Grill closing today

Once again our little restaurant is closing, leaving the academy and the corner convenience store the only things left in Hobgood. It's almost certain the academy will be be closing as well, either at the end of this school year or the next.

Whitley's Grill was an important fixture here as it is where we all saw each other from time to time. I frequented the place several times a week. Going in for breakfast & lunch today. Hate to see it go . . . .

Hate to hear that...so what is your plan if the academy closes?

Damn, that sux...

You say once again it is closing. Is this a seasonal thing? Or is it a permenant thing? Either way, sad news.
A couple years ago stopped at a tourist trap/minature golf place in Orlando, the guy working was happy to see us even that close to closing because it meant he was going to get an extra hour on his pay. He was working two jobs to pay his rent and bills.
Hope the economy picks up soon. Too much stuff is closing up all over.

I have been trying to find an agent to help me get my novel published, but so far to no avail. I had envisioned a late "career" in writing, but I guess that is turning out to be a pipe dream. I suppose I can fall back on carpentry jobs & art commissions, but neither would be a regular paycheck, and only sporadic employment at best. I see tough times ahead . . .

Sorry to hear that Josh. Have you considered self publishing? Thee is an ex friend that did so for his own books on fly fishing. Like I said he's an ex friend but you can google Angelo Peluso. He wrote a few books his first was a book on saltwater flies. He had a hard time getting it published but eventually he got it done himself. Of course he then had to sell it on his own.


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I have looked long and hard at self publishing, but decided against it for a multitude of reasons. I am continuing my search for a literary agent, as it is the best way to break into the business. Being published by a reputable publishing house gives a legitimacy to a book that self publishing lacks - anyone can self publish - even the worst book. In today's climate (and economy) it's tough to get anyone interested in looking at new work by unpublished authors. Many publishing houses are only putting out new work by established authors, and who can blame them?

Since it appears that I may have to go back to being self-employed pounding nails & slapping paint, I will build an enclosed addition to my shop to park the bike in (and work on) so I can turn my shop back into a woodshop. If the academy allows, I may be able to get my shop classes to help me build it.

Hang in there Josh, something will come your way...

It usually does, as God has my back. He has all our backs, if we would just realize it. This morning I will be painting the ceiling in our living room, as part of the house chores I am attemping to finish before school starts back up on Thursday.

Afterward, I'm going to visit a friend a few blocks away and wish her a happy birthday. She is turning 20, I think. She worked as a waitress at the restaurant that just closed, and now must look for another job. She and her two teenage sisters are a vocal trio well known in our area. They sometimes sing with a full band and have made at least one recording that I know of. During the visit, we will be rehearsing an Elvis song that I'm playing at our upcoming Hobgood Players 50s show in February. They have graciously agreed to be my backup singers on "Love Me" as I play the piano and sing the lead.

Great side, isn't it, BI? Here Elvis is backed by the Jordanaires, who sang backup on thousands of recordings for various artists. But I have the "Eyes of Emiline". Those young ladies can sure sing .

Cowboy, if we had the money, we probably would, even at our age. Mac & I have discussed it just about every time the place closed. We would feature homemade biscuits (and sausage gravy) and pies and real home fries; all the little things that take prep time and a lot of extra work - something no previous owners ever dreamt of doing. No frozen, fast food junk. No paper plates & plastic utensils. And yes, yers truly would host a "live mike" night, showcasing local talent the one (Saturday) night we would be open for supper featuring a special.

Oh yeah, we had our field of dreams. But dreams they remain. And there's no doubt once the word got out, they would come from miles around . . .

Yup, I pray this new year will bring great things . . . I may yet see my novel in print and become a runaway bestseller. Eyes of Emiline may land a lucrative recording contract with a major label. Mac the Wife may get a huge raise at work. My mother-in-law may live to see another Christmas and all of us here on Bike Talk will log many, many miles of joyful, trouble free riding . . .

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