I'm thinking of moving to North Carolina - Should I?

dang, paws, i am still standing...unscathed. surely you could do better than that? i was expecting a blistering retort. lol

nah, river ain't no hussy.

oh mama, I'm not so bad to whip you when you don't deserve it, eh? I know most smokers don't want to (though not all want not to, cause it's their "right")
sheesh! Make people think I'm so wicked...!

I know about flying in and out of McKinleyville. I am actually flying back to CA next week to visit family. Will fly into San Jose and stop in Livermore, and hopefully, barring no floods or mud slides, will be driving to Garberville. Living at Hoopa, are you teaching on the reservation? The small town folks around here are wonderful. A much slower pace, but not so rustic at back in the woods where you are. I think it is a good mix of country and gentry.
Let me know if you get out to Asheville!
Nancy

Next week? You mean, while I'm in NC? What a coincidence.
I'd been substituting at Hoopa High, but now I'm teaching K-4 at Burnt Ranch Elementary. There have been few openings in the local district in the last five years, with Indian preference, of course. I haven't really wanted a job here - not a good district at all. BRS is good, but temporary for the rest of this year only.

My flights have been changed so that I arrive in Greensboro at 10 am on Saturday after flying all night, (after working all day), and Toni doesn't get in until 7 pm. I've got directions to Cheesecake by Alex and then down to Snow Camp, Silk Road, Pittsboro, Trader Joe's, Microtel in Hillsborough then back to GSO to fetch Toni after a nap.

Anyone want to join me at Cheesecakes By Alex, 315 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401 336-273-0970 around 11-11:30 on Saturday morning, February 2?
:-)

Or other suggestions. I'll have had my good coffee in Chicago at 6 am. Food will definately be in order for me, more than dessert after being in airports/craft for 12+ hours.

:-)

missingrosie wrote;"have perhaps lost some of that unique southern graciousness is because the towns are full of northerners!"

(sneaking in from SC). It's funny, when I first arrived in this small town, I went to a local variety store. As I checked out, the subject of where I'd come from came up (the accent, or lack of). I told her FL, and she said "Oh! there are sooo many prople from Florida here now". I expect to start seeing people I know from there at the store, here. I'm afraid that most Floridians are more like northerners than Southerners...I hope they mellow out. I have:). Don't get called near as much on my manner of speaking anymore, at least in casual conversation.

you got that right, NC is the new FL. But how many "Floridians" are actually from FL , either? The native Floridians that move here to get away from the crowds aren't so bad, pretty cool, actually.

paws I recommend a visit here, since you'll be so close in Gboro:

http://www.sitinmovement.org/contact.html

Tropicanna wrote;" But how many "Floridians" are actually from FL , either? The native Floridians that move here to get away from the crowds aren't so bad, pretty cool, actually."

Okay, I confess to being a "halfback" *g*. Does it count that I moved to get away from the crowds, as well as the horrible weather? I had finally bought (1995) this little piece of property out in "the middle of nowhere", three miles of lousy dirt road, and neighbors who had everything from trailers, to an octagonal house, to a castle (yup, a self built castle). Still didn't like FL, but at least I was safe from the developers. Right!! Stupid neighbors voted for paved roads, we were "annexed" by a well known "Equestrian Community"and it's all over. They had their eyes on profit, but that's now backfired. No-ones buying, and they have very tough restrictions where there were none, before. Of course, mine isn't selling either, and the taxes have tripled....

catmad, help me here, caffiene hasn't kicked in yet...what's the *g*, halfback mean? hate to sound blonde

but you sure do bring up some good points girl. I look at that wide open space across the street and hope the next generation doesn't sell out to a developer every single day.

*g*....Halfback= NY born, moved to FL at 18, went "Half" way "back" to NY.....at 51.....

never heard that one, lol

lol
interesting.
The development issue is a problem everywhere. In 1991 I finally finished my BA at HSU (in this very county) and headed east to CO. Bought a place with my then SO - a log cabin on 40 acres, no electricity, no telephone, private, dirt road for 2 miles. In order to work, I needed the telephone that I was told would be in within a few months, so I worked on that effort, which was not easy since we had no phone and pay phones are hard to find that are quiet and warm (put on hold a lot). Cells were not available in the area, radio phones expensive and soon to be obsolete. None of the other property holders wanted telephone, they said, but everyone got one when it was ready. It took 4 years. Soon after, a new owner began lobbying for electricity (we were mixed, mostly against by that time as we were set up with solar and the above ground poles are hideous. The phone line went underground. Soon, on a the next ridge, a modular went up in a matter of days. Owners put up a street light (why do people do that? What are they afraid of - stay in town!!!)....

To wrap it up - there are many houses and owners who want to inflict the town guidelines out there - my former SO has been there the longest, but the association tries to get him to remove the semi-trailers (they housed my soups and seasonings and his resale) and prevent him from keeping his various treasure. Lucky for him that I planted lots of trees to block the view of potential neighbors to the house.

I feel lucky to have lived in a place that for several years I could ignore all civilization if I wanted to. I mostly did, except to create and market the soups and seasonings (craft shows, primarily). Sometimes I didn't leave home for weeks on end, particularly in the winter.

Anyway, I am a good neighbor, but that's a two way street and I'm rambling, avoiding working on employment paperwork. There is so much of it!

Trop, I'd like to check out that museum if it's open on Saturday. Haven't found the hours on the site yet.

Laura
There is outside seating at Alex's (may be too cold) but the small room on the inside has the aquarium and if you are having solo coffee - it will keep you company. The shop isn't much more than a counter and kitchen but there is that back room with wooden floors that warm up quite nicely from the sun coming through the windows.

Pittsboro - sometimes the cafe there offers small evening concerts - And, on one of the Friday/Saturdays in the month all the shopkeepers and interested residents set up tables streetside to sell their homemade jelly, canned veggies, breads, (those watermelon pickles...wow) hand beaded jewelry, etc, etc. That may be more of a warm weather activity - I am not sure. I like Pittsboro alot. In Hillsborough on one of the side streets (few doors down from the folks that leave a bowl of water and treats for pedestrian pups) is a french cafe - breakfasts and lunch only - all made on premises cakes/cookies/croissants etc., Very small - not fancy - maybe 8 tables?? There are a few galleries along Churton and other small shops - and if you knit ..a knitting shop where women are usually gathered.. everyone will be very friendly. My my son lives in Mebane - (between Greensboro and Hillsborough along 85). He works 11 hours a day (as in hard not smart) but if you like, I can D-mail you his number and if you get into trouble you can call him for help / advice. He can't leave the job (runs one of the cafeterias on UNC campus) but if he can help you or arrange to help you he will. He is very level-headed and mostly happy much of the time. You shouldn't feel uncomfortable asking for help. Do you like pottery? Greensboro has a lot of potters. Across the street from Alex and up the road going left as you exit for ~ two blocks (not sure if that is north or south ;0).. there is a small shop (NOT much to look at) with a few pottery pieces in the window. Go in (the owner will talk your head off) and go up the stairs (sort of narrow and rickety) anyway.. at the top are two rooms of pottery and in the back room there are a few shelves containing pottery made by Molly Lithgo. A local potter, (and paint artist) she makes beautiful pottery and the prices are very very nice - from about 15- mabye 100 for the larger more functional pieces. I know you are not in the market now and can't worry about transporting etc., but just for future reference..you can look now. Also there is a big warehouse (ask) I think Lyndon street - where lots of artists have their studios (large metal...paint...pottery...everything) and they will let you look around if you have some time to kill. The thing is - those folks can tell you more about places to live/local issues/ school etc. etc. than we can. So you get to look as well as learn.

Those are all good suggestions; Pittsboro deserves some extra time - I've seen a few jobs posted. Maybe I'll save Alex's for another day with Toni, and head on to Pittsboro to the french cafe you suggest. Do you know the name?

I like to go to thrift stores, too. I always get into conversations there, same for garage sales, but there aren't likely to be many in the winter. It's the first thing I do everywhere...must look to see if there is a goodwill. Is there a food co-op or major health food store? I can look that up, too.

Offering your sone for an emergency back up is really kind of you, missing, and it would be good to have his number, which I won't abuse. By the way, when do you actually leave?

Oh my gracious, there are 4 - FOUR! Goodwills in Greensboro. Wow! That information just amped me up!

Here they are:
I'll be the tall one wearing a long grey cordoroy dress that looks like a coat with a purple turtleneck, a green fanny pack, and birkenstocks with socks.

1421-C East Cone Boulevard
336-621-4959


3739-A High Point Road
336-294-2033


1235 South Eugene Street
336-275-2150
Map

3921 Battleground Avenue
336-545-1212
Map



This message was edited Jan 27, 2008 10:03 AM

The French cafe (Valour ??) is on King I think and that is Hillsborough. The other cafe/is on a corner in Pittsboro (downtown) you can't miss it. It is a big hodge podge of art and stuff they sell with some rustic tables and organic foods etc.

Food co-op - Downtown Chapel Hill (easy detour on the way to Pittsboro) Whole Foods market on Franklin. Go straight through Chapel Hill to 15-501 (past Farrington - home of the belted cows) to Pittsboro. There is one (soon to be) in Hillsborough. By the way I went to Trader Joes this weekend....not too impressed... I know most of you love it. .. Too crazy /busy for me. I didn't think the prices were that great either. Maybe I need to go back.

I am supposed to leave (driving) that Saturday. If I can get a doctor's appointment changed (yeah, like stopping the rotation of the earth) I will leave that Friday. Plan to be gone a week - much depends on what my brother says about my mom's readiness to be DC'd from the rehab center.. if she is going to be there longer I have the option of extending for a few days. I want to give him a break.

Laura
those streets sound like greensboro. are you going to goldsboro?

your outfit.....GIRL YOU BELONG IN CHAPEL HILL -
AIN'T THAT RIGHT SHOE?

Greensboro is more edgy urban punk
chapel hill is birkenstock - my husband wears socks with them too! He looks like a chicken with banded legs.

You have to go to Whole Foods for sure now!

PS brand new goodwill outside of hillsborough right off the exit - across from the walmart.

o.k. catmad, if g halfback means what you said...where did the "g" come from?.........there is not one "g" word in your whole explanation. lol

corrected my typo up there that said goldboro, missing. Guess I've already confused.

Well, I just had a horrible thought about you booking your flight to goldsboro --all the while thinking you were heading to Greensboro for the school fair. eeeeeeeeech... what a mess that would be.

and the airlines would charge you way too much to make the change.

oh yes ---
but this has been the itinerary from confusion.
I thought I'd booked for 2/2 but made an error and booked for 2/1, which Toni noticed when I sent her the information, and I can't leave on 2/1, so that got changed - allowed because it is a rewards flight. The first time I called, there were no seats on the same route, so it couldn't be changed for less than $100. Soon after, a search on the United site found a seat; I called and got it switched. Yesterday I was reviewing and printing the itinerary and noticed the return flight had been moved up 4 hours, which meant I'd miss the Sat am in Greensboro before the flight. Called - the later flight had been cancelled. As result, I still have to leave GSO earlier, but I'm taking the night flight out of Arcata on Friday, which is what I had tried to do last fall when I booked the flight. This gives me the whole day on Saturday, instead of spending it travelling. It's easier for me to fly at night and sleep through the tight squeeze. Plus, I don't have to spend the night/$ at motel 6 to make a 5:45 am flight. Returning earlier means I could drive home from the airport that night, too, but I'll likely stay over to shop, since the gas was already spent. All good.

missingrosie wrote;"where did the "g" come from?...there is not one "g" word in your whole explanation. lol"

You mean *g*? It's the only way I have seen to indicate "grin", as the arrows don't seem to show up when I type them...

If there's a DG way, I'd love to know......

Trop, the museum is under construction and not open to the public, though I can pick up material there. (per an email)

ooooooh!! so they're called HALFBACKS? I Couldn't tell you how to do the computer thing. sorry.

I got restaurant.com certificates for two restaurants in Greensboro - Aquaria Seafood Grill and Solaris Tapas, and one in Wilmington, a Cuban restaurant named Boleros. Sounds yummy. The certificates are $4 cash for $25 off a $35 food bill, so if we're careful, we'll be able to try some interesting places for cheap. :-) You can look at the menus on restaurant.com and the two in Greensboro have their own websites. (I love to eat!)

Hi all -
I'm in Hillsborough - this Microtel leaves much to be desired, but the staff is great. We've cruised north to So. Boston and over almost to Danville, then down and about through some little towns. All pretty - looks like upstate NY and like it could get cold, even though it's been gorgeous until it started raining a little while ago.

So, what can we do tonight? I don't want to sit in this room for the rest of the evening...suggestions right away, if you have them, please? Tomorrow is the job fair and then we head down to Shallotte.

Thanks!

are you in north carolina already? no suggestions on where to go laura but kick some butt tomorrow.

Hey we are thinking positive thoughts for you. Have fun. Cindy

Thank you mama and River. We went to two more Goodwill stores and back to the motel to get ready to check out in the morning and go to the fair.