[Trubmeisters] Hoppy New Year! (Or Anarchy Rules!)
Date: 2004-01-13 07:59

We had our January meeting in combination with Brian and Betty's wedding
anniversary.  This has become a traditional event now that it is in it's
third year.  (Or is it fourth?)  Thank you both for letting us destroy
your very nice home.  The tour and demo of the upstairs bedroom and Nest
was very entertaining.  We had no new members this month that I recall
of.

The crowd was small for a January.  Not sure if it was confusion over
the date, or the fact that Betty (aka Secretary of Whine) no longer
welds ultimate power over the fate in each of our lives.  President
George didn't show up either, so that may mean he is abdicating his
throne.  We are now officially in Anarchy.  God Save The Beer!

Speaking of beer ... The Hopkins (Paul and Linda) brought a 6-pack of
beer.  One was a 6 year old brew that was amazingly stable.  I would
never have guessed it was that old.  There were a few commercial beers
also.  And of course, Brian had a freezer full of beer.  The Bells
Double Cream Stout was my favorite.  Every time I drink Bells, it brings
back fond memories of when their brewer tattooed my wife's left breast. 
Mmmmm..  Life's joyful memories.

We had plenty of whine also.  There were about 6 different bottles.  The
only keg not in the freezer was full of whine.  No one brought any mead
this time.  Someone is slacking off here.

The food was fantastic as usual.  The minor case of botulism the next
day was almost un-noticeable.  ;-)  We enjoyed some great little
meatballs in bbq sauce.  There was a beef and potato stew with carrots
and wonderful gravy.  Kim brought a chicken and potato casserole.  I
even liked it considering how much I despise all types of fowl tasting
things.  Someone brought a spinach dip and bread.  There was some dip,
chips, and olives that were munched on all evening.  Some late comers
brought bean dip and more chips.  And finally, the last thing to show up
was little miniature wieners wrapped in teeny blankets in honor of
Brian.  For dessert, there was a coconut and chocolate cake, brownies
(my favorite) cheese cake, and some cream filled chocolate coated
candies.

Someone brought Betty a bouquet of flowers.  They looked a lot like a
handful of fireworks.  Steve wanted to light them off, but he was held
back.  We had to keep a close eye on him to make sure he didn't get them
going.  The police were very nice this year.  When she showed up, she
set her boom box down and started right in for the show.  But if you
weren't there, you don't get to know what else happened.

Speaking of the lurkers ... We had a long debate about all of you.
Isn't it nice to know we talk about each of you when you aren't there?
Anyhow, we decided that all attempts to lure you to meetings are futile.
If you want to go, you will, but if you don't there is nothing else we
can do.  Then again, a bunch of drunks probably used a few more colorful
words in their description.  Things closer to "Screw Them" would be more
accurate.

So what brought out this long discussion (aka debate / argument)?  There
was a recent discussion of taking things to private email instead of
making it a group discussion.  You would not believe the split on this. 
Both sides are adamant their opinion is more acceptable than the other
side.  You know what I say?  Screw Them All!  ;-)  Write what ever you
like to who ever you like.  If you want to embarrass yourself in front
of 60 people, feel free to do so.

There was a raffle of candles and books Betty had made.  Well, not the
book.  (I don't think she wrote it!)   I saw a couple of beer glasses
and a wine glass too.  Some stirring sticks were in the goodie pile too.
The same people who always win, won again.  Seems like George's name was
called, and he wasn't even there!  I think these raffles are rigged.

Over all, it was a quiet evening.  The women collected in the kitchen
where they belong, and the men collected in front of the TV where they
belong.  Those who are unsure of their gender kind of hung out in
between the two rooms.  We left after 1 AM.  These weekend meetings are
nice when you don't have to go to work early in the morning.

Enough for this month.  See you all next month at Rick's place.  Back to
the first Thursday of each month.

A Good Beer To All, And To All A Good Beer!


Jeff Kane