This year the Kuyas assembled for a quick and dirty reunion back in Cincinnati. Special salamats to Bruce "Zoot" Suits for all of the work putting the reunion together on short notice. As usual, a great time was had by all. We had new Kuyas show...very happy times with the arrivals of "Swede" Swanson and "Crash" Willis. Swede arrived in style in Rob White's Corvette from Pittsburgh. Crash arrived at the Cincinnati bus terminal on a White Rabbit all the way from Charleston, West Virginia. We even learned who the culprit was that tossed Si Bob from the jeepney and the details behind the action. "Crash" fessed up and said he wouldn't have if Si Bob hadn't been biting his ankle in the back of the jeepney while Turk had him in a headlock. And, anyway, the jeepney wasn't going all that fast! The reunion even had a vegetarian, now former vegetarian, eating a baloot. Fred "Magoo" Miguel brought more of his excellent wines which were quickly scarfed up by the attendees. Magoo really should consider marketing his wines. As much San Miguel as he drank in the PI, you'd think he'd be a beer maker but he must have chugged more Tuba coconut wine from brown paper bags than San Miguels behind the Jug. The short notice unfortunately affected the number of attendees, but there was plenty of enthusiasm and good times. Enjoy the photos and try to make the next reunion to meet with old friends. Planning is underway for St. Louis in the Fall of 2008. We aren't getting any younger and shouldn't miss any opportunity to reunite with your Kuyas.
Rob White carefully peels away the baloot shell to get to the goodies.
Yum...must be extra crispy or a toenail got caught between Rob's teeth.
"Swede" Swanson looks on amused and in rapt attention as Rob prepares to goon the ducky baloot.
The Hospitality Suite
Rob White and Swede at the table. Rob looks like the cat that ate the canary or the Animal that gobbled the baloot. Look out...Pam is on her way with a San Miguel and a pack of Tic-Tacs.
Pool Party at Turk & Judy's Palatial Estate
In the Pool
Pam relaxes in the pool on a hot day. Looks like Zoot is calling but rest assured Pam is ignoring. I can't Heeeeaaar You!
Judy Taylor is waiting for that perfect wave so she can body surf to the other side of the pool.
Bruce "Zoot" Suits is attempting self-inflicted sensory deprivation. This went on until someone yelled out "Who needs a Magoo?" proving not all of Zoot's senses were deprived.
Zoot, trying to maintain a Zen state, unconsciously mini-paddles using only fingers and toes towards the San Miguel. Note he is on Judy's raft after she wiped out from the pool wave and may have gotten sand in her suit..
Everybody Out of the Pool
Zoot emerges from his Zen state after some Magoos while accompanied by Baywatch lifeguards Pam and Kathy Davies. Zoot's positioning reminded me of the final scenes of Titanic. He's going down! The Captain always goes down with the ship. Do something Leonardo and Kate! SOS - Save Our Souls
Kram's Flip Flops...Quite a story to tell here. Kram was in a dither because he forgot his flip flops and was adamant he could not attend the pool party without them so an emergency run to a Dollar Store was essential to calm Kram down. Lo and behold, the Kramster was able to find nearly authentic Pilipino footwear. Now he could go to the pool in style while enjoying fond memories of the P.I. Some Kuyas worried Kram may have had some billy-boys in plip-plops attending.
Kram, in his plip-plops, went to find Mouse. The Mouse was "stoned", so Kram attempts a revival with a Magoo. The real Mouse was honored Turk would have a statue of him in his estate garden. Where's the Hippo?
Fred and Lee Ann Miguel finishing up some of the vittles. Good chow...burgers and brats, beans and kraut, chips and dips. Good thing most of the swimming was over so there was no underwater disturbances.
Kathy Kramarsic gives the dog a pouty face since the pup apparently rejected her offer of a pretzel in exchange for the dog stealing Kram's flip flops. The dog may have thought he might end up getting cooked on the grill with the brats and burgers by Neal.
Ma and Marv Campbell enjoying the ambiance on the porch which also had a nice overhead fan. The bottle of wine didn't hurt either.
Mouse and Pooh Bear sharing a moment.
Mary and Bob "Walrus" Maki relaxing under an umbrella. Is it me or is Bob eerily similar in appearance to Mouse? Then, with Jack DuBrian, that would make the "Evil Triplets".
Someone must have tipped Bob off about the unholy likeness to Mouse, so he took off his hat to show he was the one with the most hair
Mouse counters that he has the smile in place of the hair.
Jen Sexton looks a bit worn out after her first encounter with the Kuyas.
Hangin' with the Turk
One of the best moments of the reunion was getting together with Greg "Turk" Taylor. Turk has had a rough time medically and continues with treatment and rehabilitation. Turk has responded well, never losing his special sense of humor, and he knows he has the best wishes and prayers of his Brothers. Turk currently cannot travel so this reunion was especially important to him as it was to the Kuyas that attended. As a party favor, Dave Davies purchased for Turk something call "coon dicks". Dunno...some kind of racoon bone from a certain animal body part you are supposed to sharpen for a toothpick. Okay...you can tell Turk will never change and we like it like that!
Turk and Hippo pose prior to the Kuya's departure. Rob White makes the peace sign in the background. Pooh Bear stands to the left and Crash Willis is seen between Turk and Hippo.
Turk thinks he is posing with Indiana Jones but it's really the Kram Man humming the Indiana Jones movie theme..."Doo da doodoo, doo dah doo." He also has that "I hate snakes!" look on his face.
((Turk Taylor deceased 5 February 2008))
Da Band
Dave Davies and his band entertained while the Kuyas drank, ate, told stories and swam in the pool. A special thanks to all involved in setting up the musical and sound equipment. The band did a great job (Salamats) despite some hot temperatures! Joe "Cy" Cybulski played the drums keeping the bass drum hopping to a tropical beat. Dave and the Band were assisted with songs by various celebrities in attendance. One, known for his rendition of James Brown's "I Feel Good" reluctantly declined because he didn't feel so good. Could have been the heat rash caused by his thong.
Dave Davies, his bass player Dennis Downing, and Cy on the drums. The band was named the "Coondicks Band" for the day. Dave and Dennis generously volunteered their day and offered to play for free for the Kuyas. Definitely honorary Kuya status!
Frank Kramnatra, "Old Bloodshot Eyes", croons a tune with all of his heart and soul. That's why Cy is in the background yelling to "Kram...keep with my beat or I'll hit you with this stick!"
Da Pond
Turk and Judy put in a nice pond in their backyard where a large tree had fallen and created a deep hole where the roots had been. We had to restrain Crash Willis who thought the pond was better than the "cement pond" 'cause you could swim, fish, and gig frogs all at the same time."
This page was last updated: January 13, 2014
Caution: Some of these pictures could cause nightmares. The pics are the aftermath of a terrible accident Norm and Miki were involved in while they ran wih their local chapter of the Hell's Angels. Some pics are quite graphic. The good news is both Norm and Miki are okay and, hopefully, have healed sufficiently to resume their normal activities. Won't go into all of the gory details and this will be an enticement to hear their story at the next Kuya Reunion.
