Has it really been six years since we started this crazy thing called "We will always have Toledo?" It seems like just yesterday that we gathered for the first time at the Inn at the Ass-End of the World to drink fine wine, eat great food and chant in the pool. Now, only a few of us go near the water, but there's still food and wine aplenty and the company is outstanding. Over the years, the core group of this crew has gotten to be family, so the last weekend in February really is more about the people than the wine, but that doesn't stop us from imbibing a libation or three.

In order to give some semblance of thematic focus to the weekend, it was suggested the wines from years ending in 5 and 0 be uncorked, and some folks actually held to that, but the anti-theme rebels in our midst strayed into odd vintages of all sorts, so chaos ruled. Fortunately, this bunch operates well under such conditions, so we were no worse for the bedlam.

It was mostly the usual suspects, with a few interchangeable characters in attendance. Veterans such as the Meehans, Gillikins, Paumens, Blackwoods, McClellan - Faunce, Chris Gross aka Chairman Moe (sans Cathy, who was under the weather), Tim Thomas, Bob Graeter, Mark Horvatich, Chris Shearer, Kim Adams and this taster were once again on hand to make merry, but poor Alan Kerr aka Canadian Zinfan was notable in his absinth.

Also on hand were Mark Criden, David Nelson, Dennis "Pongo" Jordan (left, with Norma Paumen) and Mike Lawton, the latter two of whom were back after a four - year hiatus.

This year, we got things started in the Stooge Lounge, hosted by Larry and Mary Meehan.