I just returned home from today's MMMM, and as legend insists - thoroughly bombed, drew the above graphic using Windows "Paint", set up the format, edited, and installed the photos, and wrote the captions. The publication program isn't a program, but home-brew HTML. Now...that ain't bad for a retired Merchant Mariner ( 12 years ). You might say it's a labor of love, but it's pure madness contracted during the past one-and-a-half-hours with a half-dozen other geezers in their second-childhood.
I am compelled to complete this task before all this mad euphoria wears off, and I ( as legend again insists ) sober up, and change my mind. I proof read it myself several times, and then let it sit for another day before sending it to the server. This I have to do if I want to include the "minutes" as taken by our esteemed "secretary" ( and chauffer ) - Captain Ed.
Ed sits more, or less central to all that's being said, so it's to him we give this important job, but it's his dilly-dallying after he gets home that takes him forever to decipher, and compose his notes. Getting them off to me is another matter, as he has to remember how to access his email program. Eventually, he does manage to send it out, and then I, ( here's some more legend ) without the benefit of the day before glow, have to place it in the newsbrief. To edit, and read his report is just too much for me in a sober condition, ( more legend ) so I just stick it in as is. So...what starts out as a silly endeavour, really gets absurd. No legend there.
However, this edition with its content being a departure from the former nonsense of photos of us over, and over, and photos of cake, and food, does make me feel rather glad we have the newsbrief. Maybe things might start getting more interesting, like forming a baseball team.
Ed.

...so dubs this photo by Gene, the proud Great Grand Pa of Matthew. He goes on to add:
Here is a picture taken by Roni with her 35mm camera and photographed with my digital camera since no scanner available at this time. Roni is a great photographer. When she gets her digital camera (next week) she will be unstoppable.
73
Gene

You can be sure of that Gene. By the way folks, Roni is Gene's daughter. Roni, and her significant other - Stewart graced our table at the MMMM at one time.
Congrats from the MMMM group to the must be proud Mother and Father Arielle and Jonathan. This is their first child and Gene's first Greatgrandchild. Ed.

Switching to Mindspring? Tell them SLOWBELL sent you.

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The MMMM meets at 1130 every monday in the Captains Grill at the Holiday Inn in Cocoa Beach Florida, and is open to all - mariner or not. All are welcome who have a need for telling sea-stories, good company, and good food. There are no formalities, nor membership requirements. Take nothing seriously, nor believe anything you hear. Seating is by tenure, especially the chair nearest the bulkhead facing inboard. The meeting adjourns around 1300 for no reason whatsoever.
Your newsletter, Balmy Breezers, is published by, and for members of the MMMM on a weakly basis. This publication exists to inform, and entertain those interested in keeping abreast of the latest scuttlebutt.
Articles contained herein may be reprinted by other publications provided definitive written credit is given.
The mail address is as shown in the masthead. Delivery is by Internet shortly after each meeting.
Members are urged to submit material to the editor for inclusion in this newsletter, otherwise it will fizzle out toot-sweet.