"Puttin' On The Ritz"

So...here we are. As usual, and without any ill effects from the Y2K hoopla, the MMMMers made their dignified, and orderly entrance into the Captain's Grill. Leading the procession - the Chief Sniffer - Dick, checking out the soups of the day. With subtle "hmmms", and quiet comment, each one makes his own evaluation. Then a review of the Salad Bar, Main Course, etc, each getting the same inspection, and critique. After token approval of the fare, the entourage acknowledges the staff, anxiously awaiting, and standing by their stations. Ordinarily it's Capn Ed who breaks the silence with: "Hi Darlin"...and the fun begins. What moments before was a quiet ordinary restaurant, is now a lively, noisy joint similar to a Bavarian Beer Cellar. Of course this can't be helped, what with some of us deaf, and the others used to talking on bridge wings in full gales, or in engine rooms.

WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR

Take note "WISHES", not resolutions...we're a perfect bunch. Our wishes are pretty simple...not anything that we didn't have before. Number One on the Wish List is for the return of the Ice Cream Machine. We sure enjoyed that machine, and the fixin's we could garnish the ice cream with. It was very civilized. Number Two is for the return of the "pour yourself a snort" feature that made the place unique. That of course is just not going to happen because as we understand it, some lawyer had to point out the liabilities facing the establishment if someone abused it, and got in an accident. Number Three is sincere....We wish we could attract more members.

Switching to Mindspring? Tell them SLOWBELL sent you.

Hey! We're a lively bunch. There's never a dull moment. The hour, and a half, or so goes by in the blink of an eye. The price is right, the atmosphere bright, and cheerful. It's a newly furbished joint! We know of some us who sit facing the wall, chompin' at the bit to join former ship mates, but in their masochistic mind-set just want to be miserable. Break those chains, and come join us....It's later than you think. Bring along those sea stories stored for years in your dome. Open up...here's your chance to sqawk, You don't have any more responsibility for ship, equipment, or people...become a kid again! Bring a friend, bring the wife ( if she can stand a rehash of all those old stories ). If any of you online reading this know of a poor soul out there that needs camaraderie, and lives in the area - give 'em a heads-up.
This meeting adjourned without any recording of what was said...there was just too much of it. See you at the MMMM

WHERE THE MMMM GOES FOR EAT

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them. Click "Back" to return.

View towards the Entrance. That's Laura, the cashier busy at work.

Below: View back towards Desert, and Soup section showing entire Buffet area.

The Desert, and Soup area - first on our inspection tour.

Below: View from North End over whole restaurant...that's us in the distance.

CURRENT SHOTS OUTSIDE CAPTAIN'S GRILL

Capn Ed in his new Mercedes SLK 250 Kompressor.

Below: Ed standing by his new toy.

Carlos getting Chauffered in style.

Below: Gary, Ed, Gene, Carl, and Earl posing by Ed's Kiddy-Kar

The Monday Morning Mariners' Meeting

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.