HUNGRY GERALD

A wonderful  Rhody visit  from Bruce Maguire and Tracy Parsons. HG thinks of Bruce as HG’s “Irish Son”. Bruce was fresh out of college some 45 years ago when HG hired him as a trainee at Gerald Freeman, Inc. (name later changed to “Freeman Public Relations”). Bruce soon became invaluable as a publicist (specializing in the toy industry); financial and pension fund manager; bringing the company into the computer and online age. He also did the disagreeable tasks of firing and enforcing personal hygiene rules. He has continued as owner and CEO of Freeman Public Relations and has outstripped HG in leadership and business acumen. An outstanding success. The visit was the first time HG/BSK met Tracy, Bruce’s loving companion. A lovely, handsome woman (Bruce also looks much younger than his years). Tracy is owner and design director of Parsons Cabinetry, headquartered in Upper Montclair, NJ. (Freeman PR is in Fairfield, NJ). Parsons Cabinetry, founded 36 years ago, specializes in high end custom cabinetry and millwork. Bruce is teetotal and Tracy is not–she brought two splendid  wines and Bruce gave HG bottles of non-alcoholic Phony Negroni, a tasty substitute for an alcoholic cocktail. Dinner began with prosciutto and fig appetizers plus toasts topped with halibut salad, Main dish was BSK’s delicious Barcelona stew of cod, potatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs (a pungent bowl of rouille enhanced it). Key lime pie for dessert. HG drank much Napa Valley red wine (Tracy gift) and it was sublime. Yes, fabulous dinner and reunion. Want a repeat.