GYPSY BLOG - OUT AND ABOUT
September 29 - Out and About in Old Salem - C. Winkler Bakery
Winkler Bakery was built in 1800 to serve the Moravian community in Salem. Known for using the same recipes today as they did then, the bakery has earned a reputation as a "must" on any trip to what is now historic Old Salem.
If you haven't been to Old Salem yet, definitely put it on your "to do" list. I make other mentions of it on this site, but a first-hand account is really best.
C. Winklers baked good offerings are made with fine ingredients from simple Moravian recipes. The end result is a delicious product that isn't overly sweet. Reminds me more of baked goods found in Europe, which I really enjoy.
The next time you're in the Winston-Salem area, head over to Old Salem and go to Winkler's to try these delish Moravian baked goods for yourself. The bakery is open on Sundays, but they do not bake on that day. Still, there are many items to choose from. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Photos: top-left: bakery display in C. Winkler's. Barbara Dolny-Bombar
September 23 - Happy 13th Birthday Juno!
It's hard to believe that my sweet Siamese, Juno, turned 13 today! She came to me when she was six-weeks-old, in need of a home ASAP. At that time, her mask, ears, legs / paws, and tail were dark, the rest of her body was pure white. Let me assure you, she lives up to every bit of the typical Siamese reputation. If there is somewhere that she shouldn't be, she is certain to be found there. And, to this day, she has an uncanny knack for finding the one person in a room that doesn't care for cats. She then goes up to them and hops in their lap, putting up a fuss when they try to shoo her off. Ironically, she may completely ignore guests that want to pet her.
That's my girl, a no-kill, great catcher of mice, lizards, grasshoppers, and anything else that is brave enough to venture into our house (she only goes outdoors on her leash). Life has been great with her in it.
If you would love a kitty of your own and are willing and able to open your heart and home to a homeless pet, visit your local shelter or check out the pets at: http://www.bestfriends.org
Photo of Juno: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
September 20 - Out and About at Jordan Lake Harbor
One of the best things about living in North Carolina is the abundance of parks, lakes, and waterways throughout the state. Jordan Lake, in the Piedmont, is a great place to fish, camp, hike, or have a picnic.
Comprised of 46,768 acres, the area is used for recreation, water quality control, fish and wildlife conservation, and is the water supply for its surrounding cities.
One of my favorite things to do there is attend an Astronomy Viewing Session, hosted by UNC's Morehead Planetarium. Believe me, there is nothing like seeing the stars on a pitch dark night.
Jordan Lake holds other events throughout the year. Check out their info . If you're interested in camping, call: 1.877.722.6762 for reservations. Star gazers should call Morehead at 919.962.1236 HERE
Photo: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
September 14 - Out and About in Wake Forest
Wake Forest is a pretty little town about a half an hour's drive from Raleigh or Durham. Incorporated on 20 February 1909, it is celebrating its Centennial throughout 2009.
I love walking through the historic part of town, the area is officially registered as historic, checking out the cute speciality shops and restaurants.
Being so close to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill has brought expansion to the area. Beyond the historic buildings and homes, there are modern developments and complexes, and shopping centers. Still, the part I love best, historic downtown, manages to retain the quaintness that makes it special.
Wake Forest is home to the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, which has a lovely campus near the historic district. It is not the location of Wake Forest University, as some people mistakenly believe. That's in Winston-Salem.
The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary opened its doors in 1950 and has grown considerably since. I enjoy walking the grounds on this serene campus.
Photos: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
September 6 - Happy Onam!
Went to one of my favorite Indian restaurants, Sitar India Palace, in Durham for their special Onam brunch. It was a delicious meal, all vegetarian dishes, most I haven't had before (including 3 pumpkin dishes that are to-die-for) and I eat a LOT of Indian veggie dishes. I absolutley love the Eastern Indian culture. Everything has meaning and is pleasurable to all of the senses.
Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated in the state of Kerala. It is their most important festival. Legend has it that the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali as his spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
I got my first henna tattoo - a stunning design that covers most of my hand. Hopefully, it will last for several days or more (the artist told me how to care for it). And, I've been running around wearing a beautiful bindi between my eyebrows (the jewel that Indian women wear as a forehead decoration. It's so pretty, I want to keep that on too - but I'll save bindi for special occasions.
If you are in the Durham area, do yourself a big favor and stop at Sitar for lunch or dinner. Buffet is served every day from noon - 3, and for dinner on Friday and Saturday. You can also order from the menu (and for dinner during the rest of the week). As someone who has eaten Indian food in many countries, I can assure you that Sitar is among the finest. Check out their web site at: http://www.sitarindiapalace.net
Photos: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
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