PALS MEETING

6-27-03

Present: Joan, Heidi, Denise, Lisa, and Mariana

The first meeting of summer – temperature great and the scent of flowers in the air, talk of Summerfest and upcoming vacations. But a dark cloud loomed overhead, figuratively and literally. We began the meeting outdoors, and tried our best to stay out but the umbrella could not keep us dry, or would not save us from the lightening. So we moved the meeting indoors until the threatening weather ended. The beers were varied, none too dark (which is surprising for me) but all ales. The samples were very drinkable indeed and our ratings were very similar – hmmm, wonder what that means?

Our usual creative juices were flowing and Joan was developing a new "shorthand" for speaking. By the way, I think this is a fabulous idea – why waste time…we have so much to talk about! Anyways, she combined "cute" and "cool" to create "cout". And instead of "Good job, Denise", it was "Ga-nise". So don’t be surprised if you hear this around town. I even tried it myself recently as "cup of coffee" became "cupee". Try it, you’ll like it!!

After the tasting and rating we moved back outside for a warm fire and friendly conversation. The literal dark cloud had past, the figurative one was here to stay as Heidi and Jan were facing the impending loss of their father. These times are so difficult to bear, and our hope is that we can be supportive to comfort them, and offer prayers of peace for Zeke’s spirit. Zeke has passed since then, and we all extend heartfelt sympathy to Jan and Heidi and their families.

We will meet again, and we will be together, as that is good when times are bad.

Next meeting – July 19^th, Saturday, at 6:00pm

HOST – DENISE

This meeting will take the place of a boat tour of the riverfront microbreweries that we had planned…that didn’t work out. So we will meet with the guys and will drink the homemade beer. Lisa and Rick say it is ready now and we are anxious to try it.

Respectfully submitted,
Mariana