There’s a lot of Halloween-related stuff going on at LeNell’s, the Red hook booze institution, but what’s really of interest in her latest email is the gossip at the end, saying she’ll be in place on Van Brunt Street until at least the end of February:I just got out of court with the landlord and signed a written agreement to be out of the current space by February 28, 2008. Current landlord initially had said he wasn’t renewing my lease cuz he wanted the space for his own business. Fair enough. He’s not the landlord I signed the lease with. But in court he says he wants to show the space, and even at one point threw out that he could get $12,000 for this space now in Red Hook. I can’t stop laughing so at least I was somewhat humored through this whole process. Basement seriously floods everytime it rains, methadone clinic around the corner, junk yard next door, building falling down across the street, and don’t even get me started on the shape of this building, but yeah, $12,000 seems to be right on par. Who will ever understand the mind of a landlord? At least we’ll be able to get through the holiday season without moving stress. I am negotiating on two other spaces at the moment, one in Red Hook, one not.

And you’ll never believe, or perhaps you will, but the freaking vultures are out. Folks already trying to figure out how to get my liquor license if I have to shut down so they can open a store in Red Hook, like they can find a decent space more easily than I can. The nerve! I don’t go down that easily…well, in real estate anyway. Uh…hmmmm…Anyway….I’m working at the shop 7 days a week again so I don’t want to hear your whining about how you never see me. Shut up and come see me. While your at it, bring me flowers and maybe a bite to eat. I will love you for it. And we’ll have a good laugh and maybe a sip of whiskey.

That’s the latest from down Red Hook way.