LOL, my Dad sure did give that toast the one over, he was scarred she could've camoflagued them as she buttered our toast:D and mind you my Dad is a non-smoker so he could've tasted those ashes in a heart beat!!!

Cathy that sounds like a few places to eat around here.
The Judd's are from the next county over and one diner between here in there has been visited by Ashley Judd. I think they have her pic on the wall. I have never been in the place because of the smoking but I read about it in the paper.
On the road between here and there you will see tons of hand made signs in spray paint for everything from horse rides to rocking chairs for sale.

Jp, Cathy and janie- your stories all reach me on SO many levels!

First- JP, your observation of the whole marketing thang is really true! In cooking classes (I didn't gradutate- I dropped-out) we learned that being a food snob is no good. Afterall, those who'd turn-up their noses and inappropriately serve fancy pheasant-under-glass at a casual back-yard barbecue are as backward- or MORESO than a group of 2-toothed misfits from the woods who'd serve 'possum at a high society banquet! There's a fine and proper place for everything- again- it's knowing your audience!

Also- since I now work in the alarm monitoring dept. of a huge insurance company- I identify w/ your tale of the security sign, fully!

And speaking of signs- 2 quickies: 1.) Up in Alaska a dude out in the boondocks had a sign on his drive-way gate that read: "Nuthin' on My Land is Worth Yer Life!" and 2.) cutest sign I ever saw in a fancy antiques store read: "Unattended Children Will Be Given an Espresso and a Free Puppy!"

Cathy- your cig-smokin' waitress story brought back SO many memories of my time coming-up in various restaurants. Can you believe when I was a kid it was still actually acceptable to smoke on the line, while cooking food in restaurant kitchens? And today customers cannot even smoke at their own table in the dining room- my, how far we've come!

janie- I love most country music and I LOVE the Judds! Ever see Naomi's cookbook? It's a good'un and it's currently available USED at Amazon for a measley 21 cents! I highly recommend it- I've gifted it to several friends as a wedding gift!

Amazon.com: Naomi's Home Companion: A Treasury of Favorite Recipes, Food for Thought and Country Wit and Wisdom (9781577192718): Naomi Judd: Books