Greensboro Daily Photo

Chef Julien Vicard

You may recognize Chef Julien Vicard from the Corner Market, the Saturday farmers market in the parking lot of St. Andrew's Church at the corner of West Market Street and Kensington. He starts selling his authentic French bread and pastries at 8:00 am and quickly sells out. Between his former and current business ventures, Chef Julien has been selling at this market for nearly eight years. His love of baking started in France, watching his great grandmother bake. By 18, he began studying professionally. Now, we are lucky to have him in Greensboro bring us European flavor and such healthy ingredients, like flour from France that is gluten free.

As a big of good news,  Chef Julien has recently opened a brick and mortar business at 227B South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. This spot, tucked in an alleyway has been many bakeries on and off for almost 30 years. Chef Julien helped get most of these bakeries started. For the current iteration, he decided to open a bakery himself. While construction was underway, people started stopping by and Julien  started making samples for them to try. Now, the same people have become loyal customers. Let's hope he is in his downtown location for a very long time. 

Bon lundi!

First Moravian Church of Greensboro

Today is a special day today at the First Moravian Church on 304 South Elam Avenue. At 11:00 am, they are having a ROCK Praise Band. For the service, musicians will play music from Jesus Christ Superstar. It will be a very different vibe from their December, Moravian tea. (Both equally engaging, however)!

If you want a full day of music, after the event at the First Moravian Church, from 2-9 pm today, bands will gill gather at the Back Table* at 816 S. Elm Street to listen to a dozen bands play music and sing, as a fundraiser to benefit Valley Strong Disaster relief. The event is called "Heartstring for Swannanoa. We would love to see you at both events!

Finally, for Muslim friends, the month of fasting during the day, Ramadan,  has come to an end. Today is Eid, a day prayer, feasting, and fellowship.

We hope you have a great day. If you are Muslim, Eid Mubarak!

Happy Sunday!

*Back Table is on Instagram @backtablegso and on Facebook

Weekend Walk around Lindley Park

 

 

The Lindley Park and Sunset Hills areas are such walkable neighborhoods; and springtime is a spectacular time to do so. As we walked yesterday afternoon and early evening, we were surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of spring. Birds were chirping, flowers had started blooming, and we could smell  what we assumed was the hardwood being used in nearby restaurant ovens.  While walking, we noticed that the curb appeal just keeps getting better and better in this area of Greensboro close to downtown.

The above home, 407 South Elam, caught our eye, early evening. We loved that combination of maroon, yellow, and blue with the rows of daffodils leading to the screened-in porch. The red-bud tree on the left mimics the canopy behind it. Online records indicate the house was built in 1931. Those original homeowners would be pleased to know that 94 years later, their home and neighborhood were still going strong. John Van Lindley, the man for whom Lindley Park was named, would be pleased to know that this area is thriving. Although, as a pomologist, Mr. Van Lindley would probably have hoped for more apple trees in the neighborhood. 

Happy Saturday, the last one of March!

In case you are looking for something to do this weekend... HERE is a list of events this weekend from YES! Weekly.

The L. Richardson Preyer Jr. Building

The L. Richardson Preyer Jr. Federal Building and Courthouse, also used to be a post office until the late 1980s.  It is located downtown on the northeast corner of the Eugene and Market Street intersection. Completed in 1933, the building was constructed in the Art Deco style as a result of the 1926 Public Building Act .*  It also has classical and futuristic elements. Notice the long windows and verticality of the building. L. Richardson Preyer, Jr. was a U.S. Representative and District Judge. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is no rain in the forecast until Sunday afternoon, so you should have some time this weekend to get out and explore the beautiful buildings of downtown Greensboro. On another note, if you love history, Preservation Greensboro will have a tour of historic homes and gardens of Irving Park on May 17th and 18th. That would be a fabulous opportunity to learn more about one of Greensboro's oldest neighborhoods. (see HERE).

*If you love learning the history of buildings, read more HERE.

Construction On Horse Pen Creek Road

The above photo is a construction site on Horse Pen Creek Road at Jessup Grove. As you can see in the background, the area was formerly woods. By 2026, the property will transform into an Atrium Health/Wake Forest University surgery and cancer center. Here is a history of Atrium Health, which has its beginnings over 80 years ago in Charlotte, NC. Here is another article that actually links Atrium to the late 1800s. 

The above Atrium Health facility will join Cone Health MedCenter Greensboro at Drawbridge Parkway, as a medical facility in the area.  As the crow flies, both facilities are just a stone's throw from Well-Spring  Retirement Community, and many relatively new communities. Horse Pen Creek is transforming before our eyes.

Happy Thursday!

Electric Car Charger At Brooks Global Elementary School

Driving along Parkwood Drive, near the Greensboro Arboretum and Holden Road, we noticed the blink "EV Charging Station for Residences and Businesses." They are a business that tries to reduce the carbon footprint by providing sustainable energy. It is installed outside of the new Brooks Global Elementary School in the Lindley Park area. We're wondering if there is a teacher or two who brings an electric car to school. Also, it would be interesting to know if the neighborhood families have access to it. It would sure be convenient. How wonderful that the local schools are helping make students aware of alternative energy sources. It is fun to try to find all of the (free) charging stations in Greensboro.

Happy Wednesday!

Spring Sunset In Northwest Greensboro

Yesterday, we got a nice sunset photo in Greensboro and thought we would share it today. However, about 8:15 p.m., we were returning from a walk and saw this view over the golf course of Greensboro Country Club Farm Course. The twilight glow last night was extra special. Somehow the reflection of color in the water feature is so much more vibrant than the actual sky. As spring progresses, this view will change dramatically when as trees leaf out. Not long after this photo, stars were visible. The moon phase was waning crescent at only 28% illumination. Perhaps having less ambient light helped intensify the colors. At any rate, Greensboro is beautiful this time of year and you will likely see lots of photos of nature. It is hard to top.

Happy Tuesday!

Shortys Gas Station is Open for Business

The gas station/convenience store at the corner of Carlson Dairy Road and Pleasant Ridge is now open. The former owner was Shorty Wilson and the business was called Wilson's. Even though there is a new owner, they wanted to give a nod to the former owner, hence "Shorty's."  The business had belonged to Harold "Shorty" and Geneva Wilson from 1972-2022, for fifty years!

The new owners have done a nice job of renovating the interior and helping maintain that neighborhood feel. It is pretty easy for regular customers to become a known at Shorty's. The new owner is Jita Oza and we are hoping to get to know them. It has been open for about a year, but we just hadn't had a chance to drive by and get a photo. We love the old-timey look of the exterior of the building.

This photo was taken on Sunday and we were curious about the fact that a USPS truck was out delivering on Sunday. In checking, it appears that they do make deliveries of Priority Mail Express and Amazon packages on Sunday. It also depends on volume levels and deliveries mainly happen in metropolitan areas. 

Happy Monday!

The Yellow Door House

Located at 1504 Lovett Street, the Yellow Door House is a community resource for the Glenwood Community. According to their website, The Yellow Door House "seeks to be a catalyst for Jesus-centered development in the areas of Education, Healthy Living, Economic Opportunities, and Spiritual Information. They offer worship nights, a women's clergy retreat, and there are ways to partner.

The Yellow Door House is committed to revitalizing the Glenwood neighborhood.  If we understand correctly, Yellow Door endeavors to educate young and old alike in Glenwood. They also offer neighbors economic opportunities, healthy lifestyles within a spiritual framework. They are located right across from HOPE Academy and we're betting they have great involvement there. If you drive by, the yellow is very noticeable and perfect for spring.

Happy Sunday!

Spring Has Sprung On Stony Glen Loop

Yesterday, we were driving around the neighborhoods between Wendover Avenue, Spanish Oak Drive, and Guilford College Road. We drove around Stony Glen Loop and noticed this house already has their Easter egg tree up, as well as their bunny mini-flag. It is so fun to drive around the neighborhoods in Greensboro to see if people are enjoying their neighborhoods and how their homes represent their personality. The homes in this area were built in the 1980's-1990's in a style that was very common then. They have held their value and, as you can see from this photo, curb appeal is nice.

Easter in late this year (April 20th) and so there is plenty of time to decorate, if you celebrate the holiday.

Happy Saturday!

Skywatch Friday

Indeed, March comes in like a lion. There have been some fierce winds this month. This was the sky over North Battleground Avenue yesterday. The wind was whipping around and pushing weather fronts around in Greensboro. In the above photo, dark clouds are hovering over the city; to be sure, they were menacing. However, in the end, the light in the east won out as the downpour never came. Likely, in a couple of weeks, we will transition from March winds to April showers.

Years ago, we used to participate diligently in Skywatch Friday, where bloggers around the world post a photo of the sky every Friday. The site is still going strong after 18 years. We will post this photo to Skywatch Friday to Give Greensboro a little more visibility. We hope you enjoy your Friday and weekend, wherever you happen to be. Head on over there and have a look if you like sky views!

 

State Street Is Changing Before Our Eyes

State Street is changing before eyes. The above construction is happening at the corner of State Street and Roseland Street. This work was being done yesterday, meaning that this building should be occupant-ready with a blink of an eye. Formerly, there was a tan, one story house on this corner and it was looking very tired. As this district brings in new businesses, it will continue to rebrand itself and attract new shoppers and clients. There are at least 30 businesses in the area and offerings range from salons and offices to coffee and tea shops and cute boutique shops. We can't wait to see how the above construction adds to the revitalization of this block.  Stay tuned!

Happy Thursday!

March Madness Is Upon Us!

March Madness is upon us and North Carolina is a basketball state. The above photo is a display in a local Harris Teeter store on North Battleground Avenue. If we're reading the brackets correctly, the following women's teams are competing: High Point University, UNC Greensboro, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, and Duke In the men's bracket, we have UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, Duke and High Point University. If you are a basketball enthusiast, it is so much fun to don your school colors and head to a local sports bar. They will be packed and people will be cheering on their favorite teams. Jake's Billiards, Cooper's Ale House, Mac's Speed Shop, and Rody's are a few of the many places that will be hopping. Alternatively, you can grab some snacks at a local grocery store and invite people over to your house. A lot of people will have their choices on their t-shirts, in their yards, and on their cars.

The ACC Tournament has a long history with Greensboro and with North Carolina. Greensboro has hosted ACC tournament games more than any other city. If you want to read more about the ACC schedule, in all sports, see this article HERE. The ACC is always a great prelude to the playoff games. 

With so many heavy topics in the news these days, friendly-ish sports rivalries can be a much appreciated diversion. Who are you hoping will win this year? 

Happy Wednesday!

Downtown Greenway

Do you use the Downtown Greenway? It has been in the making since the early 2000's and has now become a reality. As the weather warms, it will be such a lovely resource for Greensboro. The above sign on the trail is just off of North Murrow Boulevard near Summit Avenue.  This multi-use, paved trail is four miles long and, as you can see from the above sign, this leg of the greenway has a lot to offer. We've gotten some great books from the Free Little Library. The greenway circles around the city, through neighborhoods, and has public art installed along the way. It is a collaborative project and labor of love between private and public organizations. Here is a link to their website, where you can learn of upcoming events, see a map, read the newsletter, see photos of the special features, and more.

One of our favorite, upcoming events will happen on Saturday, May 10th.  Greensboro will host the 10th annual Wheels on the Greenway from 9am-1pm. Vehicles of all sorts will be encouraged to participate, and it is especially geared to children. Hope to see you then.

Happy Tuesday!

Saucer Magnolia

The saucer magnolia is a deciduous tree that blooms early in the spring. They bloom before the leaves emerge. It is a hybrid plant originally bred by the French plantsman Étienne Soulange-Bodin in the early 19th century. They are very popular in Greensboro and are at peek this week. March 20th is the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere and the saucer magnolia is almost always out by then. Greensboro is a breathtaking sight to behold in spring. If you get a chance, please head out and enjoy the landscape- especially in the established neighborhoods.

(We are sorry about the late publication. With no warning, Typepad was down. We were worried, we'd lost 17 years of daily posts!).

Happy Monday!

Saucer Magnolia

The saucer magnolia is a deciduous tree that blooms early in the spring. They bloom before the leaves emerge. It is a hybrid plant originally bred by the French plantsman Étienne Soulange-Bodin in the early 19th century. They are very popular in Greensboro and are at peek this week. March 20th is the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere and the saucer magnolia is almost always out by then. Greensboro is a breathtaking sight to behold in spring. If you get a chance, please head out and enjoy the landscape- especially in the established neighborhoods.

(We are sorry about the late publication. With no warning, Typepad was down. We were worried, we'd lost 17 years of daily posts!).

Happy Monday!

The Difference Church

The building at  4530 Jessup Grove Road has become home to yet another house of worship. February 2023, Michael and Kris Larson founded the non-denominational, Christian church. The religion they practice is Bible based and centered around the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Baptism is the public declaration of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.* According to their website, they offer special ministries for children, men, women, students, and young adults. You can worship in person or through live stream. It seems like they have something for everybody. 

As people seek out a spiritual home, they seek a sense of belonging, a shared spiritual purpose and meaning, in an environment that fosters a connection other humans in the path to connecting  to the divine- something more powerful than the self.  If The Difference Church nurtures those connections surely their church will be there for a very long time. Let us home they are stewards to the cemetery across the street, that has been part of Jessup Grove since the original iteration of a church.

Happy Sunday!

*See their website, HERE. 

Piedmont Triad International Airport

Greensboro's Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI), is referred to at an international airport because it has the infrastructure to handle international travel (customs and immigration capabilities). However, PTI is primarily a domestic airport and, to the best of our knowledge, there are is no international flying out of PTI.  Air Force One, the Boeing VC-25 aircraft  that transports the President of the United States, uses PTI for training, referred to as touch-and-go exercises. The proximity to Washington, D.C. and lack of air congestion, make PTI (with it's unique 3-letter code, GSO)  an ideal spot for these training maneuvers. 

Above, the photo features two boys, playing in a water fountain on the ground level of PTI while their family was securing a rental car. They look like they are almost alone in the airport. Actually, behind them, there was a nice little crowd at the car rental counters. For those few minutes, while their parents were securing a car, the brothers were playing, talking, and imagining in the fountain, as if they had the airport to themselves. Travel can be so good for children. It expands horizons, nurtures dreams, and creates a confidence in venturing out in the world and learning about other cultures and ways of living. Who knows, some day, perhaps these little guys will grow up to fly passengers in and out of Greensboro, or spend the afternoon doing touch-and-go training on Air Force One.

As for us, we love to travel and see the world, but are always Grateful to return to Greensboro.

Happy Saturday!

Spring Cleaning on South Elm Street

With the warmer weather, trees are starting to blossom out, birds are chirping, forsythia is budding yellow and humans are out doing their spring cleaning. The above photo features window cleaning happening at the building that houses Scuppernong Books in the 300 block of South Elm Street. We had to chuckle upon noticing that the woman and the car to the right match the machine lifting the window cleaners to the top of the building. We love the movement in this photo.

Do you have spring cleaning rituals? We wonderful if the whole block chips in on the service at the same time. We wonder what events Scuppernong will be offering this weekend. Perhaps the lady blue wants to find out the same information. Friday and the weekend is a perfect time to get out and interact with people, AND to get a little spring cleaning done.

Happy Friday!

Yum Yum for Ice Cream and Hot Dogs!

Spring has definitely spring in Greensboro this week. trees are starting to bloom out. The above photo features pink blossoms hiding the roof of Yum Yum on Spring Garden Street. This is spring break for UNCG students and all is quiet on campus and at businesses near campus. Soon, students will return, these blossoms will be fading, and Yum Yum will be busy once again.  Yum Yum has been. Greensboro institution since 1906 when it was started by W.B. Aydelette, Sr. This ice cream and hot dog place has been a Greensboro tradition for many families. When students return to Greensboro for college events, when parents bring their children here for freshman orientation, visiting Greensboro is an important event.

As we approach spring and summer, some of the fruity flavors will start appearing on the menu. What is your favorite flavor? On their Facebook page, Yum Yum announced that mint chocolate chip is back on the menu. For many, the flavor conjures up memories of mint chocolate chip Girl Scout cookies. Yum Yum is definitely a place for making memories. It looks like more outdoor seating has been added.

Happy Thursday!

got Sourdough?

This is not an exclusively Greensboro story as much as it is a "slice of life" story. Do you make sourdough bread? Are you the keeper of sourdough starter? The above sourdough starter is one that we are babysitting in our Greensboro home. There are two jars because the mother jar was outgrowing her jar. We made pancakes and bread and then split it, so we could have some when the owner returns. The mother culture came from Europe over 160 years ago; yes, it predates the American Civil War!  That put us under a lot of pressure to not kill something that has thrived since the time of President Lincoln. 

To bring the story back around to Greensboro, we recently learned that Gardner Bob's Homestead Kitchen on Spring Garden Street sells starter for those who are ready to take the leap. Their starter has been active for over 100 years. If you are looking for a good business to start, consider this idea. In Ørestad, Denmark, they have a Sourdough Hotel. Yes, if you are going on vacation, you can take your starter to them and they will keep it going for you (see HERE)!  For about $44 a week, they keep your starter healthy, maintain the temperature at 20ºC, and rehabilitate it- if needed. They also offer pickup by cargo bike! If you have a starter dough story story, please share it with us. Even better, let's meet up and break bread together.

Happy Wednesday!

The Greensboro Skyline

Today's photo features the most prominent part of Greensboro's skyline. We see the iconic Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial Group building to the left of the photo. It is still our tallest building to date.  The photo was taken from the greenway area at the edge of the Dunleath neighborhood. There don't appear to be any new tall buildings on the part of Greensboro's horizon; however, there is significant construction taking place downtown and around Greensboro. Somehow, it is most likely that the JP/LFG Building will be our most recognizable. 

We love the above view of downtown; however, it will be even more beautiful as the greenery returns. If you want to see the changing face of Greensboro, have a look around the baseball stadium, extending up along Battleground to Cycles d'Oro and Green Hill Cemetery over to Joymongers. That northwest part of town has such a new look.

Happy Tuesday!

Sherwin Williams

Today's photo features the Sherwin Williams paint center in the Dunleath neighborhood of east Greensboro and on Summit Avenue. We went into the store on a silly quest, to find out what color "Sherwin Williams" blue is. Nobody seemed to know, but we were pretty proud of our ability to come close to uncovering the color. We're pretty sure it is hyper blue. At any rate, just stopping by the store got us thinking about the company's purchasing of the Desoto Paint Plant on Howard Street- just off of Spring Garden Street. The Desoto Plant had been operating since 1959, after taking over Carolina Paint and Varnish (established in 1948), a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck, and Company. If we're going the math correctly, it looks like Sherwin-Williams has been manufacturing paint in Greensboro since 2001.* There is also a plant on Stagecoach Trail.

It is interesting to learn about the manufacturing that is taking place in Greensboro and in North Carolina. Wondering if you buy S-W paint in Greensboro if it is made locally. Also wondering who names the pint colors. They seem to change a lot. The paint stores in Greensboro seem to be good at getting people who are great at mixing and offering suggestions (when asked).

 

*See news and record article here.

Dunleath Neighborhood Near Downtown

We love this street scene so much. It features the roads in Dunleath neighborhood on the west side of Dunleath. It is near Morrow Boulevard and the Greensboro Curb Market. The Sherwin- Williams Paint Store right behind the pinkish/red house. The downtown greenway also runs by here. 

Before you know it, the tree in the middle of this photo will be leafing out and will change the chole look of this area. We hadn't realized how round this "corner" was before taking this photo. Here's to the start of a great week and the weather should be warming up in a couple of days. We look forward to getting out and photographing the changes in the foliage. They happen so fast in the spring.

Happy Monday!

Steeple blown Off Church

With those peak gust winds we've had recently, there has been some damage done. In addition to some fallen limbs, the above photo features a church steeple on the ground. Our friend, local teacher extraordinaire Antonio Powers sent us this photo of a church he took on Gate City Boulevard. He didn't remember the name of the church, but thinks it is a Baptist church.

The scene reminds us to remember just how powerful nature is and to be grateful for every time there is inclement weather and we are spared damage. It looks like this church won't have a lot to do, other than reattach the roof.

Steeple blown Off Church

With those peak gust winds we've had recently, there has been some damage done. In addition to some fallen limbs, the above photo features a church steeple on the ground. Our friend, local teacher extraordinaire Antonio Powers sent us this photo of a church he took on Gate City Boulevard. He didn't remember the name of the church, but thinks it is a Baptist church.

The scene reminds us to remember just how powerful nature is and to be grateful for every time there is inclement weather and we are spared damage. It looks like this church won't have a lot to do, other than reattach the roof.  An early reference to the comment "In like a lion, out like a lamb" is Thomas Fuller in 1792, It appears this old adage may may have truth to in in Greensboro this year. Let's hope that the "out like a lamb" part is true as we've already experienced "in like a lion."

Happy Sunday!

Farmers Market & International Women's Day

Today is farmers market day in Greensboro. The most widely known markets are the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville; the Corner Market on West Market; and the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Sandy Ridge Road. All three are great and have a very different character. The above photo was at the Yanceyville market recently. Shoppers were heading back to their cars on a rainy day. It is supposed to be sunny all day today, so you shouldn't need an umbrella. There will be lots of women selling their produce, food, and arts and crafts. Stop by and have a chat with the vendors- especially since they'll be working on International Women's Day! 

Have a great Saturday! It is almost spring.

Movement in Public School Classrooms

There are expectations for all public school students to have opportunities to move in school on a daily basis. The above doctoral student from Germany is quickly becoming an expert in how to incorporate movement in the classroom. She has many ideas for how to incorporate movement in a way that aligns with the different content-area subjects in school.  She has spent the last two weeks in North Carolina talking to educators and observing classrooms. Yes, there should be movement in more than just PE classes. 

Collaboration with educators from other nations is a way to share ideas and inspire teachers to think of new approaches to their teaching. We had the good fortune of meeting her and are hoping that she will be able to return to the USA and do some workshops for teachers. If you ever have a chance to host an international teacher in your classroom, we hope you will do so. Who knows, you may even get an invitation to see a classroom or two in another country.

It is Friday, time for teachers to have a rest for the weekend and time for everyone to head downtown to enjoy First Friday!

Gardner Bob's Homestead Kitchen

Since we've been in "that part of town" (Spring Garden Street between Chapman and Holden Road) this week, we thought we'd take you to one more business in the neighborhood. Today, we're at Gardner Bob's Homestead Kitchen. They are part bakery, part kombucha, pickles, and other healthy drinks. In the above photo, Sarah was making sandwiches for us. They happened to have a special going on and it was delicious. 

Gardner Bob's has been open since November 2023 and is located beside Hippo Records. The service is great and the bread and pastries are fresh. The owner, originally from Massachusetts, sells sourdough starter that has been alive for over 100 years. If you buy some, he will help you learn what to to keep it alive; same with SCOBY for kombucha. It is so wonderful to discover these local businesses around town. Stop by and check it out if you like to eat locally, sustainably,  and in a healthy way.

Happy Thursday!

Hippo Records

Every community needs a good record store. We had the opportunity to visit Hippo Records for the first time this past weekend. They are located at 2823 Spring Garden Street in the same plaza as Fentress Jewelry. If you haven't been in that part of town lately, it is worth a visit. There are some nice specialty shops there.  Hippo Records opened in 2013 and carries quite a variety of albums, from new chart toppers to used oldies-but-goodies.  According to laminate data, vinyl album sales have increased 300% over the last eight years. The younger generation is discovering that old-school sound.  In this digital era, vinyl isn't for everyone; however a sign of a thriving town is if there is something for everybody. Based on the crowd we saw Saturday, records are here to stay and this article is proof positive.

Happy Wednesday!

Fordhams Inside

Yesterday, we featured the exterior of Fordhams Cleaners. Today, we share an interior photo, at least how it looked on Saturday afternoon. 1900 Spring Garden Street just won't be the same without Fordhams. It was started in 1947 by Woodrow Fordham and managed to have a 78-year run. They did everything from clean draperies, wedding dresses and formalwear to wash and fold laundry. If you still need a good, old-fashioned dry cleaners, try Snow White. We featured them in 2009, the first year of Greensboro Daily Photo and they seem to still be going strong. (See HERE).

We've tagged this under the "then and now" category and will watch with great interest to see what this building becomes. That HVAC system looks like a giant, silver spider.

Happy Tuesday!

Fordham's Cleaners Has Left the Building

The above "yard sale" took place on Saturday. Actually, it was a "sell everything that isn't nailed down" sale. Fordham's was sold and the new owner of the business could not make a go of it. The former owner, Lindsay helped the building owner clear out the space. All clothes were 50 cents. The vintage fire extinguisher was sold for $5. Someone bought the large plastic bins on wheels that formerly wheeled  dirty clothes to their respective cleaning area. A few dollars here, a few there, and by the afternoon, much had been sold. We didn't ask about the price of wedding dresses, but they were beautiful. All of the clothing that hadn't been picked up had to go. 

It seems like Covid, the trend to dress casually and wear "wash and wear clothing" have taken a toll on the dry cleaning business nationwide. Society is changing in so many ways, especially the above little corner of Chapman and Spring Garden Street. Freeman's Grocery became David Sheppard Instruments, which is now Freeman's Grill and Pub. And then there is the Wine Tasking that still has an IHOP roof; Bianca's Italian Restaurant is long gone from that corner. It will be interesting to monitor the transition of 1900  Spring Garden Street. What will Fordham's become?

Happy Monday musings!

Lenten Roses on the Last Sunday before Lent

Tis the season for Lenten roses, or hellebores. This evergreen, flowering perennial is one of the earliest bloomers, coming alive in late winter. They  bloom from late November until May, depending  location, species or hybrid. Their leathery leaves provide ground cover year-round. White is the most dominant color in the Greensboro area, but they come in a variety of colors. We have friends who take great pleasure in seeing how many varieties they can grow: Striped, yellow, the deep purple, almost black, spotted, some that have a slightly metallic highlights, and double flowers. We get ours from friends when they are thinning their herd. Also, locally, Gethsemane Gardens and Nursery specializes in them. If you want them to proliferate in your yard,  remember most hybrids are sterile.

Hellebores like organically rich soil and grow well under trees. They don't seem to be of interest to deer and rabbits, which is a big consideration in many parts of Guilford County. While they are beautiful, they are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. They are called Lenten roses because the often grow during the Lenten season. Lent this year is from Wednesday, March 5th to Thursday, April 17th. So, the above crop, thriving in our yard,  is right on time. As you are out and about, or on your way to church today, see how many clumps of hellebores there are along the way. 

Happy 1st Sunday in March!

Donald Davis, Master Storyteller

Last night, Master Storyteller Donald Davis told stories at Friends Home West. For an hour, he transported the full house to yesteryear, when times were simpler and family and community meant everything. He told three stories, the kind that weave and twist around, and about 20 minutes later come back to around to tie everything together. The above photo is an action shot, catching him using hand gestures, eye contact, and different voices to portray events and characters in his past. The first story was about family, the circus, and kittens, and the the Octopus ride. The second was about family, church and longing to be old enough to sit with the 13 and up boys in the upper loft of the church. The third was about the 1960s version of online dating at Davison College why it didn't work, and how he ultimately found love, the old fashioned way. By the end of the three stories, we had traversed his childhood, teen years, and adulthood. 

At the end of the night, Mr. Davis encouraged everyone to think about those special memories from long ago, the ones that get tucked away and sometimes need a little prompting to resurrect.  He was supposed to present last month, but 11 inches of snow kept him housebound in Okracoke. Last night, the planets aligned and Mr. Davis, joined by his wife Trish, journeyed to Greensboro and made the evening special for oh so many of us. It is easy to see why he is considered a national treasure.

Happy Saturday!