Our meeting place at McDonald's
Thornleigh, everyone arrived on time and at 9:15am (we are getting better!)
our north bound convoy, was on its way, with our cars and Blue uniforms
attracting all the usual attention!
Along the way, we had a slight hiccup with one vehicle. The expertise of Nat Stillone was put to work. The comradery from club members was superb, with many assisting on the roadside
(along with expert opinions!)...After much R & D, a faulty radiator cap (an original!?) was found to be the cause!
Our arrival at Pangallo saw owners
Mick & Lyn Pangallo, offer wonderfully, locally produced, marinated olives
(with just the right mix of herbs & Chilli), locally produced olive oil complete with dipping bread and wine on offer for visitors from IMSMC.
Without further ado, the troops began
to "present their esky's"...within moments tables were full of the
finest Italian cuisine including, dips, cheeses, home made salami, signature
wines ( and even a couscous salad?).
The BBQ plate was at perfect
temperature! Charlie Losinno, Andy Mendes Lopes, Sandy Stillone, Lino
De Iulio putting their MKR skills to work, while Maria Losinno &
Oriana De Iulio, prepared the bread rolls and trays, ready to feed the troops!
Meanwhile the rest of us found ourselves sampling each others gourmet appetisers!
Before long the cooks had excelled
, The Bbq was ready to serve! ....(and it all disappeared!)... Our
cars would travel much lighter for the return trip home.
Barrista Leo Di Rocco prepared
coffees for everyone, while Mick & Lyn offered a locally produced additive
as a "digestivo".
The afternoon progressed with
servings of fruit & a variety of homemade cakes. Later, many IMSMCists
walked the olive grove and picked their own olives (we look forward to sampling
the outcome). For the remainder of the afternoon, conversation was abundant,
while our "youngies" ( and some of our daring young at heart), enjoyed tours of the Olive grove on quad bikes!
Another wonderful day in the company
of wonderful people, is a quote from one member which is echoed by all that
attended!