Greensboro Daily Photo

All Was Calm; All Was Bright; All Was Civil

This was a view of Friendly Shopping Center on Thanksgiving morning before retail frenzy began. Truly, just like the Christmas carol, all was calm; all was bright. Less than 24 hours after this photo was taken, doorbusters, extra discounts, and prices that only lasted a few hours had people frantically spending money right and left. Friendly Center seems to have found the secret formula to keep a retail center vibrant and thriving. It has been going strong since the 1960's while downtown Greensboro languished and revived; Carolina Circle Mall was born and died; High Point Road got a little bruised and banged up and is now undergoing rejuvenation. Friendly just keeps expanding and being, well, Friendly. Perhaps the name is a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Named for Greensboro's friendly Quaker community, the friendly road that links town with Guilford College was the perfect place to put a friendly shopping center. So, rule #1 is if you go shopping there, you must be FRIENDLY. The non-friendly just might be put inside their holiday trolley and sent elsewhere. Besides, that little red and white suited iconic fellow greeting you at the entrance will know who has been naughtily unfriendly and who has been nice.

Regardless of what you do today or where you shop, make it a happy, friendly Saturday! Also, please remember today's national initiative, small business Saturday. and support the little mom-and-pop businesses. Today is the day to make small retail the new big! By the way, you CAN find a few of those places at Greensboro's friendly, Friendly Center!

 

Three Men and a Santa

Thanksgiving morning, the crew from Sunnyside Farms was busy inflating their giant Santa, who was anxiously awaiting his opportunity to preside over the tree lot. This jolly icon of the commercial side of Christmas may not be quite as big as a Macy's Day Parade balloon, but he is mighty imposing.  The three "handlers" had their hands full. Just after we snapped this photo, Santa tumbled over. The three guys jokingly muttered something like "timber" and went about righting the listing Santa. We'll have to stop by this tree lot, located at the corner of Old Battleground and (New) Battleground Avenues, to see if Mr. Claus is vertical yet. In the meantime.....

Let BLACK FRIDAY begin! To many families, Black Friday is a holiday in its own right. People map out their store to store shopping plans. Coupons, bargains, meals on the run- with possibly an over-the-top Christmas sweater- set the festive mood and holiday memories are made. Shoppers rush home late afternoon to hide part of their bounty until December 25th and to dump the rest out on the bed to brag about the best discounts and doorbuster goodies. From Friendly Center to Four Seasons and every little store in between, Greensboro is hopping..... and shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Tomorrow, Greensboro, like the rest of America, will put those pumpkins away, faster than we store white shoes after Labor Day. One more day of fall colors and, tomorrow , we exchange them for the mighty red and green. Only four more weekends left before Christmas. We like the calmness of this photo- with the pumpkins, purchased at one Greensboro's many pumpkin patches. This weekend,neighbors will be heading to the North Carolina mountains to purchase Christmas trees. Others will stay in town and head to Wagoner's or Delancey Street for a tree. As for us, we're staying put in our Greensboro home, watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, giving thanks over some food and enjoying the fellowship of the family members who are able to be with us. A little Macy's Day Parade and a little football, will provide a much needed break from the normal hurried routines. Weather permitting, we'll head out to stock up on photos for Greensboro Daily Photo.

We hope that you are enjoying your holiday and that you will continue to read and to share this page with your friends. For you, dear readers, we give thanks.

T is for Teacher

For this round of ABC Wednesday, Greensboro Daily Photo has been featuring the A-Z's of education in Greensboro. To date, we've featured school buildings and the people they're named after. For today's letter, T, we'd like to feature  a teacher.  Students (S) + great teacher (GT)  = LEARNING (L).  Mary Kate Holden is definitely one of the GT's in that formula. She teaches science at the Middle College at UNCG. Her professional preparation includes an M.S. in biology and genetics from UNCG. How appropriate that she returned to her alma mater, right there on the same campus, to teach high school science to the next generation of scientists. Ms. Holden has been teaching for 15 year and has even been an administrator.  As evidenced by her dragonfly computer cover, this scientist is passionate about her field. 

On a personal note, Ms. Holden's name is the same as the road down the street from her home. Her husband's family granted Greensboro the property which became Holden Road. The Holdens  had a farm that extended from Starmount Country Club to Walker Avenue. Another personal tidbit, as we intereviewed Ms. Holden for this post, we noticed her long black hair. She hasn't had a haircut in 29 years. Wonder if her students know that! We could have spent the afternoon talking with Ms. Holden, but alas, she had to get back to after school tutoring. So, today is ABC Wednesday and we are honored to have gotten a few minutes with Ms. Holden to celebrate "T" for "teachers." Thank you Ms. Holden for everything you do for students! May you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday!

(This interview was so much fun, just maybe we'll take on A-Z Greensboro teachers for the next round of ABC Wednesday).

Desert or Deserted

T

Today's photo takes us to High Point Road, not too far from the Sedgefield neighborhood. The lot is fascinating as it looks more like it is from another country, not Greensboro. It may look like a desert, but we're betting it won't be deserted for long. Surely, someone is waiting to build something special here. We wonder if builders ever find interesting artifacts on these sites? Archaeologists found an ancient burial cellar in Syria a few years ago. Recently, Roman artifacts were found in London. Just last weekend, a 7-year old dug up 3,000-year-old Native American artifacts in his Tennessee backyard. Surely, if we dug long enough, we'd find something on that property. Happy Tuesday, dear readers.

 

Biking as a Mode of Transportation

Befitting that, increasingly, students are biking to and from the Health and Human Performance (HHP) Building at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The above photo was taken back by the dormitories looking onto the HHP Building.  To the left, you can see the back corner of the old Rosenthal Gymnasium (which dates to the 1920's). Many of UNCG's sports teams practice in or around this building. It is a hub of healthy activity and, as you can see from the bicycles, healthful living doesn't end when the students walk out the door. A true athlete or physical education (kinesiology) major realizes that staying healthy is a mindset and lifelong committment.

It may be a little cold to bike to work today; however, we should all try this mode of transportation when time and temperature permit! At the very least, thank a cyclist for saving fossil fuels and for being heart healthy. Most of all, share the road!

 

Angels Among Us

Cemeteries on fall days can be beautiful. The above photo features a stained glass angel floating above a grave at Muir's Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, established circa 1800. The grave is that of Gladys S. Bouvier* (1921-2010). Mrs. Bouvier's tomb-plate says that she was a loving wife and mother. From the ornament, surely she was a violin player, too. What a lovely tribute to Mrs. Bouvier. Although she lived to the ripe age of 88, she represents a generation not well represented on social media. Other than vital statistics, no information is available about her life online. However, her family has left a nice display that lifts the hearts of those walking through the cemetery. It is located directly across from the Muir's Chapel UMC on Muir's Chapel Road.

Today for our Sunday sacred/spiritual post, we leave you with this suspended angel, eternally playing a tune, to remind us that many people will be celebrating Thanksgiving this week with a seat or two empty at the table. May we all try to spread joy and provide comfort to those who are missing their heavenly angels. Greensboro has some pretty cemeteries and Muir's Chapel in one that has been receiving some of Greensboro's loved ones for over two centuries..

* Sort of wondering if she is related to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.

Spring Street in Fall

This little bungalow on Spring Street is still displaying its fall colors. Those leaves just want to hold on a little longer. The backyard to this property is the baseball stadium. The front yard is a stone’s throw from Westerwood. One has to wonder how longer these homes can hold on when multi-level structures are going up all around. For now, we can enjoy this little slice of what downtown Greensboro used to look like. Does anyone remember what this neighborhood on Spring Street is called? Regardless, that tree to the right anchors the property and makes it look like it belongs here. Just down the street, they are building a rest stop for the greenway and this part of town is betting a little more pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

If you get a chance, head downtown this weekend and look around for yourself. There is so much to see.... and do.

Looking Forward

Looking out the window at Friends Homes at Guilford, we see that another year is coming to a close. The leaves are a big clue about the season.  Friends Homes at Guilford, located on New Garden Road, across from Guilford College has grown from 24 apartments in 1968 to a 20-acre campus with 190 apartments, ten cottages, a 52 room asisted living facility and a 69 room nursing center. When it comes to the senior years, it is time to consider which arrangement will bring the best quality of life. As you look forward and out your window, what do you see?

If this weekend is anything like last in Greensboro, shoppers will be everywhere. We hope that you find a little time to just sit inside and enjoy the view- wherever you are. If you find the time, visit someone who is in a situation where getting outside might be a chore. Look forward to all the joy you can bring your family and friends the upcoming Thanksgiving week. Happy Friday!

Emma Key's on a Fall Day

Emma Key's Flat Top Grill is an eating establishment in Lindley Park, at Four Corners. Emma Key's is on the northeast corner of the intersection of Walker and Elam. It is located in what was formerly a 1950's barbershop. The old barbershop had as much character as the one in Andy Griffith's Mayberry. However, with the changing times, so change the demographics as well as the businesses.

With its famous burgers and snow cones, Emma Key's contributes to the popularity of Four Corners as a destination. Especially on the weekends, locals walk to Emma Key's. On nice days, like the one featured in the above, people love sitting outside and talking to neighbors as they walk past. The photo was taken a few Saturdays ago before the restaurant had opened. Their red umbrellas and faded yellow signage fit right in with the fall colors surrounding the place. Somehow, we expect to see Floyd the Barber walk by any minute. Wait! Maybe that is Floyd with his wife Melba walking in the distance. Even if you don't live near Emma Key's, how 'bout doing something right neighborly today.

 

S is for Ben L. Smith High School

This year, Ben L. Smith High School is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The high school is located on Holden Road, behind the Four Seasons Mall. The above photo was taken just after sunset on a recent fall evening. It is a busy place with athletic and ecademic events and other activities from morning to night. Even after 5:00pm, students were waiting for rides and carpooling home.  The big blue circle to the right of the windows says IB, announcing the school is an international baccalaureate program and offers an IB diploma. This program is for students who enjoy academic rigor and who are want to be global minded. Through analyzing everything from historical documents, to world literature, to contemporary multi-media influences, IB students prepare to navegate the myriad complexities of today's society.

Smith High School was named for Ben L. Smith who was a great educator and role model in the Greensboro City Schools. He lived from 1893-1961. Mr. Smith started his education in a one room school house and ended up being a nationally published author of education articles. Smith rose to be superintendent of Greensboro City Schools.  Smith High School was finished shortly after Ben L Smith's death; we're sure he would be honored to have a school named after him. Today is ABC Wednesday and, in our ABC Education series,  S is for Smith High School. Happy Birthday, Smith High School!

Bandito Burrito Food Truck

Here we see the Bandito Burrito food truck at the Greensboro Farmers' Curb Market this past weekend. The great thing about a food truck is that it can go..... wherever...... well, just about wherever. We've seen this Frida-Kahlo-green truck  at the Blind Tiger, downtown Greensboro, the Weatherspoon Art Museum, at private events, and in Winston. How wonderful to know that an instant fiesta is just a phone call away. The people in line at the farmers' market, above, seem as if they were posing for the photo. Their clothing colors and diagonal formation add to the angular orientation of the composition.

If you want to keep up with Bandito Burrito's food offerings and whereabouts, check out their Facebook page .  Also, around Greensboro, Tuesday is usually cheap taco night. Maybe we can track down the bandito-mobile and see if they have any specials.

Food trucks have not been without controversy in the Greensboro community. Brick and mortar businesses tend to resent their "low rent" competition. However, the food trucks provide so many young people with the  opportunity to be entrepreneurs. Food for thought, dear readers!

Arts & Crafts Show at Greensboro Farmers' Market

The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, at 501 Yanceyville Street and across from War Memorial Stadium, had a festive air yesterdat as people were out purchasing arts and crafts made by local vendors. This photo really shows the shape of the building, which was formerly the National Guard Armory. This space is used every Saturday for farmers to sell their produce and several times a year for special events like the one above. The little wooden tables evoke early 20th century charm. Arts and crafts vendors cover them with brightly covered table cloths that make the jewelry, soaps, pottery and other items just pop! If you missed yesterday's event, you should try to get to the December 8th arts and crafts event. By that time, winter will be knocking at the door and holiday shoppers will be frantically picking up gifts right and left. By the looks of traffic this past weekend, holiday shopping is already under way. 

Happy Monday, dear readers.

 

Healthcare Faith Summit at Mt. Zion Baptist Church

This past Thursday, Mt. Zion Baptist Church hosted a Health Faith Summit. The well attended event was free and open to the community. The summit was quite an education to attendees. First, it became patently clear that faith communities are playing a leadership role in seeing that their members have access to health care. Religious institutions to have nurses on site to check blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and monitor other vital signs. These on-site care providers not only help people have access to care, but also keep them out of emergency rooms. Anyone working in a health and life sciences field needs to know how to work with the faith communities. Summit attendees had the opportunity to learn how to build a support system to help maintain a healthy community. The keynote speaker for the event was Melissa Rogers, executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and neighborhood partnerships.*

The above photo features the panel for the Youth and Health Care session. Just reading the titles of the panel provides you with insight into the interconnected and dynamic nature of healthcare in the 21st century. People involved in sustaining the health of our community come from all walks of life and above all, service to community is their passion: Matthew King, NCA&T Prince of Peace Innovative Food and Garden Project: Katee Kanoy, RN Student, School of Nursing, UNCG; Katie Mae Steward, MPH Student, UNCG; Wendasha Jenkins, MS, Doctoral Student, Public Health Education, UNCG; Patrick Collins, Congregational Social Work Interns, Joint MSW Program UNCG and North Carolina A&T State University; Kayla Stover, BSW Candidate, UNCG; Ryan Wiese, Congregational Social Work Interns, Joint MSW Program, UNCG North Carolina A&T State University; Dr. Bobby Doolittle, Facilitator, Family Practice Physician, Urgent Medical and Family Care PA.** 

Thank you Mt. Zion Baptist Church for your outreach to the Greensboro community. Thank you for opening your fabulous facility to people from all faith groups and from all walks of life. And thank you to UNCG's Professor Bob Wineburg and Professor Vincent Francisco and Mt Zion's Rev. Odell Cleveland for working tirelessly over the last six months to make this event a success. 

*reference

**We're sorry we didn't get the correct order of the panel. If you know who is who, please help us out here.

Zombie Run

With the Zombie Run, Greensboro's Hamburger Square at South Elm Street was a ghoulish playground last Saturday. The 2013 run was the second year for the event which was initiated by "Downtown Greensboro". Their organizing of the run was aligned with their mission of helping the urban area of Greensboro to prosper and offer memorable events for residents. However, all were invited to attend. And fun was had by all, from children to seniors who participated. It is always nice to see those multi-generational events. What a great way to run two miles and not even realize you are running. Wonder who had more fun, the zombies or the runners! Wonder how many people actually escaped capture. Don't let the looks deceive you. This motley crew was on its best behavior all day long. If you adore this kind of spookiness, you can participate in tonight's "Nightmares Around Elm Street" and take a haunted tour of the Gate City. 

 

Gate City Boulevard

Do you like the sound of Gate City Boulevard? By Tuesday, we'll know if the above photo represents High Point Road or Gate City Boulevard. Will the City of High Point continue to call their end of the road Greensboro Road? Perhaps they will change it to Furniture Market Way. Regardless, the above view represents what was once Greensboro's big retail row,  back before Wendover sprouted up. As you approach the Coliseum on this road, the retail aspect diminishes and it becomes the athletic, collegiate, and park-and-ride corridor, and, as seen yesterday, it is changing before our eyes.

GDP reader Stefan, from Haninge, Sweden said it best yesterday when he commented, "I always enjoy photographing change, but it is sad to see that big business is taking over from mom-and-pop owned businesses. Hopefully, there is still room in Greensboro for the American dream of owning one's own business. The Saigon Restaurant sign is a good indication that this remains true. Oh, and "Có một ngày hạnh phúc," (have a good day), dear readers.

High Point Road... Changing Before Our Eyes

This (11/11/13) demolition-in-progress photo shows High Point Road changing before our eyes. For most of us, the change is barely noticed. For others, realtors, UNCG administrators, Glenwood residents, these changes are closely monitored. In the above photo, A-1 SALVAGE DEMOLITION is knocking down what is left of the old 915 Skate Park and shop, the Imperial Granite Shop and a few other small businesses between the Coliseum Complex and UNCG. What was once an area of mom-and-pop owned business is quickly becoming big business. It will be fun to watch the construction process of this city block. If you live in Greensboro, you might want to drive by and see for yourself. 

By the way, as reported in yesterday's News & Record, City Council is considering changing the name of High Point Road and Lee Street to GATE CITY BOULEVARD. They will vote on November 19th 2013. Small businesses are concerned about the cost of changing the name. The change would cost the state $100,000 in signage alone. Advocates argue that the new name is just the rebranding that the area needs. In the meantime, don't blink, or you might not know where you are.... name change or not!

R is for Ragsdale High

Ragsdale High School, located at the Jamestown end of High Point Road, has a whole lot of history, and it is well documented. The school was named for Lucy Coffin Ragsdale,  granddaughter of Dr. Shubal Coffin, a Jamestown physician. Her Quaker family was instrumental in helping with the Underground Railroad during the Civil War and her family members, in the Quaker tradition, were strong advocates of a community's educating its people. Mrs. Ragsdale organized the first PTA in Guilford County, serving as its president from 1919-1928.* Her husband, Billy, was president of Oakdale Cotton Mill.

Ragsdale High School opened in September 1959 and since that time 55 years ago, Ragsdale has only had three principals: T.G. Madison; Dr. Steve Dalton; and Dr. Kathryn Rogers. Principal #4 will have BIG shoes to fill! While the main part of the campus is an example of Guilford County's "postwar functionalist architure," and, the above photo represents a new building on campus, the Christine Joyner Greene Education Center. Ragsdale has grown so much over the recent decades, that they are making an effort to build and repurpose buildings so that students don't have to use the mobile units. The brand new Green Education Center is a welcome addition to the campus of the Ragsdale campus. Today is ABC Wednesday and R is for Ragsdale! See GDP's A-Q entries, here.

It would be WONDERFUL if ALL schools would have histories documented to the extent thad Ragsdale does. Hats off to Ragsdale. Here's to a good rest of the school year.

*read more on Carol Brooks' webpage- where we retrieved some of the biographical information.

Flags of All Sizes... People from All Walks of Life

Greensboro celebrated Veterans Day by displaying flags of all sizes. At UNCG's Elliot University Center, tiny flags, the "honor field" adorned the front lawn; while, a giant flag was displayed at the entrance. Above, coeds chat, just after UNCG's events for veterans came to a close and the rows of tiny flags were removed from the lawn. With the current generation of college-age students having many people serving in the military, college campuses are making every effort to make sure that veterans feel welcome- that includes everything from adding classes a little late to helping with complicated financial forms. Universities are great places for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate our differences and to nurture our desire to grow intelectually. UNCG is no exception. Here's to a great last few weeks of the semester for students everywhere.

Thank You, Congressman Coble

Who better to feature on Veterans Day than our own Congressman Coble? Howard Coble frequently speaks at events for veterans, living and deceased, in the 6th district. The above photo was taken at one such event,  the 2013 Memorial Day service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro. In 2011, we featured him  (here) and in 2013 (here). The day he posed for the above photo, he did not stand still for long, people right and left were waiting for a chance to talk to him and shake his hand.

Congressman Coble was first elected to Congress 29 years ago in 1984 and was a public servant before that. While Congressman Coble is a staunch Republican, he is known for being responsive to his constituents, regardless of their political affiliation. Having served in the U.S. Coast Guard (5 1/2 years active duty and 22 years as a reserve), the Congressman is especially appreciative of his constituents serving in the military. North Carolina's 6th congressional district, spreading over ten counties from Surry to Granville County, will have some big shoes to fill. So this Veterans Day, as you begin your last year in office Congressman Coble, it is your turn to be recognized. Please accept our salute to you for a lifetime of public service to North Carolina and the Nation. What a legacy!

Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ

Today, the men of the Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ, Inc. were spreading the word on South Elm Street, near the International Civil Rights Museum. The church is headquarted in New York City on Madison Avenue. However, they have contact numbers in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. Their premise is that African-Americans are actually "the real Hebrew Israelites (Jews)." The Israelite Church takes their scripture from the King James version of the Bible. They assert that "all of the prophets that wrote the Bible were so-called Negroid or so-called Indian descent. " We try to represent as many religions as possible on our Sunday spiritual posts and have to admit that we don't know much about this particular Christian religion. As the wise, old sages of the North Carolina mountains like to say, "We'll need to study on that."

We're headed here to read more about the religion.

The Giving Tree

The early morning fog gives the view a buttery glow. The photo was taken on a Greensboro golf course this past weekend. The tree, in all of its autumn glory, is nature at its best. So much color, balance, and symmetry are rolled into branches and a canopy of leaves. By next week, these leaves will have begun their annual journey to the ground and the compost pile. For now, we'll just keep enjoying the glories of autumn. 

 

Let's hope today is another beautiful fall day, like the one above, as so many Greensboro families will be out riding their bicycles and running in races and enjoying the three day weekend. One of the most famous events today is the Zombie Run. Heats start at 2pm from Hamburger Square and continue all day long.  It will be two miles of running with zombies popping out of nowhere. The GO FAR race is taking place in High Point. Also, there is the Piedmont Parkway Run and  The Lung Cancer Initiative run take place today. It is also Veterans Recognition Day at the Greensboro Historical Museum.  Another unique event today will the the Baby-Belly Bazar at the Cultural Center. Expectant mothers can get their bellies painted and photographed. From fall foliage  displays to the arts and sports events, our community has so much to give to us. We hope you will take advantage of some of these events.

Galloping into a Three Day Weekend

Last Saturday, we featured a live, paint horse in a field in Northwest Greensboro. Today, we feature a wire horse in the Piedmont-Triad International Airport. This thoroughbread, as well as the other items in the picture, are part of the Phillips Collection. We've already featured some of their collection twice ( the golden bean chair, here and, the seatbelt chair, here ). However, you have to admit that these displays are pretty eye catching and present a fresh and modern view of Greensboro and High Point. Unless colorful characters like Gary Spivey happen to be around, the airport can be a bit dismal: Lines, searches, unpacking and repacking laptops and personal items, tossing out unapproved items; rushing to gates before the cockpit door closes, etc. However, to pass a bright burst of visual art, like the above horse, distracts one from airport stresses. Notice how the writing on the wall can be seen through the wire form. The horse is there, but yet it isn't... a little bit like our plans for the three day weekend; there, but a bit malleable. What are your plans?

Moving in to the Weekend

Inspired by the above car, we are triumph-ant to be edging into the weekend! City elections are over, clocks have been set back, and winter is knocking on Greensboro's door. The above photo was taken a few weekends ago when there was a car show at Oak Ridge Military Academy. Likely, the owner was getting gas before heading over to celebrate his beautiful Triumph convertible and to enjoy seeing others' vehicles. Even if this upcoming weekend may not be a "top down" weekend weather, it will be a great weekend to take in the final performances of Triad Stage's "The Mountaintop" about the last day in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. We'll be there and hope to see you there too. Happy Thursday, dear readers, from Greensboro and beyond!

Q is for Quaker School

The above building is New Garden Hall, the Administration building, of Guilford College. Guilford, located on Friendly Avenue, is known as the Quaker college because it is guided by a strong Quaker heritage. This religion originated in England in the 1640's and Guilford College was established in Greensboro almost 200 years after the religion was founded, in 1837. While the tenets of Quaker orthodoxy are not overt- people are not walking around using "thee" and "thou" or wearing Quaker gray- the Quaker values of integrity, simplicity, equality, community, and excellence, are all around the campus. If you get a chance, stop by. Fall is such a lovely time at Guilford College and understand how special an honest, simple lifestyle can be.

Today is ABC Wednesday and for our A-Z Education Series, Q is for Quaker.

Sip and Stroll

The above photo was taken in October at Table 16 in Downtown Greensboro during an event dubbed, Sip and Stroll. The event was sponsored by the Greensboro Downtown Residents' Association, a public charity organization dedicated to making downtown Greensboro as dynamic, viabrant, and inclusive as possible. They meet monthly and plan events, like Sip & Stroll, that the whole community can enjoy. At Sip & Stroll, people paid a reasonable fee to sample the food and spirits from downtown restauranteurs. A good time was had by all and comments from the people who stopped by Table 16 were especially positive.

If you don't get downtown much, these special events are a great way to get to know all that our center city has to offer. Happy Tuesday, folks!

Gary Spivey

Gary Spivey, the man in white from head to toe, hails from Biscoe, North Carolina. He is a psychic and spiritual healer who regularly performs throughout the United States. He appears on television, on radio stations, and in Las Vegas. He also has a bed and breakfast in Star, North Caroina .See the documentary, filmed by Alex Maness at Duke's Center for Documentary Studies,  here. In his video, you can hear him tell who he is, how he see things that others do not and you learn how it is that he interacts with autistic children.

Last Friday, he was in Greensboro airport, en route to an engagement. The gate agents recognized Mr. Spivey and talked to him as they would any readily recognizable customer who is a regular. He is a very nice man with a very calm manner about him. It is hard to believe that we have not seen him in Greensboro before. We're betting if we head to Star, they will know him as a the star of STAR, the geographic center of North Carolina, about 60 miles due south of here.

Moses Was Here

It is Sunday morning, the day AFTER the Jewish Sabbath. Nevertheless, there is Sunday school today and, it is always appropriate to talk about Moses. As a matter of fact, Moses plays a role in the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian faith traditions alike. He is revered in all three of the Abrahamic religions. Moses was a leader, lawgiver and prophet whose story is told in Exodus. Rabbinical Judiaism calculates his lifespan to be 1391-1271 BCE.

In the above photo, Moses is seen at Temple Emanuel at the corner of Jefferson and Hobbs Roads.

While the real Moses is said to have hadtrouble speaking, the above incarnation is seen carrying on a lively conversation with someone at a recent festival at the temple. These events, where people dress up and portray historical figures, leave lasting impressions on children and help bring the Qur'an, Torah, and Bible alive for them.  No matter your background or beliefs, we wish you a happy Sunday and happy believing, dear readers. At the end of the day, we are all more alike, than different.

Country Roads and Country Drives

Fall weekends are great for taking rides down country roads. The above photo was taken on one such country road in northwest Greensboro, at Carlson Dairy near Pleasant Ridge Road. While we're losing a lot of our farms, Guilford County has a large population of horses and you can still see pastures when driving around the county. You don't even have to travel too far from the city limits. to see horse farms. The above paint horse is a real beauty. We're thinking it is a tobiano pattern. Paints are one of the fastest growing breeds in the United States. It is easy to see why. Not only are their markings beautiful, they have a great temperament.

If you get a chance, go to one of the farms near Greensboro that offer riding lessons. There are 23 listings in the Greensboro yellow pages. The horse industry in North Carolina has a great reputation. Read more about it here. Saturday would be a great day to go exploring. Let us know what you find!

Last night we went shopping at El Mercadito at the Corner of West Market and Muir's Chapel Road. tamarind soda, salty plantain chips,  and the fresh tacos are our favorite. You can shop the  grocery store side, eat at the yummy-reasonably-priced restaurant, buy things from their bakery or all three. Their tacos (beef, pork, chicken) will melt in your mouth.  You might even want to get some pickled pigs feet.

El Mercadito is one of many Mexican bakeries selling day-of-the-dead bread this season. On Wednesday, we were able to purchase loaves shaped like people in loving memory of relatives who are deceased. To the non-initiated, the custom may sound odd; but just think of allowing yourself one day a year to conjure up fond, happy memories of the loved ones who departed this earth before you. Feliz Día de los Muertos and Happy November 1st. Also, today is first Friday in downtown Greensboro. Feliz First Friday. All the way around, today should be fun for all! Perhaps.... hasta los muertos salen a bailar (even the dead are rising up to dance).

Carniceria El Mercadito

Last night we went shopping at El Mercadito at the Corner of West Market and Muir's Chapel Road. tamarind soda, salty plantain chips,  and the fresh tacos are our favorite. You can shop the  grocery store side, eat at the yummy-reasonably-priced restaurant, buy things from their bakery or all three. Their tacos (beef, pork, chicken) will melt in your mouth.  You might even want to get some pickled pigs feet.

El Mercadito is one of many Mexican bakeries selling day-of-the-dead bread this season. On Wednesday, we were able to purchase loaves shaped like people in loving memory of relatives who are deceased. To the non-initiated, the custom may sound odd; but just think of allowing yourself one day a year to conjure up fond, happy memories of the loved ones who departed this earth before you. Feliz Día de los Muertos and Happy November 1st. Also, today is first Friday in downtown Greensboro. Feliz First Friday. All the way around, today should be fun for all! Perhaps.... hasta los muertos salen a bailar (even the dead are rising up to dance).