Official Minutes - HVBS Meeting on Wednesday July 22, 2009.
Our fourth HVBS meeting of 2009 was held at our new "Meeting Central" at Deliberator's house. Geronimo journeyed up from our Southern periphery, negotiated the new Curry Road roundabout flawlessly despite a challenge at the circle. Shadow, picking up PC Wiz, proceeded to the local Subway shop where they purchased sufficient food to sustain our traditional energetic discussions. Upon arriving shortly after Geronimo, we found that Deliberator has undertaken extensive arrangements for the meeting. The coffee was on, wine glasses, paper plates and flatware provided and seating arrangements planned.
Members then quizzed our ailing compatriot on his oxygen generator and storage tanks. The impressive generator (a little larger than a dehumidifier) has 40 feet of tubing which allows quite a bit of flexibility - from kitchen to bathroom. A National Grid transmission station failure resulted in a 6 hour blackout at Deliberator's. Being on an emergency call list he received two calls to make sure all was well. PC Wiz also lost power, but in two separate failures.
Seating ourselves at the table with Deliberator, PC Wiz passed out the subs while Shadow opened the bottle of wine he brought from his vast wine cellar and Geronimo invited members to partake of the exceptional Belgian beer he had brought. Deliberator had a turkey breast sub, PC Wiz and Geronimo an Italian cold-cut sub while Shadow, to be different, had opted for a flat-bread sub. HVBS members agreed that the sandwiches and chips were fine. While enjoying the repast, Geronimo took out a sheaf of papers and proceeded to read us a series of rib-tickling jokes. Shadow actually remembered some of the best and recounted them to Associate Member Shirley.
When we arrived, Deliberator was watching the Yankee-Baltimore (4-0!) game and we got periodic updates as the game progressed. Concerning the players, Geronimo stated that Mark Teixeira's performance had "surprised " him while Deliberator opined that Jose Molina was a good catcher while Jorge Posada was an average catcher. Designated hitter Hideki Matsui was praised for his performance and members recounted his game-winning "walk-off" home run where he received a cream pie in the face at home plate. Shadow stated that it is a practice in these situations. Geronimo then brought us to the Michael Vick case where he has been re-instated in the League. Members varied on his future in football but Shadow strongly felt that the Pete Rose sentence should be re-visited and corrected. He had not bet on his team and certainly had the record for the Hall of Fame. PC Wiz commented that this was related to the Black Sox scandal and organized baseball was afraid to make any changes.
It was now time for coffee and Deliberator had the Maxwell House ready to pour. Associate Member Shirley had baked a cherry pie, as promised. Shadow related how he had "strapped it in" on the floor to prevent damage. HVBS members were unanimous in praising the pie - PC Wiz found the pit (always one) in his slice. Ryan stopped by for a moment. He is working at the Western Turnpike Grill where they have a fine golf course. Son Danny, so far, has had no luck in finding a new position. Shadow informed us that he had given up his expensive lawn service. His beautiful lawn has quickly reverted to weeds. Geronimo felt that a strong lawn suppresses crab grass and recommended pre-emergent treatment. Deliberator has his lawn treated for grubs at great expense.
Geronimo
stated that he does not want to do any more yard work but has to keep his snowblower to make a path for Mandy. He also said assisted living looks more appealing as time goes on. PC Wiz commented that it is harder to do physical work every year and is very thankful for his riding mower. Shadow and PC Wiz mentioned that they were going to drive to the coming wedding ceremony of Russ's stepdaughter Stephanie going via the Cape May Ferry. Geronimo informed us that the projected visit to Chaco's parents in Japan has been canceled due to the job situation. Boston Acoustics has eliminated their research division.
Shadow
brought up the matter of a friendly letter to Ginny and Pat Bradley of the Hoffman House to tell them about our situation. PC Wiz showed members a draft of the letter and sending it was unanimously approved. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator then proposed Wednesday September 9, 2009 at 11:30 AM for our next meeting at his house. Members ratified the proposal and we adjourned.
Thanks to Deliberator and Geronimo for their review of the preliminary minutes.
