Roanoke Photos

A Night Storm

2007-06-26T18:31:00.000-04:00

So never before catching lightening on a camera I am very excited about this so here are my shots I am sharing with you.

If you look to the right of the funky lights in the middle you can see the faint lightening bolt.

In this photo the lightening really wanted to show off so you can see it without me pointing it out

This is just to show you what the storm looked like with the lightening just brightening the sky.

St. Patrick's Day Parade!

2007-03-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

So sue me, I may be almost a week late but at least the photos are going up!

Ronald McDonald Kicked off the parade

Here is our Grand Marshall - He is the local Roanoke City cop who in the last year has saved 3 or 4 people from committing suicide in the area!

Here is our own local Bagpipe group - WARPIPES! These guys are awesome in person!

Here is another photo of Warpipes.

Here our a couple of the founders of the new group Irish American Cultural Society of Roanoke. This group is for anyone who wants to learn more about Ireland and no you don't have to be Irish!

And here is the float they made for the parade.

Yes we have our very own leprechaun here in Roanoke

Here we have the Knights of Columbus (in their funny hats) followed by...

The Ancient Order of Hibernians.

And one more photo of those Hibernians.

Since blogger seems to be acting up I will stop here for now and bring you more later!

The Zoo Part 4

2007-03-16T19:48:00.000-04:00

Ok so continuing on our tour of the Mill Mountain Zoo here are 2 beautiful Snow Leopards. Their fur was still very thick for the winter and they seemed to be enjoying the cold day outside.

Here we have Kazakhstan Corsac Fox, he is very pretty and shy. This little guy didn't really want to pose for a picture but he let me get one anyways.

This guy is the Zoos' very own funny Llama. While I was there, this llama was jumping around like a bunny rabbit which was very funny! Oh and can you spot the Pot-Bellied Pig?

This is a Dwarf Zebu. He was very busy eating!

I love these guys, I call them furry chickens and then I come home and snuggle with my own furry chicken - my Shih Tzu.

Well there will b e 2 more posts from the Zoo and I will also have stuff from tomorrows St. Paddy's Day Parade and festival! Erin Go Bragh!

The Zoo Part 3

2007-03-03T18:05:00.000-05:00

More from the Mill Mountain Zoo

Nina - the newest edtion at the Zoo, is a 10 month old cougar, brought here from Columbus Zoo. She is still in a very playful stage in her life and loves to stalk you as you walk along her cage.

She has gotten much larger since I first saw her after the zoo got her and showed her to the public.

Here is the majestic Sam the Bald Eagle, what else can I say except that he has moved to a larger enclosure. He is majestic!

Ok, I know I forgot to get the names of the owls and here is another beautiful owl!

This guy is the Red Panda. He is quite spectacular, his colors and face are beautiful and look like they have been painted on!

Also found this on the Zoos' website - The Mill Mountain Zoo will be appearing during the PBS "Nature" series from 7-9 p.m. on March 4th. See our Zoo Staff and Board Members working the phones and catch some live animals in the studio with our friends from Blue Ridge Public Television. So be sure to catch some farmilar faces on the TV! Also since they say they have tickets left (that are alittle out of my range) Don't forget...

Join us for a very exclusive evening with wildlife expert and television host Jack Hanna and some of his amazing animals, March 8th at the Shenandoah Club in Roanoke, VA. Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and Wildlife program to begin at 6:30 p.m. Contact the Shenandoah Club at (540) 345-1576 x 1 to reserve your tickets today. PLUS, an exclusive opportunity to purchase some Ruby the Tiger bronze statues! There are just a few $500 tickets left for this event. This Fundraiser will benefit the Zoo's mission of wildlife Education, Conservation and Recreation. Tickets: $200 (sold out), $500, and $1000 at Jack's table (Tickets are non-refundable. Children must be 10 years or older) Join us for a "wild" evening and support your local Zoo!

Date: 3/8/2007

Time: Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. / Dinner and Program at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: Only a few $500 Tickets left!

Have fun and I will see you all soon!

The Zoo Part 2

2007-02-19T17:56:00.000-05:00

So to continue are walk through Mill Mountain Zoo, here are some more animals and birds that they have.

Here are some Owls, but I forgot to get the names of them so right now I am not sure.

This beautiful cat is actually a fishing cat. She is quite stunning and also didn't like being photographed the day I was there.

Here is another beautiful owl, and once again I forgot to find out what kind it is!

Here are 2 of the 3 Japanese Macaques, yes 1 of these monkeys may be Oops!

And then there are there stunning Red Tailed Hawks. There are 2 of them in the picture.

Well stay tuned for the next time when we explore more of our beautiful Mill Mountain Zoo!

The Zoo Part 1

2007-02-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

I know, I know I did a post last year on the Zoo but I love going there plus I got a new camera and I went there to try it out. I also want to keep the Zoo in everybody's mind because what they are going to be doing this coming year, the new look of the Zoo. Anyways on to the photos - that is why you came, right?

So I started with the geese who are right next to the gift shop and boy were they loud that day!

Here is the lone prairie dog, he was out and about wagging his little tail! He is very cute.

There were cardinals all over the Zoo, both male and female and they were just stunning.

Next up is the lazy wolverine, who actually looks kinda cute until you look at those paws and teeth!

Up next we move on to the Tufted Deer, she is a pretty little deer.

So next time I will have more photos as soon as blogger wants to cooperate!

Winter Fun?

2007-01-21T21:15:00.000-05:00

So this was our winter fun, little sleet balls that ended up covering everything. And blocking the Star.

You can see how it was starting to build up here. And no it did not bend the pole, from what I have heard it has been like that for years.

Same shot as above just a little different angle.

This night shot may be hard to see but the ground is covered in ice/slush from the hours of sleet that fell.

The area under the lights is more road that is covered in ice. I guess we will now wait and see what tomorrow brings.

An Evening with a Star

2007-01-15T17:45:00.000-05:00

These photos are taken from the Star at sunset.

The sunset through some trees atop Mill Mountain.

The great Star - not on yet. Doesn't it look huge!

Another shot of the Star.

These are some random stairs left at the top of Mill Mountain by the Star.

This is nailed on a tree off the trail by the Star, I'm not really sure what it is for but was interesting anyways.

Florabella...

2007-01-05T19:14:00.000-05:00

Florabella

The windows at Florabella for this past Christmas were just stunning. I know this is late getting posted but I am still so impressed by these photos.

9/11

2006-09-11T01:27:00.000-04:00

My 9/11 Tribute from Downtown Roanoke.

Please remember to take a moment of silence at 8:46am on 9/11 to Remember all of those who we lost on this very tragic and hallowed day. Also I found this great post on another local poster out of Roanoke, the blog has some very moving pictures from 9/11, roanoke-found. Oh and remember next time you see a firefighter, police officer or anybody in uniform just say a simple thank you for all they do every day. Without them we would all be lost.

Mill Mountain Zoo

2006-07-22T17:30:00.000-04:00

THE ZOO!!!!!

I love the Mill Mountain Zoo, I know I know I love everything I have put up so far but I really enjoy spending time up there. So this is the entrance after you walk through the flowers.

The photos are not in any true order which is why I decided to put this one next, it's the mini star on top of the Mill Mountain Zoo's train. It even includes the neon tubing.

This is the only snow leopard that felt like being photogenic on the day I was there. He is one beautiful kitty!

So this is the prairie, prairie dog habitat and on top of the skull in the middle of the photo is one of the many little prairie dogs, he has his back to us.

Here we have who I have dubbed Sam the Eagle, you can see how his wing on the right sticks out at an angle. That is because "Sam" was injured at some point is his life and now he has the life at the zoo being catered to.

Here's one of the many other birds they have at the Zoo, the Toucan. This guy was just hanging out in the sun watching everybody wander by.

And here is the Zoo's new pride and joy, Nina. Nina is just under one year and very curious and playful as you can see here. She still has not yet fully matured but has come to us from another wonderful zoo so she many grow and teach us great things. She came to us from the great Columbus Zoo where Jack Hanna is the director.

So take some time and head up to the Star and see the Zoos' newest star and also say hi to our newest zoo director too!

Monkey Huntin'

2006-07-10T17:59:00.000-04:00

So I went monkey huntin' on Sunday, I had wanted to go Saturday but instead I ended up go people huntin' as I had found a little dog on my way to Mill Mountain - I did find the owners. So here are the photos from Sundays walk down the mountain. This is at the top of the old Incline Railway looking down at the top of Carilion and South Roanoke.

On the way down I crossed this bridge, one of two switchbacks on the old road going down the front of the mountain. This switchback is at the old mayors house that you can see when looking at the Star and going down the mountain.

This is a great shot I took while walking down from the first switchback. But still no sign of the monkey here.

Here MONKEY, MONKEY!

MONKEY!!!!!

MONKEY?!?!?!?!

What is this all the way down at the bottom of the road and at the end of my walk down? Now I had heard rumors of its existence, the old toll plaza at the bottom, and here is the proof of its mystical presence.

It is real! So here is the end of this post and no monkey sightings while going down. But while out and about on the mountain the monkey had been found, was being tracked and eventually caught. So the monkey hunting comes to an end. I have been through some interesting things so far in life including the big black out of 2003 and 9/11 and now I can add Monkey huntin'' to my impressive list of strange and scary things that have happened!

Buttons to play with...

2006-06-17T10:15:00.000-04:00

I LOVE BUTTONS!!

Whenever I see buttons I have the need to hit them - to see if anything will happen, if I am out walking somewhere I never expect them to actually do anything. But these pretty buttons actually do work! YEAH!!

So the buttons above control this light and another one on the deck area to. The lights change color and positions. Really too cool!

This little thing along the railwalk, which I am not sure what exactly it does in the train world but I do know that you can go up to it and move the lever so that it turns to the other side. Once again totally hands on and cool.

If you look closely up the pole you will see what looks to be a lamp of some sort. But it is not, nope it is an old train bell with another BUTTON! I will suggest that if you choose to hit that button not to be standing under it, it's really, really loud but fun!

The first pole here holds the buttons for 2 things. One button turns on a small light that is in front the silver box in the picture and the other button activates the air horn further back, yes an air horn that sounds like what's on the trains today.

So here is my final photo with this post. This lonely little gate sitting all alone also has a button to make it go up and down with the lights flashing and the bells ding away!

So all this fun can be yours for a short walk down Norfolk Ave located behind Billy's Ritz and the Wachovia Tower, now remember to start behind Billy's Ritz and enjoy your walk. Also make sure to check back there from time to time because I heard they will be extending it all the way down to the transportation museum.

A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity...

2006-06-06T21:06:00.000-04:00

This is a rare and wonderful thing that happened. When I was walking out of work one evening, I happened to look up at Mill Mountain and saw a rainbow that streched from one side - what looks to be south east Roanoke to just the other side of the mountain. What a breathtaking scene and I felt so very lucky to be witnessing it.

<----- Public Sidewalk

2006-06-02T19:42:00.000-04:00

What does it say on the sign?
This sign is at the entrance to Wertz's Restaurant, it tells us their daily specials and also at the bottom it says <--- PUBLIC SIDEWALK. Now I could swear that where all the tables are is where the public sidewalk is, or atleast that's where it is during the rest of the week. When we went out on Sunday to go to the market and the festival we park and walked down Kirk to the market. We went to walk in front of Wertz to start our way and we confronted by rope and tables. So there we had to walk where the vendors usually sit which is a small walkway. Now I love that the vendors are there on sundays, excited actually. But now that these restaurants are pushing out and taking over the sidewalks there don't seem to be as many venders. The two restaurants that are doing this on a consistent basis Wertz and Trio and I don't doubt Table 50 will do it too, now I'm sure you are saying but Jeffery's and Ernie's do it too. And I agree they do but they don't push anybody out of the way - they only seem to have two tables out also there are no venders on that side. The one other issue I see besides no where to go for the venders or shoppers is the failure to be ADA compliant. Where are the people in wheelchairs suppose to go when there is a streaming neverending supply of people marching at them - fall of the curb? Maybe I would AND then I would turn around and sue the city for letting this happen. Can a wheelchair fit through the small openings between the tables and make the tight turn that is required to go around the venders tables that don't move? I usually don't like to get to political but I really feel this is a major issue one that the city should be addressing before something does happen or it becomes a bigger issue.

THE END...

2006-05-31T23:01:00.000-04:00

The begining of the end, when we got there tonight this is what we found, the back of the Lonesome Dove or Tony's Place had already started to collapse in on itself...
When we got to the front we found the demo had started, it was told to us that they were suppose to just be taking of the roof and top floor only tonight and that the rest of the building would be taken down tomorrow. They did save the sills from around the windows though.

Here is a close up of them pushing the
boarded up windows in so they don't fall out onto the street.

I skip foward to were they started the actual demo of the total building, they said the structure was compromised and that the whole thing had to come down.

This photo shows how the demo was going and the cracks that were made while doing the demo.

And the final straw that broke the camals back brings down the building in a giant crash, the front window never breaking until the very end - a very poetic ending for such a historic building.

These are the photos of the aftermath of the building having come down, a piece of history we have lost to modern piece of something. But hopefully we will all have are memories and the photos...

THE END.

More Lights!

2006-05-23T18:21:00.000-04:00

These are on the old Norfolk-Western Supply and Stationary building on Jefferson St. north. I just love these lights! In this close up you can see the beautiful details, although they don't seem to throw off as much light as they may have years ago.

Here is a bit of another shot of the light. This one shows a longer view - where the light actually starts, hanging down from a chain.

Jefferson St NW

2006-05-19T19:48:00.000-04:00

As I was walking along Jefferson St the other day I happen to come upon these great windows. They are on the old Norfolk-Western Supply and Stationary building. These windows are really art deco pieces and quite stunning.

Here is a close up shot of the bottom part of the window. These are really lovely.

Saying Goodbye...

2006-05-19T19:05:00.000-04:00

*So here I was all ready to put up this lovely post about the Lonesome Dove, when I go downtown on this past Sunday and it is still standing, the next day I read in the Roanoke Times that they will not be taking it down until sometime in June. So I will post this now and when they finally take it down I will do another!

So here it stands in all its' former glory, just another building in downtown Roanoke. This is the Lonesome Dove Bar. This building was almost 100 years old and now it is gone. The reason for it being taken down - the new art museum. Now they said they came up with a plan to save it but that is not the truth. They said they would take down the front and just move it around to the other side of Billy's Ritz, but what they are actually doing is making a new front to look like the original. That is not saving a piece of history.

This building has always been some kind of resturant or bar with apartments upstairs. Knowing that this weekend they had planned on taking down the historic building I thought it only fitting to say goodbye to it on the page here.

*For right now they have taken down the old sign from the front over the door and some brackets and some other minor stuff.

Gainsboro

2006-05-13T17:33:00.000-04:00

I thought this was just the coolest thing when I found it. If you don't stop to look you never know what you are missing. Over on the streets of Gainsboro you will find little medallions like this on the most random of places. This one on a grate surrounding a tree.

Here is another medallion in a lamp post just out of the way that many people might not even notice it but cool not the less. So in case you were wondering about the G and R, it stands for Gainsboro, Roanoke.

Now on one of our many expeditions into downtown we had wondered into the Gainsboro area. Many of you may have noticed the work they are doing near the higher education building on Shenandoah Ave, where they are putting in the new cooking school. Well when we came across this beautiful mural on the back wall in what use to be a jazz club many years ago, we were worried that we may lose just a wonderful piece of history. But our fears can be put to rest in a recent article in the Roanoke Times it said that to use the area they had to retain some of the original walls and that the wall in the photo will be one of them! Yeah!

Old Street Lights

2006-05-13T17:00:00.000-04:00

I have not decided why but I love the old street lights that you can find downtown. They are called acorn style, which you can see why. I haven't done any research yet as to the makers of the post - maybe later. What I do love is the different styles of the tops if you stop and really look.

Like this one. If you look closely you will see the small differences. Around the top the glass is shorter with a different topper to it.

This one too has the little differences. Look carefully between all three. Just an interesting little tidbit that I found while looking up street light info, when street lights like this where first put up they were put in places like intersections or leading up to intersections to give warning of a street or stop light ahead.

I really like this three-armed post. It does look the same as one of the other photos, just with three arm instead of two. These photos were all taken downtown within blocks of each other yet all have little differences about them. The stuff we find when we stop and look!

I Love The Market!

2006-05-06T07:58:00.000-04:00

Now that spring is here I love to go
to the market. I try to go on both
Saturday and Sunday even if all I do is walk around. I am thrilled that the vendors out there and some of the restaurant's are open on Sundays. There are also carriage rides available.

My favorite part of the market is all the beautiful plants that are there. This shot has herbs and lot of them. The other shot is a great of of some of the pretty plants you can find.

Just a short walk

2006-05-02T23:52:00.000-04:00

Just a short walk from here is the old road that people use to have to take to get up to the star. This road runs from right behind the welcome center up on Mill Mountain. If you find it or have ever been on it you will see how tiny it is but just keep in mind that cars drove up it and it was a 2 way street. SCARY!

Once walking down the beautiful scenic road, you begin to see signs from a distant past. Like this amazing staircase that is still part of the mountain right on the side of the road. Where they led to or even what memories they still hold, we may never know but it is fun to look at them and image who may have walked up and down them.

A little further down from those stairs is one of the two switchbacks that you use to have to drive through and over. This is the first one you encounter when walking down from the top. You walk over the top and then curve around to go under. These are small, as is the road and to image what is would have been like to be in a car going up or down - no thanks, I'll stick to walking.

The most photogenic church

2006-05-02T07:12:00.000-04:00

I truly believe this church, St. Andrews is the most photogenic and photographed church in the Roanoke area. You can see it from 581 and from almost anywhere downtown. I know I have taken many photos of it and it has snuck into many photos I have. The beautiful golden brick is even stunning up close along with the stained glass windows as it sits on its perch on the top of the hill in Gainesboro.

This second photo was taken looking head on from Shenandoah Ave and N Jefferson St. The church looks as though it is peeping through the trees.

The Very Beginning

2006-04-29T19:38:00.000-04:00

I have started this as a photo blog, I have so many photos of Roanoke that I just want to share them all. We all forget to look up or down or just all around to take in the things that surround us, that is what most of these photos will be.

This is one of my favorite shots. Looking into the glass front at the O. Winston Link Museum you get these great reflective shots. This one has the Hotel Roanoke, the old neon Hotel Roanoke sign and back a little further is St. Andrews Church.

This is another great photo that my
husband took when we were downtown Roanoke, right after all the trees had come to bloom. This is looking down Campbell Ave towards Jefferson St.