Mon morn after a strenous weekend of riding across the lawn with his John Deere and navigating the Indian River on his cabin cruiser, Ed was on the PC, on game 16,522 out of 32,000 free cell combos, the air was shattered with the shrill sound of the telephone O/A 0930.

Carl with plaintive voice, "oh hi Ed" continuing with how Ed was doing, wondering if Ed was going to attend MMMM. Ed answered in the affirmitive, sayin he would pick Carl up to drive him in. Carl's voice rose to falsetto plainly relieved knowing that several heave arounds were on the horizon.

Ed drove up to Carl's house shortly after 1100 finding Carl pacing the driveway cigarette in in a cloud of smoke. The smoke clearing, Carl finding handle, boarded Ed's Jimmy. On the way to Capt's Grill, they discussed the engineers & radio operators, a necessayer evil, which both could have done their job as well as being the capt.

O/A 1135 arrived Capt's Grill finding Gary, Earl, Bill V, Dick sitting at the decorated table, in green bows & candy which Diane so lovelying for her charges. As usual Carl hardly seated, had a heave around in his hand with a large gulp. By the way the green was for upcoming St. Pats Day.

Gene arrived a few minutes late, standing at head of table,demanded alls attention, whereupon announced he is great grandfather, a bouncing boy 8lb10oz, also saying all the lunches are on him in lieu of the usual cigar. Earl got so excited over a free meal he almost spilled his soup. Bobbi arrived a few minutes later, Carl wanting her to sit next to him. Ed would not give up the chair supporting his leg so Bobbi settled on other side of Ed.

The political subject came up Carl & Ed predicting Gore will win, Earl opposing saying there is to much money & high influence in Bush's camp. Ed conducted a straw vote, showing Bush 5 to 3 favored over Gore. Let it be known Ed is totally in favor of Bush. The White House has to return to class & integerty.

Carl kidding Gene about belonging to GARC Gay Amateur Radio Club, Gene as Pres. Bobbi announced her 26 ft sailboat was for sale, which Ed remembered it was for sale 15 yrs ago.

The subject of gambling came up, Earl claiming Las Vegas & all gambling boats were cheats Carl abruptly hollering for Diane to bring another heave aroundn needed much to assist him in putting up with the gang, as if he needed an excuse, of course all tolerated his outburst seeing him fondling his glass. Further proof what a great service Ed is doing chauferring him around. Thank goodness there's only one meeting a week or he would be soused.

About an hour into the meeting bosun Bill Z walked in, chairs had to be moved so he could get bulk in & around the table. Bill made the announcement the MSC Retirees reunion will be held in New Oeleans Sept 8,9,10. Hopefully this will be the last change.

Gary who was 3rd class fireman on USS Enterprise, navy aircraft carrier, told how he commanded the vessel. The vessel is still afloat. Gary also gave all a blow by blow account of Playalinda beach, its nudies etc.

Carl & Earl got into an argument over gold in Fort Knox, Earl sayin none Carl otherwise. Who the heck cares. Again Carl pleaded with Diane to hurry up with another heave around to keep up his strength keeping Earl properly informed.

Interestingly Carl came up with a sea story telling of a nurse on the Redstone flashing a helicopter hovering over the vessel When MMMM (Monday Morning Mariners Meeting) started it was all sea stories now its about the dam Pc and other sundries.

Throughout the variety of subjects Dick tried to laugh & cry at the right time, which of course was difficult because he wont amplify the hearing aids.

To show how things deteriorate, Carl took pictures of all the plates of food consumed. Ed had a problem as it was always his picture every one wanted to take. The group will be sorry when a plate of food comes up on internet instead of handsome Ed. Incidentally hardly anyone took notice of Ed sans beard & mustache.

The meeting finally closed later than usual, as it seemed all was reluctant to say goodbye and get underway.

All give it hell, have faith, be happy