Greensboro Daily Photo

Full Moon 0n Westover Terrace

Evenings have been so lovely in Greensboro this week. The above photo was taken when we were in "West End" getting food at Wylie's Gourmet- from their parking lot. As we sat in the car, looking east, we noticed just how lovely the lighting at twilight was. While the moon was full, it doesn't show up very will in the photo. Regardless, it helps illuminate the sky. The cement curb, framing the parking lot, adds contrast and yet another line in the photograph.

Spring has definitely sprung in Greensboro. As you can in the trees on the left, deciduous trees have begun to regain their leaves. While telephone poles detect from photos, sometimes, if you build them into the photo, they can actually enhance a view. They sure did help draw in the eye and focal point in the above photo.

Happy Thursday!

Crabapples, Crocus, and Hellebores

Have you noticed that things are starting to boom in Greensboro? The above tree (crabapple, we think) is in the parking lot behind the Weatherspoon Art Museum. It is visible from Tate Street. Seeing these blooms reminds us that we haven't seen snow in a while. According to this website, the last time we had snow in Greensboro was 1.8 inches on January 29th 2022, over a year ago! February and March can bring inclement weather in Greensboro. As a matter of fact, last March 13th, the temperature dipped to 19º.  We've got crocus flowers and hellebores going strong in our yard. The camellias are about finished. It is alway fun to see what blooms in winter and is an encouraging sign that spring is just around the corner.

The weather this weekend isn't supposed to dip below 33º,  so, it should be a good weekend to head out and explore the city. Maybe we can get to the new piece of artwork on the downtown greenway at Murrow Boulevard and East Gate City. What will you do?

Happy Friday!

Winter Trees

Today's photo comes from our adventure exploring the eastern end of the county; the place where you are on a country road exploring and not sure if you are in Whitsett, Gibsonville, or even across the Alamance County line into Elon. The outbuilding above is one of about nine on a property at the corner of Frieden Church Road and Sweeetgum Road. Every one of the outbuildings is old, but has signs of being loved. Above, you see a cross and an American flag. In one, there are life-size pigs, maybe made of plaster or plastic. Beside another, there is a vintage truck. The two bedroom one bath house, built in 1930, is on 9.3 acres of property. This family has a little slice of paradise. As land gets sold off around them, we hope they hold on and keep all of their mature trees. One of our regular, long-time readers commented how much she likes trees in winter. We do, too!  These trees, in their dormant state and towering over the outbuilding with the hand-hewn logs, are breathtaking. The winter, low to the horizon sun, adds so much to the shading of the trees.

Happy Tuesday! Are you ready for February tomorrow?

 

Highway 61 in Eastern Guilford County

On our jaunt through through east Greensboro and eastern Guilford County last weekend, we spent some time on Highway 61. The above photo was taken on the section between Burlington Road (east Wenedover, Highway 70) and I 40. The photo was taken in front of a road with a few houses on it. The lots were large and the construction appeared to be new. Due to recent rains, this area looked like it had recently filled with water. With the sun low to the horizon and the shadows long, the scenery was beautiful. It reminded us of a bald cypress swamp. We were struck by how clean the water was. The bed of leaves added texture to the edge of the water. 

If you are ever looking for a Sunday drive, Highway 61 extends from Highway 150 up near Browns Summit, through Whitsett, down below I-40 to Highway 62. There are homes all along the way and the road has gotten busier over the last decade. It is the main north-south highway in eastern Guilford County. It is considered a farm to market highway, historically connecting farmers to nearby markets. It was established in 1930. The internet can be such a wonderful thing. There is a Wikipedia entry for Highway 61. It is short, but it provides provenance for the road (see HERE). It would be special if people who lived along the road and who knew the history of the area would add to the entry. 

Happy Friday, explore day! Where should we go next?

Big White Farmhouse on Johnson Farm Trail

The above photo features an old farmhouse off of Burlington Road, Highway 70, east of Greensboro, right at the Guilford County line. This home is so charming and reminds us of that country way of living,  so common in the mid part of the 20th century and before. The white, wooden house was probably added on to as the owner's family grew- or became more prosperous. Likely, the owners were very tied to the land and loved everything that came from rural living. Possibly, the home has been passed down through the generations. We could sit here and conjecture all day; in the meantime, we'll just admire the view.

Every month or two, we drive the back roads from Greensboro to Burlington (Wendover, Highway 70) to the east, or Greensboro to Kernersville to the west (Highway 150). As we drive, we notice something has changed, stopping to photograph whatever catches our eye.  Noticeably, Guilford County is becoming quite a place for storage, warehouses, and trucks.  Looking back, sometimes we have documented things that used to be.  For now, it doesn't look like the big, white farmhouse isn't going anywhere anytime soon. On a bright, sunny day, those bare trees look so beautiful and make the house look like a home. The trees all look healthy, ready to leaf out in a couple of months. 

Happy Wednesday! Please stop and admire the beauty of Greensboro, every chance you get. 

Biscuitville, North Battleground Location

Biscuitville on North Battleground has been open since June 2021. It opened on the site where there was formerly a Pizza Hut. In the parking lot, the building really stands out on a sunny day with dramatic clouds as a background. This family-owned business was founded in Burlington, North Carolina in 1966. Maurice Jennings started with his family's recipe and one store in Danville, VA. Now there are 65 stores and the business keeps expanding. From time they launch new sandwiches (like a fried bologna biscuit). The latest product is a skinny biscuit that is thinner for those who like the taste but don't want the biscuit to overpower the sandwich. They make their biscuits from scratch and with local ingredients. Founder, Mr. Jennings actually got his start as a flour broker, then selling pizza, but focused on biscuits as a way to be busier in the mornings.* The corporate office is on Yanceyville Street in Greensboro. Greensboro central location in North Carolina and along the eastern part of the United States makes it a perfect location for businesses. 

We imagine having this location helps alleviate the congestion of the business on Battleground Avenue near the back entrance to Target. If you have a child in your life who has never seen a biscuit being made, it is fun to take them inside to the window where you see them being made. The people making biscuits have a way of always smiling when they make eye contact. Customer service contributes significantly to making a business successful.

Happy Thursday! (Are you craving a biscuit yet? We're heading out for a skinny!).

 

*reference and Biscuitville timeline.

First Hike of Year

The above photo was taken in Price Park, the part just below Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library, as you start up the hill, on the right. to the left is the Price Park Butterfly Garden. We'll make sure to explore that trail in spring and summer. This time of year, is so nice for hiking because visibility is really good since the trees are without leaves. The trail hovers below Jefferson Elementary School, along a fence line, and curves back behind the library. Along the way is a great horned owl box. The great horned owl is the largest owl in North Carolina. The females are 25- 30% larger than the males. The species has an average wingspan of 4.6 feet and they can be 18- 25 inches long. Also, along the way is a storage building insulated with clear plastic bottles. 

Exploring these public spaces of Greensboro is so fun. If the weather reports hold true, today and Saturday would be better days for hiking. Sunday, it could rain. The winter hours of Price Park are from 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. By 5:00 pm, it is getting dark in January.  Hope to see you on the trail.

Happy Friday!

A Beautiful Fog, Hovering Over Greensboro

Winter months are the months somewhat devoid of color. The other three seasons in Greensboro are so vibrant and showy, winter is noticeably gray and plain. The above photo was taken yesterday in northwest Greensboro when fog was still lingering. It was heavy, affected visibility, and persisted until the afternoon, when the sun finally came out. This week, temperatures will range from the 30s to the 60s here, so it won't be that cold.  Last year on this day, it was about 20 degrees colder in Greensboro.  The above photo is actually a color photo. If you look closely, you can see green grass in the foreground and the taller, yellow-brown grass. The scene is calm and serene with emphasis on the bare tree branches. We've concluded January in Greensboro is the visual version of palate-cleansing- a neutral break between intensely colorful times.

Fog is predicted for today, also.  Be careful out there, and do something to enjoy the mild air, if you can. 

Happy Tuesday!

Looking North, Between Ground and Air

The above photo is a view of the area just north of Greensboro. The road below is 220 north; to the left is Lake Higgins and to the right, Lake Brandt. The water in Lake Brandt is noticeably muddier than in Lake Higgins. There is a good view of the Lake Higgins Marina in the upper left corner, and Strawberry Road curves off to the right off of 220. On the horizon, you can see the Belews Creek Power Station, Duke Energy's largest coal-burning plant in the Carolinas. To the left of the columns of steam, you can see the Sauratown Mountains, including Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock.

As we look towards the new year, let's remember to not only look at what is right in front of us, but also what is on the horizon.  Stokes and Surry counties can seem so far away from Guilford County; however, from the view of a plane, they seem so close. Maybe we'll get lucky the next time we are airborne and get a seat on the other side of the airplane with a good view of Greensboro proper. Happy Tuesday! We hope you had a good Hanukkah, Christmas, and that Kwanzaa is off to a great start for all who celebrate!

Kathleen Clay Edwards Library at Price Park and a "Talk with Tai"

Happy December! Yesterday, the last day of November, the afternoon sky was just lovely. This was the "golden hour" over the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch  Library. It is located in Price Park and surrounded by mature trees and hilly nature trails. Last night, Greensboro City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba hosted one of his "Talk with Tai: City Manager Listening Sessions" at the Kathleen Clay Library from 6:00- 8:00 pm. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay; those talks are such a wonderful opportunity stay abreast of issues and to provide input. Greensboro is lucky to have such an extensive library system and one that offers events that encourage community engagement. We hope you have an opportunity to use the local libraries. As for the "Talks with Tai" if you don't get a chance to attend one, you can watch one on YouTube. Access to information is only a click or a library visit away- or both!!

Happy Thursday! Happy December!

Happy Thanksgiving 2022

Happy Thanksgiving 2022! Above are some trees in northeast Greensboro, featuring an array of fall colors, against a backdrop of blue sky. Greensboro is full of deciduous trees and they are especially beautiful in October and November. These trees remind us that sometimes we need to look at things from a different perspective to see the real beauty. They are prettiest when looking up at the sky and not straight ahead.

In thinking about a truly Greensboro photo for Thanksgiving, we missed the Friendsgiving event at LeBauer Park last Sunday, but are determined to make it next year. We wanted to get a photo of our friend's turkeys in northwest Greensboro, off of Highway 150. We didn't get that photo either, but know we are always welcome at her farm. Sometimes just knowing events, opportunities, and friends are out there means as much as actually participating in the event. Holidays can be like that; we don't get exactly what we want, but find a way to make them memorable.  From a full course Thanksgiving feast with family and friends to eating leftovers alone, please celebrate yourself and Greensboro (or wherever you happen to live).

We are super thankful that you are one of our readers. We will work our hardest to keep you coming back and will work on getting a Thanksgiving photo more obviously anchored in Greensboro.

Happy Thanksgiving, from "the staff" at Greensboro Daily Photo.

Day of Rest and Thanksgiving

So sorry this published late, but thankfully, it is on the same day! ...  Sunday, according to Christian calendars, is the first day of the week, and deemed a day of rest. The above photo shows a restful scene, recently, on Lake Higgins, as the sun was setting in the direction of Lewiston Road. It is as if the lake was honoring the day of rest. In Greensboro, the lows today and this week will be in the 20s, with the highs in the low 50s. Considering it is late November, we can't complain. On Thursday, the weather should be overcast, but not rain; a good day for Thanksgiving and travel. For Thanksgiving, we have pre-ordered a full meal for six, turkey, ham, sides, and dessert for six from Spring Garden Bakery. There are so many places that are providing pre-cooked meals. We'll take pictures of what we ordered and show you once it is served, in case you want to plan ahead and order from them for Christmas. 

While many of the opportunities for a Thanksgiving meal this year have already passed, there are still places to get free food and to volunteer to help others. For example, on Nov. 22, Lawndale Baptist will give a free turkey and $25 gift card to the first 1,000 families. The parking lot opens at 6am. On November 23, 2022, the Church on 68 could use help with their Thanksgiving initiative and will have food for those in need (see HERE). The GCS public schools are open Monday and Tuesday, perhaps you could help someone at a school. Gift cards are always appreciated. Be creative in your approach to helping. Perhaps a neighbor could use some cheer- and a plate of food. Perhaps you don't want to be alone. Serve and have your soul nurtured at the same time. Helping others can help us feel as calm as Lake Higgins on a still, late-fall afternoon at sunset.

Happy Sunday!

Viburnum Prunifolium (Blackhaw)

There is a plant growing in our backyard that we hadn't been able to identify (see above). There is a group on Facebook called  NC Native Plant Forum. They are really good about helping people identify and get advice on plants. You may be thinking "there is an app for that"; however, it is so much nicer to ask someone who may also be able to provide follow up information. If you seek advice, remember to show enough of the leaf pattern to show if leaves alternate or are directly across from each other, bark, stems, and any other details. Once identified, you can have fun finding out other information. This plant is native to eastern North Carolina and we can assure you that we didn't plant it so it must be pretty easy to get to grow in this area. It is a viburnum prunifolium.

The common name for this tree if Blackhawk. The fruit, a relative of the high bush cranberry,  is edible and, according to this website, tastes a bit smoky and prune like.We love planting edibles, so it looks like nature planted one for us. We tried it yesterday and it is a grainy texture and reminds us of a persimmon. It is also persimmon-like, given the seed to pulp ratio. The seed is inedible, so we won't be harvesting these anytime soon.  Fall is a fun time to explore the forest and wooded areas around Greensboro. There are plenty of berries and woodland goods that aren't edible, so be sure to confirm before tasting. Do you have this plant in your yard? Have you ever seen one?

Happy Thursday!

Leaves: Fall Foliage Peaking in Greensboro

Fall in Greensboro is so beautiful. The above trees are on the island between Westover Terrace and Lawndale/Battleground Avenue- across from IHOP and Hardees. Every year, we look forward to their beautiful show of color as the sun is setting. They remind us of how grateful we are to live in a city with a change of seasons and deciduous trees. If online predictions are correct, we've got about another week of good fall color. Usually by the beginning of November, color starts waning as we wait through winter for spring. Greensboro had a frost this past week which means persimmons should be more than ready. However, the upcoming week should be a beautiful fall week, with crisp mornings and warm afternoons.

Happy Sunday, and for those of you who like a spiritual message, especially on the Sabbath, Martin Luther said, "God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars."  Greensboro is proof positive that nature is a symbol of harmony and beauty.

 

Lovely Fall Weather in October in Greensboro

Since the residual rains and wind from Hurricane Ian last week, the fall weather in Greensboro has been lovely. Temperatures have been cooler, the air crisper, and the skies clearer. The planet Jupiter has been visible in the sky, the closest it has been to the earth since 1963. Jupiter won't be this close to earth again until 2129. The waning hunter moon had an orange tint last night.

The street views of the Farm Course golf course at the Greensboro Country Club are beautiful. The above photo was taken recently in the Horse Pen Creek/Carlson Dairy Road area. While  leaves are not yet at peak color at Greensboro's elevation (only 892'), with the help of the sky, the views have been lovely. Just look at the blue hues, the puffy clouds, against the muted greens. Those rust colored leaves are the center piece. That sand trap in the middle almost looks like a moon crater. In Greensboro, this is one of the best times of year to get out and walk and notice nature. Remember, if you want butterflies in your yard, and other insects that birds love, you need to find places where you can leave leaves. When you rake away all leaves, you rake away a piece of the ecosystem around you. Even the golf course has some "rough" around the edges. And, those acorns that fall are a fall feast for critters. Some wildlife facilities even take them. Nature is just so lovely. 

Happy Tuesday, happy October, happy fall!

October Full Moon

Today's  full moon in October is named for the pre-winter hunting season. It is often known as the Hunter's Full Moon. Travel, Dying Grass, and Sanguine Moon are other names. The term Hunter's Moon is so named because it coincides with hunting season for some wild game. Even the animals being hunted seem to know it is about to get cold. The above photo was taken in Northwest Greensboro. On this day of rest, Sabbath for Christians, what can be more spiritual than a full moon on a clear night, so bright, no flashlight is needed. Last night was clear, so the the moon reflected sunlight to the extent that a shadow was cast.

Last night, even the owls were howling, the air was crisp, and the sky was so clear, the stars were visible. Night skies like what we saw in Greensboro last night are so special. If you get a chance, peek out tonight and let us know what you see.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Fall 2022

Happy First Day of Fall! Mother Nature must have gotten the message as temperatures have lowered a bit. By Saturday, the temperature may even dip below 50º in Greensboro. It is time for us to get out our sweaters. Locally, the leaves are just barely starting to show signs of changing. The above photo is one of the signs of nature we've seen recently, not too far from Lake Higgins. We think this is some form of a crabapple tree, and as you can see the fruit is turning bright red.

There are lots of varieties of crabapples and some are native to North America. While the fruit, especially these small ones, can be hard to harvest, their growth is attractive from the green foliage and first booms in spring to the fruit and color changes in the fall. Crabapples are a good source of vitamin C, which we all need to fight off illness.

What are the signs of fall around your Greensboro neighborhood? Let us know and we'll try to get out to capture a photo in your neighborhood! Do you see birds and butterflies migrating? Happy 265th day of the year! Happy Fall and....

Happy Thursday!

Rainy Days

The above photo was taken downtown on Saturday around 2pm as the NC Folk Festival was gearing up for the day. While the rain was a bit convenient, most of the venues were covered, making it possible to enjoy good music without getting too wet. Also, a light rain can really add mood to the music. It can also make it hard to keep the instruments in tune. The above photo features people walking along the part of the festival where the vendors were set up. The bright colors of the pedestrians with umbrellas really contrasts with the grayness of the sky and the buildings.  We love the fact that the street sign anchors the photo on the 100 block of South Elm Street, as does the sign on the building to the right. Something about the mood evokes one of the paintings you might see in one of the street stalls in Paris. Currently, there is no rain in the forecast for the next week or more. Let's hope this last round was enough to keep our end of summer gardens watered.

If you subscribe to Greensboro Daily Photo through email. We apologize that your service has been interrupted. Mr. GDP spent most of the day yesterday addressing the problem and finding a subscription service we're hoping we can depend on. As he explains, we are a mom and pop organization with limited tech skills. A lot has changed since we started this daily photo site 13 years ago. Here's to happy readers. May this virtual endeavor continue to bring you joy. Happy Thursday!

Greensboro Science Center at Family Night

Last night, the Greensboro Science Center teamed up with Chick-Fil-A at Friendly Center for their Family Night. From 5:30- 7:00, the theme was butterflies. There were coloring pages,  thumbprint art, and an opportunity to make a paper butterfly. The monarch backdrop was perfect for photo opportunities. There was also a balloon twister and a face painter. If you didn't get by the event last night and want to learn more about butterflies, head to the Greensboro Science Center. The Monarch Conservation Center/Butterfly House is quite a fun experience. There, you can learn how to make your yard a safe stopover area for monarch migration. Between now and early October, the monarch should be migrating south through North Carolina. It is not too late to start planting for their May to July journey from Mexico to Canada.

Over the last two decades, the Greensboro Science Center (4301 Lawndale Drive)  has grown by leaps and bounds; as have their community outreach efforts. The family night at Chick-Fil-A is one such example. This partnering was especially convenient for families who were eating out anyway and we hear the icedream sundaes were a hit. The above photo features set up for the event. How wonderful that in-person events are happening again.

Happy Wednesday!

The Destroying Angel Mushroom

With the rain we've had lately, mushrooms seem to be popping up before our eyes in Greensboro. In searching mushroom identification pages, we're pretty sure that these are Destroying Angel mushrooms and they are highly toxic.  For living things, we often search resources through NC State (see HERE). If you love learning about mushrooms, you might consider joining the Piedmont Triad Mushroom Club. This Triad area non-profit will help you gain a greater understanding and appreciation of mushrooms. If you've been to the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville, likely, you've seen people selling mushrooms of just about every color. You can talk to vendors and they might even be able to help you get started in growing mushrooms as a hobby.

The greenway and trails are a great place to see mushrooms in the wild; as is the Piedmont Environmental Center. Any shaded place with undisturbed leaf and stick matter is usually a great place to spot mushrooms.  Remember, unless you are on your own property, please don't be tempted to pick the mushrooms. If you want a closer look of the underside, use your phone camera and take a photo. It works well. They are especially common after a rain.

Happy Wednesday! Happy exploring!

 

Sunset over Battleground Avenue

Last night's weather was pretty spectacular. First, we had a much needed soaking rain, after a pretty warm day. After the rain, when the sun came our and was starting to set, there was a very clear rainbow, with a well defined arc. Actually, it was a double rainbow with the top rainbow a little faint, but visible. Finally, the clouds broke at the horizon, letting the blue sky peek through, but there was a thick indigo coverage of clouds above. It would have been an ideal night to be near one of Greensboro's lakes to take a picture. However, we were on North Battleground Avenue and stopped at the Wal-Mart, because it is up on a hill and is is an urban space where you can get a photo without power lines in the way. 

When the ground is damp, you get an added bonus of a reflection, even on cement and asphalt. In a way, the parking lot adds visual interest. Man's contribution to the  landscape. The headlights definitely anchor the eye in the parking lot. There is a painting in the permanent collection of the Weatherspoon that is mostly dark with headlights. This photo reminds us of that painting. The more you look at both of them, the more you start to notice and it feels like night vision is starting to kick in. We need to find out the name of that painting. Do you know it?

Today is supposed to be sunny and in the mid 80s all day. Let's all enjoy this late summer weather as fall will soon be on its way. Are you ready for September? For now.... Happy last day of August! 

Summer Sunset

The weather in Greensboro has been a little crazy, ranging from storm warnings, lightening storms, and days in the mid 90s! It looks like the 90s are behind us for at least the next week. But, today may be rainy.  The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro; it is a sunset reflection off of a water feature on the Carlson Farms Golf Course. Sunsets always look better when reflected off of water. Also, if you notice the texture of the water, this is evidence that the wind was blowing. The water part of the above sunset looks like an impressionist painting. The sun sets at 8:14 pm tonight. Plus, it is a full moon, the Sturgeon Moon. The name, "sturgeon" is derived from the fact that the sturgeon are mostly caught this time of year, in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. It rises at 9:35 pm and is also nice to view over a body of water.

If we can get the rain to hold out, that moon should be beautiful. Do you have a "go to" viewing spot?

Happy Thursday!

Caribbean Flamingos at the Greensboro Science Center

Yes we have Caribbean flamingos in Greensboro. If you have been to the Greensboro Science Center lately, you have probably seen this exhibit. The Caribbean flamingo is native to not only the Caribbean, but also South America and the Galápagos Islands. These interesting creatures are approximately 5' tall and weigh between 4-9 pounds. They can live up to 50 years. They usually only lay one egg at a time and it takes close to 30 days to hatch. The birds can be hard to get them to the point where they warm up to their keeper. However, the ones at the science center  seem relatively settled in. It is fun to watch them eat and to interact with each other.

We hope you have been  safe during the recent storms, and, that you get a chance to visit the Greensboro Science Center soon! Have a great rest of your day!

Happy Wednesday!

The Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House

The Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center and Butterfly House is now open at the Greensboro Science Center. It is a new (permanent) exhibit, located in the front of the building. As you can see from the above photo, while the butterfly area is enclosed, it is open to the outside, with netting to keep butterflies in, yet making the area open to the outside. It is a fabulous way to see butterflies up close and to watch their behavior as they travel through the wildflowers.

Inside, there is a temporary, traveling exhibit about butterflies. Children traverse a maze learning about butterflies as they go. Impatient children can simply crawl under the panels to get through the maze. It is so nice having the indoor and outdoor exhibit for the summer, both teach about butterflies and especially monarchs. While the Greensboro Science Center has been a Greensboro institution since 1957, if you haven't been in a while, be warned, you will not recognize it. The giant amethyst geode, the Foucoult pendulum, and the S.S. Curiosity (old ship to climb) are still there, but so many new exhibits have been added, you owe it to yourself to stop by and have a look. To be sure, we'll share more photos.

Happy Tuesday!

The Beauty of Thunderstorms in Greensboro

This is what it looks like when a thunderstorm is about to roll in in northwest Greensboro, and there have been several this week. The greens range from chartreuse to dark forest green. Grays range from almost white to charcoal to onyx. The different textures of the grasses and shrubbery really stand out as the skies darken. Such was the view of the Farm Course of the Greensboro Country Club this past Tuesday. About the time we took this photo, the "clear the golf course" siren started blowing. Lightening had been seen and it was too dangerous to continue playing golf. Golfers retreated with their carts back to the clubhouse. As it turned out, the bulk of the storm bypassed this part of town. Thunderstorms are like that, they hit some areas and bypass others, usually lasting about an hour.

According to Weather Spark, July is the wettest month in Greensboro with an average of 13 days of precipitation. These hot, humid days with frequent thunderstorms are the prefect conditions for chasing rainbows. In August, on average, temperatures will drop a couple of degrees and it will rain slightly less. Regardless of whether the days are sunny or overcast, Greensboro is a beautiful place to live.

Happy Thursday!

Oh, Butterfly!

Summer to us means having the opportunity to interact more with nature. In Greensboro, in the right environment, butterflies abound. The above female, eastern tiger swallowtail spent a lot of time in our yard yesterday morning. We know it was a she because of the iridescent, blue wash on her wings. Often, in nature, the males are more colorful; not true in the swallowtail kingdom. The swallowtails utilize many host plants, but really love trees. We have wild black cherry and tulip trees in our yard; both favorites of the swallowtail. They like to come lower to the ground for their nectar and our urban flowers are perfect. It is easy to attract butterflies, unless a yard is only grass.

Two fabulous local resources for learning more about butterflies are All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm, off of US-68 between Greensboro and High Point. Since 2001 (21 years!!!), they have been a great community resource. They also do a lot to help the butterfly population. For example, they raise monarch butterflies, helping with conservation efforts. Currently, the Greensboro Science Center has an interactive butterfly maze exhibit (until September 11th). In June, they also had the debut of their new butterfly house. It is a way to get up close and personal with butterflies. The GSO Science Center is also doing their part to help in the conservation of the monarch butterflies. As for us, we're anxious to get to the science center to see the new exhibit. In the meantime, we'll just keep nurturing the beauties in our backyard. Oh, and lest we forget, we need to head out to Sandy Ridge Road and visit our friend Helene at the Butterfly Effect. Stop in and ask her, just what exactly IS the "butterfly effect".

Happy Saturday!

Happy Friday: Here's To Good Weather and Fun!

That was quite a lot of rain on Greensboro yesterday afternoon. However, rain was just what we needed; the crops were thirsty! The above sunset is from Wednesday and taken in northwest Greensboro near Lake Higgins. This is not the time of year when the sunsets fall directly over Lake Higgins, at least not from Carlson Dairy Road view. However, there are still open fields in the northwest part of town, including the farm golf course for the Greensboro Country Club, so there are plenty of angles to get a nice view of the sky. 

If you are in Greensboro today, there are tunes at noon in LeBauer Park, and the movie Sing2 will be shown there as evening approaches. Also tonight, the Greensboro Grasshoppers will face off against the Hickory Crawdads tonight and they usually have fireworks on Fridays. So, even if the sunset isn't grand tonight, the fireworks will light up the sky. Of course downtown businesses are always there to help make your downtown experience enjoyable. Some even have extended hours on Friday. As another option, this is your next to the last chance to hear one of the Friday student concerts at the Eastern Music Festival tonight.  Here's to a great weekend, whether you are in Greensboro or elsewhere. It is not predicted to rain again until Tuesday, so all of the outdoor options should be a go. 

Happy Friday, dear readers!

 

Highways, Byways, and Municipal Elections

Yesterday's sky was an example of how bright and clear the it looks after the rain has cleared dust and pollutants out of the air. The photo was taken at the corner of Fleming Road and Bryan Boulevard and, from the angle of the trees on the left side of the photo, you can see that Greensboro is not completely flat. It is in the Piedmont region and "Piedmont" literally means "foot of the mountain." Greensboro is between the mountains and the costal plain. The elevation is 892 feet, as contrasted with Raleigh, about 90 miles to the east which is at an elevation of 315'. Asheville, in the mountains is at 2,134 feet. Wilmington, near the beach is 36'. So, you can see, we are a state with a diverse topography. Summertime, it is especially convenient to live in Greensboro, because getting to the mountains or the coast is an easy day trip. 

If you notice the signs beside the road, it is because Greensboro is having elections on July 26th. This is an off date for municipal elections. We were supposed to have municipal elections last year, but they were delayed until this summer. If you are not going to be in town on the 26th, early voting has started. Please vote! We don't endorse candidates on Greensboro Daily Photo; however, we do encourage people to do their civic duty and vote. There are several bonds on the ballot, plus, we are voting for mayor and city council members. Tuesday, July 26th is predicted to be warm and sunny. However, why wait until then when you can vote today?

Here is a calendar for when and where you can go to vote early.

Time to Harvest Squash in the GDP Garden 2022

Squash in growing in the the Greensboro Daily Photo yard. We planted a little late and just got our first mess to eat this week. And, oh it was yummy. In Greensboro, you can plant squash several times; however, the later you plant in the season, the worse the bugs are. According to the botanical classification, squash is a flower and in the same family as pumpkins and zucchini. When it is on our dinner table, squash is a vegetable. You should be able to get squash in all of the farmers markets this weekend. If you like to visit farms directly, here is a website that tells you which farms have U-Pick options and what they are offering at the moment (see HERE).  You can really get to know Greensboro by visiting the various farms, and farmers markets. You might want to have this southern squash casserole recipe handy in case you bring some home with you. If you want to be part of a community garden, it is a little late in the season, but places like the Keeley Community Garden (McLeansville) are great places to start. At Keeley, you can learn a lot from other gardeners. Most are generous with their knowledge, and often with their produce.

In a couple of weeks, your friends will be offering you zucchini bread! If YOU are the bearer of "all things zucchini", here is an informative segment on zucchini from Southern Living.

Happy gardening and happy last day of June!

Glorious Sunset over Greensboro- No Filter Needed!

Last night's sunset was nothing short of glorious. The above photo was taken off of Carlson Dairy Road, after the rain and as the sun was low to the horizon- at about 8:30 pm. The temperature  yesterday ranged from 67- 86º. We hope your part of town got some rain yesterday, as there is none predicted again until Saturday. Here is an explanation of factors that contribute to making a colorful sunrise and sunset. You can't always predict when the sunset will be spectacular; however, we found a photographer's blog that helps explain. First, the sun must be shining and low to the horizon. Then,  Stephen Bay, points out you need high clouds to catch the sun's rays, and a clear horizon so sunlight is not blocked. Those two factors are visible in the above photo 1) far-reaching clouds and 2) a clear horizon. We always post photos with a landscape orientation. However, yesterday's sky would have been even more interesting from a portrait orientation to showcase those lovely blues.

Happy Tuesday! May our summer days be filled with spectacular events, including vibrant sunsets!

Happy Pollinator Week!

Happy Pollinator Week. It is an initiative started by the Pollinator Partnership, an international organization that endeavors to protect pollinators. While their scope is international, they are based out of San Francisco, CA. The pollinator in the above photo was seen this week in our Greensboro backyard. It is a hummingbird moth. It flies and moves just like a hummingbird. This one was suspended at a flower and you can see its very long tongue. This one is visiting their bee balm. The female lays her eggs on the underside of leaves and the caterpillars crawl down under the leaves to spin their cocoon. So, if you rake all  your leaves, you are likely raking away pollinators.

At any rate, happy pollinator week. If you are interested in helping pollinators in your yard, read up on the whole process. The insect/nature balance is a pretty delicate one. Syngenta, a company with local roots, has a pollinator program, too. Their US headquarters is on Swing Road. We featured the company on GDP in February (see here). Greensboro Beautiful is another great organization to support locally if you want to see more pollinators. And then, there are some pretty great individuals, like Mr. Mullins who faithfully brings his honey to the Greensboro Farmers Market on Yanceyville Street. We featured him 13 years ago on Greensboro Daily Photo. Now, his is a business to support if you like pollinators and you like to support local businesses!

Summer Solstice 2022

Yesterday was the summer solstice, bringing summer to the northern hemisphere. While there wasn't a spectacular sunset over Lake Higgins in Greensboro, it was a beautiful day. Yesterday was sunny and the temperature ranged from a low of 60º to a high of 90º; at sunset, it was 82º. Sunrise was at 6:03 am and sunset at 8:39. The above photo was taken around sunset at Lake Higgins on the longest day of the year, with about 14 1/2 hours of daylight. Contrast that with December 21, 2022, the winter solstice when, in Greensboro, the sun won't rise until 7:26 and it will set at 5:09, giving us about 9 1/2 hours of daylight.

May we all use this extra 5 hours of daylight wisely. Lake Higgins is open today, and it will be a warm, sunny SUMMER day, perfect for kayaking or paddle boarding on the lake. Both are available for rent there. Look for us paddling the day away. Last night we saw an otter swimming along when we were out taking this sunset photo. Wonder what we will see today!

Eastern Swallowtail Butterflies, Farmers Markets, and Porchfest in Dunleath!

The eastern swallowtail butterflies are back! The above photo features one of the butterflies in our back yard in Greensboro. The red zinnia in the photo was purchased at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market in early May. Now, the plant is in full bloom and attracting butterflies and other pollinators. They do seem to be partial to the red flowers. If you head to one of the local farmers markets today, you can still buy flowers to plant and attract butterflies and other insects to your own yard. If you go to the farmers market on Yanceyville today, after it is over, you can drive through the Dunleath neighborhood and hear some great music. Today is Porchfest!

Today, the Greensboro community is invited to listen to some original music in Dunleath where neighbors offer their porches as music venues. Musicians play at various houses, with most sets lasting 45 minutes; then at the end, everyone ends up at Sternberger Park to conclude Porchfest. Here is the link to the 50 groups/performers participating this year. If you attend, please park at Swann Middle School and bring a lawn chair. The event will last from 12 noon- 5pm, with the last hour being at the park. Porchfest is such an outpouring of family, neighbors, friends, great music, and, likely, a butterfly or two. Every year the event continues to grow and this year promises to be spectacular! Hope to see you there.

Happy Saturday!

Deep River Flower Farm

On Saturday, at the Corner Market,* we met the very talented organic flower farmer Nicole Rosenberger of Deep River Flower Farm. Nicole and her husband live in a house on the Deep River in Franklinville, NC, about 40 minutes south of Greensboro. For just over a month now, Nicole has been coming to Greensboro to sell her flowers and her very carefully constructed turkey wing brooms. While the flowers are of nature's making, the brooms are carefully crafted and knotted by Nicole. Nicole, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, majored in anthropology. While she attended college in Towson, Maryland, she also had the opportunity to attend Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. We're betting this love of flowers and organic farmer was fostered in Warren Wilson College (WWC). We forgot to ask Nicole if she worked on the farm, garden or landscape crew at Warren Wilson and perhaps honed her flower growing skills at WWC.

Nicole grows most of her flowers from seed on her quarter acre farm on the Deep River. We're so glad she makes the trip to Greensboro to sell her flowers and brooms. Please stop by and support Nicole, and the other vendors at the Corner Market, and other local markets in Greensboro. We just may make Nicole's tent a weekly stop on our farmers market jaunts and bring a little of the outdoors in. Here is an article about Nicole from the Chatham News & Record.

Happy Monday! Take time to stop to smell the roses, sweet pea, lilies, lavender, and just about every flower but, perhaps not the marigolds!

 

*the farmers market at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church parking lot on West Market at Kensington.

Happy Earth Day... Pull Up a Chair!

Happy Earth Day! Let's celebrate together! A couple of weeks ago, we published a photo of a Deodar cedar tree in the center of the cul-de-sac on Clement Court. It was planted in 1970 by (then) County Manager, John Witherspoon. Today's photo shows life under the tree planted 52 years ago. Look at the cozy seating where neighbors can gather for fellowship and fun. Think if you plant a tree today how wonderful it will be for future generations. Imagine the wildlife that lives above in this tree. Greensboro has some fabulous, mature trees and this is one of them. Let's do what we can to keep our trees healthy. How will you be spending Earth Day? Do you have a special place to sit and converse with neighbors?

If you are looking for something to do today, there is an Earth Day Celebration at Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library at 1420 Price Park Road from 3:00- 4:00 pm. They will talk about Earth Day and the importance of taking care of the planet. It is a family friendly program. There will also be an Earth Day Bug Safari at 6068 North Church Street from 3:30- 5:00pm. This is an initiative of the NC Arboretum.

Here's to celebrating the planet- every day and especially TODAY! Happy Friday!

Towering Cypress Tree On Clement Court

John Witherspoon moved to Greensboro in 1968 to assume the position of Guilford County manager. The Forest Valley neighborhood off of Hobbs Road was being developed at the time, and it was where the Witherspoons settled, a nice neighborhood for John and wife June to raise a family. In 1970, he planted a Deodar cedar tree in the center of the cul-de-sac at the end of the street. Over the next 2+ decades during the family's time in Greensboro, they watched the cedar grow. At Christmas, the family would decorate it, even when they had to bring in special equipment to get the lights on the top. Now, after 50 years, the tree is probably too large to decorate, but it still gets plenty of use. While it is hard to see from this angle, under the tree, residents of Clement Court have placed a swing, a bench, and some other seating. It is really a great gathering spot for the families on the street.

While Mr. and Mrs. Witherspoon moved on after his 23 years of service to Guilford County, the tree stands strong, serving as a visual legacy of his impact on the community. Of course other things came to fruition locally during Mr. Witherspoon's tenure with the county; including the consolidation of the courts, construction of a new courthouse and offices, the creation of an ambulance service, the establishment of countywide zoning, and more.* Mr. Witherspoon always loved the people of Guilford County, as well as the natural beauty of the area. His cypress tree adds to that beauty. As Arbor Day (4/29)  and Earth Day (4/22) draw near, let us all follow Mr. Witherspoon's lead and plant something that will contribute to the beauty of our community. 

 

*reference and more information.

Happy Spring Brought to You Today by the Forsythia!

As of yesterday, it is officially spring and today should be another beautiful day in Greensboro. The temperature should get to 70º.  At least once a year we like to post a photo of forsythia, an iconic harbinger of spring. They are a popular spring plant, one of the first to bloom. They are originally from Asia and are in the olive family. This forsythia is located in our side yard and took us by surprise, seeming blooming out of no where. Fortunately they held off until after that cold snap last week. Thanks to that weather, we're having to replant our cabbage.

As we looked around the yard and neighborhood, we noticed that the cone flowers are starting to pop out of the ground. The lenten roses are still going strong. Blueberry bushes are starting to show blossoms and dogwoods are almost ready to bloom. Greensboro is about to be at peak beauty. Our local, public places like The Greensboro Arboretum and Tanger Center Bicentennial Garden are great places to visit to enjoy spring plantings. What are you favorite places to go around town?

Sunset tonight will be at 7:32 pm. Just like that, the days are getting longer. Happy Monday!

Spring on South Elm Street

Spring is so beautiful in Greensboro. The above photo was taken downtown on the 300 block of South Elm Street. Many trees are in blossom this week! If you want to see them, the time is now! In the background of the photo is a mural painted in 2016 by performing and visual artist Kim Kennedy. The center panel features her musician friend Joey Barnes. This mural is withstanding the test of time and still looks as fresh as it did when painted six years ago. It was painted on the south end of a parking lot on Elm, on the building where Design Archives is located. 

When writer Anne Lamott spoke at Tanger Center on Tuesday, she mentioned a writing strategy she shares with her students. She encourages them to take a 1" frame, look through it, and write about what they see in that postage stamp sized view. At GDP, we don't use a 1' frame, but, when framing a photo, we do find great joy in  blocking out everything but what we see through the lens. No matter what is going on in the world, or what around you may not be pleasant, for the brief moment a photo is being taken, it becomes a world unto itself. Photos also capture a moment in time. This little view was of South Elm on 3/16/22 at about 5pm.

Lamott also suggested supporting the indie bookstores. If you are in the 300 block of South Elm, you are at downtown's fabulous indie bookstore, Scuppernong Books. Please shop local for your reading needs. Happy Thursday!

Star Magnolia; Spring in Greensboro is Spectacular

Happy Monday! We were downtown for First Friday this past Friday and had to stop and admire this tree in front of the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) on Davie Street. We think it is a star magnolia and it looked absolutely beautiful at dusk. The CAC was pretty quiet during First Friday. Green Hill has an exhibit with water as a theme, appropriately entitled H2O, but, it didn't open until Saturday.  The Center for Visual Artists (CVA) was open and we got to see some interesting art there in an exhibit called "The Eve Gene" with all of the art in some way tied to felinity and womanhood, in honor of Women's History Month (see Yes Weekly article). Even on a quiet night, the CAC is a great place to stop and refuel at Café Europa and to see a little art before heading to the events at the city parks and then heading downtown.

The above tree should still be in bloom. If you get a chance head to the north end of town and explore all of the great resources there, from the CVA to the Greensboro Central Library to the parks, the History Museum, the Children's Museum and more. More places tend to be open on Tuesday than Monday; however, the above beautiful scene is there waiting for you. Also, this week is a good one to explore Greensboro as most of the institutions of higher education are on spring break and traffic is lighter.

 

Happy Monday!

Night Sky over Greensboro in March

Happy March! Today's photo of the twilight sky is from one more walk around the golf course at Carlson Dairy. It was taken at about 7:00 p.m., evidence that the days are getting a little longer. On March 13th, the clock moves forward an hour, plus the days keep getting longer. March will show spring breaks at the local colleges and universities. Also, the spring equinox is on March 20th. Here is the planting calendar for Greensboro; yes, it is time to start seedlings and time to get the cold weather crops in the ground. 

We love the way the lights at the parking lot at the Greensboro Country Club cast a golden glow on the trees. This time next month, there will be leaves on these trees. For now, the bare branches add to the drama of the scene. We're not sure what all the white dots in the sky are, but at least a few are stars. Last night was a very clear night.

Here's to a great week and a great month for everyone. If you live along Horse Pen Creek Road, here's to making great progress on road construction.