Greensboro Daily Photo

Lovebirds

The above lovebirds (and their cousins and siblings) at Friendly Pets in Friendly Center are very tame. They are finger trained and calm around people. The above pair seemed especially grateful to be handled together. These affectionate and social members of the parrot family are native to Africa, but do well in captivity. When properly cared for and well socialized, lovebirds can live for 10- 15 years. Friendly Pets takes great pride in keeping their birds tame and finger-trained and they are available during business hours to help meet your birds' needs.

If you want a bird and like the idea of rescuing, adopt-a-pet, currently has three parakeets and a cockatiel available. Here is the link for the North Carolina Bird Rescue. They have birds, too. If you are considering one, please remember birds are happiest when they have out of cage time. They make good companions. If love birds and want a gift that keeps on giving, here is Greensboro's chicken and poultry brochure. The city of Greensboro allows residents to keep chickens if they follow certain guidelines (read here). So, if you don't want birds indoors, consider getting hens that can double as pets and providers of eggs. There is no shortage of cute hen photos on Pinterest and social media. 

White Peacock

This white peacock lives at the Greensboro Science Center. He is simply stunning when you can get him to display his tail feathers. He is one of the few animals at the science center who is not caged or captured, per se. He is free to roam around the zoo part in the back of the facility and seems perfectly content to roam among the other creatures who live there. While, he is not particularly aggressive, guests are asked not to try to chase him or to pet him. He does, however, seem to like having his photo taken. 

The Greensboro Science Center, still located on Lawndale Avenue, is a fabulous place to visit any day of the year. If you have guests in town, and are looking for something to do this week, the Greensboro Science Center is a great option. Every year, the center gets bigger and better; and, the white peacock has been there to oversee it all. Since male peacocks have close to 200 tail feathers, let's say he salutes his home with a full 200-feather salute.

Tuxedo Trot

If you have some time off between now and the first of the year, and are looking for something to do, the Greensboro Science Center is a great option. The earlier you get there in the day, the more likely you are to see the animals in action. Yesterday, the above colony of penguins got fed at 10:00 am to the delight of the school children who were visiting with their teachers. The two young ladies in the above photo were masterful at making sure that each one of the African penguin got fed. African penguins are an endangered species and the Greensboro Science Center works hard to keep their penguins healthy and multiplying. As a matter of fact, rumor has it, baby penguins are currently in the works.

Here is some general information about the African penguins and how their numbers have declined over the last century. Learning about them may make you want to get involved in the conservation efforts. In May, the science center holds the Tuxedo Trot: A Run for the Penguins. This fundraiser is very popular in Greensboro as so many people here enjoy running as a sport. Finally, watching these flightless birds diving and playing in their tank will make it clear why the movie about emperor penguins is called "Happy Feet." May we all have happy feet at this busy time of year.

Let's Ride

The above horse lives in a pasture in northwest Guilford County. The equine industry in Greensboro is thriving and, in North Carolina, it is a 1.9 billion dollar business. Over 53,000 homes in our state own horses. There are over 306,000 equines, with a total of 2.1 million acres of land dedicated to the equine industry. At a count of 10,940, Guilford County's equine inventory is second only to that of Union County.* Locally, N.C. A&T University began an equine program in 2006. They have a judging and riding team and offer a certificate in equine management.

When horses cooperate, they are extremely photogenic. We like the focused gaze of the horse in front, as well as the white one in the back left corner of the photo. It is so peaceful to drive through the county admiring these beautiful creatures. If you like to ride, there are plenty of options around Greensboro. You may want to start by contacting the Equestrian Trails Alliance of Guilford County. Have a great Thursday!

*May, 2009 reference, here. 

Memoirs of a Yellow Dog by O. Henry

Today's photo features "Pete" the bronze dog, one of the statues honoring Greensboro writer O. Henry. The trio of statues is located at the corner of Bellemeade and North Elm Street. If you are local, you may know that O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) was born in Greensboro. The above dog is the protagonist in his short story, "Memoirs of a Yellow Dog" The Four Million. The day we visited, someone had placed a bit of holiday greenery on the Pete's head. 

The photo of Pete also reminds us of how much Greensboro residents love their canines. While this story is not as well know as O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi," the 1,977 word tale "Memoirs of a Yellow Dog," can be read and heard, here. Bark if you're having a great Tuesday! Give us a high-paw five if you read the short story and a double high-paw five if you've seen the statue in person.

Change of Seasons

This photo, taken in Greensboro last month, seems so long ago. With these recent crisp mornings, the frogs have slowed down, backyard pools are now closed; only the tenacious Virginia creeper in the above photo is lingering through October. By the end of the month, this flowering plant in the grape family will put on a brilliant show of fall color in Greensboro. As for this Southern Leopard Frogs,*  they will soon hibernate, if they haven't already.

While we are on the topic of nature, let us remind you that All-A-Flutter , near Southwest High School, will be releasing their monarch butterflies this afternoon at 1:00 pm-  so that they may join the others on their migration back to the Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan, Mexico. It has been said that the butterflies return to Mexico just in time for the Day of the Dead on November 1st. Be on the lookout this weekend for butterflies, frogs, and other great things in nature. Next weekend will be the Persimmon Festival in Greensboro, an opportunity to enjoy a seasonal, southern treat. Greensboro has so many opportunities for starting family traditions centered around celebrating our environment; we hope you have some local outdoor fun today!

*habitat, sound, and more information, here.

Dog Days

Greensboro families love their pets and in our parks. On warm sunny days, dogs being walked by their owners is a common site. The above photo was taken in the Greensboro Arboretum during the recent art event. It features two Great Pyrenees dogs. This livestock guardian dog can weigh up to 120 pounds. While they can be gentle and affectionate, they can also be very strong willed and fearless. They love to feel like they are being useful and are very hardworking on farms. We saw four or five of them, the day we saw these two. As seen in the above photo, they drew a lot of attention and everyone wanted to pet them. The fact that they were impeccably groomed made them extra appealing to passers by.

If you are looking for something to do outdoors this weekend, head to one of Greensboro's great parks and count the number of dogs you see. If you do not have a canine companion, consider heading to a place the rehomes dogs, like a pound or a rescue. There are many dogs waitings for forever homes in Greensboro at the NC Pyr rescue site, there are currently nine available (here). Hope to see you out on the trails this weekend, with or without a canine companion!

It's Almost Monarch Butterfly Time!

Last week at the Art and Sole event in Westerwood, we saw the lovely view above in the backyard of one of the artists. The art event was such a memorable experience; an opportunity to see not only the artists' creativity, but also the beautiful yards they have created for themselves. This Crestland Avenue home sports a giant monarch butterfly in the backyard.

Feeling the Mary Poppins' winds of change in the air this weekend and seeing this beautiful handmade butterfly, remind us that, in less than two weeks, the monarchs should be flying through Greensboro on their return trip to Mexico. Here is a page where you can get an app and become involved in tracking their progress-- great for teachers, homeschool families, and anyone with a general interest in nature. You can also contact All-A-Flutter in Guilford County to learn more about the migration of the butterflies. They will be having a monarch butterfly release party on October 15th- always a popular event. 

We are fortunate to live in a community with many talented artists who care about nature. The combination of the two is magical. Were Mary Poppins to fly through, likely, she would say it is "practically perfect in every way." 

All-A-Flutter

All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm*, located on Clinard Farms Road, set up a stand at Art-in-the-Arboretum yesterday. They gave presentations to show the life cycle of the monarch butterfly and to tell about what the butterflies need at each step in the cycle. The above monarchs are in a butterfly box being nurished and kept well hydrated. The red and orange circles at the bottom are a Gatorade mixture. The butterflies need it because they can get dehydrated and need electrolytes replaced, especially during migration. 

It is anticipated that the monarch butterflies will be coming through Greensboro in about 16 days, en route to Mexico. At that time, All-A-Flutter will release their monarchs so that they can join with the other butterflies. A UNC Charlotte doctoral student, Angel Hjarding, has started a Butterfly Highway conservation project where she encourages people to plant sustainable perennial pollinator gardens so that pollinators, like the monarchs, can eat. You can monitor the Blue Highway planting progress in Greensboro by visiting Hjarding's website, Butterfly Highway.

For people entering the workforce in the 21st century, this is an example of the new work paradigm. People are finding small projects that they are passionate about, projects that may start out as a service learning or a student research, but result in engaging careers. All-A-Flutter Farms is an example of creating a small business into a project with positive environmental impact. And, Hjarding's project is now part of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation-- quite a legacy for her and something great for biodiversity. Finally, we close out today showing you a box of monarch cocoons that should all be morphed into butterflies in time to join the mid-October, annual migration. We learned from All-A-Flutter that the darker the cocoon, the sooner the butterfly will emerge. How wonderful to have all that free science yesterday in the Greensboro Arboretum. Teachers, if you are reading this post, we encourage you to dust off your copy of Eric Carle's, The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

 * read more, here.

Hornworm Time

Today, we're featuring a hornworm. This very hungry caterpillar has been having a field day in our little garden, eating holes in leaves and destroying our tomatoes.  We recently learned that interplanting with dill, marigolds, or basil is said to help keep these pests away. We will remember that for next year. As destructive as they are, we have to admit, it is fascinating to run into these creatures in your yard.

If you live in Greensboro, even if you don't have a yard around your home, our city has plenty of public parks and trails to get out and observe nature.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend, consider taking a day trip to Durham. Saturday, September 10th, 2016, the Hornworm Festival will be held at the Duke Homestead State Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Road. Among other things, they are having a hornworm race. Maybe we'll take our guy, if he doesn't turn into a moth before then! Here is a link to the festival. Can anyone out there say they have attended a Harvest and Hornworm Festival? Now is your chance to check that one off your list!

Food Truck Festival

Last Sunday's Food Truck Festival in downtown Greensboro was a big hit. There were over 60 trucks of about every kind of food imaginable spilled out over Market and Greene Streets. Venders came from throughout the State. The weather was perfect, warm and sunny, and there were several events going on  at the same time. The event was a fundraiser for Merit Pit Bull Foundation, a group that has been working to rescue pit bulls since 2012. 

As you can see from the above photo, the event was well attended. It was so popular, it seems it could be held every Sunday afternoon in the summer. Most of the downtown brick and mortar restaurants are closed on Sunday afternoon and those that are open should be allowed to set up at the food festival. The event attracts many people who might not otherwise spend much time (or money) downtown. 

A heartfelt thank you to all involved in helping with the event. Greensboro has many volunteers as we are about to see this next weekend during the National Fold Festival to be held downtown. We are so lucky to live in this great community.

H is for Happy Tails

Happy Tails Emergency Veterinary Clinic on Battleground Avenue is one of Greensboro's after-hour vet clinics. Not unlike the fire department, emergency vet clinics are the kind of place you might not notice unless you need their services! When something happens to a pet at night or on the weekend, it is comforting to know that help is available. Happy Tails if open all night, every night and 24 hours on weekends and holidays. Currently, they are preparing for the Labor Day holiday weekend. Accidents tend to happen when our schedules change, guests are in the house, or our pets are away from their usual surroundings. So, be careful this weekend!

Happy Tails opened in 2008 and is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. They are there not only to help you patch up your pet, but also to help you make those difficult end-of-life decisions. With a largely female team, these veterinarians are great role models to encourage women in science. Today is ABC Wednesday and for this 2016 ABC Alphabet Round, we have been trying to feature giant letters. We couldn't find a giant "H" around town but we are super HAPPY with Happy Tails. Since currently we have two dogs, two birds, and a rabbit, we give them a 12-paw, 4-claw, 5-tail salute!  

Oh, What a Great Egret

We were at Country Park a couple of weeks ago and this Great Egret was prancing around behind the Greensboro Science Center. The great egret is fairly common in North Carolina. Even though these large wading birds like to forage in wetlands and in costal communities, it is not uncommon to see them in Greensboro, especially on a visit during the late-summer,  post-breeding season.* This bird is a member of the heron family and is often seen in a habitat where blue heron can be found. They both feed on fish, frogs, and small mammals.

The egret above got tired of all the humans looking at it, not only us, with camera in tow,  but also the people peeking in the lower left-hand corner of the photo. The egret took flight, heading to the other side of the lake near the dog park. It is hard to believe that these majestic creatures are such graceful flyers; but they are. They are especially beautiful against a backdrop of dark greenery. You might want to visit one of our many Greensboro parks this weekend to see what birds are still around. Before you know it, they will be migrating somewhere warmer. Have you noticed a slight change in the air and the fact that the sun sets before 8pm? Likely, the egrets and herons have!

*reference and additional information, here.

Oh, Deer!

It seems like deer are everywhere in Guilford County. The above photo is of one in a Greensboro backyard that is within the city limits. The deer are so bold that they actually go on patios to eat plants, especially tomatoes, fruit trees, and hosta plants.

It is hard to believe that deer numbered only about 10,000 in the North Carolina in 1900; since, now, there are well over a million in the state. From this North Carolina white tailed deer density map by county (here), you can see that the Piedmont region and the northern counties are the most densely populated with deer. It is estimated that Guilford County has 30- 44 deer per square mile. That is a LOT of deer. Last year, nearly 2,000 deer were harvested in Guilford County. Do you know of any local restaurants that serve it? If you are local, do they come to your yard?

Z is for Zoo

Established in 1957, the Natural Science Center of Greensboro is designated a science museum and zoological park. Today, the center houses several interesting animals. The center has evolved from a place with a small petting zoo and some taxidermy animals and cast replicas to a place involved in saving and protecting species as well as educating the public on the needs of animals and their habitats. 

The animal discovery zoo is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you are interested in visiting this summer, here is a partial list of animals that you can see. From an anteater to tigers to rare Javan gibbons, there is so much to see here. The aquarium with penguins and sharks is a fabulous addition. You ought to try to visit this summer. It is a great place to spend the day and it is expanding before our eyes.

Today is ABC Wednesday and to conclude our A-Z Urban Finds series, Z is for Zoo. 

Pop-up Bark Park Downtown

The Pop-up Bark Park at First Friday was hopping last night. It was located on the side of Natty Greene's downtown at Hamburger Square. Participating doggies ranged in age from about 8 months to 17 years & weighed from 10 to 80 pounds. All canines and their owners were on their best behavior.  It was a lovely evening for dog walking and people watching with temperatures approaching 90 degrees. Partly due to the heat, there was a lot of competition for time in the orange, doggie pool.

First Friday was a good way to begin the Fun Fourth Celebration in Greensboro. The holiday will continue for our days. The Independence Day fun will conclude on July 4th, when the fireworks display will be downtown this year. Have you identified a viewing spot yet for the fireworks fun? Whatever you decide, leave those canine companions at home. Their reactions to explosive noises range from simply being annoyed to being terrorized! Happy Saturday!

Formerly Canada Geese; Now, Greensboro Geese!

If you are outdoors in Greensboro today, and not at one of the farmers' markets, you may well be enjoying one of our great parks. If you go to a park, you will probably see some of Greensboro's Canada geese. They love wide, open spaces. We photographed the above pair, part of a flock of 18, prancing around the edge of a Wal-Mart parking lot. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission estimates that North Carolina's population of Canada geese grew from 5,300 in 1998 to 102,200 in 2009. The population continues to grow exponentially. While they are protected migratory birds, given the population increase, federal law lists certain times of year when the birds can be hunted.*  We're wondering if the eggs could be eaten to help thin the population without having to resort to killing adult birds. 

These geese should be referred to as "birds FORMERLY known as Canada geese."  Once they discovered North Carolina, they decided that migrating was for the birds! They are here to stay. And, the above pair was so "friendly," they tried to hop in our car while we left the door open when we were taking photos.

 

* News and Record Staff Writer, Jennifer Fernandez wrote about this situation on Sunday, June 19th, 2016.

On the Farm

Summer is the time for exploring and, in Guilford County, there is plenty to see. The above photo was taken in the western end of the county near the corner of Old Oak Ridge Road and Barden Dr. The farm on Highway 150 near Kernersville is surrounded by suburban neighborhoods. It is wonderful to still see these old-time sights in our community; surviving, in spite of the temptation to sell off the farm and retire!  

Of all 100 counties in North Carolina, Guilford County has the most horses. As for the little donkey in the foreground, his muzzle is the kind that controls grazing without completely stopping it. Donkeys are known for being intelligent and cautious, but also friendly. This one appeared to be all of the above. There was at least one other donkey in the fenced in field and several horses. It was a breathtaking sight. It looked like the owners took great care of their animals and their property. Let's hope the farm is there for years to come.

The Backyard Garden: Nanny Foster

Yesterday, we featured Nanny Foster in her front yard in College Park, just west of UNCG. Today, we are sharing a view of her backyard. Typical of Greensboro's urban neighborhoods, her back yard has several mature hardwood trees that keep the lot shaded. Most of the plants on this part of her property are partial sun and shade loving. Above, Nanny is showing us one of her oak leaf hydrangea plants. 

As we walk through the backyard, Nanny points out hostas and limelight hydrangeas. She tells us details about College Park from when she was a child. She recalls a sweet story about the couple who used to own her house and how they mowed the hilly lawn holding hands. Next, she pointed out a hellebore, named after an avid Greensboro gardener, Nell Lewis, who wrote garden articles for the News & Record. Nanny shows us two Japanese maples, one with cascading leaves and the other, featured below, with new pink growth. While showing us these beautiful maples, Nanny lamented not having purchased more when a local gardener was clearing her inventory.

Nanny is also a cat lover and the first two thumbnail photos below show her two rescue cats* who are ever curious when she brings home new plants. The orange lily below is one of many currently in bloom or about to bloom. The pink leaf is the new growth (mentioned above) on one of her Japanese maples.  One photo shows Nanny is in the middle of the backyard. She is holding a net as she is about to scoop a hydrangea, still in its container, out of her water feature. The final photo, taken by Nanny herself, shows an oak leaf hydrangea in full bloom and the hosta below it. While the back yard is as diverse as the front, most of the plant are not currently in bloom. We're hoping she will invite us back when the limelight hydrangeas bloom. Thank you Nanny, for the great tour.

 

*visit Goathouse Refuge's website (here) if you want a beautiful cat, too.

A Fold of Kyloe 2016

If you are a Greensboro Daily Photo regular reader, you know we have been publishing for a very long time-- 7 1/2 years, without missing a day. Well, the woman who runs Versailles Daily Photo is on vacation in Scotland and posted a photo of the above breed of cattle, kyloe. We went to find the photo we posted on March 30th, 2009 of the herd that lives off of Pleasant Ridge Road. While the text is still there, the photo is missing. Here is another copy of the photo to to share with our friend from Versailles. 

This situation reminds us that nothing on the internet is forever. While it can seem like forever, especially if it is an incriminating photo, link rot is real and things do disappear. Servers change, people quit hosting their blogs, hosting websites change hands or go out of business. Sometimes, links get corrupted. We haven't been the best about archiving our photos or the accompanying text. We haven't found a logical way to store 80,000 photos, 2,000+ of which have been shared on Greensboro Daily Photo. But then, maybe that doesn't matter. We live in very "immediate"  world where we look and move on. People want flash text-- every letter counts and 140 is enough. Maybe seeing something for that brief moment, once, is enough. We'll have to think on that.

In the meantime, today you are seeing a 2009 photo of a fold of kilos who have thick, wavy pelts to protect them from the brutal winds of the Scottish, Highlands. We're about to get in the car and retrace our steps to see if this herd-- rather fold-- is still around seven years later. Not only do virtual links disappear, real-time things (especially farms in Greensboro)  have a way of disappearing, too.

Dog Tag

Today's photo speaks for itself. Someone in Greensboro has a vanity tag celebrating DOGS! If semantics is your field of inquiry, you know that this tag can have several interpretations. Likely, the owner simply loves canines. Our informal research is telling us that Toyota owners have more vanity tags than other brands of cars.

We wonder how many states have people with "dog tags." Maybe they should seek each other out. If you know or run in to the owner of this vehicle, have them stop by to tell us the backstory. Ironically, we didn't see any dogs in the car.

If you love dogs, here is a link to the Guilford County Animal Shelter. Consider adopting, donating or volunteering time so that Greensboro's shelter dogs can have the best lives possible. Happy Saturday! 

Man and Dogs in Motion

Weekends should always include time for ourselves. Even when we have to work on the weekend, we need some kind of transition ritual. The unidentified Greensboro man, above, seems to have made a ritual of getting out and walking his dogs. The trio was seen on Greene Street, just down from the courthouse and the Lincoln Financial Group/JP building. He was working with voice commands and the dogs were fairly compliant. The man had such patience and determination when working with the canines. Patience and determination go a long way in just about anything we do. 

Greene Street extends from Fisher Park to McGee Street; however, this part in the center of town seems to get the most pedestrian traffic-- human and canine. Notice the City of Greensboro banner in the upper left-hand corner. We love it when we can sneek in something that says "Greensboro" into a photo. Happy Saturday, dear readers. May your weekend be everything you want it to be, and then some!

Easter Bunny, Not!

Above is a pet bunny who has come to live with us. We love her so much that we want to share information for those who may consider bringing a bunny into their life. First and foremost, buyers beware! Please do not purchase a bunny unless you know what you are taking on. Here is our bunny tale...

We purchased our bunny at Friendly Pets and she arrived happy and healthy to our home. Max was already very tame and liked interacting with humans. The one slight glitch was that we purchased her from the "boy bunny" bin, but when we got her to the vet to be neutered, learned Max was a girl. We also learned that the cost to neuter a bunny locally ranged from $500 (IV, bloodwork, monitoring, etc.) to $50, what we affectionately call the "just get it done" procedure. Max was spayed at Sheets Pet Clinic on Chimney Rock Court. The cost was approximately $70 to spay her. For female rabbits, it is "spay or expect spray." Female rabbits can be very messy when they are in heat.

Max was very healthy for five months, until she went to live in the apartment of one of our children. The transition must have stressed her out as she got an infestation of ear mites. If you "google image" ear mites in rabbits, you will see some pretty disgusting images. Fortunately, rabbit mites only stay on rabbits and are treatable. Unfortunately, many vets in Greensboro don't treat rabbits. After several calls, we found Veterinarian Dr. John Wehe, owner of Downtown Greensboro Animal Hospital. He  has a lot of experience with rabbits and treated our Max. After the second topical application, Max appears to have her mite colony under control. So, for about $130 (appointment and medicine), she is on the mend. When you factor in initial cost of rabbit and set up, monthly food, litter, and hay, and vet bills, the first 6 months of owning a rabbit has cost us over $500.

Finally, from the above photo, you can see that Max loves, and expects, a lot of out of cage time. She is curious and does the happy-bunny-hop when she is exploring. However, Max loves to jump on things. Above, she is on top of a wood stove, devouring our aloe vera plants. She completely ate one and moved on to the next. She eats houseplants, roots and all. She loves fresh food. We grow mint and basil to share with her and keep carrots and cabbage for her. She also loves to chew electrical chords, leather shoes, and things that do not belong to her. We have rearranged our house to be rabbit friendly.  Max is so sweet and comes when we call her and lets us hold and pet her. That affection is the result of a lot of time interacting with her. Usually, Max uses a litter pan. However, the last time she came home for a visit, she picked a new spot. It was very messy!

In conclusion, do not impulse-purchase a rabbit ever, especially not just for Easter. Be prepared to spend a lot of time and possibly several hundred dollars on your new pet. As with all pets, rabbits can bring so much to your life; however, they can also be too much for a busy family. A healthy rabbit can live for a decade. Think twice about that soft, cute rabbit. If you are really ready, enjoy!

 

 

 

A Walk in Park

Country Park, between the Greensboro Science Center and Spencer Love Tennis Facility, is extremely popular on the weekends. In the above photo, we see some dog lovers en route to Bark Park. The dogs on the photo were on leashes; however, when they arrive at the Bark Park at the top of the hill, there is a fence and they are allowed to be off-leash. The official name for the park is "Stephen M. Hussey Bark Park at Country Park." Stephen M. Hussey was one of the fundraising committee's founding members and one of the reasons the park exists today. Bark Park was established in 2003. It is hard to believe that it has been around for thirteen years. 

As goal oriented as the above dogs were last weekend, we're pretty sure they have been to Bark Park before. Have a great weekend, readers. We hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy Greensboro- with our without canine companions.

Man and Dog

Downtown Greensboro is such an enjoyable place to walk, especially with a canine companion. This man was walking his dog past Center City Park, across from the Center Point property, just north of the JP/Lincoln Financial Building. Even on gray, winter days, it is nice to get out for a little exercise. Sauntering through a city is a chance to see and be seen; although the above duo seemed more interested in walking briskly than people watching.

It is hard to believe that it is February 20th already. In about a month it will be spring and nature will be putting the green back in Greensboro. Are you ready? See how long it takes you to find the other man in the photo. He is easy to miss.

Doggie in the Window

If you live in Lindley Park, and are of the age to enjoy adult beverages, you've probably spent time at Walker's Bar. Residents are very loyal to their neighborhood venues and Walker's Bar is known for being good to its patrons. It is affordable, has a wide variety of music on the juke box, attracts a great mix of people from all walks of life, and is a place where everyone knows your name-- and what you drink. The establishment is one that changes very little over time, and that can be comforting.

Lindley Park is also pet friendly. The doggie in the window seemed to be waiting for someone to take him for a romp in the snow that was melting quickly as the temperature approached 50 degrees in Greensboro yesterday. Maybe we underestimate this canine and he was waiting for some live music, a blues band....or a delivery from the Budweiser clydesdales. What is your guess?

Black Vultures

Thanks to the mild winter, black vultures seem to be lingering in Greensboro. In the above photo, taken yesterday, they are seen in a tree in our back yard. Since this was the second day we saw them in our yard, about two dozen in all, we were suspicious that something was luring them to our yard. Sure enough, as we approached, we saw a deer carcass, frozen in the snow. The vultures were devouring the carrion. Of course, we are wondering just what killed the dear, but by the time the snow thaws, there might not be anything left but bones.

For these heavy, stubby-in-appearance vultures, flying seems to be a task. When chasing them off, with great effort, they pull themselves from the branches. Unlike turkey vultures, they tend to stay in groups and attack the carcass together. Be careful, we learned that they may have actually killed some goats in a rural area just south of Greensboro (see, here, but warning: Content graphic). Be careful if you see them in your yard. Keep an eye on your small pets. These vultures don't seem to care that it is a "snow day." 

Sunday Drive into Old Greensboro

Sunday drives are so wonderful. Last Sunday, we were driving around Kirkwood and stumbled on this scene that looks like it could have been Greensboro from the 1950's. The old car (Bel-Air?), the house with a picket fence, a single car garage with a door that you have to open by hand, and, of course, a dog in the yard. This gentle giant, in true Great Dane style, watched our every move when we were on his turf. Of course he could have jumped over that fence in a heartbeat; but, we didn't bother him and he didn't bother us. 

The setting sun was so beautiful that day. We hope you have a chance to get out this weekend and enjoy the beauty of our city. The people of Greensboro love their pets. If you want to make friends quickly, admire a pet and meet the owner. See if you can take a picture with no signs of the 21st century in it.

Wildlife at Bur-Mil Park

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission had a trailer at Bur-Mil Park at the Fall Festival last weekend. Children got to walk through and learn about wildlife in North Carolina. The exhibit was quite popular and the rangers did a good job of answering questions. Our wildlife commission came in to being in 1947, created by the general assembly for the purpose of conserving and sustaining North Carolina's fish and wildlife resources. While they are also a regulatory agency, the wildlife agency has an education component that operates three education centers, one in the mountains, one in the Piedmont, and one in the coastal plain.

Fall is a great time in North Carolina. There are festivals and special activities everywhere. This weekend will be a great one for getting out and seeing fall foliage and spending time outdoors in the autumn glory. Wildlife is a little harder to see- but not impossible. The albino deer, now that is another issue. Only one in 30,000 is albino. 

Red-Shouldered Hawk

 

The red-shouldered hawk is very common in North Carolina and it stays here all year long. This forest raptor stopped by our garden to investigate the plastic owl we have there to discourage critters from eating our produce. Hawks are territorial, so, hopefully, he will be around for a while. Even the pesky groundhog might not be so quick to waddle on over with a hawk on watch. Hawks love small mammals, frogs, and snakes. If he sticks around, he will have plenty to choose from in our yard. We were surprised how close to our house he was perched. Fall is a wonderful time to observe animals as they scamper and increase their activity to get ready for winter.

If you love wild bird watching, you should consider joining the Piedmont Bird Club. This Saturday, they will be at the Fall Festival at Bur-Mill Park and on Sunday, they will sponsor a hike for bird watching along the Deep River. They have six events in October so this is the month to join! Find out more about the club and their events, here. You may even see a few hawks! 

Art & Sole

This Saturday, the Westerwood neighborhood of Greensboro will have their annual Art & Sole event from 10:00- 3:00 pm. Sixteen artists in the neighborhood will open their studio to the community. When we were walking through Westerwood earlier in the week, we stumbled on this zen display of rocks and a super friendly kitty. The scene represents the spirit of art and sole, and soul.  Even kitty knew not to knock the rocks down!

Here's to hoping that the rains are merciful this weekend. The south and the Atlantic are feeling a little  tense right now. Let's hope that the Westerwood artists are able to hold their art walk. It is a FOUR PAWS event! Start at Cortland, Mendenhall, Fairmont, Guilford, and in that area. You will see signs and maps will be available at the stops. To be sure, find them on Facebook and map out your route ahead of time.

I is for Isabella

Isabella is an amazing young lady whose trusty eclectus parrot, Turtlepear, is never far from her side. Turtlepear spends hours watching Isabella play sports with her siblings and neighbors. When Isabella is home, whether studying, painting, doing chores, or simply hanging out, you can bet he is out of the cage with her. Isabella is not only a responsible pet owner, she is a well-rounded person actively engaged in the Greensboro community. She is a great student, athlete, visual artist, and performing artist. This past year, she made her acting debut with the Community Theatre of Greensboro.  One of Isabella's favorite community-oriented projects is Backpack Beginnings, where she volunteers on a regular basis. Each week, over 1,600 Guilford County children take home food from the pantry of Backpack Beginnings. Isabella arrives 30 minutes early and works as needed, including briefing volunteers, and staying to help clean up. 

Thanks to the Spanish Immersion Program in the Guilford County Schools, Isabella is very proficient in Spanish. Last summer, she participated in a mission trip to Guatemala. She and four other American students visited five Guatemalan schools and made presentations (in Spanish), sharing information about the United States, North Carolina, Greensboro and life in general for American teens. When asked how she plans to spend next summer, Isabella smiled and said she hopes to finish the novel she is writing. She has completed two chapters and already has an editor. Since she is an artist, Isabella plans to illustrate the book herself. Maybe she will write a Spanish version as well!

Today is ABC Wednesday and "I" is for Isabella, and Turtlepear approves of this interview! See the A-H interviews in this series, here.

Praying Mantis 2015

Tis' praying mantis season. This mantis has been in one of our flower beds all summer long. At least we have noticed one living between the hosta and the basil. For some reason, the mantis seems so much cuter than its cousins, the cockroach and the termite. If you ever get close to a mantis, you will notice that they appear to be staring you down. Well, they can move their head about 300 degrees and they rely heavily on their vision for hunting. They see you, before you see them. Since they are carnivorous, we really love having them in our Greensboro garden. They are a great form of biological pest control.

The above specimen is a Carolina mantis, named for the Carolinas even though it has a much wider range of habitat.* We think the above mantis is a male and the one we shared earlier in the summer is a female.  Males have  streamlined abdomens, wings and can fly. Females have bulky abdomens and don't fly. When you stay home and observe nature, it is amazing what you find.

Happy Tuesday, dear readers. Today we're leaving the idyllic confines of our patio and heading downtown to see the progress being made for the folk festival. Meters were bagged to eliminate parking last Friday. We're hoping that the stages are in place and the town is ready for the National Folk Festival.

*reference.

Day Two of the 2015 Academic Year for Guilford County

The Guilford County Schools are now in session. For schools on a traditional calendar, yesterday was the first day. Teachers and students seem excited to be back and to see each other. The above photo was taken earlier this summer on the side of Ragsdale High School near the new buildings. The facility is very nice and this rock, with the tiger design, was a work of art. Ragsdale would look great with this mascot, the flying tiger,  permanently painted on a sign near the entrance. These school rocks are repainted on a regular basis.

Ragsdale High, located in Jamestown, is a 9-12th grade school serving over 1,400 students. It opened in 1959 and was named for Lucy Coffin Ragsdale. Mrs. Ragsdale organized the first PTA in Guilford County. Her grandfather was Dr. Shubal Coffin and her Quaker family helped with the Underground Railroad. Read more history of Ragsdale, here. Notable alumni include Siri Mullinix, goalie for the 2000 U.S. Women's Olympic Soccer Team, and Pat McCrory, the current Governor on North Carolina.

It is our hope that all 1,400 students, their teachers, Ragsdale's administration and staff all have a great school year. All the best for each and every one of Guilford County's students.

 

To Bee or Not to Bee

Saturday's weather was perfect for the National Honeybee Day. The Bee Friendly to Bees Day at the   Extension Demonstration Garden was very well received by the community. The Garden and Guilford County Center are part of the NCState University and A&T State University Cooperative Extension. Those universities do so much for the community and Saturday's event was one such example. It was an all-around collaborative effort. Also involved were the Guilford County Bee Keepers, the 4-H Clubs, and the Master Gardeners. The Master Gardners worked tirelessly, weeding and preparing the grounds for the event. Children took the child-friendly activities, especially the scavenger hunt, very seriously. As seen in the photo above, adults were also quite engaged. The tall, flat box housed a hive of bees and, at the moment of the photograph, onlookers were trying to find the queen bee. She was bee-ing rather elusive.

The weather was so nice, it was obvious that summer wants to hold on for a little while longer. Today is the first day of class for traditional schools in Guilford County. Here's to a great school year. If teachers are looking for interesting, community-based activities, the Cooperative Extension Center is a great resource.

Retro Run 2015

Last Saturday was the 2015 Retro Run, held in downtown Greensboro at the Railyard and on Lewis Street. It was a "feelin' groovy" sort of day. Everyone was encouraged to don retro attire. Registered runners received giveaway tie-dye, peace-sign necklaces. There was even a $100 award for best retro attire. The only detail overlooked was the absence of shag carpeting at the finish line! Participators said that it was a lot of fun and that people watching while racing helped the time pass.

Equally fun to watch were the many canines who dressed for the occasion. The greyhound in the photo above may have been best of show. He was friendly to all, yet attentive to his owners. He seemed to love dressing up. His coat blended in with the sidewalk, making his rainbow attire pop even more. In the photo below, you see some of the human participants near the finish line beside Gibb's Hundred. Yes, many people in Greensboro love their dogs as well as the city's quirky details!

Guilford County Junior Livestock Show

This past weekend the Guilford County Extension Livestock Show Committee and the Guilford County 4-H Livestock Club hosted the third annual Guilford County Junior Livestock Show at the Guilford County Agricultural Center located at 3309 Burlington Road in Greensboro. The show is an early stop on the 2015 4-H Farm Credit Showmanship Circuit which concludes at the State Fair in Raleigh in October.

Youth from across central North Carolina compete on the Sandhills Circuit, showing steers, heifers, goats and sheep at events in 12 counties. Participation is open to any active 4H-er anywhere. The young competitors are justifiably proud of their animals and the hard work they have put into raising and preparing them for showing. The highlight of every show is the showmanship competition where the 4H-ers are judged on their handling and knowledge of their animals. Livestock judges individually question each competitor while requiring them to maneuver their animals around the competition ring.

In the photo below, Jordan Carroll of Richmond County stands ready to respond to the judge's requests during the Senior level  showmanship competition. Jordan is a rising senior at Richmond County Senior High School and the Early College at Richmond Community College. He is also a star on the Sandhills Circuit, having won last year's Senior division. Jordan claimed the blue ribbon in Greensboro as well.

Congratulations to all the young people for their accomplishments in livestock agriculture. Next week the circuit moves to Stanley County in Albemarle. Good luck to all the competitors!

Garden Spiders

 Tis' the season of black and yellow garden spiders. Arigope aurantia is also known as the writing spider. When you see the zig zag formation of the web above, it is usually a female spider. Each night, the spider consumes the interior part of the web and rebuilds it each day.* The garden spider likes a clean, orderly web. We have one in our Greensboro garden, and it is fun to watch. Should we name her Charlotte? They mate once a year and after which the male dies. So far, she is there. 

According to the North Carolina spider database, we have 31 species of spiders. First, we are amazed in this Internet era how much information we can access with the click of a button. Second, we are amazed that there are so many varieties of spiders in North Carolina and we know so little about them. If you get a chance, head outside and see if you can find any spiders. As much as Greensboro residents love vegetables and flowers, there are plenty of the eight-legged critters out there!

* wiki reference, here.

21st Century Poodle

Third Thursday is another one of Greensboro's fun, inclusive, community events held at the Railyard in the parking lot between Lewis and Barnhardt Streets. As can be implied from the above photo, it is very child and dog friendly. The white, standard "hippie-minded, feeling-groovy" poodle was quite a hit. From dreadlocks to a peace sign to hair coloring, this trend-setting dog eschews the traditional poodle cut for a more au courant vibe.

The fun thing about Greensboro's free, community events is that you always see something new and different. As a matter of fact, you have the opportunity to set a trend yourself. For the event, people were dressed from casual to elegant, to everything in between.  As for the dogs, as predicted, they tended to match their owners.

It was a balmy evening; a great time to be out for a stroll. We capped off the evening with some refreshing,  DnD's New Orleans style Hawaiian ice that was close to the color of the poodle's hocks. We can't wait to see what August 20th will bring!

Colt

With this little colt and its mom, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. It was born recently at the High Silver Paint Farm (HSPF) on Pleasant Ridge Road at the corner of Stanley Huff Road. A horse farm has been on this corner for as long as we can remember. Also, Guilford County has the distinction of having the most horses of any of North Carolina's 100 counties. The paints at HSPF are especially beautiful.

HSPF gives riding lessons and has several students training; some students use the farm's horses and some ride their own. Students learn first to love, respect, care for and saddle horses; then, they learn to ride. With enough practice, students will be ready to barrel race and to ride either western or English. When we drove by the farm yesterday, someone else was out taking photos of this colt and its mom. Right now, they don't want to leave each other's side. It is really easy to get a photo of the two of them together. Before you know it, the little one will be grown; just like the young teens out in the ring learning to ride. Summer is the perfect time to learn to ride and to enjoy all of the horse farms in Guilford County.