For my final North Carolina weekend I revisited Raleigh. The next few blogs will discuss things to see and do at the capitol city. There are plenty and mostly free.
Let’s start at the North Carolina Art Museum with their new modern art exhibit.
Material World Exhibit: Recycled Art
This painting was made from recycled posters.
Any idea what this is? It’s pencil shavings..
The sea in this scene was made from recycled fish hooks.
And this creature is totally covered in buttons.
Any ideas? This piece is made from recycled computer parts.
At the end of this gallery is an intriguing piece of modern art. Kusama, is the highest paid female artist in the world. She is 90 and lives in a mental hospital in Japan. Here she checked herself in and has resided for close to 40 years. There is a Netflix documentary on her life. Gaze into the porthole of The Light of Life…..
Here is a quote from the artist on her work.
“Isn’t this the very illusion of life in our transient world?”
Another great show at the Paramount and this time for a mere $20. John Ford and Henry Cho performed hilarious comedy for close to two hours. What a great evening.
John Ford, formerly of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, (48 miles from Goldsboro), started the show. This local, southern gentleman lamented his horrific love life, weight concerns, and financial dilemmas. Poor John only attracts women who want him to be his friend or moving man.
One of his clean jokes was about how he get his shirts cleaned in LA. Since it costs $6 at the dry cleaners he donates the dirty shirt to the Salvation Army where they wash it, and he later buys it back for fifty cents. This way the shirt gets cleaned, he saves money, and has a tax donation to boot. Think John is on to something here..
Next up was the headliner, Henry Cho. Henry is American born of Korean descent living in Knoxville, Tennessee. He made several jokes about how he was, “supposed to be smart,” since he was Korean. But since he was born and educated here this wasn’t the case, or so he said.
Henry has been married for over 21 years to a woman from Arab, Alabama, and he spoke so much about it I wondered if there was such a place. Well, there is and it fit as I have a neighbor from Alabama. They are the true southerners. How they ever let a Korean marry their daughter makes me wonder, but they are happy and have three children, the last of the litter he wanted to name Vasectomy.
He did several other jokes about marriage – that it was a job that you clock in and never clock out, and it comes with no benefits or vacation days. It seems like he did get a bit of a reprieve as he admitted the Goldsboro stint was only so he could play golf with a local friend. The wife said go if you can make some money and we were lucky enough to have him for over an hour.
So, thanks John and Henry for stopping by. Really enjoyed the show and hope the golf game went well.
Gazing out the bus window at 5 a.m. the stars were bright and the words, “The stars must be in alignment,” came to mind. This was the case on my return trip from New York City to Goldsboro. The bus left promptly at 8 p.m. I received a seat in the front of the bus with a pleasant yet not chatty seat mate who was thin. The seat cell phone charger did not work but the driver found another port and a new cable for charging. The gal who threatened me on the way to New York sat near me, and when I glanced at her she moved to the back of the bus. These were good signs.
The bus rolled slowly as it moved out of the City. It was a beautiful night as we rode and once through Holland Tunnel all on the bus were quiet except for one babe chatting up her man. While she talked quietly everyone on the bus heard the entire conversation. I shifted in my seat bumping my seat mate however I did not hear her scream, “Don’t you touch me, bitch!” Another good sign, this was sign two and things happen in threes.
The gal continued to sweet talk her boyfriend or baby daddy. In my mind I thought this could not continue much longer. An hour later I heard curse words and a quick hang up. In my head I thought, “Bitch you should have stopped when you were ahead.” Gosh, I’m getting the lingo.
I once again shifted in my seat and fell asleep at the conclusion of the phone call waking at 5 a.m. I had 6 hours of sleep and the bus was an hour from Goldsboro. Yes, the stars were in alignment on the return trip. Was China Bus redeemed? The answer is still pending.
The newspaper article said, “Prepare to be a-mazed.. and possibly lost,” and both claims were true. For the last few years Shawn and Jeff Parks have operated the Hood Swamp Road Corn Maze on the grounds of the Park Farm. What a hoot.
Driving up to the Hood Farm I was greeted by an enthusiastic Jeff Parks who directed me to a parking spot then gifted me with a pumpkin as I was the first customer of the season. After this I paid my $7 admission to Shawn, his wife, and was guided to the maze entrance and told to go left.
The maze was a fun jaunt however my time was limited since I had double booked my evening with a 7 pm Henry Cho Clean Comedy Show at the Parmount in Goldsboro. Since I was lost and it was after 6 I did the unthinkable and broke through the maze stumbling among the corn stalks which provided soft landing to my falls. At last I was in reality only to find my actions caught by Jeff who over sees the maze in a life guard chair.
Once out of the maze I noted the farm also has a slide area which children can enjoy post maze as well as a photo shoot spot where they can plunk their heads in for that magic picture.
For us old folk there also is antique farm equipment for viewing.
Hours for this operation are Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday 2-9 pm, and Sunday 2-6 pm. Adults are $7 with kids free. It runs through the entire month of October. The farm is located on 600 Hood Swamp Road outside Goldsboro. It happens annually. Bring the little ones for a good time.
Since I had lost 2 precious NYC hours I flew off the bus and located a Chinese restaurant. In Chinatown restaurants are always serving food whatever hour so I quickly found a spot. In this area of Chinatown, near the Manhattan Bridge, I found good food for less money than restaurants farther up Canal Street.
From there I located a massage place as after 11 hours on a bus I became a pretzel. Chinatown massages are wonderful and cost $45 to $50 an hour, plus tip makes it $60 to $65, a true bargain. With massages therapists techniques vary but I’ve never had a bad massage. I have even had one gal actually walk on my back, and I thought this was only in the movies.
After lunch and massage it was time for the afternoon performance of Linda Vista, a new play about a recently divorced male in his 50’s. The play was in previews which means they are working out the kinks and I doubt these kinks will ever be worked out. It was a bomb but you never know so have to give it a try. When the actors went fully nude and were sc—ing like rabbits I knew it was time to call it a day and get out of there.
Leaving the theater I found a perfect day so I walked. This and people watching are two of my favorite things to do while visiting New York. Ending up at Macy’s I decided to check out the shoe department as Amazon had failed in my 3 attempts to find a shoe that fit. Alas, Macy’s was no better but to watch the women go crazy over designer summer shoes for $25. was a hoot.
The 99 cent pizza store was my next stop. Coming prepared with Reynolds Wrap I purchased 5 slices and stashed them in my bag for home. In my eyes this is the best pizza in NYC and there are locations throughout Manhattan. Give them a try.
Back to Chinatown for garlic eggplant with pork at a small restaurant. Friendly and quick service is always a given in Chinatown. Next stop the Chinese bakery for almond cookies, sweet rolls, and other delicacies for home consumption.
And in adjoining Little Italy was the St. Gennaro Festival. This is an eleven day feast in honor of the Patron Saint of Naples, however with all the food you’d think he was the Patron Saint of Pizza.
Church of St. Gennaro
Saint Gennaro was an Italian Bishop who was persecuted for his faith. Though he experienced terrible tortures they had no effect Even when he was thrown in a fire he came out unscathed. When lions were to mall him they stopped in their tracks and would not do him harm. His life was finally ended when he was beheaded.
Money is placed by the statute in the hopes that requests will be granted. Statutes of the Saint along with Saint Anthony are carried through the streets in honor of the feast day.
Keep the September dates open and visit. Be prepared for crowds and much fun and food.
Every night at 10:30 p.m. the China Bus leaves from the Goldsboro Walmart parking lot on route to New York City. (Well, tonight it was 11:15, but who is counting?). This was my new adventure and adventure it was, read on.
While I had the appropriate paperwork and identification it took the driver over 5 minutes to allow me on the bus. Once on the bus I feasted on unusual smells and a dirty vehicle with surprisingly comfortable seats and adequate leg room. Around me were loudly speaking passengers with their music the same. This is not what I was told the bus ride would be like as former passengers told me to bring a pillow as it was a good sleep.
This noise factor continued the entire journey. I politely asked a passenger to shut off her music and was threatened. This caused my seat mate to ask me to find another seat. Then at 2 a.m. the bus driver began talking loudly in Chinese on his cell phone and smoking. This continued till we left the bus at 10 a.m. He also spat several times on the bus floor.
When I attempted to speak with the bus driver he said he spoke no English. Funny as when he took my ticket he did. However, I have often known this to be the case with Asians -they only know English in business or financial transactions.
Our first stop was Sandy Creek, Virginia. What an impressive truck stop, with clean bathrooms and many amenities. See pictures below.
After this was another stop, however not as impressive as Sandy Creek. I also picked up trucking newspapers while at Sandy Creek where I read about women working in this industry, rigid safety controls, and fuel economy. Fascinating.
I digress.. To accommodate my seat mate I located a seat closer to the front of the bus. As I sat a young man turned and smiled at me. I knew in the smile he was going to inform me of the China Bus Rules. I said, “You never say anything to anyone talking on a cell phone or playing loud music?” To this he smiled and nodded. Then I followed with, “The driver only knows English when he takes the ticket?” This caused laughter and another nod.
Now that I have the rules of the road I am prepared for the return trip. Yes, this was a round trip purchase. With my tool box of knowledge I will bravely once again board the bus for return. Am I scared? Do I need to answer that?
Went to the community theater production of 9 to 5 at the Paramount Theater in Goldsboro recently. Acting was good with set design creative.
The story line was timeless. One wonders if little has changed with the “Me, Too” Movement, but good to see the boss got his due in the play. 🙂
The orchestra was in fine form and the actress who played Dora Lee had an amazing set of pipes belting out tunes for all to hear.
The gal playing Violet was quite a dancer and has the acting chops. She held the cast together..
Here they are Judy, Dora Lee, and Violet at the elevator.
And kudos go to the actress playing Judy. She stepped into her role 4 days before opening as the actress playing the role became ill. How does one learn lines, dance steps, and songs in that period of time? And did I say she also finalized the playbill and was the assistant director? I’m tired just writing about her duties…
Then there was Franklin Hart, the boss, who was believable, humorous and had good projection with his lines.
Franklin attempting to seduce Dora Lee.
A remake of 9 to 5 is planned with Dolly, Jane, and Lily returning in a repeat performance. In the sequel they will guide a new generation through workplace situations in a really cute, funny way, to paraphrase Dolly from a recent talk show.
I am in love. I have purchased a much too expensive I phone which I trust will keep me through the next 3 to 5 years or that is what the salesman told me. It is modern and I feel hip.
While I no longer have a case, I have an ultramodern semi glass covering as protection for the mere cost of $49.95, besides the $399. for the phone. Do the Math. I have a headache considering the cost.
While this was an expense in the long run it was worth it as I received extremely good service. The salesperson mounted everything into the phone and answered questions calmly and politely. I have been back to the store since our initial contact and he continued to help.
I am now as everyone calls it “playing” with the phone. While a foreign concept to me it seems to be working as I have figured things out in my play. Weird. If only I could figure out how to recapture and forward pictures. Stay tuned. Sorry, no pictures today.
On a beautiful sunny summer day our tour began with young service women guiding us onto a school bus vehicle for tour.
Here we received our marching orders for the day and learned the Goldsboro base is named for a navy pilot killed when his test plane crashed. This 1927 Annapolis Naval Academy graduate was a Goldsboro native. The City named the field for him and it later became the base. The name stuck and now is the only Air Force Base named for a member of the Navy.
On route to the hangar we saw these beauties hanging out.
Our first stop was a hangar where we were introduced to the F 15 plane. Here a mechanic explained the intricacies of the plane. The F 15, though an older plane, can do it all. It can fly air to ground as well as air to air flights and is deployed in missions worldwide. Where the plane goes so does the mechanics. The name of the mechanics grace one side of the plane and the pilot the other.
Cockpit where the 2 crew members sitBack of F 15Under the wing are the sliders for missiles and the elliptical shaped piece are for bombs. Hope I got all this right..
Though the latest version of the plane is 1987 these planes will be used through 2040. Frequent upgrades are done to keep the plane current. While holding bombs and doing air to ground refueling they still are able to maintain a speed of 1800 mph. They also are able to carry 30,000 pounds of gas holds. Two crew members are in the plane with the pilot in front and the weapon system person in the back. While there is gunner capability, bombs and missiles are mainly used.
One of the main missions of the base is to train pilots how to deploy. General Chuck Yaeger trained here as well as others with notoriety. Saudi Arabian pilots have trained on the base and there is an exchange program with British pilots as well. Seymour is home to four fighter squadrons and two operational (active) squadrons.
Air Force Museum
An award winning Air Force Museum is on the grounds of the base. Outside the museum building are many “planes on a stick,” which are maintained by the base. The curator of the Museum gave many interesting stories of gallantry and courage exhibited by our forces.
Here are a few planes:
World War II Plane
Fire Department
The final stop was the base Fire Department. Military personnel from this base travel the world training and helping others with firefighting efforts. There certainly was a lot of equipment on these firetrucks, but as the firefighter said you never know what you need.
Military personnel had recently returned from Africa on a training mission. To ensure base coverage during these deployments there are non-military firefighter personnel on staff. Staff reside 24/7 in the fire department and have interesting shared living quarters while on site.
Here are some of the fire trucks on base.
A Valued “Old Fella” FiretruckState of the Art Big Boy FiretruckSide ViewAnother Firetruck
And the finale to our visit. What a demonstration!
This tour is conducted through the Goldsboro Visitor Center. Few bases allow tours and this certainly was fascinating. Put it on your list to see.
I am a firm believer that things happen in 3’s. The cell phone died, now the television is requiring a rescan for viewing. I look forward to the third, however will now recant my dilemma with the second.
Problem #1 Cell Phone Death…
For the past several weeks I have been viewing notices of this television rescan. Lamenting this situation yet hoping it will improve the horrific television service in this region of North Carolina I watched the notices daily.
Problem #2 Television Tuning
Finally, the day came when I turned on the tv and had no connection. Having to do something to get the thing to operate I went to u tube as directed by the television station. In order to get the u tube site I had to download a menu bar I didn’t want. In further searches I found more inadequate information given by the television station. Typical.
Then I came across a perky young man who spoke slowly and I was on board. It was completed. This comes with a catch. I now have a woman’s voice every time I turn on or off the tv and change a channel. I have gone through all the menu options to turn her off however am unable.
Having just completed one of the Eckard Tolle books I have decided to surrender. She will be my guide and my friend for the last 2 weeks of my North Carolina stay. I could go for a short term relationship.
It’s Kathleen… and you know the jingle. Keep smiling. Maybe you too can have a short term friend. Surrender.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 