It's almost like losing a dear pet, isn't it?

There was a restaurant/club near me, that was open a while back for only a few years. It was the greatest place I've ever been in to play music, hear music, meet musicians and friends, and just hang out at. It had a warm atmosphere, the owner was a big bear of a man who was a sweetheart and made you feel welcome; good food, nicely appointed, and it mercifully was not 'run down' in appearance, as some folk music venues seem to be. (what I mean is that the sagging chairs, beaded curtains, lack of discernible heat in the winter and the occasional mouse at the open mic have really lost its charm to me since I've passed the voting age, lo, so many years ago)

Alas the place is gone, and is still a legend in these parts, and though there are other places to go to eat and share music; alas, nothing has come near to taking its place.

I hate to sound cynical, but sometimes you have a treasure and it lives and shines in your life, and then it is gone- and you just have to move on.

My condolences.