and a dollar short as my daddy says.
sorry for the delay y’all. as you can tell from the image on our home page we had a busy past few days and owe alot of thanks and thankful prayers to the savannah fire department. heres how it all went down.....
Uncle Bubba rang my cell phone around 11 o’clock Sunday night. he didn’t leave a message so I figured it was just a late call to wish me a happy 2nd fathers day. well, mom called about 2 minutes later and I knew something was cooking.
It turned out to be the lady and sons, literally. one of Bubba’s managers is married to a fireman and he alerted his wife who in turn called Bubba about an alarm at the station to gather his crew and boogie down to 102 west Congress street.
We have had a few false alarms in the past and I told mom to go back to sleep I would ride down for a peek and straighten everything out. Well when a WTOC news truck flew around me in the right lane of Broughton street I sat up a little straighter and eased the gas pedal down. I parked on Whittaker street facing the wrong way and saw 11 ....ELEVEN emergency vehicles with lights rolling.
Savannah firemen were everywhere, police out, people milling around looking up at our baby. The baby we started with more sweat equity than you could every count, our hope and dreams, the center of attention. I threw the car in park and was moving. Under the tape. past the first wave of responders only to be stopped at the sidewalk by captain Johnson. Our hero. He was able to calm me down pretty quickly.
No fire. Thank you Lord. No water. Thank you Lord. No damage. Thank you Lord .
A bag of terrycloth hand towels and cotton aprons , the tools of the front house staff, had self combusted! He said it is a freak thing but it happens. some time after closing around 6 o’clock or so as the staff was finishing up, a towel used to clean the flat-top grill where hoecakes are fixed, was dropped in the bag hot....and covered with towels with bleach from cleaning tables. 5 hours later smoke, lots and lots of smoke. We have had ten hundred thousand linen bags of the same makeup for 20 years and this bag, this night....smoke. no fire though. Thank you Lord.
About this time here comes momma. sweet little momma rolls out of bed and rolls into downtown with a hat on....in her gown. housecoat. slippers. Thats it. “momma ease around this truck there’s a news camera across the street” her first born son advises. Hah. momma strolls into the street and then across the street right up to the knot of fireman waiting for the air to clear before we can get inside for a look around. In her gown. and slippers. Of course this is breaking news, what a 61 year old women was wearing at 11:45 on a Sunday night was reported. You gotta shake your head sometimes.
anyway, we get the all’s clear sign and Momma, Bobby, Uncle Bubba and myself pile in the side door to access the damage. and we quickly decide we are double lucky...no, make that triple lucky. No one was hurt, our baby was in fine shape, and we were going to be blessed with the opportunity to wake up Monday morning and go to work.
so hows that for an entry.....
ok, some house keeping issues: phil is the smartest guy i know. he will be checking in during the week and answering some of the questions that pop up here during the week. he handles all things computer and keeps me in line. he called an hour ago, “boss. send me smokes signals, a note.....anything, you are a day late.” yeah yeah phil. keep your shirt on. im a dollar short too.
keep it coming y’all. this is fun
Jamie, I’m glad that all turned out well for you! The best of a bad situation. Thank goodness nobody was injured.
By Joanne on June 17 2008
Jamie,
I am very glad to hear that everyone Is OK and the restaurant was not damaged. Love your blog!
Julie
South Elgin, IL
By Julie on June 17 2008
Hey, Jamie! What a relief that the resturant really wasn’t on fire. My friend and I are driving to Savannah tomorrow - she’s been, I haven’t. We are going to be taking the Paula Deen tour with Old Savannah tours. We are hoping to be able to get in to eat at The Lady and Sons. We’ve planned this for a few months now and I can’t wait!
By Virginia on June 17 2008
Jamie~Thank God that no one was hurt or the damage was not worse. I bet Paula in her gown, housecoat and slippers was quite cute.
So glad all is well. We will be eating at the Lady & Sons in 2 weeks.
By Tiffany on June 17 2008
Jamie,
I’ve been to the restaurant twice in the last year, I was worried to hear the news, all the way in Philly, but also relieved that everything is ok...GOD is truely on your side...take care
By JOELLE on June 17 2008
Jamie
We were worried up here in Indiana when we heard about your troubles and glad to know that everything is ok!!
We are going to be visiting Savannah in July and wanted to come to your place...so glad we still can!
My 7 year old daughter is really looking forward to comming to “Paulatown” as she calls it...I think she’s more excited about comming to the restaurant than being on the beach.
Take care
Kelly
By Kelly Thaman on June 17 2008
Jamie, My sister is always telling me I remind her of your mom ... I guess I didn’t really get the comparison until I read about your scare with the restaurant.I think I get it now..lol… I wouldn’t have been concerned with my appearance either if something or someone I love was in danger. I’m happy all is well with the family business and no one was harmed. Now I can breath a sigh of relief for myself as well, since I will be accompanying my husband on a business trip to Savannah next week. We ate at “The Lady and Sons “ on a prior visit to Savannah.(at the first location.) Of course our number one priority will be to eat there again this visit as well as check out “Uncle Bubba’s” By the way, baby Jack is absolutely adorable! Best of everything to you and yours!
By Rita on June 17 2008
Hey Jamie,
I’m so glad to hear that everything is ok with the “baby” and that everyone is fine. I totally thrilled you are doing a blog now, pretty cool I must say! I look forward to reading more of your postings. Keep up the good work.
Love n best wishes to all!
By Donna P on June 17 2008
Well..cousin...guess the “good Lord” was watching after the Deen’s the other night.. I got a call from my neighbor, who resides in N. Ga during the summer..she wanted to know if I had heard about the “Lady & Sons” fire??.. said no...so checked it out..so glad most everything is ok & no one hurt..take care..we hope to get back to Savannah soon & see you all..
Love, Olivia & Fred
Winter Haven
By Olivia on June 17 2008
Jamie,
Thank God ya’ll are ok and that the fire wasn’t any worse. What a “great” way to start Father’s Day eh?;)
Hope the rest of your week goes better.
By Mystie Dukes on June 17 2008
Hi Jamie,
The news of your fire was reported all the way out here on the West Coast! Glad to hear all worked out and no damage. We hear about a lot of garage fires from materials stored that combust, makes one think twice about the way we store things. Take care and glad everything is back to normal.
By Diane on June 17 2008
Wow ... what a relief! I saw a news piece on AOL news and clicked on it right away! I’m so happy to hear everything is okay.
I love your family, your restaurants, your cookbooks and tv shows. Gosh ... we all know how hard you all worked building The Lady & Sons. Your “extended” family was a bit worried about ya’ll!
So glad things are okay ...
Missy
Gum Spring, VA
By Missy on June 17 2008
Jamie,
I am so glad to hear that everything is alright. We had just eaten dinner there on Saturday night. We loved it of course, it was my fourth trip. Thank the good Lord and the Savannah Fire Department for quick thinking and answering prayers. Hope all is going well and things are semi back to normal with the restaurant.
Take care.
Lehua
Thomson, GA
By Lehua on June 17 2008
Wow, glad everything is fine. It must have been scary for all of you. We just love your mother’s show and yours and Bobby’s too! Great cookbooks too.
Wishing you well from Central New York!
By Denise on June 17 2008
Jamie,
SO glad to hear that there was no fire. Someone is looking out for your family.
Marja
Mankato, MN
By Marja Sowers on June 17 2008
JAMIE, GLAD EVERYTHING TURNED OUT WELL TFOR THE RESTAURANT AND ALL. WHEN IS THE NEW COOKBOOK OF YOUR MOM’S COMING OUT? I CAN’T WAIT.
By BEVERLY on June 17 2008
Hi,
I’m so glad the restaurant wasn’t damaged to bad, and nobody got hurt.
Happy Fathers Day! Jamie, How is little Jack doing?
I hope to meet you and Bobby in September, when I go to savannah!
bye, bye!
Melisa Yerger
By Melisa Yerger on June 17 2008
Hi,
Just wanted to say we ate at “The Lady and Sons” today, 6/17/08 and everything was just wonderful as usual. We vacation in Hilton Head every year and we always make the trip down to Savannah to eat at the “The Lady and Sons”. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, eating there. The new “store” is great too!! So glad the fire was no worse than what it was. God’s grace and blessings are good!!
Thanks for the good cookin’and we watch all of you on TV any time we can catch you on. Love all of your shows…
See ya next year
Cindy
By Cindy on June 17 2008
hello and good morning, i’am glad to hear that all is well with ya’lls baby, i live in south carloina and knew nothing about the fire untill i saw a story about it in the morning sunday paper , glad to know everything is o.k what a way to wake up, we will be visting ya’ll soon , can’t wait, hope you and yours are well, hope your week is alot better, lynn
By lynn begnaud on June 18 2008
Hi Jamie,
OMG - what a scare. I’m so glad that everything is ok at your “baby”. God sure had your back!! My two daughters and myself are planning a day trip from Columbia, SC on Monday(6/23) for my youngest 21st birthday. My daughter is so excited that she has posted a “count down to Lady and Sons” on her my space. We have nicknamed her Paula Jr. If you, Bobby or your Mom is around - we sure would love a picture - she would (first die)treasure it forever!! My other daughter is a history major and is looking forward to visiting Savannah - any suggestions? thanks a bunch - Vanessa
By Vanessa Stone on June 18 2008
Hi Jamie,
Just heard the news. We were just there last week and met your brother Bobby. I’m so glad everything turn out OK.
God Bless Kari Vandagriff (New Braunfels, Tx)
By Kari Vandagriff on June 18 2008
Hi Jamie,
Just wondering if you are going on the cruise this year. We went last year my husband was the one with the Body by Butter costume on. We had a great time we cant make this year cruise but we are hoping to make the next one. Wish you and your family a safe and happy vacation…
p.s. I love love love you and Bobby’s new cookbook..
By Jennifer on June 18 2008
Hi everyone, Phil the web guy here.
Beverly, Paula’s next cookbook which will be a children’s cookbook will be out in September.
Jennifer, Jamie will unfortunately not be able to go on the cruise this year because he has a prior commitment.
Thank you everyone for your kind words. We all feel grateful and blessed that first and foremost no one was injured and also that no major damage was done.
By Administrator on June 18 2008
Jamie,
It is an amazing thing to see how God works in your own heart. Thank you for taking the time to do ANOTHER kind thing for others. All of us are not just fans but really do care about the Deen Family. We are so grateful here in Florida to hear that not only did everything turn out for the best but that you would take the time to share your lives with us. We appreciate all you do! Morgan Family in Florida
By Doreen on June 18 2008
Hey I love your blog and plan on coming to eat with you guys in the next 3 weeks. I cant wait .. im all excited…
Brittany
augusta ga
By Brittany Grass on June 18 2008
Hey Jamie!
SOOOOOO glad all is well at the Lady and Sons. I was just there on Memorial Day ( but you and Bobby and “Momma” were not! :( )! I would have been crushed if any thing happened. So glad the place and the people are ok. I know you are all relieved too.
Hope to keep reading your blog.
Love you all!
By Deb M on June 18 2008
OoOo..Thank goodness no one or nothing was harmed!!! You all are truly blessed!! I always wanted to visit the restaurant, but every time I come to Savannah, I’m no where near it:( But one day, I will be, I’m determined:)
Be Blessed
Kim-(Montgomery, AL)
By Kim on June 18 2008
jamie.....something nicer couldn’thave blessed the nicest bunch of people on this earth. Met ya on the cruise last October...you and your family are the best!!!!!
Thank Gos veryone and everything was OK!!!
Would have paid top dollar to se “momma” in her robe and slippers!!!
By Karen on June 18 2008
After reading all about the “Fire” I am really glad you are all ok. Your guardian angels were watching over you. I know this sounds crazy but, I feel like you are all family, I see you, on TV, more than I see most of my own relatives! Again, so glad you and your baby are ok. I hope to get back to Savannah someday soon, and hope to get to meet you and Bobby. All the best form one of your biggest fans!!!!!
Love,
Deb M
By Deb M on June 19 2008
I was so glad to hear the restaurant is intact. I have eaten there a couple of times and plan on bringing my mom down this fall. May God continue to bless the Deen/Groover families!
Cindy
By Cindy on June 19 2008
First of all, I’m glad there was no damage to your restaurant. That being said, speaking of fire...You are extremely HOT. Your wife is a lucky girl. You can cook, you’re funny and you’re very handsome. Your mamma did a great job.
Cathy
By Cathy on June 19 2008
Hey Jamie!
First off, welcome to the world of blogging! It’s such a great way to keep people up to date on anything you want to update them on! haha!
So glad to hear the restaurant is okay! I took my mother there for her 50th birthday last year and would have been so sad (like everyone else) to hear that anything happened to it!
Looking forward to reading more posts!
Ashley from Atlanta
P.S. Bobby should start a blog too!
By Ashley from Atlanta on June 19 2008
Jamie
so glad everything is fine at the restaurant,for you and your family.hope to see you’all the next time I come to your beautiful city.
By Donna M. Ooltewah,Tn on June 19 2008
Yeah! I’m so glad everything was okay! My husband and I are hoping to come down from Alabama for our one year anniversary in September. We would LOVE LOVE LOVE to come and eat there. We are HUGE Paula fans and Food Network fans! We hope to get to meet y’all! Take care Jamie!!
JOY,
Katie
By Katie on June 19 2008
I am so happy to hear that your “baby” is o.k. God really takes care of his own.
My son is graduating from Marine boot camp at Parris Island, SC in July. We are hoping to surprise him with lunch at the Lady & Sons on Saturday on the way home to Florida. I am sure that we will surely enjoy our visit. I can’t wait!!
May God continue to bless your family.
I love your blog!
By Lisa D on June 19 2008
I’m so glad to hear that no one was hurt. Thank God! Ya’ll are definitely blessed!
Leslie from Tennessee
By Leslie on June 20 2008
well as i look on your blog i seem to be the only male, ha ha.hope tis finds yall all doing well. well i watch your moma show all the time and your’s and bobby’s show as well. what an adventure. i have all yall’s cook books and more. i love to try, you noticed i said try to cook up some of yall’s recipes from time to time. i’m a georgia boy myself. from butler just west of macon still have family in byron. i live in okeechobee florida now, the big lake. some place yall need to come to one day. myself and family want to come and eat with yall one day when we find the time. busy busy busy. i could talk all day but i know how busy you are so until next time. keep those wonderful cookbooks and story’s comin. always look forward to a new cookbook.
van in okee.
By VAN on June 20 2008
Jamie,
You should write books. This was highly entertaining and informative at the same time. God Bless.
By Lisa on June 20 2008
Hello to all at the Lady & Sons. I am an absolute foody & am a faithful Food Network watcher. I have always wanted to go to your restaurant, but have just not made the trip yet from High Springs, FL. But much to my surprise my husband is taking me this Saturday for a belated birthday. (I had to share my day with all the fathers, ok with me). My parents are watching our 3 kids all day & I am SOOOOO excited. I’m glad to hear that everything is okay & I get to fulfill one of my wishes by eating at the Lady & Sons. Can’t wait till tomorrow!!!!
See you soon!
Amanda
High Springs, FL
By Amanda DaRoza on June 20 2008
Jamie, I am so thankful that no one was hurt and everything turned out well. You and your family are truly blessed. You have to remeber when you are walking on the straight and narrow, Almighty God is got your back. Continued Blessing to you and your family. Coming to Savannah in a few months and my family and I are lookig to chow down. I think that it is great you are doing a blog! You Go Jamie!!!
By Barbara from Virginia on June 20 2008
Jamie,I was wondering when the new episodes of PAULA’S PARTY begin.I think it is neat that the show is being filmed in New York,but I do hope it comes back to Savannah.Its just not the same,your mom being home,in the south with her family.you and Bobby and MICHAEL and the rest of the family,dropping by on the show.thats part of her southern charm.ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST FANS!!
Donna Martin
By Donna M. Ooltewah,Tn on June 20 2008
Jamie,
I am so happy every thing turned out well. I can see your mamma now in her gown, what a mental image. You all seem so warm and genuine thank you for sharing your lives with us.
Love the blog
Best Wishes,
Candi
By Candi on June 21 2008
Jamie,
I’m glad everything is OK. I’ll be praying for you, and your family. I’m glad your Mom, you, Bobby, and the staff were OK, and able to work so soon after the fire. Glory to God nothing happened that was worse. Our Lord watches over us.
I’m hoping to take a vacation soon, and would love to visit your family’s restaurant.
Mom loves your Mamma’s cookbooks, and magazine. I’m late finding out about the shows, the magazine, and the cookbooks. It is great to connect with my Mom over these recipes.
Reading your Mom’s story has really had a tremendous impact on me. I have also endured loss. Your Mom is an inspiration. You, and Bobby are great examples of how to honor your parents.
As I said, I need a vacation. I hope to see you all soon.
Rhonda
By Rhonda on June 21 2008
Jamie, I am a fireman up in Lexington,Ky and we are headed your way after a trip to Disney World the end of July. I had suprised my wife on Mother’s day by telling her I was goin to take her to the Lady and Sons for the first time and when we heard about the fire we thought just our luck!. But we are glad to hear everything is okay and we look forward to dining there on about August 3rd. Best Wishes! Brad Morris
By Brad Morris on June 21 2008
Hi Jamie, I’m so glad that your “baby” is okay, and all is well. My husband and I were in Savannah about a year ago and ate at the Lady & Sons and Uncle Bubba’s. We loved both of them and can’t wait to come back!! I am a huge fan of your mom, you and Bobby. One of my most treasured possessions is the book that the three of you signed to me for my birthday several years ago. My husband called the restaurant to inquire about buying a cookbook for my birthday and asked the person on the phone would it be possible to have it signed. She said hold on and I’ll let you ask Paula. He talked to her and she said all of you would sign it. I love the book, but still can’t get over that he actually talked to your mom!! Hope to see ya’ll the next time we’re in Savannah.
God Bless.
Angie
Phenix City, Alabama
By Angie C on June 22 2008
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