Lifelong citizens of Rural Retreat, Greg and Cheryl Hash have considered community hospitality to be of the utmost importance when it comes to running Duke’s Bar-B-Q.  As owner and operator of Duke’s since its conception in 2004, Greg and Cheryl say that one of the keys to the success of their business is making sure their customers feel at home in the restaurant, as if they were eating at the home of a family member.  That is expressed not only through their excellent home-style cuisine and exceptionally friendly, accommodating staff, but also through the nostalgic memorabilia that covers the restaurant walls.  Generated by items given to Greg by his mother and grandmother, this collection includes many old photos and newspaper clippings depicting the community over the last several generations. 

As an avid yard saler, I was disappointed with the 2008 season offerings.  I got few bargains, and even fewer “steals.”  While I found a pair of suspenders that perfectly matched my favorite pair, otherwise there were no highlights.  I even went to yard sales that did not offer the two required items that every yard sale must have: 1) a Christmas tree stand, and 2) a useless kitchen appliance that makes its way from retailer to wedding to yard sale in four months, e.g. the Hamburgler.

I heard a lot of, “I’ll be so glad when this election is over.” I felt the same way.  Election excitement and passion brought out the best and worst in people. The expression of these passions was the problem.

Sunday afternoon, because I have season tickets, I was supposed to go to Kingsport to hear the Kingsport Symphony’s latest presentation, “A Tribute to Veterans.”  For various reasons, that didn’t happen, and I stayed at my house to watch the sky get grayer and the leaves redder. 

The house isn’t done. It still needs roofing, a heating system, siding, dry wall, insulation and a well dug for water—big-ticket items to say the least. There is not enough money in the bank to cover the costs.

If we’re lucky, we know the name of the president-elect this morning.
If we’re unlucky, as we suspect as of this writing, we’re mired in a debate that will, if it hasn’t already, made the dangling, pregnant and other adjectival chad look like minor league stuff. In fact, lawsuits were filed before the first Virginia votes were even cast. The McCain team sued the state, saying all military absentee ballots should be counted even if it means extending the deadline. Lawyers argued that some servicemen and women in Iraq had received their absentee ballots less than a month ago, more than two months after they had been requested.

Having seen the local Christian rock band, COR 13, perform live, I have seen first-hand that spirit-filled energy that their live shows can generate.  I discussed the last of such performances I attended in my March 11 column, in which I mentioned that the band was in the process of recording their debut CD.  Well, I am happy to report that, after a long period of anticipation, the first COR 13 CD is finally available for purchase.

Long running festivals tend to lose crowds since there’s never anything new going on. Not so with the Mistletoe Market. Now in its 10th year, the William King Regional Arts Center event has plenty new.
Director of Development Emily Woolwine said nearly half of the merchants coming to the three-day event this year are fresh faces. Woolwine said that out of the 58 merchants on the list, 28 have never been to the Mistletoe Market. Arts center Director Betsy White said the new merchants should attract some attention.
“That’s what people always want to hear about,” she said

A double-decker, upside-down school bus with a garden on top rolled into Meadowview Town Square at dark. It was getting cold. The bus, because of a break down outside Knoxville, Tenn., was more than an hour behind schedule.
Casey Gustowarow, 27, rolled out a ladder and climbed to the roof.

It started a few days before the election, my unwavering belief that I knew who would win.  Forget the polls and all those scientific projections.  I knew in my heart of hearts.  Did I have ESP?  Was I deluded?  Or was I just hopeful?

Sometimes beliefs are shattered.  This morning, I know if mine are or not.  I know if I was a little too optimistic, too starry eyed, these past months.  Then, too, sometimes beliefs are not shattered.  Perhaps I am feeling right now the thrill of victory.