Yikes! A lot has happened while I was away. Well, I guess Backbay and I have proved one thing for certain.... and that would be reading words that are written rather than spoken can be taken completely out of context. I know for one, I meant no harm in my post. I was merely attempting to keep our customers from feeling uneasy about leaving positive feedback on our business. Backbay, I very much read your post as negative, but was trying very hard not to respond back negatively. I thought I had done so, but you have shown me that was not the case. I apologize that you read it that way. I'm not threaten by logic, however I do feel that facts are more reliable than someone drawing their own conclusions from a typed statement, which is what logic really is. Correct?
So to attempt again not to make anyone feel attacked I'm going to leave simple facts and then I'm done responding to this post.
Fact #1: The boat that was tied to the dock was tied without any slack, so during rough waters (as we all know the lake can get) the boat was pulling at the dock until it became unstable. Had the boat not been tied, so tightly, yes the dock most likely would've been fine. This dock has never been used for overnight stays... only quick in and outs from the restaurant and store, so this was never a concern on our end.
Fact#2: Just because someone is not from the area does not mean they don't vacation here frequently during the summer time. We have a lot of regular vacationers that stop in on the weekends and asked for a dock update. I guess that would be a way for someone who's not a local to know so much about this situation. I believe joj129 says she's been coming up since she was a child... so that would make sense logically and factually.
Fact#3: Do you live in the Town of Alton? Or any town for that matter. The Town is doing exactly what you think it's not. That's the problem with small towns. They don't have more important things to do than get involved in these types of matters. It's sad really. We tried to solve this issue peacefully with our neighbors, but now we'll have to "raise holy hell" as you mentioned. Since the ownership of the dock is under question, the town took it over until the dispute comes to some sort of resolution. The yellow eye sore poles were placed to keep snowmobiles from accessing the lake during the winter. These were supposed to come down once the area was gated off, but this ordeal came into play and nothing will be touched until this is resolved.
Fact#4: I wasn't trying to get into a religious debate. I do not believe God make threats. I believe those to be promises if the people of this world don't keep to the the word of God. These are my beliefs and I'm not instilling them on anyone. My bible quote was just to define that if people do good they will receive good things and vise versa. It's a point to live by. It's keep me honest, at the very least! As far as your religious quote, I completely understand if you believe those to be threats by God. People have a right to view the passages of the bible the way they feel. Correct?
Fact#5: Yes, I used the word, "neighbors" because there's more than one that's causing legal issues. One neighbor for the dock, another neighbor that has placed a chain-linked fence up between the right-away and Railroad Ave. This access point was always used by the residents of Railroad Ave/ Anniversary Ave as a means to get to the Wise Owl. Now small kids and adults are forced to walk the narrow high traffic rt. 11 if they wish to visit us... or by car... which takes the convenience out of the equation. I was a witness to this neighbor striking/pushing a child as they tried to squeeze through the opening of the fence to go home. I'm not sure what happened with that incident, but I hope you can agree with me on this... who of mind stability does that to a child? That's disgraceful! This fence was to come down, but that's just another legal issue we need to contend with. One problem at a time. And lastly, a third neighbor that has her nose in anything and everything we do. This is also the same neighbor that placed the yellow caution tape on their dock. I'm not sure why they did this, but I heard, don't quote me, it was to keep our guests from using their dock as a way to access the Wise Owl. Not sure in the truth of that, but it's what I heard. Like I said before we've tried dealing with these problems direct and peacefully, but that's clearly not working, so yes... legal action is being taken. As my brother mentioned above, he'll do his best to keep everyone informed since so many stories are roaming the area.
Fact#6: There are no non-objective parties, the officers of Alton aren't really up to date on the legal issues. The Court House may be more informed, but my point was that these things change daily. This is why I'm so far removed from the situation. I was just saying, as I'm doing myself, waiting for the problem to be resolved to get the final story if you will. I was not trying to be snarky!
Fact#7: Again Joj129 is not the owner and I'm not Joj129 either. I will say that my family and I do read these posts as a way to stay connected with what our customers are saying, but we've never posted something like an ad. This is a great idea, however... I would much rather people come in and give us a try and have them write their own reviews. It's much more productive.
Fact#8: I would hate to think you would form an opinion of me based off a post. I've yet to form an opinion of you and I would greatly appreciate the same respect. If you and your family frequent the Wise Owl, as much as you say you do, then you probably do know me in some way. I've worked there for well over 10 years as a waitress, cook, or anything else my father needs me to do since we've taken over. That's the type of person I am. I give up my weekends in the summer to limit the stress my father has to bear. You tell me... does that sound like the horrible person you've made feel I am... based off what you think my previous post meant? I believe the people that do know me, know that I'm an extremely generous and compassionate person. I would give the shirt off my back for anyone who was in need. I hate confrontations and rarely raise my voice to anyone. As for your comments on your family being wonderful... I'm sure they are. That statement was written to prove that I believe good things come to those who do good. I'm happy to hear you are running multiple businesses. In this economy we all know how difficult it is to successfully run one business let alone multiple. I wish you much success in doing so.
Fact#9: I really hope you reconsider your decision about no longer joining us at the Wise Owl. I hope that you can see that I meant no harm and never meant for you to interpret my post so negatively. I also hope that we've both learned the lesson that you can't read into things and that sometimes we may misread how things are written.
So that's all from WinniGirl on this topic.
On to another one.... does anyone know of a great pizza place around the Lakes Region? Non-commerical that is?
