July 18, 2010

Hot

It has been very hot here--in the upper 90s every day, as it is again today--so I haven't had a chance to explore Richmond with Audrey. I did walk down to the farmer's market at the train station on Thursday. None of my new co-workers had ever been, but they declined to trot 7 blocks in the heat; no doubt they have formed an interesting opinion of me ("you certainly do like to explore!" I do! I do!) So I set out on a 97-degree day to see what was on offer. I passed some interesting stuff: an old-time variety store, paint peeling and windows full of bright orange placards, selling "fried bologna steak sandwiches" and other curiosities. It has been a long time since I have had a good bologna sandwich--put a slice or two in a hot pan and cook until blistered and puffy, then slap on the yellow mustard and eat it between two slices of squishy white Hol-sum bread with a thick slice of tomato that soaks the bread. We get a lot of interesting food in Richmond, a city far more southern-feeling than the part of Virginia where I live, 65 miles north. We routinely have lunch at the Suntrust Bank cafeteria, which serves all manner of sandwiches and grilled items and good crunchy southern fried chicken wings. The sandwiches are served with piles of marinated red onions on them. The Arby's, which anywhere else is forgettable fast food, cooks breakfast sandwiches to order on big, fluffy homemade biscuits. Even the Wawa, the huge gas station where I stop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to fill up (these days I'm spending on gas what I used to spend for a bus ticket), serves "shorti" sandwiches--fabulous breakfast sandwiches on ciabbata bread (or pick up a lunch sandwich to go) to be eaten in the parking lot next door. I don't mind dashboard dining, but I can't drive and eat with eggy bits falling into my lap. Also, I've been trying to cach up with the Boka Truk ("Takos for your Mouf") which advertises its food as being Mexican/Asian/American fusion.

For whatever reason, Richmond is a town at lunch of card-table vendors, where you can buy anything from bulgogi to a chicken salad sandwich to Thai noodles from a hand-made wooden plywood cart, or straight off a card table. I'll be sampling and reporting on what I eat. And taking pictures if it ever cools down to the 80s!

Anyway, here's the train station (photo borrowed from Wiki) as it was in 1971. It doesn't look very different now. There weren't many farmers--I was told there are many more on Friday night and Saturday--but I did get a nice bag of Hanover tomatoes, which are famously huge and juicy.



The heat has mostly convinced me to stay inside, stitching. This is Sous le Soleil:



With a close-up of the moon and stars done with Gloriana silk:


And here's a before picture of Catharine McNeal.


After.


Here's Pink, looking cool and snowy. Pink says, "it's best to stay inside when it's sunny and hot to keep from getting sun-burned ears."


Happy week ahead!

27 comments:

Margaret said...

It's funny -- I used to think the only Wawa that existed was right outside my college campus. I've since learned I was wrong. lol! I love your WIPs. Both are beautiful! It's definitely too hot to do anything IMO. lol!

DebbieSFL said...

WIPs are great. I also like to explore whenever I move or visit a city that I am not familiar with. And I also love a fried bologna sandwich. Rediscovered them this past spring and still as yummy as I remember!!!

Karen said...

Your WIPs are looking great, Glenna. You're really booking with Catherine; I'm looking forward to seeing her finished.

I hope the heat abates a bit so your exploring will be a little cooler :-) Omigosh, I can't believe you drive 65 miles each way to work! I used to do about that round trip and thought it was horrible. You are the woman!

Daffycat said...

Wow, I love me some fried bologna sandwiches ~ yum! Isn't this heat terrible? I understand it's over a lot of the US right now. Today when I left the hospital the car's thermometer said 107. 107 ~ are you kidding me?

Katherine said...

Soleil looks wonderful! Yep, it's been hot. And DRY, DRY, DRY. Be sure to take Audrey over to see Maymont; beautiful gardens with lovely fountains!

Trina said...

Love your WIP's! I agree that with this heat - it's safer indoors and much stitching can be accomplished!

Happy Stitching!

Littlebit said...

I just had dinner but am hungry again after reading about your trip. :) Oh my goodness..what beautiful, beautiful stitching!! I love the colors.

Alice said...

Your stitching is gorgeous! I hope it cools down soon, just in time for me to come home from comparatively chilly Calgary. I bet Pink could easily get a sunburn.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Loved reading about your wanderings around Richmond. I hope the weather cools down some so that Audrey will want to venture out too.
Your WIPs look fabulous.

MyLifesAStitch said...

Hold on... okay, I'm back. Had to go get something to stuff my face with. This post made me so hungry, lol! It ALL sounded like exactly what I want to eat right now.

Nice progress on both pieces!

Cari said...

Your WIP's are beautiful...just beautiful. Love the pic of Pink as well. I'm looking forward to more adventures with Audrey!! Have a great week!!

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Pink is wise to stay out of the sun. No doubt he's cautioned Audrey on the dangers, although it's worth noting she hiked in very bright sun and hot weather when she went with me to Big Bend.

RG said...

Holy Smoke, where to begin!

Something about that word Richmond reminds me of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down".

I would like my fried bologna on rye, but with all those fixings.

Fried bologna must be a southern deal - Tom T. Hall has a song about getting tossed in a southern country jail for speeding and having hot bologna, eggs and gravy every morning!

Good oh for exploring - I know before we moved to the Seattle area long ago I got lots of books and read about it. Then, when we got there there were so many places to go and see - neighbors thought I was nuts.

Keep cool Pink and all .. the bunns say Hey!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

OMG, fried bologna sandwiches and Hanover tomatoes - delicious!!! My folks are coming for a quick visit this weekend - I may have to ask them to bring some 'maters. I miss Richmond and it sounds like you're having a great time exploring - good for you!

Your stitching is amazing! Pink is darling and smart - good advice!

Giovanna said...

Both of your WIPs are wonderful, but I have a very soft spot for Soleil - beautiful!

Nancy said...

Your samplers are always so pretty to see! These are just gorgeous.

There is nothing like home grown tomatoes in the summer!

mainely stitching said...

Your post reminds me of my last trip through the south (which was too many years ago). The food was so interesting and different - and delicious! ;)

It's hot here, too. Pushing or passing 90 day after day. Whew, I sure wasn't expecting that here in Maine! Take care and stay cool!

Michelle said...

It's so hot here too - I'd rather stay inside. It sounds like you have lots of exploring and adventuring to do around your new office. How fun. Love love love your progress on your two WIPs (especially the moon and stars).

Katrina said...

Sounds like you have a great new place to work with lots of chances to explore over lunch :-). Love the stitchy pictures, I really need to start Catharine McNeal!

RG said...

Forgot to comment on WaWa .. that's a town in Ontario up North of Lake Superior - got a huge metal statue of a goose - WaWa is the old Objibwa name for them.

Tammy said...

Pink is precious. I have an uncontrollable urge to kiss bunny lips now. And your post made me very hungry! Careytown is where I at my first fried pickle, lol. Loved it! Your stitching is beautiful!!

Cindy said...

Love your WIPs. I work in downtown Richmond also. We should connect and compare projects.

Glenna said...

Cindy, I work at 901 E Cary in the tower with the Wendy's in it. Where are you? I think it'd be fun to get together!

Stitch By Stitch said...

The WIP are looking great! I love the moon and stars! Just beautiful! Pink is a very wise bunny, stay inside, sunburn is no fun:(

Berit said...

Love this post--perhaps because I'm on a strict detox diet. I read every word with a wishful piety, lol.

Beautiful stitching as ever, and Pink sure does look like snow in this heat!

HollyXSing said...

I love the Main Street Station in Richmond! It's home to many wedding receptions these days! I've been to two there in the last six months! You'll need to go in and see it. It's a wonderful place! The Hanover tomatoes are the best! As I told you before, I live in Ashland (in good ole' Hanover County)! I'm glad you're enjoying Richmond. It's a great place! -Holly

Valerie said...

Glad that you are exploring Richmond! And yes, it is more southern than NOVA! Your WIP's are fabulous...you have such gorgeous stitching! I look forward to more progress pics!