Worst Eating Establishments In The Shoals,....

 

Well,... most people know I like to grill, smoke and bbq. Love me some bacon too. We'll save that for another blog post.

For the record, the picture above does not represent any food from the three places I'm about to mention. It would be an upgrade. 

Today I want to talk about three of the worst places to eat in the Shoals area. There are far more than three trust me so we'll save those for another time also. 

All of these places are graded on the same scale. Service, food quality and cleanliness. We all like convenience because we stay so busy. We don't have time to cook or we've just grown to lazy to do so. Most of the time though it is that we are too busy. 

I know for myself, being tired at the end of the day is a driving factor of what I cook or where we eat. I like eating out but I want it to be a good experience when I do. 

That said,... here is one of the worst places to eat in the Shoals.

Fiesta Mexicana on Avalon Av in Muscle Shoals. The food quality is lacking. It's Tex-Mex at its worst. We haven't been in a while due to poor service AND roach parts in the drinks. That's right, parts of cockroaches served in the drink. In plain view. So maybe the server thought this was the norm. For me, it shows a major problem. Kind of turns you off and you lose your appetite. Roaches also in the mens room,... some dead from someone squashing them, some alive waving hello. Not sure how the place stays open. Hardly any cars in the parking lot. I have my theories.

The next place is also a Tex-Mex place out on 2nd St in Muscle Shoals. Cozumel. When you see roaches in the dining area on the walls and behind pictures, you know they have a problem in the kitchen. Trust me, I used to do Cooks commercial route way back when. I've seen things. While we did go back the last time there, the food just wasn't good. The lack of meat (which might be a good thing) and the blandness of it just wasn't a good value for my money. I did see some wings that actually looked nasty. They looked boiled with sauce on them. Guess I'm too used to my cooking. 

The next place is in Sheffield. Stanfields. I don't really do salad but I do hear good things about the salad bar. For the most part, the compliments stop there. We've been a few times and the food is really bland. No seasoning that I could taste anyway. Steak was tough with no taste. For me it's a no no to use A1 on anything but it would actually improve this steak, taste wise. Service was good the times we were there. As a painter though, this has nothing to do with the dining experience, the shiplap in the booths were not primed. The knotholes showing through that look like water stains or nicotine is called tannin. It bothers me that the owners let this slip by. Maybe they didn't know to oversee construction as it happened. Anyway it's just one of those pet peeves of mine. It's a curse actually but like I said, no bearing on the dining experience,... for most. 

Pet Peeve About Our Flag,...

 People either just don't know or just don't care. Proper displaying of our American flag, affectionately know as Old Glory seems to have been lost. Go by a cemetery that displays the flag. Is it torn and raveled? Is it taken down at night and raised the next morning? If left to fly 24/7, is it illuminated at night? 

The post office in North Florence once was flying a flag that was worn out. It was like that for a while. A government agency flying our flag that way was a disgrace. This also includes flags mounted on residential housing. Is the flag illuminated at night? If not, take it down and put it back the next morning. I've driven by several cemeteries that display the flag. No lighting is to be found. 

It saddens me that people have died, shed blood for our Stars and Stripes and people are ignorant as to the proper displaying technics. 

There isn't a finer site than to see Old Glory waving in the wind. Knowing the history behind the red, white and blue. It just irks me to no end seeing people and places disrespecting the flag. 

 This is from the Veterans of Foreign Wars site,.... 

 The American flag has a long history, and the members of our organization have spent nearly as long defending and honoring our nation's most iconic symbol of freedom. Whether you're looking for the historic details of how the U.S. flag came to be, or the rules and regulations that encompass her daily flight, we're here to ensure you can find the information you need.  

•  

  Displaying the Flag

  On Same Staff 
  U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag. 
  
  Grouped 
  U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. 
  
  Marching 
  U.S. flag to marchers right (observer's left). 
  
  On Speaker's Platform
  When displayed with a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff it is on the speaker's right. 
  
  Decoration
  Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red. 
  
  Salute
  All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. 
  
  Over a Street Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street. 
  
  Half Staff
  On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised. 

  Special Rules
  Do not let the flag touch the ground. 
  Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. 
  Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. 
  Do not use the flag as clothing. 
  Do not store the flag where it can get dirty. 
  Do not use it as a cover. 
  Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free. 
  Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag. 

  Illumination Guidelines
  Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, paragraph (a), it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

   

   

One Last Redo Before The Muscle Shoals Elections,...

 I've had a change of heart in the mayor's race due to just talking with people. Mike Lockhart has done a good job and needs to stay in place as mayor. 

Place 1., unopposed is Chris Hall. Good guy and one of the two council members that thought enough of my problem to actually provide a solution. 

Place 2., Beth Pirtle should replace Gina Clark as council person here. Clark did not respond to my email. So with that thinking, she does not deserve my vote. 

Place 3., Same thing with Willis Thompson. He didn't think enough of my email to respond or just didn't take the time to even read it. Either way, Scott Hunter needs to be voted in. Hunter gets the idea that communication with the public is important. 

Place 4., Ken Sockwell is another of those council members that either didn't read my email or didn't think it was important enough to respond. If you want Billy Underwood in the council seat, vote for his wife Jennifer. If you think that's funny, I've got some beach front property in Arizona for sale. Just say NO to those two. Daron Goodloe from what all I can gather is a good man with good intentions for the city of Muscle Shoals.

Place 5., All I can say here is Donnie Linley. He was the second council member to respond to my email and provide an answer to my problem. Muscle Shoals needs him and his wisdom and caring of the city. 

Here is the ballot that the city of Muscle Shoals provided. Be sure and go vote. 

Ballot Sheet

A Redo,... Muscle Shoals Municiple Elections,....

 

Since the last blog post on these elections, a little bit has changed. I've gotten some info on the mayors race,... While Mr. Lockhart has done an okay job,... my vote still goes to Mr. Hudson. 

Place 2. My vote still goes to Beth Pirtle. If Gina Clark had answered an email concerning a problem in my area, she might have gotten my vote. By not responding to my email, I'm not important enough so with that, she isn't important enough for my vote. I think Mrs. Pirtle will do a nice job. 

Place 3. Same thing here. Mr. Thompson didn't feel the need to respond to my email so I don't feel the need to vote for him. Scott Hunter is the only choice. 

Place 4. Again, same thing here. Mr. Sockwell didn't respond, so I won't either. No vote from me. If Muscle Shoals wants a convicted criminal on the council, vote for Ms. Underwood. You know Billy will be all up in her ear. My vote goes to Mr. Goodloe. 

Place 5. Donnie Lindley is the only choice here. He responded to my email and helped with my problem. He's got my vote. 

Place 1. Chris Hall has no one running against him but even if he did, he'd get my vote since he also responded to my email and was a big help also. 

Take note all candidates,... for those that do reply to calls, emails, texts, etc. Thank you. You are doing a service to those you represent. Make those you represent feel important just like Donnie Linley and Chris Hall did for me.   

On a side note,... People,... do not use Shoalanda Speaks as a go to for voter info. If she endorses a person, vote the opposite. Trust me on this.  

Muscle Shoals Municipal Elections,....* Updated*,... *Updated again*

 With August 26 fast approaching, citizens of Muscle Shoals can make some changes at city hall. 

One thing that is important to me is communication. To get any thing accomplished you have to communicate. As a voter being able to communicate with city council members is very important. When you email one of them and there isn't a response,... I feel they just don't care about my thoughts and I'm not important enough to matter to them. A voter shouldn't be made to feel that way. On the other hand when they do respond back, it makes that voter feel like they do care about the concerns of the voter. 

That said I personally emailed all five council members about a problem on my street. Chris Hall, Place 1 and Donnie Linley, Place 5 were the only two council members that replied back and kept me abreast of the situation. Their concerns were genuine and much appreciated. I would appreciate you considering voting for them. Both care about the city as evidenced by my dealings with them. 

The other three, Gina Clark, Place 2, Willis Thompson, Place 3 and Ken Sockwell, Place 4 didn't think my email was important enough to respond. So, they aren't important enough for me to vote for them. There are others that are more than qualified to serve on the council. 

Beth Pirtle, Scott Hunter both have my vote and good luck to them. Chris Hall is unopposed and has my vote. Donnie Linley certainly has my vote. Place four, I haven't decided between Daron Goodloe and Jennifer Underwood. Still doing my homework on them. *Update* Vote Daron Goodloe. After more homework and talking to people, Mr. Goodloe seems like the logical choice.  

Mayor,... nothing against Mike Lockhart but I think Billy Hudson can do a better job representing Muscle Shoals.  

FIZZ IZ BACK,....

Fizz has once again reopened to the enjoyment of this writer. I was very critical of the old style of doing things in this restaurant/bar. What the former manager and staff did was devastating to the business and it just didn't work. You have to have good service and product to be successful. 

They have that now. Nancy is back as manager and she and her staff are doing a great job. Service gets an A+ from us and the food is very good. Add live entertainment on the weekends and it is a win/win. Back performing are bands like the Midnighters, Dixie Mafia, Howell Sledge and others. We listened to a band, Carl and the Road Dawgs Friday night and their bluesy rock was great. Had not heard them before. Always good to hear new music. 

Oh I forgot to mention atmosphere. The great vibes this place gives off is back too. It had lost its mojo along the way but Nancy has brought that back too. Fizz iz lucky to have her back. Add comfortable seating along with the food, music, service and you have a recipe for a fun time at Fizz. 

 

Stop The Florence Land Grab,...

 

Below is a post I got off of Facebook,... So I'm sharing it here for the citizens of St Florian. If you feel the way I hope most people with any common sense feel, I urge you to contact your state representatives and voice your concern over the theft of land proposed by the mayor AND city clowncil of Florence AL. This is sheer greed by the city and they demonstrated it as such by not even telling the mayor of St Florian they were going to take land Florence deemed necessary to it's progress. The town of St Florian found out by,... wait for it,... a notice posted in the local TimesFaily. Go,... now,... contact the people listed below and let them know you are not is favor of this theft of land. Listed below are phone numbers and email addresses for them. Do it now. Also remember the clowncil when it comes time to vote again. This is the worst leadership in the history of Florence AL!!!! 

Attention citizens of Saint Florian! 

Your town needs your help if it is to continue to exist! This past Saturday the city of Florence put a notification in the Times Daily that they are proposing legislation to annex a sizable portion of the Town of Saint Florian. What must happen is each of us must reach out to our state legislators, Kerry Underwood and Ben Harrison, as well as our County Commissioners: Danny Pettus, Roger Garner, Fay Parker, Joe Hackworth, and Brad Black let them know how dear our town is to us! We must let them know that this action impacts our lives! Many of our citizens and neighbors have felt bullied by the city of Florence and now we have to make our voices heard to stop them from running over us! Based on the conversations that I have had, Senator Tim Melson is aware of the plan and currently is indifferent to our plight. The proposed annexation will take the town limits from Kasemeier Road southward and gives it to the city. This change would take away a large portion of the town’s tax base, it will take about one third of the district covered by Mid Lauderdale Fire Department, those currently receiving regular police patrols from the town if cut off may expect longer response times for fire and police protection. This legislation doesn’t just affect us it is my understanding that the town of Killen will be affected as well. Enclosed are maps showing the proposed changes as well as the representatives we must please to. If Saint Florian is not to become a memory then we must act TODAY! Let your representatives and County Commissioners know that if they want your vote they must protect your residence! #florencelandgrab2024 #stoptheflorencelandgrab #florecealsucks

If you are opposed to the annexation/de-annexation as referenced in Legislative Act 2024-324 please contact any of the persons listed below to voice your opinion via text, phone call, or email. 

Tim Melson

334-261-0888

256-539-5441

tim.melson@alsenate.gov

Ben Harrison

334-261-0476

256-614-9087

votebenharrison@gmail.com

Kerry “Bubba” Underwood

334-261-0435

256-248-4891

kerryucpa@me.com

College Football and Coach Saban,....

First, we have just witnessed the end of an era. We got to enjoy (Bama Fans) the greatest college football dynasty ever. EVER!! We all knew the end was coming but I know myself, I didn't want it to end. Wednesday was a gut punch for many Bama alum, fans and of course those players. 

College football has always been my go to. I love it. Bama football especially. For the last two seasons I've thought about just not watching it anymore. I used to watch MLB until the last strike they had back in 1994. After they did that I was done.  I don't like whiners. Pro football was more like WWE,... a lot of money and seemed fake at times. Like it was rigged. So after probably jr. high I just didn't get into it. NASCAR was my Sunday and Saturday night thing to do for a long time. I planned weekends around it. Then Brian France took over and ruined it. Making rule changes nearly weekly. It got old. So now college football for me is right there too. The NIL and transfer portal is ruining the game. I agree paying the kids some. Give them walking around money but pay everyone the same. The kids don't need 4 million dollars in school. That can come later. Let them mature some first. Plus paying them all the same will keep resentment down. If I'm a guard or tackle making nothing or maybe 30,000 and my cocky quarterback is making 4 million,... will I be resentful? It could happen. The lineman might not block as well at times to allow the high dollar QB to be sacked,.. Now with Saban retiring it is a good time to quit college ball. But I'm going to give it a couple more years to see if they "fix" it.

Cypress Row,....

 

Cypress Row,... 116 S. Pine St Florence, AL., located in the former Comcast Cable office (the one with the rounded corner, has opened up and ready to serve the Shoals. Be sure to visit their Facebook page and click "like" Click here------> Facebook

We ventured over there tonight to give it a try. We were not disappointed. The pimento cheese dip with toasted bread was very good.

It was a generous amount and we had to get a to go box for it. We didn't want to get too full before our orders came.

Sandra had a salad and burger. You build your own. I almost got that but I'm a sucker for a good Philly Cheese. Both the burger and Philly were spot on. Oh and the fries were perfect.

Service was very good. Very attentive and pleasant. The atmosphere is upbeat also. The whole place was very clean. Restrooms included. Just a very good overall experience. 9.5 out of 10.

Struts On Pine,....

 

I have always liked the architecture of this building,... I guess it's the rounded corner but it's just always caught my eye. The insides have sure changed from the old Comcast days and man howdy,... it is for the better. 

Struts On Pine has taken up residents there now. An eating establishment with very good food, service and a nice atmosphere. There is an array of items on the menu that will surely fit most anyone's palate. 

We started off with a home made pimento cheese dip with home made potato chips. We both agreed it was the best we've eaten. Sandra had a BLT that comes with a fried green tomato but had it swapped out for a regular tomato. Two thumbs up from her. I had the Philly Cheese Steak with fries. First one I've had since the old Montague days and it didn't disappoint. Very, very good as were the fries. They looked to be hand cut but not sure. Everything was served hot and fast. Service was very good also. 

I know they are a new place and it takes a bit for everything to gel but the whole experience couldn't have been better. We will be back,.... 

Toilet Seats Ain't What They Used To Be,...

 

This is a simple toilet seat. A commode seat if you will,... no padding, no frills, just a simple toilet seat. 

In the past maybe 30 years I have bought 1 (one) seat for the indoor throne. One, uno, un, eins,.... one. In thirty years. Maybe 2 but I can't remember more than one. It just isn't or should I say, wasn't something that I have shopped for. Until now. 

In the past 6 months I have purchased 3, yes 3 of them. For the same commode. Why 3 you ask? Because the first 2 were total crap. Plastic hinges and poor construction.  Avoid them. The first purchase was from Lowes,... I bought a simple, cheap (hush) commode seat. The screws that attached the lid to the seat were too small for the hole,... they literally fell out. After trying to glue them back, it failed again. This was about 2 weeks after installation. 2 weeks!! When the glue also failed I went to Amazon to purchase a replacement. 

This one arrived and we were so excited,... (hush). After a couple of months the hinges started separating. In other words, the hinges were having a come apart. With that said,... we started looking at what it would take to build an outhouse. The kind with the hole cut in the wood to sit on. No seat required. This was a good option I thought since I wouldn't accidently leave the seat up again. Or so it seemed to me,.... 

Anyway we went with option number 2,... no pun intended. Introducing option number two, dos, deux, zwei,... two. 

Metal hinges,... after much researched and consulting NASA and the Army Corp of Engineers,... metal hinges are now the way to go to avoid what we went through. 

From The University of North Alabama,...

 

I hope this happens in my lifetime. UNA has long been needing its own home. The Lions have needed their den since the beginning of Lion football. Now, it is time,... time to help the university achieve its goal. The whole Shoals area and beyond can help make this happen as fans, as friends, as alumni. Show your support for UNA football by giving to the stadium fund. 

This from the university,... Bank Independent Stadium is the culmination of a vision – a vision that began almost 50 years ago when the University of North Alabama leadership believed in the institution, its students, its faculty, its staff, and, perhaps, most importantly, its community. Today, the stage is set for that vision to come to life with the transformative nature of the on-campus Bank Independent Stadium. By its very nature, a stadium brings people together to champion a common cause, and there is no question that, whether a football or baseball game, a soccer match, or a concert, Bank Independent Stadium will do just that – now and for generations to come. We welcome this historic and transformational next step as North Alabama steps into its place in history.

 Click the "Give here" link below to help UNA build it's Lion Den. 

Give here

Happy Mothers Day To These Ladies,...

 

I have always believed that the mother is the backbone of the family. She is the organizer, sympathizer, confidant, spiritual leader, disciplinarian, teacher, lover of all things children, doctor and nurse and so much more. These women pictured here are all of that and then some. Looking at what they have done and are doing is just proof that the mother truly is the backbone. Love you ladies. 

Moms,....

 

Moms,.... some good, some bad, some supportive, some not. Some try to teach you, some need to be taught themselves. Some put the children first, some take more photos of themselves and make duck lips. 

My younger sister and I had a mom that sacrificed her life for us. Not in the dying sense but in the sense she had no social life. She didn't party and leave us with whoever, she took care of us.  We were the victims of a drunken father who was abusive to her. He tried to be to me but like the mother she was, she protected us. I say father very loosely,... he was just a sperm donor.  

She was dedicated to us. She tried to teach us about being good people, about treating others right and to be a Christian. Momma tried. My younger sister learned these lessons probably a little better than I. Mom had already taught our older sister these things and she passed those teachings on to her children. Like I said, momma tried. 

We were certainly blessed to have such a loving mother. One that watched out for her baby birds. Its been 31 years since she has passed. So much has happened in that time that I wish we could share with her. She would be happy about some things, sad about others. But all in all I think she'd be pleased. Miss you mom,... 

Pet Peeves,...

 

Pet peeves,... basically it means something that grates on your nerves. It annoys you. Makes you cringe even. Pet peeves,... here is some of mine. 

Whiny business owners. Vertillos comes to mind and guess what,... they are out of business. Several times on Facebook the owner complained about one thing or another. Good food and good service wasn't enough to keep them open. I think the attitude of the owner played a key part in the closing of probably the best pizza place in the Shoals. Sad. Now there is another mom and pop store complaining about not enough people are coming in and buying from them. They even went as far as saying they are here for you, the customer. I want to say we didn't ask you to move here, set up shop and open your place in a spot that's hard to get to. We never asked you to be open the hours you are. I get it that you are frustrated with daily sales but don't air it out on Facebook. 

Now on to driving in the Shoals. It aggravates me to no end that semi's (18 wheelers) take up all three lanes on Wilson Dam Road. I thought they had to drive on the outside lane. I think I remember that from driver's ed. Just yesterday, all three lanes going South had semi's in them at the traffic light at 2nd Street. It took half way to Avalon before I could even get up to the speed limit because they were so slow and taking up all three lanes. 

Oh and speaking of Avalon Av,... the speed limit is 45 mph. It seems driving in the right lane at 35 is the thing to do. All the while the drivers in the right lane are doing 40. It amazes me that people cannot drive the speed limit. Don't get me started on blinker fluid or lack of it. 

The pages on Facebook called What's Happening Shoals, Florence, Muscle Shoals etc,.... People are constantly sharing post from these pages without doing some research. Many of the people posting on these pages don't even live here. Most have just a few friends showing. Some don't show any due to their settings. They aren't local. Several posts start with,... We are moving to Florence or the Shoals, blah, blah, blah and need a place to rent. Why are these people moving here? Go away!! Do some research on these posters, go look at their profile. Several are scammers. Especially the ones "giving" away dogs with a rehoming fee. That's how they get your information. 

In the South, we call them buggy's. Other places call them shopping carts. Whatever. Learn how to maneuver one in the store. Pretend it is the thing you drive at 35 mph in a 45 mph zone. STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ISLE. PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T DRIVE THE BUGGY WHILE ON IT EITHER, JUST LIKE YOUR VEHICLE.  

TimesFaily Strikes Again,...

 

Well,...  most that know me knew I couldn't stay away long. What better way to reboot than to do it with one of my favorite subjects. The Times Daily news paper in Florence AL. AKA The TimesFaily. I call it that mainly because of past and present writers that either can not spell or use correct English or both. While I have never pretended to be a writer like some local bloggers, newspaper reporters and writers, sometimes it just amazes me how illiterate these people are. For what it is worth, I was a "c" student in high school English. So in my writing you will find errors too. I just don't get paid to make my mistakes. 

With that said, the TimesFaily has announced it will discontinue home delivery via the carriers. We used to call them paper boys back in the day because most of them were just that, boys. Carrying the papers in special bags with the papers logo on them. The TimesFaily will begin mail delivery April 4th. That's right, you will now get your local newspaper from you mail carrier. I feel sorry for the USPS workers with all the mail and packages they carry to have to make room for a news rag full of for lack of a better, crap. I view online and the most inportant thing in it is the obits. I check them every morning to make sure I'm not in them. The customer will have to make adjustments to their daily routine. No more morning coffee and reading the newspaper. Now it'll be later in the day for home delivery. We get our mail between 2-3 most days and now that will probably be later due to having to deliver the news. Sad. I haven't gotten the paper delivered sine the 80's when they started charging to print obituaries which I still feel should be a community service. Personally, I hope they go belly up.