Romeo Lunch 4-28-10

The Romeo Gang met for lunch this month on 4-28-10 at the Taipei-Tokyo Restaurant in Woburn. It is right in Woburn Sq. and there is plenty of street parking. You can see the web site at the link … http://www.taipeitokyocafe.com/

Everyone arrived in time and we were all seated at a table for eight. The Romeos in attendance were Joe Lapiana, Steve Winter, Joe Loducca, Paul Girard, John Tweedie, Jim Terlizzi, Ed DeSchytner and Mark Ryan.

We decided to have the buffet (all you can eat) for $9.95. There was a wide assortment of cooked chicken shrimp, pork and beef dishes as well as some cooked sushi rolls in two inch slices. You could order soft drinks and tea but needed to bring your own alcohol beverages (wine or beer).

As Joe Lapiana explained to me the sushi is cooked fish wrapped or rolled in seaweed with rice and other vegetables. The raw fish is called sashimi.

The food was delicious and most went back for seconds and more. The waitress frequently came back to the table checking are needs and removing used dishes.

The conversation was lively as always and went around the table with each contributing some info. We talked about the latest legislation to base new teacher retire on the average salary over the whole career rather than the last three years,

Another conversation was about getting Medicare with GIC Health insurance that make the co pays less. Many towns in Massachusetts are now thinking about joining GIC. It would make their health cost less and would be less for everyone with more participants.

Next we talked about Comcast vs. Fios and the benefits of both. You also need to get a HD TV like Sony Bravia if you are going to have HD Cable reception.

Joe Lapiana announced that he is doing well in his new art studio-gallery in Lowell and recently sold one of his paintings for $300. There is an Open House at his Art Gallery Complex this Sunday. Call Joe for directions.

Mark gave out some copies of his new short story and others commented that they enjoyed holding a real book to read rather than trying to read off the computer screen.

Jim asked where we might want to go for lunch next month and some suggested we take the Downeaster Train to Portland, ME for the day. Jim is looking into it.

You can see photos of the group at the link below……
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunchPhotos42810#

Comments Welcome : email markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 3-24-10

The Romeos met again for lunch today at Fiore’s Restaurant on Hanover St. in the Boston North End. You can see info about the restaurant on its web site at the link …… http://www.ristorantefiore.com/

I took the train in from Wilmington and met Joe Loducca and Joe Lapiana on the train. They had already boarded in Lowell. It’s so much easier to take the train and not have to worry about parking. From Wilmington the fare for one way is only $2.60 for seniors and $5.20 regular. I have my Senior Citizen’s Charlie Card which allows me to get the senior rates. In Wilmington I get the train ticket at a local convenient store. You can also buy them on board the train or at the train station.

The ride from Wilmington to North Station was only 28 minutes. We quickly left the station and walked out on to Causeway St. It was quite windy out in the open. The weather stations had predicted the temperature to be in the 40s and the wind to gust up to 50 mph. I had to hold on to my hat and was glad I had a pair of gloves.

The walk over to Hanover St. took about ten minutes and it is always interesting to look at all the city traffic and the city skyline. I took some photos along the way and you can see them at the web link ….. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch32410#

You could see the Lenny Zakum Bridge, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the Boston Garden and some of the tall buildings in Boston.

On Hanover St. the wind died down as we had some protection from the buildings. The street was busy as usual with cars parked along both sides, cars traveling down the street and a lot of pedestrian traffic. As we walked toward Fiore’s you could see some of the other well known restaurants and other stores.

Since we were early we waited outside for others to arrive and then after a while went in side. Jim had called ahead and made reservations and we were all seated at a long table near the window on the street side. The others started to arrive and eventually we had ten Romeos in attendance. They were Joe Lapiana, Paul Girard, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Loducca, Nick Zimopoulus, Jim Kearns, Joe Pignatiello, Steve Winter, Ed Deschuytner and Mark Ryan.

The waiter asked for drink orders and we ordered some bottles of house wine to share. He then took our meal orders and most made a choice from the Restaurant Week menu. This was a three course meal with either soup or brochette first. Then the entrée or second course was either a chicken stuffed with goat cheese and potatoes or a spinach mixed with calamari and mussels. The last course was a dessert of cannoli or tiramisu.

The meals came quickly and although the portions were small they were delicious. We then finished off the meal with dessert and coffee.

During and after the meal the conversation was lively as people talked in groups across the long table. It was hard hearing everything said at the far end of the table. Nick T. joined the group invited by Joe P. Nick use to be Science Director at Lexington then moved to New York and is now involved with some program in Europe. His wife still teaches at Lexington. Joe P. asked about Joe Balsama. Jim T. said that Joe B. would like to attend the lunches but his wife had a medical appointment o Wednesdays.

Mark Ryan showed his new published book called “Adventures of the Romeo Gang – Vol. One”. It is a collection of ten different short stories involving the fictitious Romeos and their mis-adventures. You can order it at http://www.lulu.com/ . Select “buy” and then type in “Mark Ryan”. You will see three books by me. One is a single story and the other two are compilations of ten stories. One is in magazine format (8.5”x11”) and the other is in pocket book format (4”x6”).

The conversation then dealt with MTRS retirement and people getting credit for work in government related projects or than teaching to add to your years of service. Ed D. explained some of the legalities of years of service.

Joe Lapiana talked about attending a concert in Melrose to hear the Melrose Philharmonic. He said the tickets were only $28 and the program was excellent. The conductor explained each musical piece and it was very entertaining. He also said there are several excellent restaurants in downtown Melrose to choose from.

Jim T. then said he belongs to Restuarants.com where he gets 20% discount on selected restaurants. Joe Lap. said there are some magazines that do the same. Mark R. said that they use to sell booklets in school that would give you coupons for dinner with second meal free.

There were other conversations that we all enjoyed and before you knew it, two hours passed and it was time to pay the bill. As always Ed D. figured everyone’s share and we all said are goodbyes until next time.

As we left the restaurant a few of us went over to Mike’s Pastry Shop and bought some dessert to take home. You can’t beet the delicious sweets from this shop. Latter we stopped at the oldest grocery store in the North End and Joe Lod. wanted to buy some salted chick peas that he enjoyed as a young boy.

It was still quite windy and we walked over to North Station to get the 3:10 train. We got there 20 minutes early and set in the waiting area. Joe Lap. talked about his art work and the studio he rents with some other men in Lowell. He said he really enjoys the camaraderie and also all the painting tips he picks up from the other artists. Joe Lod. said that he also use to paint and did mostly pencil drawings. Mark R. said he paints also in acrylics and does mostly tole painting on mailboxes, glass and furniture.

At 3:10 we boarded the train north and set in the front car. As we passed different stations you could see a lot of graffiti and a lot of trash on the tracks. Joe Lod. said it’s the same even in Europe (Rome and Athens). We also talked about salmon fishing in Alaska and the old DDE money we use to get in school to help pay for teacher workshops. Later we talked about swimming as young child in Medford, Cambridge and Chelsea.

In a short time we arrived in Wilmington and I got off. The others went on to Lowell. We all said bye until next time. It certainly is great sharing stories with people from your own generation who can appreciate all the good and bad times and know that we survived it all. You often wonder, is the world better today or is it just easier to think about the “good old days”?

Comments Welcome email : markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 2-24-10

The Romeo gang met again for lunch this month at Grassfields Restaurant in Danvers on Rte 114. The restaurant used to be called Nick & Tony’s Salt Water Grill and is still run by the same guys but all newly redecorated inside and serving both Italian and American food. The lunch prices are reasonable and average $7.95 for an entrée.

It was raining pretty heavy but at least it wasn’t snow on the coast. However, there was snow more inland and the weather did prevent some Romeos from attending. Those in attendance were Jim Kearns, Jack Tweedie, Jim Terlizzi, Ed DeShuytner, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Lapiana, Mark Ryan, and Paul Girard.

We all got there about noon and the waiter who was a past student of Jim T. took orders for drinks which were mostly beer, martinis, wine and soda. We then placed out food orders and in a short time they arrived. Some ordered Steak Tips, Chicken Teriyaki, and some combos of Steak Tips and Scallops and some salads. The food was very good and cooked just right.

The conversation as usual was lively and spanned a variety of topics. I talked with Joe L. about the Periodic Table website he sent out by email. It was quite interesting and you could use a sliding ruler to see which elements changed to solid, liquid or gas at different temperatures. Jack T. got his JP license and has booked his first clients to marry next month at a very simple ceremony.

Mark talked about his Short Stories Blog and the Brink’s Robbery. The money was never found although the thieves were all arrested and sent to jail for other crimes they had committed. Mark also talked about spending some time in Mississippi in the 1980s at the University of Southern Mississippi teaching chemistry to elementary teachers. The people there were very hospitable and I visited some of their homes on weekends. The homes were beautiful, made of brick mostly and cost about a third of the price of homes around Boston.

Joe P. is still skiing this winter and helps at the ski school at Watchusetts Mt. Jim T. also talked about doing some skiing out west. The NSSSA group planning meeting was mentioned and most said they would probably only attend the April Dinner meeting.

Joe L. talked about watching the TV show “Two and a Half Men” with Charlie Sheen and Charlie going into rehab again. The conversation then switched to Tiger Woods and his dilemma.

We then talked about the Senate Election of Scott Brown and how the Democrats are having a difficult time passing any legislation where the Republicans continue to veto everything not theirs. The new credit card charges were then discussed regards how they can charge you for not having sufficient activity on your card. Jim K. then said that a lot of things on the Internet aren’t true especially political info and that people making these statements should check out their validity first. Especially those taken out of context or part of emails circulated months ago. You can check whether statements are true at the web site FactCheck.org .

Jim K. then talked about getting unlimited online movies from Netflix and playing them directly to your TV if you have a Blue Ray DVD Player. Paul G. compared the HD TV to the regular stations and said the quality of regular is quite poor on the new flat screen TVs compared to the old TV sets he had. Then there was a discussion of getting Verizon Fios, Comcast of Dish TV. Jim K. said that he is stuck with Comcast because Boston won’t let Verizon into that city. Other towns also only have one cable provider.

Joe L. offered a new Japanese Restaurant in Woburn for next month’s lunch and Paul G. asked Jim K. if it was restaurant week in Boston. Jim T. is going to check it all out and let us know by email. Before you knew it, the time past quickly and it was now 2:30 PM and time to go.

You can see photos of the group at the link ......

http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo22410#

Comments … send email to markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 1-20-10

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

Romeo Lunch 12-16-09

The Romeo gang met this month at Burton’s Grill in North Andover on Rte 114. You can see info at the link …. http://www.burtonsgrill.com/ This is a slightly upscale restaurant catering to business from the area. It is just down the road from Merrimack College in a little mall. We all arrived about 12 noon and were seated a long table in the middle of the restaurant. Those in attendance were Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Jack Tweedie, Joe Loduca, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Lapiana, Ed Deshuytner, Mark Ryan, Joe Balsama, and Peter Gabriel.

There were a few empty tables and booths when we first arrived but they soon filled up. You would think there would be less people eating out during a down economy but this place was hoping. There were plenty of waiters and waitresses dressed in black pants with white shirts attending on all the tables. Our waitress took drink orders and we all were able to quench our thirsts with beers, sodas, water and margaritas. At the entrance to the restaurant there is a full service bar and large wine cooler on the left wall with see-through glass walls stocked with hundreds of wine bottles.

The waitress brought plenty of bread and seasoned butter to the table as she told us about the day’s specials and reviewed items on the menu. The lunch menu was not extensive but had several sandwiches and burgers listed for around $12.95, seafood stew $12.95 and Risotto of the day $13.95. Most ordered the Burton Burger and a few the Risotto and Stew. Everything was done just right and very tasty. After lunch we ordered some coffee and a couple of desserts to share around the table with extra spoons.

I was sitting in the middle of the long table with half the Romeos on my right and the other half on the left. Most of the time I could only hear those that were closest to me. It’s hard having conversation with a large group in a noisy place. I have gone for all those hearing tests but seem to be in a category where a hearing aid won’t help with the frequency of sounds that I miss. However, I am a good lip reader and make out what most people are saying.

Joe Loduca just returned from a cruise along the Mediterranean and thoroughly enjoyed the stops in Turkey and Greece and Italy. Joe Lapiana talked with Jack Tweedie about an upcoming breakfast for local Justices Peace. Joe Pignatiello thanked Joe Lapiana for letting him know about the theater shows at the Merrimac Theater in Lowell. Joe P. bought tickets for his daughter who always loves the arts. Joe Lapiana said he attended a performance in Melrose put on by the Melrose Philharmonic who had been performing for 92 years. He said it was a Christmas special and very inspiring.

Ed D, Joe Lap, Jim T. and Joe Lod. talked about the North End and the many Benevolent Societies and Churches there that took care of the people in the neighborhood. There was no welfare in the 1940s and 50s. Ed D. also talked about the great Molasses spill and fire near Christopher Columbus HS. When he went to school there in the 50s and 60s you could still smell the molasses. Joe Lap. said the elevated trains had a distinguishing feel to Boston but he is happy with the new look and especially the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

I also talked with Ed D. and Jim T. about my Short Stories Blog and the Adventurers of the Romeo Gang. It has been a lot of fun and I enjoy doing the research to make sure all the facts are correct and try to relate the stories to Romeo activities and current events to make them relevant.

Jack Tweedie talked with Mark Ryan and Joe Balsama about applying for a teaching job at a local HS. He would fill in for the rest of the year and teach honors chemisty classes. On second thoughts he turned it down realizing the everyday commitment, preparation, homework, correcting papers, etc. and likes the retirement life. Joe B. talked with Mark R. about spending the holidays at home and he and his wife cooked Turkey for Thanksgiving. Joe B. also passed out calendars from The Swampscott Historical Society which had weather data on each date and old historic pictures from the area.

The time went by quickly and it was 2 PM before we realized it. However, before we left, we decided on the next lunch date to be January 20th at the Mt. Vernon at the Ship in Lynnfield. You will get an email from Jim Terlizzi.

Although I did bring my camera, I forgot to take pictures of the group and only took one after we left of the restaurant outside. Mia Culpa. I was too occupied trying to hear what everyone was saying.

Comments always welcome. Send email to: markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 11-16-09

The Romeo gang met for lunch today at the Aegean Restaurant in Watertown, MA. You can see info and menu of the restaurant at the link … http://www.aegeanrestaurants.com/

You can also see photos of the group at the link ….
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch111609#

Those in attendance were Jack Tweedie, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Mark Ryan, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Balsama, Paul Girard, Jim Kearns, and Joe Lapiana.

The waitress took our orders for drinks which were beer on tap, martinis, soda and water. We also had baskets of bread, loaf and pita. We then looked at the lunch menu and most ordered some lamb dishes, combinations, or rack of lamb with rice, fries or roasted potatoes. We also got house salad with Feta cheese. Later, we ordered one dessert with spoons to share and cappuccino, decaf or regular coffee. The servings were plentiful and delicious.

As always the group talked about current events and made jokes and we all laughed.

The political race was one of the first topics and most said that Coakley was at the top of the polls with Capuano second. Pagliuca has a great war chest and is worth 700 million of his own money. He has a good platform for JOBS but hasn’t explained his plan yet. Capuano went to Somerville HS and was in classes with Jim Kearns when he was a student. He is smart but also abrasive but gets the job done. He has experience in politics as mayor of Somerville and congressman. Coakley has the women’s vote, has had her name in the paper as Attorney General, and is for health care but against paying for abortion. Nothing was said about Khazei

Jack T. and Joe Lapiana talked about their jobs as Justice Peace and how to create a good Web Site. They said the State Web Site needs to be overhauled. The last breakfast they attended could have been better prepared at $18 a head..

Mark and Jim talked about traveling in Europe. Using ATM cards rather than Traveler’s Checks. Jim mentioned that Joe Loduca was currently on a cruise to Turkey and Mediterranean. Jim also said that he would rather rent a car and travel around Europe than in a group. However, if he went to an Asian destination, he would go in a tour group.

Joe Balsama said he was going to a Historical Society meeting later tonight. I asked him about the vote on the new jail in Swampscott which was in the Boston Globe. He said the vote passed and they were going to build a new Police Department with jail facilities.

I said I saw some buildings on Trapella Rd. while driving in, the Fernal School and the National Archives. Joe Lapiana said that the Archives was a good place to go if you were doing genealogical research similar to Elis Island in New York and the Mormon Library in Utah.

I talked to Joe P. about skiing and asked if he was going to Wachusetts this year. He said he bought a seasonal ticket again and Joe Lapiana said he was going to go on a daily basis. Joe P. said his friend bought some skis for he and his wife which ran about $600 a piece which were quite expensive. I asked how much to rent skis and boots and Joe Lapiana said about $30 a day and pretty good quality.

Steve Winter said he had a solar hot water collector on his roof which has reduced his energy bill last year by $30 per month. He has to fill it with antifreeze (biodegradable) as the primary fluid which then heats the secondary system water. I said a lot of people in my town have put up Solar Electric Panels (ultra thin) which creates a lot of solar electricity that reduces their electric bills.

I talked with Paul about the mystery short stories that I am writing and said I was having a lot of fun doing it. It also keeps my mind active doing all the background research before I write the stories. I also said its pretty easy weaving the Romeo characters into the stories because they are such a colorful group with a lot of interests that I can tap into.

Before you knew it, the tie was 2:30 Pm and it was time to hit the road.

Before we left it was decided to go to a restaurant in North Andover on Dec. 16. Jim Terlizzi will send out emails.

Comments and suggestion are always welcome : email to markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 10-27-09

This month the Romeo gang met for lunch at Lucciano’s Restaurant in Londonderry, NH. The restaurant was suggested by Joe P. since he has family who live nearby. The drive up north was easy along Rte 93. You could see the foliage change as you drove further north. Along the way I saw a flock of geese heading south. Maybe they have the right idea. I arrived at the restaurant shortly before noon as others also arrived.

The Romeos present were: Peter Gabriel, Jim Terlizzi, Mark Ryan, Paul Girard, Joe LoDuca, Joe Lapiana, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Ed Deschytner, and Joe Balsama. You can see photos of the group at the link …… http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo102709?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-71LLijKKqeA#

We all strolled inside and sat at a long table against the wall. The waitress greeted us and took drink orders. Shortly after we read the menu and made our selections. You can see the menu and other info at the link ….. http://www.luccianos.com/. The lunch menu offered pasta dishes, calzones, paninis, pizza and subs at great prices.

Although this was the lunch menu, the portion sizes were huge and served on big dinner plates. Some of us also ordered garden salads that could have been a meal itself. Not only were the portions big but the food was just great. We all ate about half our meals and were just stuffed and brought the rest home in a foam cartons. Later, we had coffee and dessert and continued the conversation. The waitress brought extra spoons so we could share the dessert.

As always the conversation was great, funny and informative. We talked about the economy, job layoffs and the value of the dollar. Joe Lod. was going on a two week cruise to the Mediterranean. Jim T. said he was planning a seven day island cruise out of Miami for about $700, if anyone was interested.

The conversation shifted to current wages, health insurance, deductibles and medications. Is that what “old” people talk about? I said that I saw an ad for a social studies teacher in Wakefield with a salary range of $42,000 to $72,000. That seems pretty good these days. I also saw in a book that I am reading about current day Vietnam, that the average wage there was $300 a year. I know it is all relative but why is there such a contrast? I sure am glad to be retired but hope that the cost of living doesn’t out strip my pension. I hope I can afford buying a gallon of milk a hundred years from now. Ha Ha.

I talked with Paul G. about getting ice cream at Richardson in Middleton where people also stopped to buy gallons of milk. Paul said the West Lynn Creamery was also a good place but recently changed names. Joe Lap. said he saw the new name but couldn’t think of it. Joe B. said he knew but had a brain freeze. Fifteen minutes later Joe B. said that Garelic Farms bought up the West Lynn Creamery. As you can see, the conversations get real intellectual, the older you get.

Later, suggestions were asked for next month’s lunch. Joe B. suggested a Greek restaurant in Waltham, MA called the Athenia. Jim T. will send out info later.

Comments and suggestion are welcome. Email to markryan82@comcast.net