So, it was kind of a sticky commute this afternoon.  Trying to get back from the Whole Foods on Briarcliff, I got stuck on Clifton amidst the rain and a power outage (‘nough said).  By the time I had weaseled my way back to Scott via Clairemont, I hit a wall of cars.  As I pulled into the turn lane for Coventry, I noticed a cop and a bunch of cars up ahead simply stopped.  “Either an accident or a tree”, I thought.  With our record as of late, I guessed “tree”.

And boy was I right!

But, by the time I got home, dumped my whole food in the slowly warming fridge (since the power was out) and got back out the door to venture back to Scott on foot, most of the mess was already cleaned up.  How’s that for service?!  Literally 10 minutes from the time the cops got there until the tree was out of the road.  Now granted it was a relatively small tree, but hot damn that’s quick.

After returning home again and hanging out for a bit in my non-A/C house, I started hearing choppers.  A quick look outside and I spotted 11Alive up in the air.  I thought “Did I miss something?”  Why is 11Alive covering a downed tree on Scott?  So, my curiousity piqued, and with little else to do, the dog and I headed out for second lovely walk down Scott.  And again I saw nothing but the downed tree and a power crew working to restore service.  (That’s when I snapped the above pic)

So apparently local news nets love a good downed tree story?  (A StormTracker46 van drove down our street an hour or so later)  Well then they should set up shop here in Decatur, because it seems that every time it sprinkles nowadays, big, fat branches fall and trees come down.

Rain, don’t take this personally, but you are a cruel mistress.

Bring a bottle of beer and head over to Wordsmiths to hear author Mary Jane Mahan discuss her Brick Store Pub book, “Love at the Pub”, tomorrow afternoon (July 12th) at 4pm!

From the Wordsmiths website…

“Mahan will recount stories she’s uncovered in her research and discuss the history of Brick Store Pub in regards to her forthcoming book, and will invite any and all in attendance to bring a bottle of their favorite brew to raise in toast to Brick Store while sharing their own favorite Brick Store stories. Join us for a fun and festive afternoon in celebration of one of Decatur’s favorite and finest establishments, Brick Store Pub, 125 E. Court Square.”

I dare anyone to show up with a bottle of Nattie Ice…

[blue-eyed baby pic courtesy of Love at the Pub]

Carl writes in with a smörgåsbord of Decatur restaurant “For Sale” ads. But for most of these, there’s no name included so we’re forced to guess based on the description. Note that just because they are “For Sale” doesn’t necessarily mean any of these places are going anywhere…just that they might get new ownership.

The one certainty (because the name is stated) is The Chocolate Bar. Here’s the ad.

Then its onto the speculation…

Carl thinks this one is Badda Bing, and that this one might be Little Azio.

Then there is this description that he believes is Birdi’s…

“Landlord will give long term lease with favorable terms. This is a well established and very popular watering hole. Super space with hi ceilings, big bar and fully equipped kitchen. This location is located in the heart of the county seat and shares the square with tons of restaurants, bars and retail stores and galleries. Any full service upscale or casual restaurant works great here or could be kept as a bar and club or a live music venue. Priced at $250,000 OBO with Owner financing. Incredible location directly on the Decatur Square in full view of all of Downtown Decatur and Court House.”

And this one he guesses could be Carpe Diem…

“Current sales of this full service progressive cuisine restaurant are underperforming at around $62,000 per month with an Owner that does no advertising, marketing and or promoting of restaurant. Restaurant currently breaks even but could do incredible with a little bit of effort. Full staff in place including Executive and Sous Chef makes that makes for a very easy transition. Great “hands-on” Landlord will give long term lease to qualified Tenant at a negotiated Lease below market rate. Seller will also provide full training and support to new Owner at no cost.

This Decatur spot is well established and is really stunning. Fully built out at a cost of over $400,000.00. 5200/sf which includes as part of square footage a 50 seat private dining room. Restaurant seats 176 plus 14 seat bar, 8-seat lounge and 40 seat patio.”

I think its funny that so many of these ads stress that there has been “no advertising” done. It would be much more amusing if it said something like “We advertised the heck outta this place and still no one showed up! Highest bidder?”