Items From 2006 Gatherings: December '06 -- Randy? Merry Christmas.... November '06 -- Mark "stole" the month from Ron, but it was OK with everyone. Mark thought that a nice, centralized location would help attendance, so he hosted at Roosevelt's Billiards Bar & Grill on Orchard Lake in Farmington Hills, on Wednesday the 29th (after Thanksgiving). in his words, "I was just there last Friday and they make a mean Irish Car Bomb!!" In a welcome bit of serendipity, another social gathering of LDMI employees were there, as well as some other folk we knew, making the attendance list quite long, but making it a great time. Our service was top-notch, and even when it wasn't, our server owned up to it (the pizza!). I had a great time, and it seemes as though everyone else did too. Mark took pics, we'll hold our breath waiting for them. ;) Anyway, if you're not on this attendance list, let me know.. ther were so many people...: Scott K., Phil J., Tim R., Randy, Jeremy, Ron, Barry, Mark, Judy, Paul C., Mike S. ("sociopathic pacifier", right Mike?)... and others... October '06 -- Barry pitched a party at his house. Saturday, October 28th. Let me just say that Barry is one of the most gracious and generous party hosts I've had the please of dealing with. We had BBQ food, all kinds of extras, some special sippings of a rare and unique tequilla, and more. Cigars, people, food, and... honey? Trust me, the honey is amazing... ;) September '06 -- No September gathering. August '06 -- Marina outing Here's the email from Randy: -- From the coastal city of Ypsilanti, news from Randy: I have gotten a lot of feed back and have decided it best to move the Cigar outing to Saturday, August 5th - still at the marina at Toledo Beach (map). July was just too packed with folks on vacation. Hope all can make it that responed to the July 29th date. (you too Bob). July '06 -- No july gathering. June '06 -- Here's the notice we got from Patrick: "I'll be in town the week of June 26th. I've got jury duty and if I show up smelling like a cigar, I have half a chance of getting out of it!" Well. he got out of it, and we had a great time. Like most of our gatherings, we talked, ate, smoked, and drank, and just celebrated life, and the moment. The gathering was Tuesday the 27th, at Ginopolis (see http://www.ginopolis.com/ for details). We were served by the same wonderful server as last year as well (see pics when I get them). Mark and Patrick both took pictures, so I'll post them later. Officially in attendance: Mark, Jeremy, Scott S., Patrick, Barry, LouAnn, Jason C., Khalaf H., and special guest appearances by Bill Bonds and Mike Ilitch. ...oh, and contrary to popular belief, Ron was there, too! ;) Just kidding, sorry Ron! Here are the pics from our man Mark... Blurry Jeremy Ron, Patrick; Distracted Ron, Patrick; Attentive Scott Barry, Louann Barry, Louann; Posed Jeremy 2 Blurry Bill Bonds Waitress' Tattoo May '06 -- No May gathering. April '06 -- No April gathering. March '06 -- Jeremy decided to take it easy, and be a little less adventurous than originally planned. This month's gathering was at the Copper Canyon Brewery Restaraunt in Southfield, Friday March 31st. As it turned out, Mark W. picked up the tab after we all ate, drank, and smoked to our heart's content! Thanks to all who showed up, as it was far too many to list. That's what happens when I plan a gathering so close to the company HQ on a day -- and at a place -- that the sales group is celebrating... something... ;) February '06 -- No February gathering. January '06 -- Now that Patrick is only in town on Fridays, this being Patrick's gathering, it was our first non-summer Friday gathering in a while. For simplicity and centralization's sake, he called us to Piston's Hoops Grill in Southfield on Friday, January 27th. Fortunately, the service was a little better this time (thanks Ebony!), and the food was slightly better as well. The prices were still high, though... but hell, so what. We had a good time like we always do. And Mark got a new job! He shared the news with us, and there was much rejoicing. Thanks to Bob for picking up a round! Officially in attendance this night: Barry, Randy, Patrick, Mike U., Jeremy, Marty, LouAnn, Ron, Mark, and Judy. The only pics taken were just before the "closers" left, on Patrick's camera phone. I'll post 'em when I get 'em...