Greensboro Daily Photo

Ghassan's Fresh Mediterranean Eats

We love to find scenes in Greensboro that evoke scenes of famous artists. While waiting for our order at Ghassan's on Battleground the other night, this scene reminded us so much of an Edward Hopper painting. His scenes are never crowded or cluttered, feature a person or two, and have a lot of emphasis on geometric shapes. At least, that is what we felt as we were waiting for our food. Ghassan's features mediterranean food that is cooked fresh to order. They offer catering, take out, food trucks, eat in, grub hub; just about any way you want food, they can serve it up. We love seeing that red food truck in the window when we are there. The saturated color and contrast adds to the mood, making it very Hopper-esque.

As for the food, when you are in the mood for a wrap, sub, beef or chicken platter, great sauces and dips, Ghassan's is a great option. It has been locally owned and operated since 1975. There have been lots of successful spin offs, but they don't seem to be impacting this little taste of Lebanon, right here in Greensboro. While the flagship store (at Gate City Boulevard) closed in 2020, the other locations and the food truck continue to thrive. The Ghassan's at LeBauer Park on Davie Street seems to have been a good move for the restaurant. 

Happy Saturday, regardless of what or where you decide to eat!

Paige Cox, Tufter Extraordinaire

Today's post features local Greensboro artist Paige Cox! We just had to follow up on what Paige has been doing since she left Reconsidered Goods. Paige started Reconsidered Goods, a creative reuse store in 2016; working there full time until this January (she had already stepped down as Executive Director this past August). Paige has struck out on her own to work full time as an artist. Paige earned an BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design. Pre-RG and pre-corporate, she focused on felting. The circular wall hanging in her in-home studio (above)  is one of her pieces. Today, you see a picture of Paige armed with her latest fiber passion, a tufting gun. Paige has mastered the art of tufting and makes adorable wall hangings and rugs. The ghostlike creature above is one of her most recent creations.

Tufting is an art form that really took off during the pandemic when the tools of the trade were redesigned and made more affordable to individual artists. Previously, the old technology was more industrial and cost prohibitive. Paige says TikTok is full of videos that have gone viral of tufters tufting. If you follow Paige on Instagram, you can see an example of the process (@paigecox_art). Paige describes her style as bright, fun, silly and whimsical. As you can see here, she loves bright colors. She has started selling her pieces in some galleries, but mostly sells through Instagram (and is open to commissions). However, for about the next month, Paige is helping with staging at the High Point Furniture Market and will be wearing a different creative hat, more like the one she wore when designing at Anthropologie. To be sure, anything Paige touches will be fabulous. 

We all miss seeing our dear artist friend at Reconsidered Goods. However, we have to be happy for her.  She is making great art in her in-home studio, where has the opportunity to spend more time with her husband and pets, including Wilson- the cat who roamed the floor at the Patterson Street location. Don't be a stranger, Paige, you have a fan club out here that really wants to stay in touch with you!

Happy Friday, everyone!

 

 

Hellebores In Full Bloom

Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses and  Christmas roses are not actually related to roses. They are a herbaceous, flowering perennial. Hellebores love and do well in cold weather. They are always one of the first flowers to bloom in the dead of winter. We acquired ours from a persona friend, plus a few from the Greensboro Farmers Market on Yanceyville Street. Once established, they are known for being hardy. 

Local Gardner, Janice Nicholson is known as the Hellebore Lady. She runs Gethsemane Gardens Nursery, just north of Greensboro on Highway 150. The nursery was started on a farm that formerly produced tobacco. While hellebores aren't always available, when they are, Janice brings them to the farmers market. We really like this deep, reddish purple of our plants; however, there are so many varieties, it would be fun to grow more. Speaking of growing, it is almost March and it is getting to be time to think about gardening.

Happy Thursday!

Spring is Just Around the Corner

If you were out driving on the north end of Glenwood on Haywood Street, behind the Kaplan Center for Wellness, you would have seen this landscaping crew hard at work. In this day and age, the internet if full of people complaining about others. Our post today is something along the lines of "caught being good"! As we drove by, we noticed everyone on the crew was working quickly and efficiently as a team. We stopped to ask if they were mulching or making major changes; they let us know they were mulching. We drove by their truck to and saw that this crew was truck 23 of Bland Landscaping Company. 

Bland is a full service landscaping company established in 1976. They serve the whole Piedmont area and the Costal Carolinas. Bland doesn't appear to have an office in Greensboro, but they service the area and have some big accounts here and we can see why. Whether you are going to do your own yard work, or if you are going to hire a landscaping company, today's photo reminds us it is time to start scheduling the work

Happy Wednesday!

Really Free Market in Arlington Park

This past Saturday, a Really, Really Free Market was held in Arlington Park. Arlington Park is a neighborhood located south of Gate City Boulevard and east of South Elm/Eugene Street. (Read about Arlington Park, HERE). This park is in today's photo is also called Arlington Park. Every Friday after Thanksgiving, there is a Really, Really Free Market in Glenwood. This is the first one we knew about in Arlington Park. But, the concept was the same. Everything was free. That whole shelter was full of food, clothing, books, and a few household goods. Someone was lucky enough to score a very high-end, like new bedspread. 

In addition to the above mentioned items, there were N-95 masks available,  The Guilford Green Foundation and LGBTQ Center had a booth. Nurses were there checking blood pressure, glucose levels, and giving flu shots. A Good Neighbor Movement and Greensboro Mutual Aid collaborated to bring us this great event. We left with two good books and two cabbages. There were many, many amazing pieces of clothing, but we resisted because we didn't really need the items. Usually, we take items to donate/share, but weren't really prepared. The free market was small but very, very successful. It was an event where people of all ages were talking to each other. The sense of community was so evident. If your neighborhood hasn't hosted one of these events yet, you owe it to yourself to organize one. They can be as small or as big as you want, as long as everything is.... FREE!

Happy Monday!

Oak Ridge First Baptist

As you travel along Highway 150 in Oak Ridge, between Oak Ridge Military Academy and Bunch Road, you will see many churches in this area. Heading east, back in the vicinity of Greensboro, in northwest Guilford County, the Oak Ridge First Baptist Church will be on the left and the St. James AME Church will be there beside it. The pastor of the Baptist church is James A. Webster; his wife Brenda is First Lady. 

While the church was actually established in 1894, 128 years ago, the above sanctuary was built in 1999. Imagine how many changes this congregation has experienced over all of those years. The church formed not long after the Civil War, and just about the time cars were being invented. Just think, now, there are computers, cell phones, and one can watch the service online- withou stepping foot inside. Their history reaches across three separate centuries. Sometimes, African American congregations have a hard time keeping up with records when so much was not documented (formally) in the African American community. The First Baptist has a cemetery on site. We're betting that has helped with maintaining records. Church history is so important to document and we wish First Baptist had a searchable data base.

If you are interested in attending, in person worship is held on Sundays at 10:00 am. The service is also available online.

Happy Sunday!

Beautiful Sky Over Lake Higgins

In Greensboro, the sky was so beautiful this past week.The above photo was taken at Lake Higgins just a few days ago. As you can see, even when trees are still without leaves, with the sun shining, winter days can be as glorious as summer. Lake Higgins is a great option if you want to hike a trail or launch a kayak or fish- or, all of the above. In January, the Lake Higgins trout supply was replenished for winter trout fishing; boats are available for rental; and there is a beginning birding class happening from 10:30- 12 noon (see here). This 226-acre municipal waterway always seem to have something happening.

If you don't want to spend the day in nature, consider visiting one of the many farmers markets. Another option would be to head downtown to the Free Market at 1201 Bellevue Street from 11am-3pm. Everything there will be free. There will also be nausea there checking glucose and blood pressure. They will also be giving flu shots. Feel free to bring any useable item that you do not want. Maybe you will see something you want to take home. These "everything free"  events really build community. You will meet new people if you hang around the free market a while. It is located south of Gate City Boulevard, and a few blocks east of Elm Street.

Hope to see you there. Happy Saturday!

Heavy Winds Anticipated in Greensboro

Given the anticipated heavy winds today, we thought it would be appropriate to share this seen on Tremont Drive, just south of Sylvan Road. One of the homes was having trees removed by DC Tree Service. Their motto is "We will go out on a limb for you."  Some trees need to come down, especially if an arborist determines that there is decay inside. However, it is always sad to lose a mature tree, because we will never see anything mature in its place in our lifetime.  This part of town, between College Park, Lindley Park, and Sunset Hills, is known for their tree lined streets. Hopefully, something will be planted that will eventually add to the canopy. 

What an interesting week it has been. It started with Valentine's Day. There was a full moon. Today, there is a two-hour delay at the schools given the potential damage and downed power lines from the winds. Plus, some school students are out waiting for busses very early in the morning. It is best to keep them safe if there are high winds. As we are writing this post, we notice there don't appear to be any above ground wires on Tremont. We're wondering how it is that they have buried lines and some neighborhoods to not. 

Have a great weekend and may you, your friends and loved ones, and your home be safe. If you need a tree removed, branches removed or some firewood, DC Tree seems to be a great option. (See their website, HERE).

The Minor Swing Band

The Swing Trio Band members are no stranger to the Bryan Series and three of the members were on stage last night as the opening act for Yusef Salaam's talk last night. The musicians on stage were Jim Carson, Kevin Dollar and Bobby Doolittle. Bobby also plays for the Alley Rabbits. It was so nice to arrive early to the Bryan Series evening with Yusef Salaam and be entertained by musicians, two with guitars and one with a mandolin. The music was sponsored by Schell Bray, Attorneys & Counselors at Law.

So often, the musicians don't get recognized, but they add so much to an event. The jazzy, swing music added ambiance and peppy energy, yet didn't detract from the ability to carry on a conversation. There are so many fabulous musicians in Greensboro; if you ever have a special event, hire musicians. Live music is so affordable adds so much to an event.Actually, today marks the start of the Carolina Band and Conductors Conference at the UNCG College of Visual and Performing arts. We're betting there will be plenty of great live music in Greensboro this weekend. (See here for more details).

Happy Thursday!

Crocus Time

Well, this past weekend saw warm weather and then on Sunday and Monday, it turned cold. For Greensboro, yesterday, it was drain-your-car-battery cold, in the 20s. But on that warm Saturday, being outside, it was easy to see signs of spring. The hellebores and crocus were out in full swing- even though spring is a month away. The crocus in a perennial in the iris family. They are low to the ground without much evidence of a stem. The above crocus was spotted in northwest Greensboro. When the sun was shining through it, the flower looked like it was glowing. The saffron spice comes from the species Crocus Sativus and the word "crocus" is derived from the word "saffron."  The above plant is not the variety that produces saffron, but it is definitely a saffron color.

In preparing this post, we learned that the crocus is protected from frost by a waxy cuticle, so we're pretty sure the plant will make it- even thought it was in the 20s on Monday eve. We'll have to go back and check on it. These are the fun things to notice when out for a walk. As you go out to get plants this spring, know that Greensboro is in the USDA's 7B hardiness zone. The crocus can grow in zones 3-8, with a preference for a cold winter- which it is getting this week!

Happy Tuesday!

The Sandlot

Saturday was such a glorious day in Greensboro. The weather felt like spring and there was every excuse to get outside. We went to the arts and crafts market at Odom Brewing. That was very nice, and we bought some jewelry from two local high school students who had a table there. As we walked around we noticed these elementary school aged children playing on the lot adjacent to Odom. While the parents were sitting at picnic tables keeping an eye on their children, the little ones played ball and were having a blast. The whole scene evoked memories of the way things used to be, back in the dark ages before cell phones, iPads, and video games. They were having a blast. The definition of a sandlot is "a piece of unoccupied land used by children for games." So, if you have children, go to Odom Brewing on West Gate City Boulevard and encourage the kids to play in the sandlot.

We're not sure how close to Odom the venue will extend, but the Tate + Gate: Hotspot for Innovation will be in this area. While it won't be a sandlot, any place that fosters innovation, art, and creativity will be a good thing. But for now, we're simply going to enjoy seeing children play in that inhibited, not-a-care-in-the-world way that only children can play!

Happy Monday!

Prince of Peace Lutheran

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located at 1100 Curtis Street in the Warnersville neighborhood of Greensboro. Worship services are held at 11:00 a.m. The church is a diverse, multi-cultural community committed to their African descent roots. They are a liberal church, accepting of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. They also have a 10:00 am Bible study and, if you can't attend in person, you can follow the livestream on their Facebook page @PrinceOfPeaceGSO.

This small church is actually down the street from the very gigantic Reynolds Center for Worship and Service. Look at the fabulous shape to this building. It has to look glorious inside. This Lutheran (ECLA) Church offers so many services; programs of community service, social justice involvement, a children's ministry, a choir, an adult education program, yoga/meditation, a young adult program, and a senior ministry. Truly, this church located just south of downtown offers something for everybody. If you are interested, today would be a good day to visit- in person or virtually!

Happy Sunday!

Almost Valentine's Day

It is almost valentines day and we're head over heels in love with all of the Valentine's Day window displays around town. The above window is at the Green Bean Coffee House at 341 South Elm Street. The window decorations are so cute and we like the store name in the middle window, a graphic that is a great marketing tool. The Green Bean has been a Greensboro institution since 2002; that's twenty years of good coffee and good times. 

If you are looking for something to do today for an early Valentine's Day celebration, consider going to one of the farmers markets, and later one of the brew pubs. Almost all of them are offering something extra special this weekend. To be sure, we'll be heaving to the Full Circle Market at Oden Brewing today from 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm. There will be artists and vendors at their 2nd Saturday market. It doesn't look like the Green Bean is hosting any special events today, but they are always opening to having events if you are looking for a venue.

Have a great Saturday and don't forget to tell those special people in your life that you love them- everyday, but especially on Saturday.

Fiber Space

There is a new kid on the block in downtown Greensboro, Fiber Space at 227 South Elm Street. We got a little chuckle, because, at first glance, we thought that Fiber Space was "fiber" as in yarn and wool. Remember, Gate City Yarns is only a few doors down at 231 South Elm! Actually, Fiber Space is not a yarn store or knitting space. It is a downtown workspace for people who are starting up businesses or who people who need work space away from home. Fiber Space is a black, veteran, female-owned cowering flex space. With the "Baked Downtown" bakery right beside Fiber Space, you can work your heart away in this comfortable space and head out for a croissant break, almost without leaving the building!

You may recognize this cozy space as for years it has been a clothing a store, for a good while, it was Anne Marie, and they Michelle's. If you are interested, check out the membership plans at Fiber Space. They range from $50- $100 a month. You can also get drop-in day passes. Fiber Space will also host special events. Join them tomorrow for the "Ain't No Love Spades Tournament" tomorrow night at 7:00 pm. 

Happy Friday!

Abba Design

In 2020, in the height of the pandemic, we featured the designers at Abba Design because they installed a lovely wall of live flowers in front of Wesley Long Hospital on Friendly Avenue. Tuesday, we were out doing a little urban walking and passed by their studio at 700 North Eugene Street. The outside of the studio is decorated so beautifully for Valentines Day. The designers at Abba plan and coordinate florals for weddings, offer subscription services for florals, and will provide you with lovely holiday decorating. They also handle corporate and price accounts. While we haven't booked anything for Valentines Day, as we were walking by, we just had to stop and admire the display on site. Every table had a bouquet of flowers on it. The fact that the late afternoon was sunny created dramatic shadows and made the red flowers and decorations simply pop.

So many of the stores in downtown Greensboro have displays for Valentines Day. Even if Abba is already booked for the holiday,  is never too late to do a little something for the special people in your life. You should even consider treating yourself to a floral subscription service.

Happy Wednesday!

GCS School Board Meeting

Yesterday evening, the Guilford County Schools held their regularly scheduled board meeting at 6:00 pm at the Eugene Street building. As we drove by, we noticed a group had assembled outside from 5:00-6:00 pm. The were holding signs requesting schools to tell the truth. They did not say what group they affiliated with but signs said things like, True History Unites. Racism Divides; Tell the Truth PERIOD! and Turning a blind eye on our history has not saved us from its consequences. We were struck at how peacefully the group had assembled.

A lot of discussion at yesterday's board meeting centered around whether or not to continue mandating masks and the extent to which COVID tests should be administered to athletes. The decision has been made to continue wearing masks at least until the next board meeting. These decisions are never easy, but issues need to be discussed and decisions need to be made. We would like to thank all of the school board members for giving their time for the community. If you want to know more or be involved, the school board meetings are always broadcast live. If you want to get a point across, sign up to speak (3 minutes and under), send your representative an email, or, assemble peacefully like the group above.

Happy Wednesday!

Liquid Nitrogen

Have you ever driven behind a truck full of liquid nitrogen? It is so interesting. That black sign below the green one reads, "venting of vapor is normal during operation." We're sure people have called on more than one occasion saying that a truck was "smoking." If you look at the street signs on the left, you can see that the vehicle was at the corner of Josephine Boyd and Oakland Avenue. The truck was quite large and the driver masterfully made that left turn. It took a while, but he did it. Airgas uses cryogenic storage dewars (vacuum flasks) to transport very cold liquid gasses.

Here is a link to learn about all of the uses for nitrogen. Sometimes while out driving, it is easy to hyper focus on getting from Point A to Point B; however, when you stop and observe just what vehicles are around you and what they are doing, it is really interesting. We've never seen an Airgas truck before, but then maybe we've just never noticed. According to the internet, there is a store on East Market Street. Since this large truck was turning onto Oakland between UNCG and the railroad tracks, we're betting they were filling an order for UNCG. Actually, just possibly, it was turning because it would not fit under the underpass over Josephine Boyd. At any rate, it was interesting waiting behind the truck that looked like it was vaping!

Happy Tuesday.

Syngenta, U.S. Headquarters on Swing Road

Have you ever noticed the Syngenta building out by I_40 in west Greensboro. The campus, with mature trees, and Building F (photographed above) that reflects the sky, especially at sunset. Syngenta was formed in 2000 with the merger of Novartis and AstraZenica, both agrichemical businesses. In 2015, they were acquired by China National Chemical Corporation. In 2020, Syngenta Group was formed, a conglomeration of Syngenta, Adama, and SinoChem. Syngenta and all of the other producers of agricultural chemicals that have been folded into Chem-China, are China's biggest foreign acquisitions.

While the Syngenta headquarters is in Switzerland, Greensboro is home to the U.S. Headquarters which is located on Swing Road. We're betting that with all of the agri-business courses and STEM majors at N.C. A.&T. University in Greensboro, there is tremendous opportunity for local students to work at Syngenta locally, and also abroad. As we drove around the area, we realized the Cooper's Ale House relocated right across the street. Syngenta employees can walk across the street and get a great meal without having to get in their cars!

Have a great Monday!

Royce and Jane Reynolds Center for Worship & Service

The Royce and Jane Reynolds Center for Worship and Service is located at 1001 Freeman Mill Road. The facility is named for Crown Automotive founder, Royce Reynold and his wife, who have been Greensboro residents since 1974. This worship center is affiliated with the Salvation Army and offers so much, in addition to worship services. They also have a teen center and a Boys and Girls Club. The Salvation Army youth programs in this facility are very popular with the teens who use it. It is a safe space to hang out, play sports, worship and and spend time. According to their website, the Salvation Army is part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865. The Salvation Army provides an array of social services for over 30 million people in the United States.

Also on site here is the Guilford Youth Development Park, the Kevin Harvick Youth Development Park, and the Cemala Foundation Child Development Center. This whole complex is impressive. If you are looking for it, head south of Greensboro on Freeman Mill and you will see it on your left as you are headed South. The architecture of the facility is simple and elegant. Happy Sunday!

Farm Fresh Dairy Products

Today is Farmer's Market Day again. We go between the one at Sandy Ridge and the one on Yanceyville.  The above photo was taken last weekend at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville. Featured in the photo is Mathura who runs Snow Creek Family Organics in Hanging Rock, Stokes County. Saturdays, when inventory permits, Mathura drives down to the market with his yogurt, ghee, paneer curd, and raw milk. He prides himself on how humanely he treats his animals. His grass fed cows produce a milk that many lactose intolerant people can actually drink. Like most of the vendors at the Yanceyville Farmers Curb Market, Mathura is happy to talk about his product. He makes sure that it meets your needs, before you make the purchase. The Yanceyville market has been going strong since 1874, almost 150 years!

Hope to see you stop by, today. Happy Saturday!

Magnet Application Time Is Upon Us!

If you have children of an age where they are attending school, and you live in Guilford County, you probably are well aware that it is magnet application time. It you have children already enrolled in a program, you are helping your school recruit students who will be a good fit for the theme of the program. If you are looking, you have likely found the schools that are the best fit for your children. The Guilford County Schools are known for their school options at every grade level. The above photo was taken at Brooks Global Studies Magnet School. The Sign "Brooks Your #1 Choice" is an impressive advertisement for the school. As you can see from the more permanent sign, donated by Gate City Rotary, reminds us that the magnet application period runs from January 14th to February 21st.

Brooks Global is a year round school, which means that it is on a different calendar than the schools on a traditional calendar. Exciting things are happening at Brooks Global because land has been made available and plans have been drawn up for an all-new, state-of-the-art facility. As wonderful as Brooks is now, it will be even more spectacular when the new building opens. The new location backs up to the arboretum so the new lot will be as wooded as this one. We hope you have a great weekend, and, if you looking at the magnet schools, we hope you find one that is just right for your child.

Happy Friday, some schools are offering virtual sessions today!

Street Scene along McGee and South Elm Street

Last time we were downtown shopping at Just Be (corner of McGee and South Elm Street), we looked out the window and this scene just struck us a memorable view of winter. And, since the groundhog saw his shadow yesterday, we guess we should brace ourselves for 6 more weeks of winter.* Something about the festive wind chimes, the snow, that brand new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and the lights from the Green Bean Coffee House all came together for an instant and made a beautiful scene. If you look at Greensboro Daily Photo regularly, you know that yesterday's vehicle was Carolina blue. Perhaps it is only fitting that today we feature one that is closer to Duke blue!

Enjoy your Thursday and, if you get a chance, head downtown and enjoy the shops and restaurants. If you get a chance, wash your car. There has been a lot of salt on the road. Maybe the rain today will help with the salt!

 

*By the way, regardless of what the groundhog did and didn't see, February 2nd is precisely six weeks away from the spring equinox.

Vintage VW at Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

Today's photo was taken on Saturday after another weekend snow.  This vintage Volkswagen was parked outside the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville Street while its owners were inside shopping. The farmers market is on the east side of Greensboro, just north of NC A&T University. If you look in the background, you can see the JP/LFG building, Greensboro's iconic landmark.

If you are from North Carolina, you recognize that the car is painted Carolina blue for UNC Chapel Hill. No, that is not an original VW color, but it really fits the vintage car and its owners. We are thinking it is a 1970-ish Volkswagen square back. The VW may be small, but it looks like it could hold a lot of fresh produce. While some times of year, the farmers market is open on Wednesday, it will not be open today, you'll have to wait until Saturday. Do you think the VW will be back? Eating healthy is so addictive and the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market is a great way to do so! It has bringing us great, local food products since it was founded in 1874!

Happy Candlemas! Happy Groundhog Day! We're headed out to see if the groundhog sees his shadow. 

Reflecting on Public Transportation

Do you ever ride the bus? We should all take a day and pledge to use public transportation exclusively. The above photo shows the bus stop on North Church Street, very near Cornwallis. Some bus stops see very little traffic. This bus stop on North Church gets a fair amount of ridership. On the day we were there, at least six people were waiting. We were struck by how clean, orderly, and decorated the stop is. As you can see, this bus stop has a garbage can and there was not one piece of garbage in the area. Somebody takes care of the area around this stop. The cross in the ground says "Remember Joyce" and behind it is a small poster that starts with "Black Lives Matter" and ends with "Kindness Is Everything," and also adds other words of widsom.  The flowers and decorations extend all the way to the nearby parking lot.There are still Christmas bells and curled ribbons. We aren't locals at this bus stop so we don't know the back story on the signage. But, we're betting that the regulars at the bus stop remember Joyce.

The city busses have been making a real effort to be clean, efficient, and to reduce their carbon footprint. They are also making a concerted effort to help the public schools with their transportation needs. If the opportunity ever presents itself, thank a bus driver. Sometimes it is just a matter of saying hello and thank you. Public transportation and the people who make it possible should never be taken for granted!

Happy Tuesday!

Spring Garden Bakery & Coffeehouse

Spring Garden Bakery & Coffeehouse has been a Greensboro institution since the 1980s. It is the oldest still-open bakery in Greensboro. The above photo features Alex, on the left, and Trent, on the right. They were working behind the counter on the day we went in for a coffee and granola bar. Those granola bars are filling, packed with nutrition and have been a staple of ours for 25 years. Also, it is one place you can be sure to get a fresh cup of coffee even at those non-peak times of day.

However, even better than the coffee and baked goods is the baristas. Alex and Trent love working at the bakery and are so knowledgeable. When we were there, Trent briefed us on the difference between macchiato, Cuban coffee, flat whites, cappuccino, and lattes. Usually we're black coffee drinkers, but sometimes, when in the presence of experts, we work on expanding our palate. Spring Garden Bakery, located on (you guessed it) Spring Garden Street is just the place to dry something different. The bakery is located at the east end of a the building that used to house Red Wing Shoes & Repair and Holliday Hardware.*

Happy Monday, stop by and meet Alex and Trent, if you get a chance- especially if you like to talk coffee. 

* (see a 2010 photo of the outside of the building HERE).

West Market UMC and the Lincoln Financial Group Building

Nothing says downtown Greensboro like the West Market Street United Methodist Church and The Lincoln Financial Group Building. On the one hand, the Romanesque architecture of the church belongs in another century, older than the buildings around of it. However, if you look closely at this photo,  the top of the West Market Street UMC fits right in with the top of the LFP building. Both tops are green, angular, and have a special feature at the top; one a cross, the other the time and temperature.

This snowy and cold weather has been wreaking havoc on church serviced. However, as best we can tell, the West Market Street UMC will be meeting in person today. As a matter of fact, according to their Facebook page, they are offering coffee with the pastors at 10:00 am, in case you want to know more about the church and its ministries. If you go out, please be careful as there was an awful lot of ice on the streets yesterday and temperatures never got above freezing yesterday. If you do want to stay home, there will be plenty of options for online services. Nothing beats in person fellowship with other great people in Greensboro.

Happy Sunday!

Rosenthal Annex on UNCG's Campus

If you like walking in the early morning, likely, you see beautiful scenes like this one where the lighting of dawn intermingles with the lighting inside buildings and houses. Yesterday, we were out walking at 7:00 a.m. and walked past Rosenthal Gym/Annex. Built in 1928, it was originally the Physical Education Building and then the (Joe) Rosenthal Gym. Next, it became part of the Health and Human Performance Building, which is now the Coleman Building.* Fortunately, the University of North Carolina (UNCG) maintains their archives and much of the history of their buildings is available. The gym was designed by Greensboro's own Harry Barton. What we don't know is why the classroom on the corner glows blue in the morning, just before dawn. Do you see those seven windows glowing blue? We don't know why, but they are so beautiful. Those windows match beautifully with the blue of the winter sky.

Happy Saturday! It would be wonderful to run into you out walking on this below-freezing winter day. Yesterday brought us a little snow, just enough to remind us that it is winter.

 

*reference here.

2306 Lawndale Drive

 

This 1 1/2 story home, at 2306 Lawndale Drive, is located at the western edge of Kirkwood and just north of all the Irving Park shops. The house was built in 1947 and the neighborhood was a lot more suburban/rural 74 years ago when it was built. The house last sold eleven years ago and we're betting it is owner-occupied. The people who live in this house like their holiday decorating. At the moment, they have these dog-snowmen that look great with or without snow around them. If we get any bad weather over the next week, these doggies will be there to add a little fun to your day.

We hope you have a fun Friday and that you get out to explore the people and places of Greensboro this weekend. 

Winter in Greensboro

This is what winter in Greensboro looks like: A silhouette of deciduous treen and pines. The lacy reach of tree branches against an art of light to dark color at the horizon. Tonight, sunset will be at 5:41 and days are slowly, but noticeably, getting longer. We usually let the camera guide us to lots of bright color; however, there is something about the blue and black of a winter evening that has its own magic. Today's temperature will range from 19°-49°. January is traditionally one of Greensboro's coldest months, so this is not unexpected.

On another note,  January is a big month for magnet applications for the local public schools. The magnet school application window is open in the Guilford County Schools. There are 66 magnet and choice programs across the district. Literally, there is a program for every student's interest. GCS is a leader, nationwide, in schools of choice. Here is a link if you know a school age child. If you do not live in Guilford County, look at this beautiful sunset in northwest Greensboro and consider moving here. Happy Thursday!

Artistic Motion Dance School of Arts and Preparatory Academy

Today, we conclude the photo shoot at Prescott Street with the rear view of the building where Artistic Motion Dance School of Arts and Preparatory Academy is housed. While the address is 800 West Smith Street, the building is right across the street from the house we featured yesterday and next door to the office building featured on Monday. The decoration of the back of the building is brilliant advertising. Smith Street is one way and if you take the street into town, you cannot possibly miss this building. If you notice, the sheet between the slivers of windows is made from giant vinyl banners. The part at the end of the building and between buildings is paint that matches the colors of the banner perfectly. The lines for the parking spaces accentuate the geometry of the building. 

Artistic Motion was founded in 2000. According to their website, they have an internationally acclaimed faculty with dancers from Russia, Georgia (the country), The Dominican Republic, England, and from many prestigious dance programs throughout the United States. They offer classes from ages 3-adulthood. The studio is conveniently located and there is plenty of parking. Perhaps the greatest news about Artistic Motion is that it is currently in partnership with Triad International Ballet, a new professional ballet company set to begin their first season in 2022! If you have ever seen a performance from dancers at Artistic Motion, you know the talent and precision of the dancers.

 Happy Wednesday! May we all find the beauty in the people and places of Greensboro. May we all have the positive outlook and commitment to perfection of artists in motion!

Little Cottage at 510 Prescott Street

On our walk along Prescott Street this weekend, we were smitten with the house at 510. It looks like a cottage straight out of an enchanted forest. It is on the northwest edge of downtown in the Bellemeade neighborhood. It is also only a mile from Grimsley High School and on the edge of the greenway. It was built in 1925 when this part of town was a more defined neighborhood. Walking around this property, you see more great stonework, especially the back fireplace. To the right is West Smith Street and to the left are construction trucks, and across the street is the Artistic Motion School of Arts & Preparatory Academy. While business and industry has encroached upon the neighborhood and made it an oasis in an urban setting, in this specific frame, we see a cozy little home. 

Next time you are on this part of the greenway, take a little detour and explore Prescott Street. Have a nice Tuesday!

1007 Battleground Avenue Between Prescott and Hill Streets

For those of you who used to eat at the Mexico Restaurant at 1007 Battleground Avenue between Prescott and Hill Street, this is the building that has replaced it. As you can see, this building will be office space, available this summer. It is conveniently located at the Downtown Greenway. The people who work here will be able to bike on their lunch breaks, head to Cycles D'Oro to get new bike gear or plan rides over lunch. For the active person, this office building  is a great location!  This building represents the trend for the north and north western end of downtown to attract new, multi-floor structures. 

It is always fun to see buildings in process and this one is very colorful now. Over the next few weeks, it will look very different. We would like to suggest that the offices in this building all get together and have weekly Taco Tuesdays in memory of all the great tacos served on site in the previous couple of decades. They could even have a "Spanish-only" lunch chat; at least one such group had their conversation group meet here.  Change can be really good for a city; but, it is also nice to keep a record of what preceded the change. For our readers who like our urban walking suggestions, if you get a chance, go walk Prescott Street (between Smith and Battleground), you will see everything from a dance studio, to construction materials, to personal residences, and now, this brand new office building. The other side of the building is closer to Hill Street. This photo was taken from the Prescott Street side.

Happy Monday!

A Little Snow... A Lot of Beauty

This is what Greensboro woke up to Saturday morning. Temperatures were in the teens and while there wasn't a lot of snow, There was enough to blanket years, streets, and windshields. The  bright sunshine helped roads melt quickly. In the above photo, taken in northwest Greensboro, just look at the beautiful shadows the morning rays of sun were casting on the hill and snow covered driveway.

Yesterday's weather conditions were such that many in-person church services are canceled or reduced today- with online options. As an example, the First Presbyterian church of Greensboro will have one service at 11:00 in person am today and live-streaming. There will be no Church School. West Market Street UMC will have a similar arrangement. Nothing beats in-person fellowship; however, it is nice to have the option for virtual fellowship or simply having some quiet time to reflect and be thankful. We are so conditioned to go, go, go; however, sometimes, staying home and admiring the beauty of the natural world around is spiritual in its own right. Even if all of the roads are clear, if there was any remaining water on the roads, there could be black ice conditions.  The low today is 21 degrees while the high may be 46°.  

Happy Sunday; may we all appreciate and enjoy our beautiful city.

Under Construction: Parking Deck on Davie St

Cloudy, gray days beget gray photos; however, there can be beauty in gray. The above photo features the giant construction project downtown at the corner of Market and Davie Streets. It is part of the $37 million 720 space parking structure. While open to the public, it will also be part of the new Westin Hotel.* If you are out driving downtown this weekend, drive down Davie Street and have a look at the construction. Having the the JP/Lincoln Financial Group building in the background adds to the interest of this location. Greensboro's iconic building serves as an anchor to help one orient the location in a photo. Just across Davie Street from this construction site is the now-dormant News & Record building.

If you have small children in your lives, or friends who are fascinated by construction vehicles, there are some mighty big ones at this site- perhaps the biggest we have ever seen downtown. Regardless of what you end up doing today, have a happy Saturday, possibly exploring Greensboro.. The photo was taken yesterday, early evening- precisely at 5:11 as the LFG clock reveals, way before the snow started. If you go out today, be careful as it might be a little slippery. But, there might be an even prettier photo waiting for us...

 

*Reference and additional information here.

Gilley Small Engine Service

Giley Small Engine Service is a small business off of the northern end of Guilford County and Southern end of Rockingham County. Their address is specifically listed as Stokesdale. If you drive up 220 north, just south of Highway 158 on Spotswood Circle, just east of Highway 73. If you are out driving around, it is fun to seek out these old-time mom and pop businesses. Gilley is one of those places where the owner does most of the work. If you need your chainsaw or lawnmower repaired, chipper shredder or pressure washer, this would be a good place to take your small engine . It is getting harder and harder to find places that make repairs. Sometimes, it is almost easier to buy something new than to repair.

If the weather holds out this weekend, it is fun to drive around town, but it is also fun to drive 10-15 miles in any direction of the city and explore a little. We hope the weather holds out so we can can get out and explore some more places this weekend. Happy Friday and stay warm!

Danny's Restaurant

The eponymous Danny's Restaurant, located at 2109 New Garden Road is closed due to the passing of owner Danny Thanos, on January 11th. Danny worked almost every day of his life, since immigrating from Greece in 1938. For the last 40 years, he was in the restaurant business in Greensboro; the first 20 on Wendover Avenue and the last 20 on New Garden Road. You could not find a better, home-cooked, great-money-value breakfast in Greensboro. A classic two egg breakfast, bread, meat, potatoes or grits, and coffee or tea cost under $6. If you were a regular, you know Danny never ventured too far from the cash register, running a tight ship. He made sure people at the bar had their coffee refilled. He also insisted you sit at the bar if dining alone. His wife Maria was always nearby, cooking away in the kitchen. We always loved chatting with her when she took the corner seat at the bar to rest a minute between breakfast rushes.  

Danny loved to golf and loved family beach week over the Fourth of July. He loved the Greek Orthodox Church. He also loved his restaurant. With customers, he was very frank about his opinions and was easy to engage in conversation. Danny was one of those old-school people who could never imagine retiring. At his passing, he was 83 years old and still working full time. Danny's was the "Cheers Bar" of  New Garden Road. Even if he didn't know your name, he remembered you, what you ate,  and had a good idea how long it had been since you were in last. Let's hope someone will re-open the restaurant and keep up the good quality of the food, the good money value, and the good banter with those of us who sit at the counter.

Maria, our condolences. ο Θεός να σε ευλογεί.

Piedmont Triad International Airport: Wrangler Jeansboro Statues

The Piedmont Triad International Airport was started in 1927 and, the 112 acre facility has been evolving and changing ever since. One of the latest efforts has been to enhance the facility with public art.

In 2018, four Wrangler Jeansboro statues were installed at Piedmont Triad International Airport. The above statue is by Jerry McGuire of Pfafftown. It is called "Slice of Heaven." This statue is located is baggage claim, one of the public areas of the airport that you can actually view even if you are not traveling. You don't need to go through airport security to see it. The statue itself is made out of fiberglass. The first installations of the jeans statues were in 2016. They are located not only at the airport, but also around town. Wrangler sponsored them as a nod to Greensboro's history with denim and jeans.* At one time, Cone Mills in Greensboro was the largest denim maker in the world. Wrangler actually coined the term Jeansboro in 2015. Many of the jeans statues were painted by students of Guilford County Schools.**

When we were at the airport Saturday night, we were only picking up a traveler, but it sure made us want to do a little globe trotting. However, at the end of the day, it sure was nice to return home and hunker down for the Sunday morning snow storm. Happy Wednesday 

 

*reference and more information, HERE.

** another great reference.

Snow is Lingering and Getting Cleared

While it didn't snow yesterday, workers were busy clearing it up in parking lots and on streets. The above pile of snow was one of many in the shopping center on Lawndale Avenue. As you can see, it got warm enough yesterday for the parking lot to melt; however, after sunset, the temperature quickly dropped to freezing and by sunrise had dropped to 23°F. The main roads have been cleared, but the side streets are still bad. Efforts will be made to get the streets cleared today. Also, garbage pick up is pushed back by another day as efforts continue to clear the streets. Forecasters are predicting that we could get some more snow on Friday.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation clears snow "based on connectivity, traffic volume, trucking routes, and importance to hospitals."* They do not remove snow from driveways or sidewalks. Homeowners are expected to address these issues in front of their houses. In the meantime, small children are all out making snowmen and getting in the first sled rides of the season. Do you have a special sled riding spot in your neighborhood? Happy Tuesday and if you must go out, please try to stay on main roads and go in the middle of the day when roads are warmest.

*reference and additional information, here. The top priority is interstates and four lane divided highways. 

Happy MLK Day... First Snow 2022 Yesterday

Well, it happened. We got our first snow of 2022 on January 16th. The snow started about 6:30 am and an accumulation of snow and ice continued throughout the day. People sent rumors that Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel was headed to Greensboro. To our knowledge, he was only in Asheville. The snow and ice continued into the evening. Today is predicted to be sunny. According to Accuweather, 71% of Greensboro received 1-3" of snow with 1% receiving 6" and 1% receiving less than 1%. In the early hours of the morning, the snow was really light and fluffy; as the sleet and ice came, the snow got wetter and heavier. During the day, temperatures hovered in the 20s and actually warmed into the 30s after dark. 

We heard from so many people in Greensboro who spent much of Saturday cooking up a storm... or, that is, in anticipation of a storm. The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro as we were out on a morning walk. It is alway fun to get out and romp in the snow; less so, of course if it is work related. Speaking of work, we are one of those holdout families who receives home delivery of the Greensboro News & Record. Our Sunday paper yesterday was double bagged and actually delivered to our doorstep. We love supporting the community paper and are grateful the delivery drivers are willing to brave the elements. Thank you to everyone who is working through the storm.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is intended to be a day of service. It looks like this year, the MLK Day of Service through the Volunteer Center at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State's Student Center will host this event, open to the public, next Sunday, January 23rd from 3-5pm (see HERE).

Happy Monday and stay safe regardless of what you decide to do.

St Andrew's Episcopal Church Online Today

Last night, we drove past St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on West Market Street and all was quiet. On Saturday mornings, they host a farmers market in their parking lot. But by Saturday evening the building and environs are silent. As with many churches today, there will also be silence tomorrow morning. In anticipation of the snowstorm and a dangerous wintry mix, they will join the National Cathedral's livestream at 11:00 am. See here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/J3JkGBho6WA.   How amazing this internet world can be... that is, as long as you have power or your cell phone is charged, you can go to church with the National Cathedral with Greensboro friends who attend St. Andrew's Episcopal in Greensboro!

St. Andrew's is such a dynamic. They are currently selling some very great soup for a fundraiser (see HERE). As for our personal favorite, we're torn between the tomato bisque and the empty bowl donation! The money raised will help the Safi family from Afghanistan. What creative fundraisers does your religious organization have going on right now? Soup sounds pretty yummy right now. Stay warm! See that tree to the left? Well, it is a hickory tree and the squirrels have left plenty of hickory nuts, which would be yummy in soup or banana bread! Someone needs to use them.

Happy Sunday!