Trying to capture how I feel when we get together is like trying to compose the perfect sentence in class when asked to write about your favorite things or what you did last summer. So instead of trying to come up with something snazzy I am just going to say this… Old friends like old stories must be visited from time to time if not you begin to overlook some of the joy. With that said this chapter includes not only old friends but family members that get together after many years of distance and time. Hope you enjoy the pictures and feel free to send more for me to post.
After receiving a picture of Paul (Jr.) Mistretta and his wife Eunice I felt it would be interesting to see how many of the people in the book may contribute a picture and caption as to what and where they are today in the year 2014.
The pictures, events, or captions will not be presented in any order other than when I was able to get them and post them.
Paul and Eunice Mistretta 50th Anniversary
Congratulations!
Cuginos get together May 2014…
Janet & Steve, Chuck & Sandy, Bobby, Carol & Gladys – Danny took the picture. Since this time we get together and share many of our experiences and enjoy the gatherings.
A 50+ year reunion! 6/6/14
A 50+ year reunion takes place at Fred’s Market in Riverview. Part of the “Ole Gang” aka “The Lake Ann Aquaholics” or the “Riverrats” meet after a call from Tommy Watson wanting to get together. Many of those here are noted in the book. From left to right Dennis, Johnny, Michael, Skippy and Tommy. Thanks for the memories!
We continue to meet monthly and the group has grown, but getting everyone together each time has been difficult, so will post pictures at different times in order to get everyone in. Starting from the back left side: Skippy, Jim, Susan, Barry, Victor, Jerry, Johnny and Tommy. 2-6-15 We have our gatherings at Rick’s on the River which is across the street from where we grew up.
Since the first meeting in Riverview our group has grown and we have selected our old name: “Riverrats” which is appropriate as all of our activities revolved around the river when we were growing up. Here we are( 11-7-14) along the side of the Hillsborough River at Rick’s on the River only across the street from where we grew up and played as if things had not changed but we all know much better.
From Left to back are: Victor, Michael, Albert (Skippy), and Richard.
From Right to back are: Barry, Johnny (The Cuban), Jim, Glen (Doc), and Tommy (Mr. Brandon). Photograph by Dennis (Danny) Everyone had a great time and looks forward to the next important get-together!
As gatherings happen I hope to continue to post some of our activities and perhaps share some of the stories from time to time.
In March 2015 the River Rats overrun the Conch Republic in North Redington Beach, FL. We find ourselves still going strong after so many years of friendship. A friendship that time will not be able to destroy. As is the norm some were able to cross the bay and others will wait out until the next gathering. We discuss them and know they are still with us. Stories continue, perhaps even become more intense, larger than life, and sometimes unbelievable and sometimes “did we do that”, but in the nature of all good Rats we endure and each story is enjoyed even if we tell it over and over again……..