Willy Nilly Friday 5 No 30 - Norfolk Southern - Weekend Reflections

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Norfolk Southern . 110 Franklin Road South East . Roanoke . 24042

I've always thought this was a pretty building. I took these pictures last year during the St. Patrick's Day Fest. I had forgotten about them till THIS NEWS shocked Roanoke this week. CLICK HERE for a historical timeline and pictures of Norfolk Southern.

Linking with Weekend Reflections

Now for some Willy Nilly's!

1) Virginia over at Birmingham Daily Photo posted THIS LINK on Facebook. The photos are of African Americans in the 1950's, Alabama. They are beautiful and haunting.

2) Look at the work of artist Henry Darger ...I can't stop looking at it!

3) Did you hear Taylor Swift filed for Trademarks on some real lame song lyrics? Yup, as crazy as it sounds, it's true, read it HERE lol...I'd tell you what they are but I don't want to get sued ha!

4) I made Slightly Sloppy Mikes for dinner this week. It's a clean eating recipe and very good. I'm not a fan of Sloppy Joes but this was different and I really liked it. When I cleaned the kitchen I put the leftovers in a container for my lunch for the next couple of days. Went to get my coffee the morning after and there sat the container :( I don't know how I missed it. Anyways HERE IS THE RECIPE ...it is the second one down, after Champion Chili, which we also like a lot!

5) Superbowl Weekend! Snow in the forecast....hoping it holds out till the middle of the night on Sunday!

Now it's your turn...post 5 randoms, link up and visit with others! Have a great weekend!!

Signs, Signs & A Good Fence in Christiansburg

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We were sitting in our car at Dude's Drive-In eating our lunch (I've shown you Dude's HERE ) and Braden asks "Is there a Macy's up there?"

Ha, the big red star is so Macy's!
Why no, it's a drive-in!

The Starlite is in Christiansburg, just up the road from Dude's Drive-In...they have been showing movies since 1953!
For more info you can check out their website HERE

Linking with Signs, Signs and Good Fences (if you squint you can find some fencing in there!)

Frozen Dismal Falls

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Dismal Falls in Giles County

As we were driving to the falls we were hoping it would be frozen and voila, twas!

Click Here for more info on Dismal Falls :)

Rubbish Tuesday - Pearis Theatre

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111 So. Main St . Pearisburg . VA . 24134

Of course I had to go investigate!

Imagine how awesome these lights must have looked back in the day. This great old place was built in 1939 or 40...have seen mention of both dates.

Not in use as a theatre anymore but getting a new life as a community center.

I'm not gonna lie, this window display kind of creeped me out.

I loved these silver doors and wanted the boys to stand in front for a photo. They did not like the feel of this place and would not stand there. I had to have Nick stand with them. It wasn't until just now, researching the theatre that I found it is "haunted"! If you look into the door to the right, it looks like a small child standing there smiling. I'm sure it's just a weird reflection but a little creepy none-the-less!

I liked the way the sign looked from the other side.

They look like good sports but they really wanted away from there!

I found this neat video about a paranormal investigation held there:


And I found this blogger blogging about his memories of the theatre from the 50's Photography In Place

The Pearis Theatre

CLICK HERE for a neat website on old theatres...if you scroll to the bottom you might recognize our old Buchanan Theatre that I've shown you before.

The Waymarking Page

Linking with Roan's Rubbish Tuesday for those of us who love old stuff!

Monday Murals - Best of Giles

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This one is signed by the arteest. It is located near the courthouse. Remember my rant last week how I couldn't find info on the mural I posted? Well funny, this morning my search found THIS showing 6 murals, the titles and the artist. The only thing they don't show is the location lol (that would be a nice add don't you think?)...anyways, looking at the list I am upset that I didn't see 2 of the murals and also I noticed that there is an additional part of this one painted on the side of the building that we didn't see because we walked straight at it. Oh well! Linking with Monday Murals

Are you in this blizzards path? It missed us again :(

Willy Nilly Friday 5 No 29 - Lee-Jackson Day - Weekend Reflections

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The Giles County Courthouse that was featured earlier in the week.

From Wikipedia:
"Lee–Jackson Day is a holiday celebrated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the U.S., for the birthdays of Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The original holiday, created in 1889, celebrated Lee's birthday. Jackson's name was added to the holiday in 1904. In 1983, the holiday was merged with the new federal holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as Lee-Jackson-King Day in Virginia. This merger was reverted in 2000.

Lee–Jackson Day is currently observed on the Friday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is the third Monday in January. Typical events include a wreath laying ceremony with military honors, a Civil War themed parade, symposia and gala ball. State offices are closed for both holidays."

Linking with Weekend Reflections

Now time for some Willy-Nilly's:

1) Awwwww I think I would have to take THIS DOG to the park

2) 15 Historical Sites To See In 2015 ...surprised I have only seen 1 of these, Arlington House

3) HAHAHA THIS is hilarious!

4) I love old photos...check out THIS ...a photographic history of the circus.

5) Supposed to get snow this afternoon through tomorrow...Not sure on accumulation...not sounding like much so far....I have to go grocery shopping and it will be a mad house. Mention snow and EVERYONE will be there buying their bread and milk in case we get snowed in for a day....it's the craziest thing lol

Now it's your turn...the rules are easy-peasy...post 5 random things, link up and visit others! Have a super weekend!!

Signs, Signs & A Good Fence in Giles Co

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White Gate . Giles Co.
Linking with Signs, Signs

And back to Pearisburg:

And back to the courthouse...looking across the street from the courthouse yard.
Linking with Tex's Good Fences

Giles County Courthouse

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Located on the corner of Wenonah Avenue and Main Street . Pearisburg

Built in 1836 and is still in regular use. Read about the history of Giles County HERE

Rubbish Tuesday - 2 Houses in Pearisburg

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“A house that lacks, seemingly, mistress and master,
With doors that none but the wind ever closes,
Its floor all littered with glass and with plaster;
It stands in a garden of old-fashioned roses." Robert Frost

Linking with Roan's Rubbish Tuesday (a meme for people who love old stuff!)

Monday Murals - Pearisburg I

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Artist unknown...Pearisburg, VA

Searched and searched for info. The town's website has a tab "murals" but only states that there are several murals around town. Hey, I've got an idea, why don't you actually list where the murals are and the artists who painted them! I have a few more to show you from Pearisburg. Linking with Monday Murals

Willy Nilly Friday 5 No 28 - More Raleigh

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Looking across the street from the Executive Mansion

Willy Nilly's:

1) Made THIS for dinner on Thursday...YUM...especially loved the tomato/olive salad.

2) Check out The Most Expensive Home In Every State ...they are quite elaborate but I think I'd go with the Mississippi house. I've always loved that style. Honestly, if I won the lottery I'd just buy a bunch of land...TONS of land and build a normal house...or better yet, find an old historical home on TONS of land! I'm more about the land than the house.

3) If you like scary/creepy movies, rent As Above, So Below . I got it out of the Redbox the other day. It is filmed in Blair Witch style and full of creepiness!

4) Ashlyn shared this super cute video with me the other day:


5) And speaking of dogs, I ordered 2 of the Pit Bulls & Parolees calendars and just got them this week...love them! You can see some of the hard work that when into making the calendar HERE and you can order your own calendar HERE

Well that's it for me this week! Now it's your turn! Post 5 randoms, link up and visit others :) Have a great weekend!

Signs, Signs & A Good Fence - Christ Church Raleigh

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Christ Episcopal Church
Capitol Square . Raleigh

Sorry for the tilt on the plaque...it looked straight when I took it...ooops....I like the message. For more info on this beautiful, old church, visit their website HERE

Linking with Signs, Signs & Good Fences

NC State Capitol Building - Raleigh

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One East Edenton Street
Raleigh, N.C.

"The North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840, is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture. It is a National Historic Landmark." For more info visit NC Historic Sites

Today is a snow day...got a little dusting over night...but icy underneath...then it's sunny and 50 over the weekend....looking forward to that!

Rubbish Tuesday - Raleigh Furniture Company

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Raleigh Furniture Co circa 1914

We were racing by trying to get to the parking meter before our time was up but I had to stop and catch a quick snap of this cool old door mat. I found THIS interesting info on the building.

Linking with Roan's Rubbish Tuesday ...a meme for cool old things!

Monday Murals - Moore Square - Raleigh, NC

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Located on Blount Street . Moore Square . Raleigh . NC

And that's all I know about that.....but it makes me think of "butterflies are free to fly...fly away....."

I remember walking to the 7/11 around the corner from my grandparent's house and buying the 45 of this as a kid...yes, they sold 45's at 7/11 back then!

Linking with Monday Murals

Have a great Monday!

Willy Nilly Friday 5 No. 27 - Los Cuates

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4524 Old Wake Forest Road . Raleigh . NC . (919) 872-6012

A lesson in Mexican food kind of Willy Nilly

1) This is why we went to Raleigh. Nick had to go to Greensboro recently. Whenever we know we are heading somewhere different, I Google "San Diego Taco Shop" in whatever area we are heading....most don't pan out...most "think" they serve "San Diego Taco Shop" food....but honestly....NO....until this one....gave Nick the location and told him to try it out while down there....he made his way over, not with a lot of hope, UNTIL....he walked in and the AROMAS gave him hope....the menu...full of stuff we love....he ordered...he tasted...he texted me...."Oh my God, this is it!"....

2) If you happen to know anyone who is a SoCal native, then you know we love our Mexican Food....taco shop Mex food...we are quite obnoxious about it and will tell you all other Mexican food sucks...sorry, but it is true...

3) The people who own this place are actually from San Diego, Chula Vista to be exact so you know they know what they are doing.

4) This is what you must order when you go...Carne Asada Burrito, try the rolled tacos but ask for the white cheese instead of cheddar...next time I want to stay the night in Raleigh and go there for breakfast and try their Machaca burritos...Nick tried their beef burrito and I am positive their Machaco would be perfect!

5) One complaint....I don't know why they don't know how to make hot sauce...they have 4 salsas but SoCal taco shops are known for their hot sauce...luckily I found THIS RECIPE a couple of years back and keep some made up in the fridge...goes great with the food we bring home from there!

Now it is your turn...post 5 randoms...link up and visit others! Have fun and Happy Friday!!

Signs, Signs & A Good Fence In Raleigh, NC

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Last Friday we went on a little jaunt to Raleigh. Raleigh is about a 3 hour drive. We went for food...Mexican food. Southern California Mexican food....but more on that later....this is the Executive Mansion...where the guvnah lives....pretty huh?!

Up close and personal

The pretty wrought iron fencing, all decked out for the holidays

This gate says "Go away peasant, you are not welcome here"

Maybe this is the servant's entrance...

This plaque hangs on the brick wall outside

Some shady looking peeps loitering outside...quick, call in the secret service!

Linking with Signs, Signs & Good Fences

It's a measly 5 degrees out right now...school is operating on a two hour delay because it is so cold! Really though, what diff will two hours make in the temps? 1 degree?!

Appalachia Press

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108 Salem Ave . Roanoke

Wanting to learn about the building and its history I dove into Bing (I'm weaning myself off Google) and found out that it was once Crystal Springs Laundry, although I don't know how old the building is. I showed you the side of it which has a mural painted on it HERE
and for more info on Appalachia Press you can visit their website HERE and if you still want to know more, I found this in-depth interview with the owner (where I found out what the building first was) HERE

We are getting ready for single digit temps tonight...oh my!

Rubbish Tuesday - Sunnyside Barber Shop

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107 Wall Street . Roanoke

Isn't this a little piece of Mayberry? The only thing I found on it was this " I.C. Harris has been cutting hair since 1959. Back then, the shop had four chairs, but now he works alone.

He's lived through downtown's glory days as a shopping destination, its decline when outlying shopping malls came along and now its rebirth. " Taken from HERE

Linking with Roan's Rubbish Tuesday which is about old things, not trash ;)