Greensboro Daily Photo

Little Free Library at Eclectic By Nature

Reading books from the Little Free Libraries around town is so much fun. The above library is in the middle of a lovely garden on State Street at Eclectic by Nature. As stated on the website, "Eclectic By Nature is a woman-owned store that specialized in Spirituality products." They have everything from herbal healing and Reiki to Wicca and Shamanism. The books at a Little Library often reflect the interests of the person who installed it. That pairing doesn't always happen, but you would be more likely to find a book on some type of spirituality here than the libraries in other neighborhoods.

Here is a link to the homepage of the Little Free Library with all of the details, in case you would live to install one. If you enter your zip code on the website, it will give you a list of all the libraries that have registered. You could even use this service on vacation. Wouldn't it be fun to make a list of titles of  all of the books you've taken from one of the libraries, as well as the ones you donated. We like to try to return them to the same place we got them. Also, if you ever see a person working in the yard or sitting on the porch of a private residence with one of the libraries, say hello or thank them. We have met some really nice people that way. If they are in front of a business, go inside and meet the keepers of the library. The garden at this one at Eclectic By Nature is absolutely beautiful this time of year, and, last we checked, the book selection was great!

Cluck Old Hen

Providence Farm, located at 2569 Huffine Mill Road, is a North Carolina Bicentennial Farm as it has been in the same family for over 200 years. It is fascinating to visit when Joy is in a position to take you on a tour. She is one of the owners and the person who oversees the animal husbandry aspect of the farm. She comes by her name honestly as she is a joy to listen to as she talks about her daily routines and the personalities of the animals. You can read about the farm by following the link at the beginning of today's post, or, you can go out to the farmers market they hold most Saturdays. You can also follow the farm happenings and fun on Instagram.

Today's photo is of a group of chickens who took up at the  farm, but won't integrate with the other chickens on the farm. In the above scene, you see the chickens on a wooden dance board eating the corn meal a dancer put down to make it easier to navigate the dance floor. Earlier, she was flatfoot dancing while musicians we playing old-time tunes on the fiddle and banjo. The chickens didn't waste any time. When the musicians and the dancer took a break to eat, the chickens moved in and ate the corn meal they'd been eyeing. As the chickens pecked at the corn mean, it was as if you could hear them keeping time to the tune, "Cluck Old Hen". Those are the fun and funny antics you experience when you hang out on a farm. Do you have a go-to farm in Guilford County? If not, check out the eastern end of the county. These are a few farms near Providence Farm that also have opportunities for the public to be on site. 

Happy Tuesday!

Get Your Knife Sharpened

If you have a knife that needs to be sharpened, you can have that done while you shop at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville. The above photo features Garland McCollam, owner of Massey Creek Farms, sharpening knives. He started the service just as a way to keep busy at the Wednesday markets when times were slow. Now, he mostly sharpens knives on Saturdays while the other people sell the food products. While they come into Greensboro to work at the market, the farm is actually located in Madison, NC. This family farm sells eggs, lamb, and pork. They sell to restaurants, grocery stores, and to individuals through the farmers market.

Mr. McCollum sharpens knives the old time way with a whetstone that he waters down to create the slurry that helps with the sharpening process. Massey Creek Farms is at the farmers market so you can buy their farm products any time of the year. It is fun to watch Mr. McCollum get just the right angle on the knife to ensure that it is sharpened perfectly. Mr. Massey's stand is in the row by the bridge entrance to the market. You can start your shopping with him and then head down the row for mushrooms of every color, middle eastern food from Zatoon, a lavender bouquet, and just about anything else you might need. Have a happy Monday and round up your knives and bring them to the farmers market this Saturday!

 

Rose Fama Hankins

We had the good fortune of meeting up with Rose Fama Hankins at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville Street yesterday. Rose was combining buying fresh vegetables with a photo shoot.  Rose works at Moses Cone Regional Cancer Center, scheduling appointments for cancer patients and is an inspiration to all who know her. Each spring for the past eighteen years, Rose has led a medical mission to the Philippines to provide medical supplies and medical procedures to people who otherwise would go untreated. Rose and her volunteers- most of whom are medical professionals in the Greensboro area- travel to Leyte to care for those in need. To date, her non-profit "Worlds Apart One Heart" has helped over 35,000 people on this small island comprised mostly of fishermen and their families. 

The last few years have not been easy for Rose. First, she lost her father in 2018.  Also, May 3, 2019, just after returning from her medical mission, she had a mountain bike accident. She was biking on the Blue Heron Trail in Greensboro and wrecked, breaking her neck. She credits the masterful, quick thinking of her friends Wilt Johnston and Margaret Hood with saving her life. They knew to keep her still and Wilt had the wherewithal to help the EMS find them on the trail through GPS coordinates. In that one minute, Rose went from being extremely physically fit and traveling the world to not being able to feel her mother holding her hand in the emergency room. As Rose regained her strength, she found herself sitting with her mother for her cancer treatments. Unfortunately, Rose's mom lost her battle with cancer, May 2020. This profound loss and the physical challenges were especially hard during the pandemic.

Rose explains that we grow through these life-changing events and she is determined to recover her physical strength. To be sure, nobody in her condition can out exercise Rose! In spite of her bodily pain, numbness, and other physical challenges, she remains optimistic and is eternally grateful that she has such good friends who have helped her on her road to recovery. Her biking group "Fish On Wheels" recently gifted Rose with a new tricycle that she uses to help regain her strength. Also, the accident led Rose to photography. She really has an eye for composition and interesting details in a scene. She has even started taking photos of people and their special events. After two years, Rose has worked her way back to full time at the Cancer Center. She is convinced that, through it all, she is a better version of herself. May 2022, she will again lead the medical mission to the Philippines and visit her mother's grave for the first time. The journey will be emotional on many levels, but Rose reminds us we owe it to ourselves to become the best versions of ourselves which is most likely achieved by helping others. Indeed, she is an inspiration and just look at that smile!

Rose's medical mission to the Philippines is "Worlds Apart One Heart Inc". See the Facebook page if you want to learn more, volunteer, or donate.

200 Block South Elm

Have you noticed that downtown Greensboro is really getting a little busier? The above photo was taken recently in the 200 block of South Elm Street. People are walking to and from places to get a bite to eat. People are going to get tattoos; others are going to get a cup of coffee and to spend time with friends. In the above photo, you can see the triangular pendants in the color of the Mexican flag. They are hanging in front of a New Mexican restaurant downtown, Los Chicos Mexican Restaurant. It is a newer establishment. We really suggest it, if you like traditional Mexican food. It is very near the International Civil Rights Center and Museum; just up the street from Scuppernong Books; and a mere few blocks from Center City Park and LeBauer Park; and the Greensboro Public Library. There is really so much to do in downtown Greensboro. Imagine yourself, right here!

Happy Saturday!

Inside Fordham's Drug Store

Yesterday, we shared a photograph of the exterior of Fordham Drug Store at 514 South Elm Street. As you can see, not a lot has changed, however, the soda fountain has been removed. That used to be where you could get Coke floats and flavored sodas. It has been said that the original owner of Fordham's, Christopher Columbus Fordham, originally rejected Coke serving Coke as he was convinced it wouldn't sell.* As for that Mexican marble soda fountain, it has been moved to Lane Drug Store 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.**

It does appear that changes are being made to the inside. It is fun to have these photos for archival purposes and when changes are made, we will have "then and now" photos. Today is Friday, always a good day to go downtown. Why don't you head downtown yourself and see what you can see? Hello weekend!

 

* see the article from Our State Magazine.

** reference and additional information, here.

Fordham Drugs at 514 South Elm Street

Every so often, we like to pass by 514 South Elm Street to check on Fordham Drug Store. It was founded in 1898, but has been closed since 2002. The architecture is in the Italianate style, so popular at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Greensboro still has many examples of this style building. The building has not changed much since it was built  123 years ago. It has the large glass windows, wooden floors, a tin ceiling, and the plaster mortar and pestle on top of the facade.*

While it has since tipped over, there is still a FOR SALE sign in the window. Given all of the history the building has in the Greensboro community, it was be so nice for it to retain as much of its original character as possible. Even the mosaic tile at the entrance says "Fordham's Drug Store." The 500 block of South Elm Street has so many history buildings. You can read more about them here. Not unlike having a CVS and a Walgreen's drug store right beside each other today, just down the street at 530 South Elm, was an O. Henry drug store. From today's photo, there is not a lot to reveal that the photo was not taken 100 years ago; perhaps the unidentified woman would have been reading a newspaper and not a cell phone and there wouldn't have been incense for sale on the street. What would you like to see this building become?

 

* Here is an article about Fordham's from 2016 in Our State Magazine.

Bald Eagle Trail

If you don't mind getting a little wet, it is awfully fun to hike in the rain. Yesterday, we spent the morning on Bald Eagle Trail, beside Lake Higgins, and it was if the fungi and lichen came alive during the rain. As we walked in the reverse direction on this trail in northwest Greensboro, the colors were brighter and more saturated. The above photo shows fungi growing on a log near the entrance to the trail. The fungi in the above photo protruded in a line that extended the entire length of the decaying tree; not just on this underpart, but up all along the bark, too. Do you notice the millipede up on the right? There were several on the tree. Millipedes are known to be excellent decomposers. They don't bite, but they do secrete a toxin, so it is best to leave them alone, doing their work at enhancing the soil on the forest floor. 

Perhaps we shouldn't tell you (we have some readers with a real fear of snakes), but we did see a copperhead off to the edge of the trail. Our picture of the snake was confirmed to be a copperhead by the N.C. Snake Identification & Education group on Facebook. That group is open to the public and its membership exceeds 28 thousand. They are wonderful about accurately identifying a snake with a photo and a location. This group will help you be less afraid of snakes and will help you realize that if you keep your distance, the snakes won't bother you. As for trail walking, including Bald Eagle, please walk where you walk, keeps dogs on a leash, and have an adult walk in front of and behind children on the trail. If you take time to stop and notice, it is amazing what you will see.

Summer Nights 2021!

Well, temperature wise, Greensboro has been in the high 70s, heading towards the 80 this weeks. With the summer solstice, it is now staying daylight longer and the people of Greensboro seem to be looking for opportunities to stay up and outside as long as possible. The above photo was taken at Sticks & Stones Restaurant at the corner of Walker and Elam. Last night, even after 8:00 p.m., it was still daylight and people were out enjoying pizza and conversation- about the time the lightning bugs were starting to glow. In addition to the great fellowship, the clay pizza oven at Sticks and Stones does not disappoint either.

In addition to enjoying the restaurant, Greensboro residents really appreciate the community Corner Market  held in this parking lot on the weekends. This location is right at the crossroads of Sunset Hills and Lindley Park and is a part of town loved by many. The above photo was taken at about 8:00 p.m. last night; it was still daylight, and people were lingering as long as possible. When you find just the right spot, summer nights can be magical. The corner of Walker and Elam is just that space. Happy Tuesday! Happy summer!

Aldi Opening on Battleground Avenue

Remember where Earthfare was located on Battleground Avenue? It was in the plaza near Pisgah Church Road, where there is a Starbucks and a U.S. post office. Well, now, an Aldi is going in the former Earthfare space. The first Aldi store was opened in 1913, during World War I,  in Essen, Germany by Anna Albrecht and Aldi stands for Albrecht Discount. Now, there are thousands of locations around the world, and over 1,600 in the United States alone. They are one of many grocery stores in Greensboro. In the United States, Aldi is third only to Walmart and Kroger. The above store is scheduled to open by this fall. There are already three Aldi's in the Greensboro area (New Garden Road, Randleman Road, and West Gate City Boulevard).  The New Garden Road store was the third to open (in 2013) and now, eight years later, the fourth is being added.

Even if you already have your "go to" place to shop for groceries, it is nice to see the above plaza gain and anchor store. This should put it at close to full capacity. The more options people have, the more likely they are to consider a destination.  Well, it is Monday, and if you had a large Fathers Day event, or a Summer Solstice event, chances are you will need to go to the grocery store somewhere. Where do you like to shop for groceries in Greensboro? Do you have a favorite? Happy Monday; you just may run in to us shopping for groceries!

Swift Street AME Zion Church

Since we featured Juneteenth yesterday, let's visit an African American church today, Swift Street AME Zion Church. It is, indeed, located on Swift Street, between Wendover Avenue and West Market Street, near the Terra Cotta Heritage Museum. This is a very active church, committed to God and Jesus and to issues related to social justice as well. They have Sunday school and worship on Sunday and Bible study on Wednesday. The pastor is Rev. Joshua Holmes. The church is so beautiful and look at those beautiful stained glass windows!

The AME Zion denomination was formed in 1821 in New York City. The denomination adheres to Wesleyan-Arminian theology and  was established due to overt discrimination and a need for African-Americans to have a place to worship, have autonomy, and fought hard to be able to not have to have white ministers. The church was largely confined to the north until after the Civil War. *. We wish Swift Street had more church history available through the Internet. However, we're betting those who attend know who the keepers of the church history are. On the day we drove by, there were neighbors out. It is one of those churches that has a community surrounding it that cares about it very much. We hope they had a good Juneteenth and that they are around for years to come.

* read more and reference, here.

Happy Juneteenth!

Happy Juneteenth!

We wanted to learn more about this now-federal holiday and its historical significance. What better way to learn than to speak to teachers! April Dunovant, on the left-  "Ms. D" as her students call her, teaches social studies at the Middle College at UNCG. She also served on the committee that wrote the African American history curriculum for Guilford County Schools (GCS). On the right is Ms. Andrea Green who teaches English, and is also at the Middle College at UNCG.  When asked what Juneteenth means to them and how we can all learn more about the holiday, Ms. D explained that Juneteenth is "a day to remember the struggles of our ancestors and their resilience and their ability to hope." Ms. Green encourages people to find credible and primary resources to learn about the holiday and what led to it, as opposed to just reading what gets posted on social media. She suggested visiting the website of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She also suggested attending events like Day in the Park at 715 Summit Avenue from 4-7pm today and the open mic event with food trucks at LeBauer Park tonight from 5-8pm. 

Ms. D's grandmother was born on July 4, 1924, just 59 years after the end of the Civil War, and she always maintained that July 4th was not her Independence Day, because her ancestors were not free until June 19, 1865. She celebrated Juneteenth. Both teachers emphasize the complexity behind the Civil War, reminding us it was not as if President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation  in 1863 and everyone was free. Until 1865, the nation was still split into the Union and the Confederacy. Some slave owners in the Deep South, under the governance of the Confederacy, refused to comply. Ms. D and Ms. Green explained that even after the Civil War ended and the Confederacy fell, a whole new era of issues evolved, which is why some of the Juneteenth merchandise says "Free-ish since 1865."

Examples of these new issues include freed slaves needing housing, jobs, food, and money to be reunited with family members. Communities and towns had to be built with facilities and resources, accessible to African Americans. While African Americans were no longer slaves, they were still second class citizens, and separate was far from equal. There were many public places African Americans weren't allowed. It was at that time the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were founded. As a local example, the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University was founded in 1891 and was originally known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race. It was the first institution of higher education for people of color in the state of North Carolina. As another local example, the first African American students were not admitted to the University of North Carolina Greensboro until 1956, only sixty-five years ago. Young African American students are so eager to learn of a history that has not always been readily available to them. Ms. Green admits to not knowing about Juneteenth until a year ago and attributes the murder of George Floyd to igniting a nationwide interest in Juneteenth. People are diving deeper into a history that has not previously been taught.

We learned so much from Ms. D and Ms. Green and are so grateful to have friends with whom we can discuss complex issues. Through rich conversations and positive interaction so much can be learned. The students who have these two teachers are in good hands!  May everyone enjoy Juneteenth!

Airport Traffic at PTI Is Starting To Pick Up!

Travel in and out of Greensboro is starting to pick up again, as evidenced by the above photo, taken in the Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport. A Delta flight had just come in from Atlanta and here we see travelers walking past one of the Jeansboro sculptures on the north concourse. The title is "Carolina Daydream" and it was painted in 2018 by Bailey Winger of Salisbury, NC. There are so many iconic North Carolina images on this sculpture: The Wright Brothers' airplane, a barbecue sandwich, the Big Coffee Pot in Old Salem, and more. Something about the color of this sculpture, and of the travelers, is so uplifting.

In 2018, four of the statues were added to the airport. They were selected out of twenty-five submissions as part of the PTI's master art plan.* There are also several of these sculptures downtown and they are perfect for Greensboro, known for its denim and jeans making. While the jeans are now made overseas, they have been such a big part of our history. May you have a great weekend whether you are staying here, just getting into town, or going elsewhere. Happy Friday!

*reference and read more, here.

All Paws on Deck at the Corner of Spring Garden and Holden!

The above photo was taken at the corner of Spring Garden Street at Holden Road. We were stopped at a red light next to this white van with the curious canine. Summer is a time when some vehicles drive along with all windows closed and the air conditioning blasting. This vehicle is the opposite extreme; driving along with windows down and their canine loving life. If you have a dog, you probably already know that Greensboro has some great options for boarding dogs if you need to travel. Also, if you are wanting a canine companion, there are plenty that need to be adopted. Here is a link to the Guilford County Animal Shelter. The last time we checked, there were at least 75 dogs looking for homes. The SPCA also has dogs (here); and then there are cats. We have a friend who rescues cats and are trying to feature her here on GDP. However, she is so busy rescuing, it has been hard to find a mutually convenient time.  Have a great Thursday and let us know if you adopt a pet, or know of another good, local agency for adopting.

Christman Building, Formerly Known As Cascade Saloon

Since we were already downtown yesterday, let's stay another day, at the railroad tracks just north on Barnhardt Street on Elm. Notice how the tracks flank the Christman building, which was known formerly as the Cascade Saloon. Christman has worked hard to maintain the integrity of the exterior of the building, while completely renovating the interior. There is a lot of history in the buildings south of the railroad tracks; none of them existed prior to the 1890s. The Christman building at 408 South Elm reflects the common look of the brick buildings built at the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th century.

This building, constructed in 1896, is a three-story Italianate building with granite lintels and and sills. It began life as a saloon and then became Clegg Grocery, and now has been completely structurally reinforced. Let's hope it lasts well into the next century- and beyond.  If you want to read a very informative history and description of downtown Greensboro, this government document, a National Register of Historic Places Inventory- Nomination Form for the city of Greensboro is well worth bookmarking.

Downtown Fun Along Barnhardt Street

Today's photo leads us downtown, along the railroad tracks on South Elm Street at Barnhardt Street. The three people in the above photo were en route for a photo shoot back in the parking lot between Barnhardt and Lewis Street. Downtown Greensboro is a great place for photo shoots, whether one is shooting in color or black and white. Monochromatic photos like this one put more emphasis on lines and shapes. The triangular shape formed by the railroad tracks leads the eye to the horizon line, near the destination of the walkers.

To the right is the Jamison Building (which was recently for sale). This one-story, concrete-building was built in 1947 and it is the third on the site. The two previous buildings burned.* It will be interesting to see what kind of businesses open here. To be sure, it is a prime location, highly visible. So much has changed in this back area, just west of Elm Street and perhaps, the best is yet to come. Let's stay tuned!

 

*Reference.

RBG Mural

Let's start Monday with a work of art. Recently, we were at Irving Park Frame Shop at 2105 W Cornwallis Drive and, as we were leaving, noticed this mural of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While there is no shortage of RBG murals, it is nice to have one in Greensboro. She has been an inspiration to so many, near and afar. The mural is the perfect thing to see at a frame shop/art gallery. Notice the way her collar extends down to the sidewalk. The mural is signed by THARE. Unfortunately, a Google search did not yield results. Nor is THARE on the extensive list of muralists on the Kotis site (here). We'll keep trying to track down THARE. If you know this person, let us know and we'll link to the artist's website.

It is nice to have these murals at street level. That makes it easy to get photos. Midtown really has become known for its murals. That is a fun summer thing to do, get out and explore the murals. Referring to this interactive street art map really helps. We see online that Justice Ginsburg visited Raleigh, but we don't see anything to indicate that she visited Greensboro. Oh well, she has been immortalized on the above brick wall with a green (for Greensboro) background.

Happy Monday!  Six more days until summer and seventeen more days until Cookout has watermelon milkshakes!!!

St Timothy's United Methodist Church

Yesterday, we featured part of the property, one of the lakes, on the property at St. Timothy's United Methodist Church, located at 5228 Hilltop Road is what is actually Jamestown. In traveling along Hilltop Road, we saw at least four churches. Some are giant like Gate City Baptist and Community Fellowship Church. Others are smaller like St. Timothy's UMC and The Unitarian Universalist Church up near College Road. St. Timothy's in a small, but inclusive church with the following welcome statement, "At St. Timothy's, we practice the radical welcome of God and we believe that all people are of equal sacred worth and dignity. And ALL means ALL, y’all! We embrace and affirm people of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, family structures, economic status, political persuasions, physical and mental abilities, and faith histories. " 

This is a church with women at the helm. Rev. Nikki Raye Rice is pastor and Nancy Cole is lead musician and choir director.  This little church, nestled in the woods, just a stone's throw away from Adam's Farm and retail on West Wendover, is a gem of a respite where God, people, good deeds, nature, and music converge. If you are interesting in visiting, outdoor services should start at 11am today. See here for more details. Happy Sunday!

Musings from the Lake at St. Timothy's

Today's photo was taken just off of Hilltop road, on the property of St. Timothy's United Methodist Church. We'll feature the actual church tomorrow, but for today, we're sharing this little spot that is perfect for reflecting and appreciating nature. It is right across from Adam's Farm at Adam's Farm Parkway. Hilltop used to be a sleepy little two lane road; now it is four lanes with a turn lane in the middle. A thin layer of trees separates this quite area from traffic and the bustle of suburbia. There are even benches for quiet reflection along St. Timothy's ponds. We are sitting on one installed by Jack and Pat Lambert in memory of Bill Shelor and Margie Kirby. What an act of love to install a bench.

 It is hard to believe that in the late 1980's, this whole area was woods and that soon, what was 710 acres of trees and fields would become 1,600 houses and 900 apartments. Adams Farm, just across the street from this spot, was a one of Greensboro's early big, planned-unit,  suburban developments.*  Adams Farm has its own, lake- 17 acres. Soon, we'll wander over to and take some photos at Adams Farm. It is hard to imagine that those first babies born in Adams Farm are now are now in their mid 30s!. As for today, we'll sit right here, listening to birds chirp and frogs croak, admiring these beautiful, yet tenacious daisies. 

Wonder what we would see and hear, were we to sit here until church starts in the morning. 

 

* Read this interesting News & Record article about the Adams Farm neighborhood concept here. (We are so thankful to community journalism and the archives it establishes).

Fledglings Vs. Nestlings

Do you know the difference between a fledgling and a nestling? Above, is a fledgling. Its parents, a pair of cardinals, were nearby, monitoring this baby bird's every move. It couldn't quite fly yet, but could hop around and balance on branches. This baby is a fledgling and should be left alone to continue on its journey to learning to fly. We saw it when we were on a walk in northwest Greensboro, near Horse Pen Creek Road. A nestling is a bird that can't even stand on its own, and it almost looks naked Nestlings, probably won't survive if they fall out of the nest, but fledglings will. As a matter of fact, their road to flying is being scaffolded. Greensboro's own Happy Tails Veterinary Clinic shares a lot about baby animals, here.a lot

We took the above photo a few weeks ago; so, by now, there aren't as many fledglings in Greensboro. But, we can still be on the lookout for small animals and, in most cases, let nature take its course. We hope you have a happy Friday and that you get out to explore the city a little today. Complete unrelated to baby birds, but, related to things to do in Greensboro, please consider attending Porchfest in Dunleath tomorrow. Unfortunately, we won't be able to stop by, but there will be so much live music going on in the neighborhood. Please check out the events (HERE), and do be on the lookout for animals in the road... including humans!

 

Historic Country Club Condominiums

Yesterday, we featured a home in Kirkwood. Today, we head a little bit southeast, just off of Elm Street at Sunset. Above, are the historic Country Club Condominiums. At one time, they were apartments and, in about 2007, they were converted to condominiums. They were originally erected in 1937 as Greensboro's first garden-style apartment complex. The facades are white brick and, what you see at the entrance are "implied quoins" at the corners. The complex was originally financed by Julian Price and Emry Green, the former being president of Jefferson Standard Life Insurance the the latter president of Pilot Life. The center of the complex forms a big circle, looping to and from Elm Street. In the center is a gated 2-acre green space for residents to enjoy.  

If you want to read more about the garden-style apartment complex, read this article by Preservation Greensboro. It is very informative. Greensboro is lucky to have Preservation Greensboro, AND this fabulous cluster of condos. If you get a chance, drive the loop.  While this property was erected in 1937, it feels as if it were brand new.

2004 Fernwood Drive

2004 Fernwood Drive is located in the heart of Kirkwood. It is one of those post- World War II homes that have held their charm for the past seventy years. The above house was built in 1948 and look at how adorable it is. The landscaping adds such great curb appeal. The white fence really punctuates the yard and the plants at the sidewalk.

We noticed it because we were driving looking for hydrangeas in bloom, and this yard was a stand-out. Curiously, most of them are blue, but there is one pinkish-purple bush on the left. Do you have hydrangeas in your yard? If so, what color are they? This three bedroom, two bathroom house last sold in 1988 and there is no sign that it is selling any time soon! Have a happy Wednesday. Here's to great neighbors and great yards! Kirkwood residents are gearing up for Fourth of July Fun, and so is downtown Greensboro!

Fishbones Restaurant

Fishbones is a modern bar and grill, located at 2119 Walker Avenue between Sunset Hills and Lindley Park. It was opened by Neil Reitzel in 2000 right beside the former location of the Blind Tiger. The Blind Tiger has long since moved to Spring Garden Street, but Fishbones is still going strong at the corner of Walker and Elam for over twenty years. Over the last two decades, this part of town has seen a lot of young families move into the neighborhood and Fishbones has the ambience of a restaurant and bar for locals.

Fishbones serves a wide variety of food with seafood being among the most popular dishes- especially the fish and chips. Since Fishbones has reopened from the pandemic, they have stayed busy. We arrived around 6:00 pm one evening last week, and by 7:00 pm, all of the seats were taken. They offer indoor and outdoor seating and take out. The above photo gives you a feel for the ambience. The tin roof and wooden floor are charming. The photo also gives you an idea of the seating; indoors, the chairs are tall, outside, they are not. Here is an article from the News & Record when they first opened. Happy Tuesday. Where is your "go to" place. Is it the same as it was pre-Pandemic? 

The Carolina Buddies, Old-Time String Band

This past weekend, the 49th annual, Mt. Airy Blue Grass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention was held in Mt. Airy, Surry County, North Carolina. While the convention was held about an hour north of Greensboro, our city was well represented at the event. Home base for many of our local musicians was the tent of the Piedmont Old Time Society. The above photo was taken while the Greensboro group, Carolina Buddies, was performing. The fiddler on the right is Aran Garnett-Deakin. Beside Aran is Greyson Leybourne, also on fiddle. Beside Greyson L. is Grayson Drum on guitar. Doug Shadwick is playing upright bass. The stage is located right in the middle of the field at Veterans Park and the performances serve as great entertainment for those people who either aren't camping or who just want to enjoy a good concert.

How wonderful that Aran, Greyson, Grayson, and Doug love playing acoustic, string-band music together. Let's hope they have a chance to perform locally in Greensboro. All four are talented and versatile musicians. Here's to a great week. The summer sure is looking better and better now that opportunities to hear live music are becoming available. The Piedmont Old-Time Society has an open jam on the first and third Thursdays at Pig Pounder Brewery. It is a nice opportunity to hear some great music. Who knows? You just may see some Carolina Buddies there!

Here is a link to their performance.

Spirit of Life

Do you ever notice a path and take it to see where it leads? We did that the other day, not too far from Lake Higgins. Initially, we were struck by the change in elevation*; the hill was quite steep. Sometimes Greensboro seems like it is completely flat, but as you head north of the city, change in elevation becomes more apparent. At the bottom of the hill in the photo, beside this triangular, moss-covered boulder, with birds chirping all around, Carolyn McDade's song, spirit of life came to mind. 

Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.

These six lines are so calming and peaceful. While most closely associated with the Unitarian Universalist church (see here), the message seems fitting for any religion. We hope you have a lovely Sunday and that perhaps take that walk off the beaten path and find your special secret place in Greensboro. 

*Officially, Greensboro's elevation is listed as 892'. Having spent the last thirteen years trying to develop expertise on Greensboro, we reckon we should know elevation, and population (291,303). We get asked the population question a lot, but don't think we've ever been asked about Greensboro's elevation.

South Battleground & Bellemeade Area

If you've walked along South Battleground and Bellemeade Street in downtown Greensboro, you've noticed the changes. The above photo was taken at Keto, just being the Carroll & Bellemeade Apartments.  The Zeto wine and specialty food shop just got a built in clientele with the addition of the apartments in their backyard. They have really brightened up the entrance and the signage is a stand-out feature. This part of town is looking very crisp and inviting. Of course, we are always happy when we can sneak in a view of the JP building, or, as the time and temp light on top remind us, the LFG- Lincoln Financial Group. Just think, those who live in the apartments to the right are only a block away from Zeto, Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, LeBauer Park, First National Bank Field, and more.

If we keep adding to this post, we just may convince ourselves to downsize an move to town! Happy Saturday! If time permits, head to town and explore!

Goodbye School, Hello Summer

And just like that, school is over for the summer. Today was the last day for students in the Guilford County Public Schools. The above photo features the big send-off at Irving Park Elementary School (IPES), located in the heart of Irving Park. Most elementary schools have the tradition of all teachers going out to say their last goodbyes for the summer, and IPES is no exception. The teachers and students are really close at this school . The only thing better than this last day of school will be the first, in August,  when everyone will return with joy and optimism. All are anticipating that next year will be one where COVID is behind us and masks and social distancing will no longer be needed.

IPES was built in 1928, back when the Irving Park neighborhood was being established and a mere three years after the 350-acre Greensboro Country Club  property was getting established. IPES draws from neighborhoods beyond Irving Park and teachers and staff come from all over Greensboro. Public schools are a wonderful place to develop friendships for people from all walks of life; not only for students, but also for teachers. Once a pirate, always a pirate- hence the pirate flag. Teachers and staff, thank you for all you do, from Day 1 to Day 180! May your summer be restful and rejuvenating. May your students have a great summer, and find time to read at least a few books.  As for the 2020-2021 school year, it was: ONE FOR THE BOOKS.

Frozen, Jr.

Last night theatre students at the Academy at Lincoln performed Frozen, Jr. The performance was held in the staff parking lot in the rear of the school. To be safe, and since rehearsals started just as people were starting to get vaccinated, the play was staged outside.. Theater teacher, Ms. Cassy Whitley wanted to give her middle school students this memorable, culminating activity, especially since many of the actors head off to high school in the fall. The acting, singing, and dancing were superb. The tech crew also did a great job with special effects and with getting props set in place. Threat of rain almost cancelled the special effects, but they ran the show, undaunted, and even had fog, snow, and confetti. Fortunately, the rain held off. As you can see, audience members were captivated. 

It is no wonder Ms. Whitley is Teacher of the Year at her school. She always goes the extra mile for her students. With her guidance, these 4th-8th graders develop skills in all aspects of theatre. Ms. Whitley forewarned the audience that in the event of rain and if she shouted "strike", students would clear all props and equipment in under 30 minutes. There are still 3 more performances-  on Friday (7pm) and Saturday (2pm and 7pm). Arendelle never looked so gook in the open air! It is nice for students to be able to participate in performances again. It is important for the public to know the dedication of our public school teachers. Thank you, Ms. Whitley! And thanks to everyone else who made this show a reality.

Chez Genèse at 616 South Elm Street

Today, we're sharing another photo of our downtown excursion on Memorial today. Today's photo is of Chez Genèse at 616 South Elm Street. Chez Genèse is a French cafe that employs people with intellectual and development disabilities. They serve breakfast and lunch. Here is the menu if you would like to see the options. It is hard to believe they've already been open three years. You may remember when Charlie and Ruth held their community dinners down here. While they've move on to Missouri, the current owners try to maintain that same feeling of being with community while you are eating here. The atmosphere is relaxed, but lively at the same time. There is some seating outside in front of the café.

Monday was pretty peaceful and, if you look closely, you can see people indoors as well as outside. The two sedans market out front really add to the scene. Let's hope the restaurant remains successful for a very long time! They do so much to help out the community. Happy Wednesday!

Memorial Day 2021 (Day After)

Happy Memorial Day 2021. Yesterday, we were on an urban walk downtown and so were these three young men. The guy in the middle is a recruiter originally from Detroit. When we saw them, they were in the 500 block of South Elm Street. We took this photo, and they asked if I would take a photo with their phone, so they could have a copy. They seemed to be enjoying their venture, which they actually said was a hike. It was so nice walking around town. Many stores were closed; however, ssome were open. After about noon, Elm Street started getting a little more traffic. It was so peaceful earlier in the day and nice to see how clean the streets were.

So many people from Greensboro either head to the mountains or the beach for holidays. With Greensboro being in the middle of the state, we are about equal distance from the mountains and sea. However, just like the guys in the photo, we opted for spending the day pounding the pavement. How did you spend Memorial Day? Happy Tuesday, happy June!