor get what's left. 

Now Jeb Bush is advocating raising Social Security retirement age to 70 years old. Isn't life grand. Glad I retired early and I am still in good health.

By the way, are you ready for two years of political ads with 12+ Republicans and 2+ Democrats telling us how they will work miracles running for "Presidente". Maybe the millions spent on advertising could be put to better use. Feed the hungry. Shelter the homeless. Cure the sick. Educate the less fortunate. "Just saying!!!!"

We then talked about the two convicts who escaped from prison. A women prison worker was just implicated in helping with the escape. A nation wide man hunt has still not found the two although dogs have found a sent of their trail. Everyone is on edge. People at the campground that I go to in NH were worried that the convicts could break into empty homes and trailers close to NY, VT and NH.

Jim said that a tree fell down in his neighbor's yard and just missed his house. This was after he repeatedly called the town about how rotten and weak the tree was. Proactive or reactive???? Ed talked about snow removal from his roof and how he used small bags of ice melt that he threw up on his roof to melt the ice dams. You can use the feet of old nylon stockings filled with ice melt too.

Paul said he likes watching "Wicked Tuna" on the National Geographic Channel. It's about tuna fishing out of Gloucester. I said I liked "Life Below Zero" on NGEO Channel. It's about how people survive in Alaska by fishing, hunting and trapping. Jim said he liked Larry David shows like Entourage, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Someone then said they didn't like Reality Shows. I then said aren't all movies and TV shows a little reality and fixed. Everything is scripted in a way. We see what the Movie Director wants us too, even Documentaries. Oh well, some say potatoe and some say POTATO.  I just like "MASH". HaHa!

We then talked about where to eat next month. We decided on Augustino's in the north end on the 29th. Jim will send an email.

Comments always welcome... Markryan82@comcast.net

 

 

Romeo 5-27-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, May 27 at the Azorean Restaurant in Gloucester at 12 noon. The Azorean is located at 133 Washington Street and is on the left side by the Gloucester T station. There is parking at the restaurant. Go to www.azoreanrestaurant.com for more information.

I arrived early so I drove along the shore road and observed all the sites. You could see several historic statues like the Gloucester Fisherman, restaurants, and parks. The waves were breaking on shore and boats dotted around in the harbor. At St. Peter's Club, members sat outside talking about the good old days. See photos at my Picassa web site….. https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch52715?authuser=0&feat=directlink

The restaurant opened at 11:45 AM and we all sat inside at a corner table. The waitress brought bread and dipping oil and menus. She then took drink orders which included, beers, coke, martinis and margaritas. We then ordered an appetizer which was the chef’s mix of calamari and shrimp.  The waitress then took our entrée orders which included  seafood casserole, Azorean steak tips, and Sao Miguel Grilled Octopus. Joe P. said he visited the Azores off Portugal a few years ago and stayed at the island of Sao Miguel.   The drinks, appetizers and meal came quickly and were delicious.

Six Romeos attended - Joe Pignatiello, Joe Lapiana, Ed Deshuytner, Paul Girard, Jim Terlizzi, and Mark Ryan. We all talked about trips, sports, weather and local news.  Joe L. took a Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Lines with about 4000 passengers and 2000 crew on board a big ship. The cruise started in Barcelona and made a few stops to Rome and back. Joe said there was an ice bar on board with everything made of ice (furniture to drink glasses). They offered a $145 massage which he declined. He posted a picture on Facebook of him at a Barcelona beach with bare bottom bikini babes in the background.  (Hey… that rhymes   BBBBBB). The meals on board were great with floor shows every night and famous Impersonators. In Italy he walked to old feudal village town on a hillside. The high walking bridge up a mountain was heart pounding.  I said I heard a program on NPR radio about a man living to 114 from Sicilian mountain village. His secret to longevity was a bean diet. We all laughed.

Joe P. also took a Viking River cruise along the Seine River which traveled from Paris to Normandy. At Normandy they got a tour from an unexpected guide who really knew the sites at Normandy. After, Joe offered the man a tip but he refused. He turned out to be a grave digger at the park who knew all the interesting facts.  Joe said the beach head at Normandy was very steep and probably the reason so many soldiers were killed durng the invasion there. Joe said he loved Paris and wants to live there with all the beautiful attractions. He said he even met two of his aunts there. “HeeHee”

Jim talked about a TV program called “ Arrested Development” with Larry David who wrote the Seinfeld show. I said there is a new show on Crackle (an internet free movie site) with Seinfeld called “Comedians in Cars having Coffee”. Seinfeld meets a new guest comedian and drives around in a vintage car (MG, BMW, Corvette., etc.) having general conversation but funny. The episode I saw was with Jimmy Fallon. They stop at a diner and have coffee and pancakes. On the way back Jerry says he bought a boat and wants to show Jimmy. Very funny and crazy everyday stuff.

Ed and Joe L. talked about Rose Kennedy Greenway.  Parking in Boston common garage not too bad if no special events are scheduled. Joe said the floating art on the Greenway was a must see.

I talked with Paul about my boat and showed pictures. I had to fiberglass a rotten Transom, fix nav lights and install new bilge pump. But it’s all a learning experience.

Joe L. recently bought a selfie stick for his iPhone camera which he used on his trip. It allows you to hold the camera a few feet away from yourself so you can be in the photo too.  He was still taking photos with the stick at the lunch and having fun.

Jim T. then told us that Mike Zapantis’ son died recently from a drug overdose. We were all sad to hear.  I said that taking drugs is a disease. Once you start there is no stopping.  My son died several years ago also from an over dose at the age of 33. He even went to rehab several times and then fell into it again.

The next lunch will be at  Jules Restaurant  in Methuen. Jim will send an email.

Comments always welcomed … markryan82@comcast.net

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I looked up some history on Google about Gloucester that you all might be interested in …….  Just click below.

Paul told me that he likes watching the TV show “Wicked Tuna” on the National Geographic Channel. It is filmed in Gloucester and depicts men on fishing boats trying to catch the biggest tuna for a $10,000 prize.

Wicked Tuna
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wicked-tuna/

A large influx of Italian and Portuguese immigrants started the fishing fleets in Gloucester and have an annual blessing of the fleet at the Feast of St. Peter.   

St Peters
http://www.stpetersfiesta.org/history.html

Festivals
http://www.gloucesterma.com/Festivals-Events.cfm?ID=154

The movie “The Perfect Storm” was about a fishing boat out of Gloucester.

Perfect Storm
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0177971/reviews?ref_=m_tt_urv#showAll

Gloucester
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloucester,_Massachusetts

Marine History
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/lad.htm

 

Romeo Lunch 4-22-15

The Romeo Gang Had lunch on Wednesday, April 22 at the Oaks Bar and Grille at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut at 1:00pm.  A later start time since the Oaks Bar does not open until 1:00pm.  They do not take reservations for lunch but said that there would be no problem. The Oaks Bar and Grill is located at 1 Clubhouse Lane.  Jim provided great directions from north, south, east and west. For more information go to........
www.fouroakscountryclub.com

Unfortunately, I couldn't attend so Ed D. was kind enough to provide some info on the lunch visit. You can see what He said below.......

"Hi Mark, Attendees We're: Joe P., Steve W., Joe L., Brother Tim, Paul G, Jim T. and myself. Food was pretty good at good price with good service. Some of the choices Clam chowder, onion soup, Greek salad for appetizers. Entrees corned beef reubens, haddock plates, specialty burgers, corned beef/turkey combo sandwich and finish off with excellent cappuccinos. Impressive facility between golf course, club house and surrounding $$$ houses. Talk was about health issues among Romeos, pending trips by Joe P. (Paris + Viking River Cruise), Joe L. and Spain and cruise in the Mediterranean. New middle school opening at St John's prep as well as remodeling of the science  language building at st. john's. That about it that I can remember. Ed."

Comments are always welcome ......
Markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 3-25-15

Sorry for the lateness of this Blog Post. I wrote it once and thought I sent it but didn’t (Whooops!).

I also deleted all the notes that I had about the lunch so I have to write this from memory ?????

The Romeo gang met for lunch at Haileys Restaurant and Pub (formerly Dailey’s Restaurant) in Middleton at 12 noon on Wednesday , 3-25-15.. Haley’s is located at 214 South Main Street (Rte 114) in Middleton. Go to  www.haileyspub.com    For more info. They are having problems with their website.

Six Romeos were present including Jim Terlizzi, Paul Girard, Joe Lapiana, Ed DeSchuytner, Steve Winter and Mark Ryan. You can see some photos at the Picasa Album link below ……  Romeo Lunch 3-25-15

We were all seated at a long table and the waitress brought bread and water. We then ordered drinks which included wine and beer.  They had a good selection. I ordered a Harpoon and Jim ordered a Belgian IPA.

We looked at the menu and I suggested the Greek Specials that I saw at the web site online.  We ordered some Greek Appetizers including Stuffed Spinach, Mousaka, and Pastitio (Noodles layered with beef and potatoes.  We then ordered the entrées which were seafood casserole, chicken picata and more Greek specials. The food came quickly and very tasty with large portions.

The conversation was lively and included the usual stuff (politics, weather, trips ) etc…  We talked about all the snow. Ed had his roof shovelled and also had some interior leaks. I had my roof shovelled twice also. Today is April 7,2015 and most of all that March snow has melted.  We now have to worry about flooding.

The flooding hasn’t been too bad but some rivers are over flowing their banks. The Shawsheen River in Wilmington, MA is down the street from my house and was reaching flood stage all week. It was almost 5 feet higher than normal on April 4^th.  All the sump pumps in the neighbourhood are going 24/7 to help keep the water out of their basements.

Steve needed a ride so his wife dropped him off at the restaurant and I gave him a ride home to Belmont. We then talked about the current high rents for young people today. I heard on the radio that some are paying almost 50% of their income for rents or mortgages. Ed said that his son was paying $2000 a month rent  in Boston before he bought a condo. The new tenants are now paying $6000.  That is real funny cause when I first got married in the early 60s I was paying $35 a month for an attic apartment.

I recently attended a Craft Beer Tasting held at my local library. It was very interesting and we discussed Lagers, Ales, IPAs and Stouts.  You can see a picture in the photo album showing all the different craft beers.  I suggested we might visit a local brewery and have lunch at a future Romeo Lunch meeting.  There is the Sam Adams Brewery in Boston and Jim mention the Redhook Brewery in Portsmouth, NH.

Later, I looked up some info online and found a few web sites with some info. You might look at the link below for a short history of craft beers…. http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/04/29/a-beginners-guide-to-craft-beer/

We then talked about where to meet next month and Joe L.  suggested a place in Dracut.  Jim will send you some directions and info.

Comments always welcome …. Markryan82@comcast.net