Greensboro Daily Photo

Dudley's Panther and Tyca Clowning Around

Tyca the clown and the Dudley Senior High School panther-mascot were out entertaining children during the MLK parade in January. Tyca the Clown was incorporated in 2007. He is frequently seen around town twisting balloons into all kinds of shapes for children to enjoy. Children know him by name and respond gleefully to his rainbow hair, outfits, expressive face paint, as well as to his animated persona in general. His address is listed online as 4425 South Danby Castle Road, Greensboro NC, 27407. Unfortunately, we didn't see a website or phone number. However, SOMEBODY must know how to get in touch with Tyca as he is seen working everywhere!

The suited panther, represents the royal blue and gold Dudley High School off of East Lee Street. Children enjoy waving and interacting with that furry larger-than-life creature. When you see him, you can be pretty sure that the Dudley band or sports team is somewhere nearby!

Happy Friday folks. Also, happy Skywatch Friday. We're sharing this photo with the rest of the sky-loving world.

Greenway Fisher Park Apartments

Construction is officially underway for a downtown apartment complex in the Northwest corner of the city. The Greenway Fisher Park Apartments (GFPA) are located on 4.2 acres at the former North State Chevrolet site near the baseball stadium. It is also adjacent to the Greenway loop and historic, Fisher Park. The Jones brothers are building five, three-story brick apartment buildings that will have a clubhouse, fitness center, a saltwater pool, and more. Costing about 10 million dollars, the facility is a major investment on a piece of property that has been dormant for a long time. It will be interesting to monitor the progress of this newest addition to the skyline. At least until the empty showroom/garage across the street is developed, GFPA residents will have a great view of the ballpark and the historic Jefferson Standard Building. To further orient you, notice the Paisley Street sign. We were standing here when the photo was taken.

We love seeing the insides of buildings before they get covered up by their façades. Right now, the construction site is looking beautifully green-- especially striking when the sun is low in the sky. See media coverage of the 196 high-end apartment complex here. We're sharing this with Skywatch Friday. It would be really nice to have some of those wires, lacing through the skyline, go underground.  Have a great weekend, dear readers!

Paisley Street... Quietly Endures

Paisley Street is located downtown, near the Smith Street Diner and the First Presbyterian Church-- vestige of early 20th century Greensboro. The street is named for the Reverend William Paisley who was born in Guilford County in 1767, forty one years before Greensboro became a city. The Rev. Paisley was involved in early real estate transactions in the county. He purchased lots on West Market Street from Thomas Caldwell. The lots were located just beyond the western town limit, perhaps not too far from this street that bears his family name.  

If you look closely, you will notice the JP Building peeking through in the background. If you are local, likely when you were little, you believed that all roads led to the JP Building, the city's time-and-temperature revealing epicenter. This sleepy little residential area of downtown is quite charming. Hopefully, it will survive the current construction boom at nearby Eugene Street. We're sharing this with Skywatch Friday, so that the world can see the sky over Greensboro.

The Softer Side of UNCG

We close out the week with this photo of UNCG, near the railroad tracks that parallel Lee Street and and Oakland Avenue. The "softer side" in the title is reference to yesterday's photo of Sears. This is the softer side of campus because it is one little nook that has remained relatively unchanged over the last half century. UNCG has undergone a period of considerable growth and construction-- from new dorms to the New School of Education, Music Building, Moore Humanities and Research Building, and on and on (map here). If you haven't been on campus in a while, you should start your visit at one of the old landmarks, like the Foust Building or the Steam Plant & Sink Building (above) or you just might not recognize the place. Even Spring Garden Street has changed.

Enjoy your Friday the 13th and stop by Skywatch Friday to see the blue skies above your favorite cities around the world. In the meantime, we're busy planning our our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities for Monday. For sure, we will be at the parade (more here). As for the UNCG Campus, Monday's holiday will be a HUGE day for service learning projects in honor of Dr. King.

R Twining and Company

R Twining and Co., located at 2812 Twining Road, can be seen on the east side of Highway 421, just south of Greensboro. According to a business information website, Twinings manufactures tea, food, beverage and tobacco products. We stopped by the day after New Year's and the gates were closed so we didn't get inside for an interview. We're curious as to whether they are related to the Twinings Tea that got its start in England in 1706. If you know about the business, post something in the comment section.

In the meantime, we're sharing this with Skywatch Friday. Here's to the bright white building perched high on "Twining Hill" south of Greensboro. When we see scenes like this one, we are reminded that Greensboro is not completely flat. Have a great weekend everyone!

Last Skywatch Friday of 2011

Many Fridays throughout the year, we participate in Skywatch Friday, a meme where participants show a slice of sky overhead in their respective cities. This will be GDP's last Skywatch Friday of 2011. It is a winter sunset in northwest Greensboro. It had just rained and so some pink snuck in to enliven an otherwise sooty sunset. At this time of year, with excessive hours of darkness, an infusion of color from nature is a much-appreciated gift. To quote an old saying, some of the best things in life are free.

As we reflect on our sky shots of 2011, we find the one of Camberly's Garden to be the most poignant; the Peace on Earth at Guilford College to be the most hopeful; and Coble Farm on West Friendly, the most picturesque. If you are interested, feel free to review the year of Skywatch over Greensboro entries (here) and select your favorite. Let us know in the comment section below. In the meantime, lets hope 2012 is an equally great year for photographing the sky over Greensboro.

Christmas on Hubbard Street

Hubbard Street is located White Oak "New Town" community of Greensboro. White Oak, listed as on the National Register of Historic Places, is part of a mill community in northeast Greensboro. One hundred years ago, when Greensboro's textile mills were in full-steam production, White Oak Mills employed five thousand people. By the early 20th century, it was the largest denim factory in the world. Thanks to the Cone brothers, a thriving city-community surrounded the factory. This house is very typical of the mill houses in the neighborhood.

Also typical of the houses in this neighborhood is the connection to history and to community. While White Oak has changed somewhat in recent decades with the rise of rental property in the area, it is still easy to find a good old-fashioned home with great character. This little pink house on Hubbard Street, a block from Buffalo Presbyterian Church, is impeccably painted with a white picket fence and vintage, cement steps leading to a wreathed gate. This Christmas, the darling house on Hubbard reminds us that good things DO come in small packages.

Against the crisp, warm blue winter sky, the scene is heavenly and we are sharing it with Skywatch Friday.

Midnight Clear on Elm Street

Elm Street is magical on a cold winter's night. Downtown Greensboro looks like it did almost a century ago-- charming and well maintained with lots of brick façades and nothing ultra modern in appearance from Market Street and to the south. It is as if O Henry, Lunsford Richardson, and John Van Lindley could be strolling along the street listening to carolers and talking to friends.

In the above photo, First Friday was winding down yet the road was still blocked to cars. Pedestrians were making the most of the opportunity to stroll along the street. The evening was so well attended and so many community members were involved, we can't help but think Greensboro could use another event or two like this before the end of the year. If you want to keep up with events downtown, 99 blocks is a great start.

We're sharing this night sky with our friends at Skywatch Friday. 

Moravian Star

If you are in Greensboro, head to the First Moravian Church, 304 South Elam Avenue, for the annual Candle Tea-- today and tomorrow. They will treat you to Moravian sugar cake and coffee or lemonade, provide you with music, show you how to make beeswax candles, let you admire the putz (Nativity), and MORE for free! They will have a bake and craft sale and allow you to make donations; however, the goal is to showcase the Moravian religion and celebrate Advent. We're planning to pick up a chicken pie or two, yummy. Today, the tea extends from 2-9 pm and Saturday, the hours are 10-3 pm. Tonight they will have a brass band and living nativity. Why not start your afternoon at First Moravian (Facebook page here) and then head to Elm Street for First Friday. So much to do tonight..........

The first Moravian star*, ancestor of the star in the silhouette above, is said to have originated in Germany in the 1830's. The iconic star usually has 26 points and is the Moravian rendition of the Star of Bethlehem. Old Salem, a Moravian enclave in the United States, is located about 35-40 miles west of us at the southern end of Winston-Salem.

We're sharing this with Skywatch Friday.

*See a Moravian star from the tea at the church two years ago (here). 

Stephie's Birds

For Black Friday, we're headed out for a little retail therapy. What better way to start the day than to head over to Stephie's Birds to see some GIANT feathered friends!  Stephie, a second generation bird breeder/handler, is known up and down the east coast for her breeding of fabulously beautiful, healthy birds, of all sizes. From scarlet macaws to purple parakeets, her expertise in all issues related to birds keeps even a few vets ringing her phone. Above, a cockatoo named Chance watches over the store. In addition to selling birds, Stephie finds new homes for birds that the original owners can no longer keep. 

Recently Stephie's Birds relocated to North Battleground across from Wal-Mart.

While we only show a sliver of the sky in the photo above, we're sharing this photo with our friends at Skywatch Friday. We'll be sure to snap a few more photos when we are out finding bargains. How are you spending the day?

Sunset on Autumn

For a few weeks there, it seemed as if autumn would last forever. Locally, fall was especially beautiful this year. Leaves were brilliantly colored, skies were blue, and many days were just perfect for spending time outside: bike riding, festivals, nature walks......... Then, in Greensboro, the temperature dropped over 30 degrees in a 24 hour time period. From Wednesday's tepid, mid-70's balmy tornado-front to driving rain and fog, COLDNESS captured our autumn at one fell swoop. Leaves surrendered their grip and winter coats were brought out of storage. Also, with the time change and days getting shorter, many people leave for work and return in the dark. What? Was there a day today? Did someone see daylight? Sunshine?

Yesterday, just when all seemed about as uplifting as a big bowl of unseasoned broth, this brilliant sunset lingered on the horizon, a carrot dangling, reminding us to see the beauty that lies ahead. First, some snow, slush and lots of gray, but, before we know it, all will be green again. In the meantime, winter is knocking....... Can't you hear it?

We're sharing this with Skywatch Friday and are heading over there to see the sky above a few hundred cities worldwide.

Stairway to Heaven

If we could imagine an album cover to Led Zeppelin's 1971 hit, "Stairway to Heaven," it would be the above photo taken right here in Guilford County. The clouds are so fluffy and heavenly; the stairway leads right to the heavens over the Dollar Center and Pawn Way in High Point. The shopping complex is located a block away from High Point University. The lyrics that inspired this photo, "There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold; And she's buying a stairway to heaven. When she gets there, she knows if the stores are all closed; With a word she can get what she came for. Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to heaven..... (complete lyrics here). 

On the one hand, the photo is so local; on the other, so generic. Every community seems to have one of these strip malls with places to get cash, buy dollar imports from China, and start a new phone service. We're sharing this on Friday because the Skywatch Friday crowd will appreciate some lighthearted, creative Friday fun. Don't forget that today is FIRST FRIDAY, where downtown Greensboro come alive with art galleries and stores staying open late! Hope to see you on Elm Street tonight. Have a great weekend, all. 

Read more about Stairway to Heaven and Led Zeppelin's creative process here. 

 

Scott's Pumpkin Patch

Wrapping up our mini-tour of Burlington Road, just east of Greensboro, was a trip to Scott's Pumpkin Patch. In North Carolina, pumpkin patches are everywhere this time of year and no week-before-Halloween would be complete without our featuring a local place selling pumpkins. Here is one from 2010; here for 2009. Children delight in ambling through the pumpkins arranged by size and price. 

This old barn is representative of the outbuildings found throughout rural North Carolina. Ten years into the 21st century, these structures are disappearing before our eyes. As a matter of fact, the land in the present photo is for sale. Wonder if Scott's Pumpkin Patch will still be here next year? Places like Scott's make great memories for children and help us appreciate our old-time ways.

If you are local and looking for something to do this weekend, click here for a pumpkin patch picking guide for North Carolina. Also, keep in mind it is the last weekend for Johnson's impressionist sculptures to be in Graham. Finally, this is our contribution to Skywatch Friday. Please take time to look up and admire the sky above.

The Giving Tree

The persimmon tree is a member of the genus Diospyros... meaning the fruit of the gods. The astringent version of the persimmon is often found growing wild in North Carolina. The actual word "persimmon" is derived from a Native American word meaning "a dry fruit." Persimmon trees like to have their space and are usually seen in open fields. We have seen several persimmon trees around northwest Guilford County. The above stub of a persimmon tree reminds us of Shel Silverstein's poem, The Giving Tree.

Once, in Greensboro, there was a young persimmon tree. The persimmon tree was planted by a man, Mr. Greensboro Daily Photo. He loved this tree; visited the tree; he watered the tree, day in and day out-- from the first day of spring, through summer, into autumn. On a moonlight night, a buck walked past and decided to tear the tree down to a stub. He rubbed against the tree, stripped the bark, tore the top off and left it on the ground. The man is still very upset and has to decide what to plant in the space as it is very open and vulnerable to the tenacious, ruminant mammals. For now, he has this stub to look at to remind him that man may know how to fly to the moon but he just may not be able to outsmart the local deer.

This is our contribution to Skywatch Friday. 

 

A Peek at Fall

From the parking lot in front of Barnes & Noble at Friendly Center, we snapped this photo of the O. Henry Hotel. Leaves have started to turn colors and should be at peek within the week in Greensboro. The red brick of the hotel looks majestic surrounded by fall foliage. While the original O.Henry Hotel (built in 1919) was torn down years ago, this 1998 iteration tries hard to provide guests with old-world charm. The O.Henry is committed to being as local and "in and of Greensboro" as possible. On the website, Dennis Quantance, says that our city is about: higher education; culture-- especially a great literary tradition; cooperation and collaboration between industry, government, and the community at large; its natural and man made beauty; and the interface between tradition and innovation. 

Here is a photo of the hotel's entrance when we were en route for tea. We hope to get by the Wizzard of Oz tea to be held there on October 23rd. We're sharing this with Skywatch Friday and then heading out to find more photos of fall's splendor.

To Pilot Mountain and Beyond

From First Friday downtown to the Fall Festival at Bur-Mil Park on Saturday to Sunday's Italian Festival in Festival Park, Greensboro is packed with things to do this weekend. However, the mountains are also calling. From now until the end of October, it is possible to see peak leaves somewhere in North Carolina. You just have to find the right elevation.

The above photo of the iconic Pilot Mountain, just north of Winston-Salem, was taken last year later in the season. Pilot Mountain is a geological landmark that rises 1,400 above sea level and is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. If you like the outdoors, Pilot Mountain is non-stop fun. Nearby Mt. Airy was the inspiration for Sheriff Andy Griffith's TV show about Mayberry. It is a quintessential small North Carolina town of yesteryear with 21st century updates.

Consider making a day trip from Greensboro to the mountains soon as this year is supposed to be good for fall foliage. We hope that you have a wonderful weekend; you are healthy and happy and, at some point, you visit Pilot Mountain, Mt. Airy, and beyond. (We're sharing this post with Skywatch Friday).

Golden Antiques in Summerfield

Golden Antiques is located off of 220 North in Summerfield. This antique mall has turned an older shopping area into a community gathering place. By virtue of the fact that people rent spaces to sell their upcycled, recycled, and used items, vendors are constantly coming and going. Golden Antiques tries very hard to community build. They have a booth that fundraises for Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue. They hold silent auctions. Sometimes people showcase their vehicles in the parking lot outside. Last weekend when we stopped by, Golden Antiques had a spread of food, prehaps for an open house. Poppy's Soda Shoppe, located at the front of the store,  gives people who aren't so keen on shopping a place to sit and have an affordable scoop of ice cream while their collecting-obsessed family members peruse the isles. Unfortunately, since we were on site to prepare this post, we have learned that Poppy's is closing. It is the second snack venue in the location. It would be nice to have sufficient traffic to support a cafe.

One thing that can't be purchased or removed from the place is the beautiful sunny sky above. The white, puffy clouds are floating on over to Skywatch Friday. Have a great weekend folks. If you are local and near downtown Greensboro, don't forget to head over to Westerwood for the studio tour event, easily accessible by walking.

Teamsters Union 391

According to their website, Teamsters Union, Local No 391, is North Carolina's largest and most diverse union. It grew out of a group of 26 drivers in 1938. At its height, in 1979, it had 10,000 members. Today, it has 8,000 members. Read the history of Teamsters Local No. 391 here. Their building is located off of Sandy Ridge Road and I-40 near the Farmers Market. The local unions feed into the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C. 

We're sharing this photo with Skywatch Friday where you can go to see a slice of the sky around the world. The red brick building looks so solid under the bold blue sky. Have a great weekend and don't forget about the Liberty Antiques Festival today and tomorrow. Here is a post about the event from a couple of years ago. It would be a great way to spend this first day of autumn!

Jackson Library

This is a photo of the back part of Walter Clinton Jackson Library on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The original, brick portion of the library (barely visible in this photo) was constructed in 1950. The original portion of Jackson Library was built to replace the Carnegie Library that had burned. This white, 9-story tower was built in the 1970's. Given its height and architectural style, the bright white tower is a landmark on campus. Clearly, it resembles a giant, glistening open book.

According to Wikipedia, Jackson Library is a selective depository for US government documents and a full depository for State documents (reference here). In addition to over 2.5 million books, Jackson Library also has an impressive collection of electronic databases and electronic journal subscriptions. Perhaps the biggest strength of the library is the reference librarians who have a great reputation for helping students and faculty find and access information. The library is named for a former chancellor. Walter Clinton Jackson came to the school as a professor in 1909, rose through the ranks in administration and served as chancellor for 16 years. 

Today, we're sharing this post with Skywatch Friday. Additionally, with a nod to Martin Handford and his book Where's Waldo? (after all, this IS a post about a LIBRARY), we're going to ask you to play a round of Where's Jane? with us. Do you see our friend?

Peace Acres

East Wendover is also Highway 70 and Burlington Road. Driving east towards Elon University, past Sedalia and near Brightwood Inn, you will find suburbia encroaching. However, a property that dubs itself Peace Acres has carved out its own little slice of tranquility. England has Stonehenge, Guilford College has Stickhenge, and the family at 6474 Burlington Road has what you might call Zenhenge, a circular stack of boulders and rocks. Their cozy brick house sits back from the road and the above rocks distance the property from the road. We'd love to know the story behind this assemblage in the field! While these rocks are more stacked than balanced, did you know that rock balancing is considered an art form? If you know of any rock balancing efforts in Greensboro, please let us know. We'd love to get out and photograph them.

Happy Skywatch Friday folks. Greensboro is gearing up for Indian summer which should bring some beautiful skies and silhouettes. Have a great weekend dear readers. 

Labor Day Day Weekend-- Got Plans?

Labor Day Weekend is upon us! This Castle of Horror Clown, last seen scooting through Market Street at the Fourth of July Parade, is hoping that you have a little time to clown around this weekend. While much of the world celebrates Labor/International Workers' Day on May 1st, in the US, we celebrate the holiday the first Monday of September. Traditionally, this is the last hurrah of summer vacations, after which academics become the focus for students. Drivers beware, I-40 through Greensboro will be bumper to bumper today and Monday... Just sayin'.......

We're sharing this photo with Skywatch Friday crowd, hopefully some people are out there visiting blogs and not all away on vacation. We'll be staying in town, trying to find great things to photographs, but we will try to find some time to don wild clothing and clown around. Let us know how you are spending your weekend.

 

Mortar & Pestle at Fordham Drug Store

Next time you are at 514 South Elm Street, at the building that housed Fordham's Drug Store from 1898-2002, look up to the sky and see this apothecary mortar and pestle. Pharmacists used them to prepare prescriptions or for grinding pills. Trituration is the process of crushing, grinding, and mixing solid substances-- the task of the above bowl-like mortar and heavy pestle. When we started investigating the origin and meaning of the Rx symbol, we found many answers (read here). One thought is that it comes from the latin word "recipere" meaning "Take, thou."

In the early years of Fordham's, the Drug Store was on the street level and the doctors were upstairs, just below this decorative feature on the roof. Fordham's was a dynamic place with a soda fountain that catered to children. They also had liquor for sale, as long as the ABC man wasn't around (reference). For a while, the short story writer O. Henry worked at Fordham's. We're sharing this bright blue sky with Skywatch Friday.

Sky over Wendover

Here is a view of the sky over Wendover Avenue, taken from Benjamin Parkway looking east. Greensboro is a relatively flat city so it is not always easy to find expansive, open spaces for a panoramic view. This one was taken from a car window at a stop light while Mr. GDP was driving.The square building peeking out on the left is the fabulous Proximity Hotel. The environmentally-friendly Proximity was the first platinum, LEED rated hotel in the USA (read more). On a sunny day like this, the hotel's solar panels should be busy making energy. 

This beautiful sky with low-level, cumulus clouds was taken a while back. Thunder storms are predicted for Greensboro this weekend; however, let's hope for some nice weather so that we can drive to Sedgefield for the Wyndham Championship.  Even better, book a room at the Proximity by night and, by day, head to the Sedgefield Country Club to watch some amazing golf. In the meantime, we're sharing this photo with Skywatch Friday.

NC Carnivorous Plants & U Haul

We've finally found a U Haul that advertises North Carolina. The "Venture Across America" series by U Haul is brilliant-- combining fun facts and great graphic design with an otherwise boring Point A to Point B venture. The top statement reads "Carnivores of the green swamp preserve." At the bottom, it reads, "Did you know.... The endangered Venus Fly Trap and Pitcher Plant feed on small insects for survival. How does this reversal in the food chain work? Learn more about carnivorous plants...."

Carnivorous plants have adapted to eat insects because their host soil is thin and poor in nutrients. Due to plant poachers, carnivorous plants are threatened worldwide. Carnivorous plants don't grow in Greensboro; in our state, they only grow within a 60 mile radius of Wilmington.This costal city is a great habitat for carnivorous plants (see many examples here). North Carolina children love to study them, especially in the North Carolina social studies years (4th and 8th grade).

By the way, this U Haul is available for rent at Quality Food Mart at the corner of Battleground and North Elam. Have a great weekend and try to spend a few minutes looking at other Skywatch Friday posts! If you want some carnivorous plant fun, watch the 1960 or 1986 version of the movie, Little Shop of Horrors.

 

Take Us Out To the Ball Game

The Greensboro Grasshoppers are out of town this weekend leaving us with a BEAUTIFUL, but empty, stadium. It has been six years since this stadium opened its doors on April 3, 2005. Time flies when you are playing ball. Seating capacity in New Bridge Bank Park stadium is 7,499; however, with all of the picnic and grassy berm areas, more people can fit, if needed. The opening day crowd was 8,540. Greensboro loves its minor-league baseball. 

This scene, outside the entrance gate on the Bellemeade Street side, would be perfect for a photo shoot with the little baseball players in your life. To small children, these larger-than-life baseballs feel like the scene in Gulliver's Travels where Gulliver lands in Brobdingnag, the land of big people.

Here is the Grasshoppers' schedule. They'll be back in town next week. What a great way to wind down your summer and have some good, AFFORDABLE family fun!. Today, we're pitching this photo over at Skywatch Friday where hundreds of people worldwide share a view of the sky above their town.

Irving Park- First Citizens Bank

Today's photo takes us to the corner of West Northwood Street and Huntington Road. (This photo was actually taken at the edge of Edward McCay's parking lot). Here we see the early stages of construction of First Citizens Bank in Irving Park. First Citizens Bank was established in 1898. The four-story, 30,900 square-foot office of the Raleigh-based bank is under construction behind Anton's Restaurant.  In addition to administrative offices, it will be a full-service bank.  Being over 100 years old, one would like to think that they have a clear cut recipe for success that will carry them into the twenty-second century. 

The building will change the landscape of the southern end of Irving Park. It just may be the tallest building in Irving Park. Let's hope they are making an effort to be environmentally responsible and that they will feature local art. Greensboro artist William Mangum is just down the street and Irving Park Elementary School has a mighty fine art program (hint, hint).

Can you find the two American flags billowing in the breeze? By the way, readership has been up this week. Thank you to our new readers as well as our longtime readers. Readers, like YOU, make this mom and pop volunteer-effort all worthwhile. Please spread the word that we're here.

We're sharing this photo with viewers around the world through Skywatch Friday. Have a great weekend!

Breathing Fire and Feeling the Heat!

With temperatures close to 100 degrees in Greensboro, it feels like we are all breathing fire! July tends to be our hottest month; however, for July 2011, Greensboro is about 10 degrees above average! The above photo was taken during the grande finale, fire act portion of the summer solstice event last month. Flames emerging from the man's mouth illustrate how much of the nation has felt this month!

In our effort to find the hottest day on record for Greensboro, we only saw the hottest day on record for North Carolina-- 110 degrees; on August 21, 1983 in Fayetteville. In the meantime, we found other numbers that we decided were "must knows" for Greensboro. The city is 131.75 square miles. The elevation is 897 feet. The population as of 2009 was 260,083 (reference). Our thought for the day, or thought for the photo: "Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability." Roy L. Smith

In the above photo the flame of the "human BIC lighter" shines in the night sky and we are sharing the scene with Skywatch Friday.

 

Cornhole-- "It's your turn to toss!"

The lawn game Cornhole is all the rage in Greensboro! In the above photo, we see some young adults who brought their Cornhole game to the Coliseum to pass time until the fireworks started on July 4th. For those of you who haven't played before, the white raised board in the middle of the photo is one of two plywood, cornhole targets. The opponent's sloped target is in the spot where we were standing to take the photo.  Little corn-filled bags are tossed back and forth. The goal is to get the bag in the hole and to reach 21 points. If you really want to learn to play, read here.

Nobody is sure of the exact origin of cornhole. Native Americans played a similar game and there are tossing games in many early cultures. In modern times, Ohio and Michigan have played a significant role in popularizing the game. Word has it that in Greensboro teams and competitions are cropping up even with county employees to boost collegiality and to alleviate on the job stress. The game costs from $75 up depending on the elaborateness of the façade and whether they are made at home or purchased pre-made. We'd love to own one if you know of an affordable source.

We're tossing this post up on Skywatch Friday.  If we're lucky, we'll get comments from around the world. Wonder if they play cornhole in Siberia, in Rio de Janeiro........... in Jerusalem?

White Oak Amphitheater

Here we see a view of Greensboro's recently-opened (June 5th) White Oak Amphitheater on High Point Road. It was mostly empty on the Fourth of July when the pops concert got rained out; however, people were still free to enter and see the beautiful facility. It adds so much to our city. The amphitheater is named for the white oak, the official tree of the City of Greensboro. As you will learn if you watch this video clip about the amphitheater, Nathanael Greene's men slept under a white oak on the eve of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse at the time of the Revolutionary War. Greensboro also had a mill, The Cones' indigo dyeing operation, named White Oak; so named for a 200 year old white oak tree on the property. The white oak is one of the largest trees in the eastern U.S.

The White Oak Amphitheater is located at the corner of the Coliseum complex, on what was formerly property of the old Canada Dry plant. It seats 7,666 people. The amphitheater will feature concerts and community events. Refreshing as a crisp ginger ale on a warm summer evening is the fact that White Oak is named for something significant to the history of Greensboro-- a tree-- and is not yet named for a benefactor or corporate sponsor. We leave you with the above night view which includes a giant slice of the dusk sky over Greensboro. We are featuring this view for the world to see on Skywatch Friday. If you get a chance, attend an event at the amphitheater. It will feel like being on vacation in your hometown!

Aerial View of Southside

Here we see an aerial view of Greensboro's Southside neighborhood in all of its glory on a warm, summer day. If you want to learn a LOT about the neighborhood, located on the southeast tip of the city, please follow the link for the quote:

"Greensboro, North Carolina's Southside neighborhood, a 10-acre revitalization project, is one of the city's first significant mixed-use infill projects.Greensboro's Department of Housing and Community Development developed a traditional neighborhood district ordinance-- based on the Southside Area Development Plan adopted by the Greensboro city council in 1995-- to assist Southside's redevelopment" (Buntin & Low). Southside has been wildly successful and, Buntin and Low report that before re-development, this 10-acre area took in less than 1/2 million in tax revenue and post-development takes in around 10 million in tax revenue. 

If you are looking for something to do with so many extra hours of daylight, we suggest heading over to Southside, perhaps even to the Vintage301 Restaurant, to see what's cookin'. We're proud to share these clouds drifting through the radiant sky with our friends at Skywatch Friday. 

 

Camberly's Garden

Today's post takes us to Camberly's Garden at the Tanger Bicentennial Garden off Hobbs and Holden Roads. The above photo is fairly indicative of what you will see in Camberly's Garden-- foilage, sculptures, and flowers; beauty all around. If you spend time in this tranquil place, you start to feel the energy and emotion of this memorial garden dedicated to Camberly Holliday, daughter of former Mayor Keith Holliday and his wife Cindy.

Camberly died unexpectedly in 2002 of a brain aneurysm. Camberly was one of those young women who had a full, well-rounded life: music, dancing, Girl Scouts, academics; she loved and brought joy to her family, friends, church, and community every day of her fourteen short years on earth. We are so grateful that Greensboro has this garden where we can go to reflect, hope, and dream. With each wilting flower or new bud, Camberly's Garden reminds us that life is precious, yet fleeting.

This is our post for Skywatch Friday.

Piano & Organ Distributors

This piano in the sky is very visible from I-40 near the Farmers Market on Sandy Ridge Road. Piano and Organ Distributors has it suspended, leaving no doubt that you have found their store-- if you are looking it. Perhaps they even entice some impulse buyers with this great display. We'd seen the scene for years and decided to explore it a little closer one day. This part of Greensboro is great for finding not only pianos and organs but also campers.

Click here to see what kind of music we are imagining this piano playing today. Visit  Skywatch Friday to enjoy other sky photos from around the world.

ACC Hall of Champions

One of Greensboro's newest venues is the ACC Hall of Champions on High Point Road at the Coliseum complex. Here she is in all her glory, having recently opened to the public on March 3rd, 2011. If you are a college sports fan, you probably already know that the ACC was founded in Greensboro in 1953. This hall/museum was assembled to document and celebrate the high points of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Hall of Champions has interactive displays and exhibits documenting the league's 58 year history. The exhibit everyone is talking about is the 4-ft., 360 degree video-globe at the entrance. On the exterior, in the gray panel to the right, you can see the logos of the ACC teams.

If you are local, we hope you can stop by for a real visit (open Wed. - Sunday). Sounds like a great field trip for PE teachers. If you are from elsewhere, you can visit virtually. We're sharing this post with Skywatch Friday, a dedicated group of sky lovers who will jump, block, tackle and flip over these fluffy clouds in the Carolina Blue sky! 

Paraskevidekatriaphobia and the Patriotic Barn

Today is Friday, the 13th. If just the sound of that day and date together has you shaking, you suffer from paraskevidedatriaphobia. The concept is cultural, as in some areas of the world (Spain Latin America, Romania, and Greece) Tuesday the 13th is to be feared. In general, 13 is a number often avoided in the USA; however, if you notice, our flag has 13 stripes, representing our 13 original colonies, an instance of a positive association with the number. Did you know that there are 13 letters in "E Pluribus Unum?  On the dollar bill, there are 13 stars above the eagle, 13 levels of the truncated pyramid, 13 leaves on the olive branch, 13 arrows held by the eagle, and 13 bars on the shield? So, in a way, 13 is a patriotic number!

This patriotic barn is an example of the little surprises awaiting at many turns in the road throughout rural North Carolina. Located in the incorporated part of Summerfield, Guilford County, this barn predates the population explosion in North Carolina at the end of the 20th century. This once mighty structure is one wind storm away from ruin; however, while standing, it reflects the patriotism of the owner and is eye candy to photographers. This is one of our "you know you're a local if" shots. You know you're a local if you've driven past this structure!

Between natural disasters, tumbing economics, and political issues, the world has been swishing with change. We suspect that Americans aren't the only ones feeling patriotic. If you are flying your flag today, wherever you are in the world, please provide us with a link! We're sharing this photo with Skywatch Friday where we all display that patch of blue above our head with pride. HAPPY Friday, the 13th! Happy weekend!

The Yin and Yang of Daily Living

As our faithful readers know, on Fridays, we usually participate in Skywatch Friday, showing you a little slice of the sky above Greensboro. This week, we share a sight that has been fairly typical this spring. To the north, you see a dark, foreboding sky. To the east, and off on the horizon, you see the sky breaking open with sunny, blue and white warmth. Cold/warm, wet/dry, destructive winds/calm air; Just when you think you can put your wool sweaters away, you need to dig them back out. Just when you think the April showers are behind you, you need your umbrella.

Spring 2011 in Greensboro has been characterized by weather extremes.  The Chinese explain this with yin/yang, asserting the polar and opposite forces in nature are interconnected, giving rise to each other. The dichotomy is not as much good and bad as it is a balanced, mutual whole. The plant grows so that it can bloom and produce and then it falls to the earth awaiting a new cycle. So, as we enter the weekend, regardless of the weather, ponder how it fits with the balanced whole. As for the yin/yang of daily living, life is usually easier towards the center of the continuum, as opposed to listing at one of the extremes. Here's to a balanced, Mother's Day Weekend, celebrating mom if she is living in the lower half of the photo and remembering her fondly if she has already drifted to the upper half.

Winds of Change

"The wind of change is blowing through this continent." This quote is associated with the 1960 speech made by British Prime Minister Harold Macmillian in reference to Britain's intent to grant independence to their territories in Africa. Today, we evoke the quote in reference to the recent tornadoes and damaging winds worldwide.  In the South, Alabama and North Carolina were hit especially hard. Before that, Japan experienced the tsunami and earthquake. It will be a long time before these communities recover. The world is interconnected in this Internet age, and, as Thomas Friedman will be quick to tell you, adversity in one corner of the world affects communities near and far.

As the winds come and go, Greensboro's skies have gone from blue to gray, from filled with cumulonimbus clouds to zero visibility. Here, we share a few of the international flags flying over Uniworld Auto Sales at the corner of Patterson Avenue and Holden Road. Japan's unfurled, red-dot flag stands between the British, French, Italian, and North Carolina flags  to remind us of our interconnectedness.

If you have a chance, visit some of our international friends at Skywatch Friday or the City Daily Photo Community where you can continent-surf without leaving your desktop in Greensboro.

Gateway Gardens: Oh Butterfly

 "Butterflies are self-propelled flowers." R.H. Heinlein

"Love is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and pleases wherever it goes."   Unknown

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." Hans Christian Anderson

Today, we offer our final view of Gateway Gardens, one of four butterflies hovering high above the ground. In addition to the trees, many of the pieces of artwork are intended to provide shade for visitors. Each butterfly is 4' tall by 6' wide and extends 12' from the ground, attached by a round, steel tubing arm. The coloring comes from acrylic and polycarbonate. See sculptor Erik Beerbower's 2004 drawing of the four butterflies here. The drawing helps you conceptualize how the quartet looks installed in Gateway Gardens. In 2009, we featured Erik's butterflies BEFORE they took flight (here), when they were still back at Erik's Lyndon Street studio. In case you're wondering, all four of the butterfly sculptures have been sold/sponsored at the $50,000 level; so that naming opportunity has been missed. However, many others are still available through Gateway Gardens' main website under donors and opportunities. If you want to see drawings of the rest of the sculptures, enjoy them here.

Let's hope that some of our friends from around the world who visit today through Skywatch Friday or the City Daily Photo community will actually have a chance to visit Greensboro's Gateway Gardens in person. If you author one of the world's city daily photo sites, we'll make every effort to provide you with a personal tour. Just don't all (+/-) 1,500 of you come at once.... or do!

Off And Running at Northern High

This Skywatch Friday photo was taken at a track meet at Northern High School last week. Students are circling the track against the backdrop of one of Guilford County's newest high schools. Were they adults, we'd say the runners were doing the 'woo-hoo" shuffle celebrating the fact that tax returns don't need to be filed today but on April 18th. 

Northern High opened January 3, 2008 with 2003 bond money at the cost of 14.4 million dollars (Rhino Times). On their website, the Nighthawks list their vision as being, "a learning community that nurtures citizens through wisdom for today, hope for tomorrow, and integrity for a lifetime."  In the spirit of having wisdom for the present, today, April 15th, they are promoting the National Day of Silence to bring attention to anti-LBGT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools (Northern's website).

May the Nighthawks and ALL students have hope for tomorrow and integrity for a lifetime. Imagine, integrity for a lifetime. Have a good weekend, doing your taxes-- or not.

 

Hyacinth and Daffodil Friday

Well, the weekend is upon us again. Time to turn to Go Triad to figure out how to enjoy it. There are so many things to do and photograph in our community. For sure, we will stop by the Craftsmen's Classic at the Greensboro Coliseum. We hope to attend: LUNAFEST (short films for women by women); Community Day at the Weatherspoon Art Gallery; the Historical Museum's exhibit of Jewish life in North Carolina; the  Greensboro Symphony's POPS Concert; or a live play-- or two. How will we ever decide?

If you are local, we hope you find some time to head out and smell the hyacinth (they are at peak), listen to the frogs, and admire the sky. This Skywatch Friday view is found in Northwest Greensboro not too far from Lake Higgins. We like the way the flowers are so lush while the trees are in their pre-leaf stage. Did you know that there is a leaf-out study? Go here to follow what leaves have emerged and where. If you have any suggestions for the weekend, please let us know. If we can't attend, surely some of our readers can.

You Can Always Go......... Downtown

Today is First Friday and the Indie Market will start up at 4pm. Restaurants and visual arts venues will come alive early this evening. Downtown will be door-to-door fun. While all is quiet in the above photo, the Bellemeade/Greene Street view combines several interesting buildings in Greensboro. The low, one-story building with all the color is Riva's Trattoria, a small family-style Italian Restaurant with great food. Chef Tracey purchases most of the food locally at one of the farmers' markets. Riva's may be quiet on the outside but inside, they are busy preparing exciting meals for you. Next, the round structure is a parking garage, a hub of activity during business hours. The tall, rose colored granite structure in the background is the headquarters for mortgage lender United Guaranty, a company established in Greensboro in 1963.

If this week's weather has you a little down or work has been stressful, being with people can help lift your mood. Petula Clark said it best, "When you're alone and feeling lonely, you can always go downtown ... the lights are much brighter there. You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares. So go downtown, where all the lights are bright. Downtown-- waiting for you tonight. Downtown-- you're gonna be all right now."  Today is not only Skywatch Friday but also theme day for the City Daily Photo Community and April's theme is "edges." 

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants  

Enjoy three minutes "Downtown" here.