Dani's place in NC closing

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 12:23 AM

Dani----

So sorry to hear of this. I never got to your good restaurant, but it has been my priviledge to be the closing act for at least half a dozen wondrous places that still live on in the memories of all who were lucky enough to be involved. Go through all the anger and mourning stages, and emerge better than ever.

Onward and...

Art

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Tinker
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 11:02 PM

Dani, as if the season didn't bring it's own round of joys and strife putting to rest a dream has to be amonst the hardest things. Sending out a few hugs, I had been hoping to drag the family on down that way, but time just seemed to get away... Lovin' ya

Kathy

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: GUEST,Judy Cook
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:45 PM

Dear Dani,

Lots of love and good wishes from Judy & Dennis. We feel lucky to know you and have very happy memories of our visit with you and singing at the James Pharmacy Restaurant.

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Cruiser
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:04 PM

Good lyrics Micca.

The melody could be the same as the traditional song 'St. James Infirmary Blues', could it not?

Too bad fellow mudcatters with culinary/restauranteurial skills could not go together to revive the place. I think I could handle boiling the water (with some direction).

Good Luck Dani.

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: JedMarum
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:26 AM

I'd like to offer my condolences too, Dani and best wishes for picking up the pieces and moving on.

I really enjoyed my visit to your place and looked forward to coming back one day. I am sorry to hear you'll be gone.

May your next venture be all the good the last one was - and more.

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:13 AM

Great parody, Micca. Sorry to hear this Dani, perhaps you could do meals for folks in their homes? That way you can do as much or as little as you want and save on overheads?

RtS

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Susan A-R
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 10:38 PM

Dani,

I'm so sorry to hear about the restaurant, although when I was washing the last dish tonight, I must admit to wishing that I was doing anything else, it's not the easiest way to make a living, but it sure has it's moments (I'm not always sure why they've kept me in the business for 7 years, but I guess most of us are a bit crazy to begin with)

Sounds like you ran a terriffic place, made a good run of it and had lots of great music there to boot. And now on to something else that doesn't require the 60 to 70 hour week, bleached hands, burns, cuts and massive anxiety attacks.

Oh man, how bitter sweet. I'll be thinking of you, and will consult when it's time to put Susan's Kitchen to bed in some future year.

Micca, how do you DO That??

Susan

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 05:50 PM

Really nice Micca, really nice.

Dani, I think I'd print Micca's song out and tape a copy in the door or window when you close.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: karen k
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 05:11 PM

I've never been named in a song before! That is so great. Thanks Micca. It's a gem. Hang in there Dani. I can't wait to see what you do next. Be proud, my friend, be proud.

love,
karen

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 05:07 PM

So sorry to hear of this, Dani. I've heard such wonderful reports from Micca, Allan and others. I am glad you've had the sense to let go, though, before it totally ran you down. As Art Thieme says "Onward and upward" to the next great adventure. Thansk for being there for the music and your community. I am glad to hear you received recognition for that, too!

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Ferrara
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:12 PM

Dani, this is so sad, and I know it must be such a disappointment. We also have a friend who was in -- and left -- the restaurant business, and he said it's one of the hardest things in the world to keep going. You did a fabulous job but as you say -- it's far too much for one person.

Wish we could have visited you there, but who knows maybe we'll visit you anyway one of these days.

Micca, your song is wonderful.

All the best,
Rita

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Janie
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 03:40 PM

The James Pharmacy Restaurant will be sadly missed by the Hillsborough community. It was not only a place for great eats and great entertainment, it was a community hub. Dani is as valued as a first class citizen of our town as she is as a first class citizen of Mudcat. She recently received the 1st annual "Spirit of Hillsborough" award for all the ways she has supported our community, both personally and as a business woman. I am very, very sad to see the restaurant close. But I'll also be very glad to see that she is no longer working 24-7. She gives so freely and fully of herself, it is time she has an opportunity to recharge those batteries.

(OK, Dani, NOW can you come out and play? The dishes are all done!) *grin*


Janie

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: jeffp
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 03:20 PM

Well, phooey!

At least you gave it a good run. And I'm certain that you'll take the lessons learned and use them for success in your next endeavor, whatever that may be. And remember, this was not a failure, it just ran its course.

You've got what it takes.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: kendall
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 03:14 PM

Micca, if anyone who has been there can read that without a lump in his/her throat, he/she is not human!

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Fortunato
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 11:01 AM

Catters,
I just spoke to Dani this morning. She sounded pretty upbeat. It was a great place, good food, good beer and a great staff. Susette and I truly enjoyed playing there, and we'll travel to Hillborough/Durham again and see Miss Dani, I hope, I'll have to find out if she has James Pharmacy T-Shirts!

Dani, I hope to see you during the holidays, and thanks again for our wonderful visit with you.

all the best,

Chance

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Dani
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 10:53 AM

Lordy, Micca! What a gift! Thank you.

And thanks all for the kind words. It helps.

And I really am thankful for the music that's found at least a temporary home here. We've had the honor of hosting some of the world's finest musicians, and some of the most fun, fabulous sessions. After it's all over, I'll have lots of musical memories ringing in my ears.

And, hell, I can cook anywhere. If it's at home, at least I can sit down with a guest for a change!

Dani

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Morticia
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 06:30 AM

I'm so sorry, Dani, I know what the place meant to you but so few of us get to realise our dreams, even for a short while, at least you had that and you know you gave it your best shot...that's all that really matters when it comes down to it, you did your best.

Much love

Terri xxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Micca
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 06:16 AM

Just for you Dani, may you succeed with everything you do

James Pharmacy Restaurant

I went down to the James Pharmacy
To hear some singers there
There was food on a long white table
So hot, delicious and fair

I went to talk to Dani
She said "I'm feeling low
We're going to give up this restaurant
And that's a terrible blow"

I went in the Mudcat forum
To find some comfort there
There was noise and chat as usual
And the usual crowd were there

There was Joe, and kendall and Sinsull
Catspaw Big Mick and KT
Karen K, Allan C and Hollowfox
Amos, sorcha and CapriUni

Let it go, let it go, god bless it
It will close before fore the spring
You may search the whole Carolinas
You wont find a better place to sing

We'll close with no looking backwards
We will sadly walk away
We loved everything we done here
Now its time to call it a day

Get six stalwart Catters to carry me
Away from this trouble and strife
I've grafted and sweated to make this work
Now its time to get on with my life

Now that's the end of my story
Let's have another round of booze
And if anyone should ask you just tell them
I've got the James Pharmacy restaurant blues

Micca

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 04:15 AM

Dani - so sorry to hear this and that I didn't get a chance to visit.

All the best for whatever you decide to do in the future. New Year, new life would seem to be appropriate here.

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Nancy King
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 01:01 AM

Dani, so sorry things haven't worked out for the restaurant -- for one thing, I was hoping to get a chance to visit there myself! Anyhow, from all I've heard, it was a dynamite place! Too bad that's not enough to ensure success in the business sense. But you're such a swell person that I know you'll do well at whatever comes next for you. Much good luck in whatever endeavor you choose!

Meanwhile, have a good Christmas, and may the new year bring you joy!

Love,
Nancy

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 12:01 AM

Well dang, so sorry to hear it! We had a great time singing there last month, truly a milestone for us. I'm sure we'll be seeing you though, and maybe get to sing with you too! Hope your Christmas is very merry, and we'll definitely keep in touch!
Take care,
The LaPrelle Family

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Allan C.
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 06:37 PM

First of all I want to publicly thank you for the hospitality you tendered to me during each of my visits to the James Pharmacy Restaurant. Everything under that roof seemed always to be filled with cheerfulness and pleasantness. Like Kendall Morse, Elizabeth Patrell and Judy Cook, I truly enjoyed performing there. I also appreciated the singarounds that you and/or Janie have hosted there. How special those moments were!

Please give my best wishes to the staff there. They were always among the best I've ever seen. I feel sure that much of their attitude was reflective of your own. You drew out the best in all of them, Dani.

I can only imagine what the next few days will be like for you as you prepare for the closing while at the same time attempt to be "up" for the holidays. I wish you well, Dani.

I saw what pride you took in all you did at the restaurant. You had fun with it; you prepared some of the most delicious and far-from-mundane dishes that anyone could ever enjoy; and you created the kind of place everyone enjoyed patronizing. Yes, I wish it had been more profitable; but in the long run it is what you do in life of which you can be proudest that makes the difference.

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: KT
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 06:04 PM

Dani, you said, "I will look back on it when it's all over and think that more good than bad came of the experience." Wise woman. You already know that. And knowing THAT will get you through these muddy waters.

Think on this. You will never know how many people have joy-filled hearts when they recall fond memories of their time at The James Pharmacy Restaurant. Tons, I bet. Wish I could say I'd been there.

And now you get to ask the question, "What's next?" An adventure lies ahead, for sure. Keep us posted. I'll be eager to hear what it is.

Lots of love to you as you move through this....

KT

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: 8_Pints
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 05:29 PM

Hi Dani,
We were so sorry to hear that your restaurant is closing - we loved our visit and feel priviledged to have had the chance to share it's unique atmosphere and food.
Perhaps your freedom will mean that you can all come and stay with us folks over the pond and we can repay some of your hospitality!!
Thinking of you, love to all,
Sue and Bob vG xxxxx

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: CapriUni
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 04:52 PM

well, dammit!

But I do know (through the experiences of good friends) that running a restaurant is one of the hardest and most stressful businesses of them all. The fact that you could make it last for over a year is actually quite an accomplishment. And one you can be rightfully proud of.

And although you won't be doing it commercially, any longer (or at least, for the foreseeable future), you can rest assured that good food, good music, and -- most important -- good friends will always be in your life.

Cheers, and bright blessings, Ann

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 04:27 PM

I have been looking so forward to the day that I got to come and play this restaraunt. This is disappointing, but now it will just have to be a house concert with Dani and Janie. But I sure loved getting those emails and having my mouth water over the menu. I envisioned as being like a favorite restaraunt of mine in Traverse City, Michigan. This was an old drug store with a soda fountain and all, made their own pasta, great soups, and a menu to die for.

Damn, Dani. I sure wish I had made it down last year. I am not worried about you. Your great spirit will kick in, and soon the lemonade will be flowing. I know your heart and soul were in the place, but H&S goes with you. Soon the James will be a fond memory and you will be sailing a downhill run in another venture.

Big hug for you waiting at The Getaway next year.

Much love, my dear friend.

Mick

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Amos
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 03:57 PM

Aww, Dani, I weanted to come over for coffee, but it was always too far from California. I yam sorry it is closing. (((D)))


A

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Hollowfox
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 03:56 PM

I can only add some more sympathy. And, of course, a big ol' !@#$-reduction candle to help smooth out the rough spots.

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 03:33 PM

I can only add my best wishes for the future as well Dani........I had great hope for you too and I'm sad to see this happen but maybe there's a reason for it.   Sorry.....Doncha' hate it when people say that?

Anyway, you gave it a try and most folks in this world never do.....Good onya' Dani and a few big Spaw hugs as well!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: kendall
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 03:08 PM

|I'm one of the blessed who got to eat there. It was a great place and I'm sad to see it go.((((((((((((((Dani)))))))))))))))))

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 03:00 PM

I'm sorry it's closing, Dani. It sounded like such a wonderful place. I'm glad you were able to have Elizabeth LaPrelle perform there.
Have a good Christmas, nonetheless.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 02:52 PM

Oh, Dani, I'm so sorry.......keep your chin up girl.

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 02:47 PM

Dani,
I am sorry the restaurant is closing but glad you tried to make it work. Better that than always wondering if...

Enjoy the time with your family. Sing when you feel down. And smile -you are a beautiful lady.

Mary

Subject: RE: Dani's place in NC closing
From: karen k
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 01:17 PM

Dani, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry about the closing and I'm sorry I never got a chance to visit. I heard such wonderful things about it from those fortunate enough to have been there. I wish you well with whatever you do. I know it will be tough but I know that you know you are doing the right thing. I'm sure the restaurant and the music you had there will be missed by all.

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

love, my friend,
karen

Subject: Dani's place in NC closing
From: Dani
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 01:05 PM

Well, barring a miracle (not un-heard-of this time of year), this is it for The James Pharmacy Restaurant. After losing my partner last year, I tried to make a go of it myself. By summer it was clear that it was too much for one person who wants to keep a family around, too. We tried for a long time to sell the place, and thought we were all set, but our 'buyers' let us down at the last minute. It's a long story, with a short, bad ending. We're making plans to close for good at Christmas, and frankly, it sucks - especially laying people off. Our staff have been so devoted, and kind, and I've learned so much from them.

However....

We are very, very grateful to all the people who have come to play music here over the last few years, especially you wonderful Mudcatters, and to the friends who have been so supportive, even when they thought we were crazy. I have few regrets. We tried our best, and on balance (except for financially) I will look back on it when it's all over and think that more good than bad came of the experience.

It's going to be a tough time in the short term, finagling things to minimize losses, but soon this WON'T suck up my entire life, and I can get back to some normal relationships, paid employment, and perhaps to making music myself for a change!

Dani