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Sunday, October 26, 2014
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Directions, and this is not Mapquest
It's funny that whenever people ask for directions to our place, Chad gives directions that aren't available via Mapquest or Google Maps. I usually tell people just to map it. But then again, I'm not really talking to a whole bunch of people either besides utilities and such who have GPS and know the neighborhoods. Anyway, Chad usually starts out with: "Go out on Route 3 towards Culpepper." I guess that already tells people which way to head from wherever they are at.
I think he then tells them to go past Central Park (this is a big strip mall complex), go past Home Depot (another strip mall further down), past Zoan Baptist Church on your left, past Chancellor Battlefield...
So, the driver has to keep going down the road on Route 3 a good 7-9 miles. When he/she starts to see the Wilderness Presidential Resort on the left (I believe that is an RV camping place), he/she is getting close. Then he/she will see a small cemetary and immediately after that another baptist church. That is when the person should take an immediate left. Note that it is unprotected and there is no light. You cannot see the street address really well until you are almost turning. The lanes are lined by trees so you can't see the traffic on the other side, but luckily you can see oncoming traffic when you take your turn.
Now once you turn into this street from nowhere going nowhere, you head down until you see a 4-way stop. One goes to Brock Road back to F'burg. One goes to Spotsy Battlefield and Courthouse (not the way to go). One goes straight. Go straight.
On the right, there are two entrances you'll pass for the Wilderness subdivision. Diana will tell you that there was an attempted murder there a few weeks ago. Now you'll come upon Fawn Lake on the left. Take the left and you'll have to get past the gate guard which as I always say is why we moved here (i.e. the gate is there for a reason).
The rest is meandering through the subdivision. I don't know how many times I missed getting into Fawn Lake and once getting into Fawn Lake, missing the streets getting to our house. Apparently in VA, they like to use landmarks and not street signs to know where you are going. For example, I only know when to turn down my street by a yellow house on the corner. Otherwise, I keep driving. If I miss it, I sit and wonder why I've hit a dead end.
There are even signs with numbers on them for streets. I don't even know what they mean and why they are there. Are they unique? Are they route numbers or county road numbers? Does anyone use them because I've never heard anyone use them? Every main road seems to have them, but darned if I know what it is for our main road. So, like I said, everyone uses landmarks. Too bad Google Maps doesn't provide turn-by-turn directions based on landmarks or everyone here would use it more. That of course is another subject (which is the use or lack of use of the internet).
I think he then tells them to go past Central Park (this is a big strip mall complex), go past Home Depot (another strip mall further down), past Zoan Baptist Church on your left, past Chancellor Battlefield...
So, the driver has to keep going down the road on Route 3 a good 7-9 miles. When he/she starts to see the Wilderness Presidential Resort on the left (I believe that is an RV camping place), he/she is getting close. Then he/she will see a small cemetary and immediately after that another baptist church. That is when the person should take an immediate left. Note that it is unprotected and there is no light. You cannot see the street address really well until you are almost turning. The lanes are lined by trees so you can't see the traffic on the other side, but luckily you can see oncoming traffic when you take your turn.
Now once you turn into this street from nowhere going nowhere, you head down until you see a 4-way stop. One goes to Brock Road back to F'burg. One goes to Spotsy Battlefield and Courthouse (not the way to go). One goes straight. Go straight.
On the right, there are two entrances you'll pass for the Wilderness subdivision. Diana will tell you that there was an attempted murder there a few weeks ago. Now you'll come upon Fawn Lake on the left. Take the left and you'll have to get past the gate guard which as I always say is why we moved here (i.e. the gate is there for a reason).
The rest is meandering through the subdivision. I don't know how many times I missed getting into Fawn Lake and once getting into Fawn Lake, missing the streets getting to our house. Apparently in VA, they like to use landmarks and not street signs to know where you are going. For example, I only know when to turn down my street by a yellow house on the corner. Otherwise, I keep driving. If I miss it, I sit and wonder why I've hit a dead end.
There are even signs with numbers on them for streets. I don't even know what they mean and why they are there. Are they unique? Are they route numbers or county road numbers? Does anyone use them because I've never heard anyone use them? Every main road seems to have them, but darned if I know what it is for our main road. So, like I said, everyone uses landmarks. Too bad Google Maps doesn't provide turn-by-turn directions based on landmarks or everyone here would use it more. That of course is another subject (which is the use or lack of use of the internet).
Carl's Frozen Custard - closed till next year
Looks like we missed it, although I thought it was closed weeks ago. Carl's served it's last scoop of Frozen Custard last night, and won't be opening it's windows again till February. Here's the "scoop" on that from Wikipedia:
Carl's is closed each year from the Sunday before Thanksgiving until the Friday of Presidents Day Weekend. This is because Sponseller would close the shop each year for hunting season, and the current owners (also Sponseller family members) have continued the tradition.
I guess they take their hunting seriously here.
Carl's is closed each year from the Sunday before Thanksgiving until the Friday of Presidents Day Weekend. This is because Sponseller would close the shop each year for hunting season, and the current owners (also Sponseller family members) have continued the tradition.
I guess they take their hunting seriously here.
Looking for a few good restaurants
So we decide tonight that we want to try out a restaurant. I do my usual google map search, but thus far in this location it hasn't done me any good at all. It doesn't know where anything is at, and it only knows of a few shops. I don't know if google maps only captured data from 10 years ago, if google maps said that the few places it does pin are the only ones worthy of note, or if google maps just didn't care about mapping this area.
At any rate, I ditch Google Maps, and move on to Yelp. I am looking for a good restaurant, so I figure that I should go to the mother of sites on this. (Oh shoot - I guess I should start looking at Chowhound and some other non-usual places because Yelp is not helping either. This is just a side note.) I do a search on F'burg, and I think it pulls back like 20 places. Really? So, then I do a zip search. Ok now we have more than a few pages. Then I sort by ratings. Good gawd. I shouldn't be surprised, but I still am. Who the heck gives McDonald's 4 stars?! Where am I that people would give McDonald's 4 stars?! Oh yeah, I'm at the same place that has a fast food place called, "Steak and Shake."
So, then, silly me, I do a filter of only looking at high ratings with $$ or more (i.e. not fast food). Well, apparently, it's all relative. Most of the places that were coming up were Chinese, Sushi (not the real sushi as you and I know it, but the sushi made by non-Japanese because we all look-alike), Thai, and Korean. And actually, the Asian restaurants were considered expensive ($$$). Maybe Yelp should put some dollar figures around what these symbols mean. I guarantee you that these aren't high-end places like the ones we had in Danville, Alamo, and California in general that would warrant the $$$ or $$$+.
Anyway, we ended up doing what everyone else does here which is go to one of the chain places. I suppose it doesn't hurt because you have some idea of what you are getting, sort of (hopefully quality does not vary, even if the menu stays the same). I'm still trying to find the happy medium between mediocre chain (think Applebees) to high-end (which I'm hearing is "Old Towne Steak and Seafood"). Is there anything in between here??
At any rate, I ditch Google Maps, and move on to Yelp. I am looking for a good restaurant, so I figure that I should go to the mother of sites on this. (Oh shoot - I guess I should start looking at Chowhound and some other non-usual places because Yelp is not helping either. This is just a side note.) I do a search on F'burg, and I think it pulls back like 20 places. Really? So, then I do a zip search. Ok now we have more than a few pages. Then I sort by ratings. Good gawd. I shouldn't be surprised, but I still am. Who the heck gives McDonald's 4 stars?! Where am I that people would give McDonald's 4 stars?! Oh yeah, I'm at the same place that has a fast food place called, "Steak and Shake."
So, then, silly me, I do a filter of only looking at high ratings with $$ or more (i.e. not fast food). Well, apparently, it's all relative. Most of the places that were coming up were Chinese, Sushi (not the real sushi as you and I know it, but the sushi made by non-Japanese because we all look-alike), Thai, and Korean. And actually, the Asian restaurants were considered expensive ($$$). Maybe Yelp should put some dollar figures around what these symbols mean. I guarantee you that these aren't high-end places like the ones we had in Danville, Alamo, and California in general that would warrant the $$$ or $$$+.
Anyway, we ended up doing what everyone else does here which is go to one of the chain places. I suppose it doesn't hurt because you have some idea of what you are getting, sort of (hopefully quality does not vary, even if the menu stays the same). I'm still trying to find the happy medium between mediocre chain (think Applebees) to high-end (which I'm hearing is "Old Towne Steak and Seafood"). Is there anything in between here??
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Walmart - not too shabby
In California, Walmart is considered hella ghetto. I know that the one in Pleasanton brings out all the super ghetto people that you never knew existed in the affluent cities in the Tri-Valley area. And on top of that, there were always clothes on the floor, the place was generally dirty, and service was really lacking. In Concord, the word around my workplace was to be careful at Sam's Club (Walmart wholesale) and Costco because crime occurs in the parking lots at those places. That could be Concord in general (sorry Concord) or the locations that they are in. But, we try to be careful at the lower-end of the discount stores. Even some cities in the Bay Area vote out the very idea of Walmart or Super Walmart. What - Super Walmart? We can't have that here. No union, big box, and hella ghetto (they don't voice this out loud, but we know that's what they are thinking).
This is why Target is such a popular place in California. Costco is as well (except I don't go to the one in Concord). Target is like the upper-end of discount big-box stores. I do have to say though that they have gotten quite a bit expensive for things made in China. And they stock less and less. I find it very hard to locate items in the stores. For example, if I need blinds, they may have a few to pick from, and never in the size I need. If I need a weight scale, often times they have only one, and it's some old version that has a needle and dial so small you can't see it unless you are 10 inches tall.
In Virginia on the other hand or at least the one in Central Park F'burg, the Walmart is like a mecca. Hell, I don't even need to go to Target. I haven't even stepped into one yet. I was never a fan of the red and white branding to be honest. It's clean at the Walmart here. I actually walk in, and people are cleaning, mopping the floors, dusting (yes, dusting!), restocking, and reorganizing the shelves. Granted, I do go first thing in the morning. However, this is a 24 hour Walmart, so they could have done all of that in the middle of the night. BTW - when I hear 24 hour Walmart, I do think of the South Park episode when they built a Super Walmart in town.
Also, they actually have stuff. Lots of stuff. They have multiple curtains to choose from. Now I do have to say I thought their children's curtains and shower curtains were really lacking. Minus a point for that. I have to go with the pink polka-dot shower curtain instead of getting something Disney Princess. :( But, they did have a cute ducky shower curtain. Anyway, the point is that at Target I know I would not have been able to find a butter dish. But, I did find one at Walmart. Things were on the shelf and not on the floor at this Walmart. I didn't see any weird people yet at Walmart. But in the early mornings, you do get lucky in that they are probably all asleep from drinking all night or whatever it is that they do.
This Walmart did have Johnsonville sausages in the market section. Yeah. I was disappointed that Wegmans did not have that. Come on - who doesn't have Johnsonville Maple sausages? Oh I forget, I'm in the South now and it is ruled by Bob Evans and Jimmy Dean (I think there might be kids here named Jimmy Dean). It's very Southern to have a kid with 2 first names. Look at Chad. Or Ricky Bobby.
Anyway, I may have more to say about Walmart. Oh - remind me to comment on Christmas music being played early November, and how we saw Christmas commercials before Halloween. Sacrilege!
This is why Target is such a popular place in California. Costco is as well (except I don't go to the one in Concord). Target is like the upper-end of discount big-box stores. I do have to say though that they have gotten quite a bit expensive for things made in China. And they stock less and less. I find it very hard to locate items in the stores. For example, if I need blinds, they may have a few to pick from, and never in the size I need. If I need a weight scale, often times they have only one, and it's some old version that has a needle and dial so small you can't see it unless you are 10 inches tall.
In Virginia on the other hand or at least the one in Central Park F'burg, the Walmart is like a mecca. Hell, I don't even need to go to Target. I haven't even stepped into one yet. I was never a fan of the red and white branding to be honest. It's clean at the Walmart here. I actually walk in, and people are cleaning, mopping the floors, dusting (yes, dusting!), restocking, and reorganizing the shelves. Granted, I do go first thing in the morning. However, this is a 24 hour Walmart, so they could have done all of that in the middle of the night. BTW - when I hear 24 hour Walmart, I do think of the South Park episode when they built a Super Walmart in town.
Also, they actually have stuff. Lots of stuff. They have multiple curtains to choose from. Now I do have to say I thought their children's curtains and shower curtains were really lacking. Minus a point for that. I have to go with the pink polka-dot shower curtain instead of getting something Disney Princess. :( But, they did have a cute ducky shower curtain. Anyway, the point is that at Target I know I would not have been able to find a butter dish. But, I did find one at Walmart. Things were on the shelf and not on the floor at this Walmart. I didn't see any weird people yet at Walmart. But in the early mornings, you do get lucky in that they are probably all asleep from drinking all night or whatever it is that they do.
This Walmart did have Johnsonville sausages in the market section. Yeah. I was disappointed that Wegmans did not have that. Come on - who doesn't have Johnsonville Maple sausages? Oh I forget, I'm in the South now and it is ruled by Bob Evans and Jimmy Dean (I think there might be kids here named Jimmy Dean). It's very Southern to have a kid with 2 first names. Look at Chad. Or Ricky Bobby.
Anyway, I may have more to say about Walmart. Oh - remind me to comment on Christmas music being played early November, and how we saw Christmas commercials before Halloween. Sacrilege!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Handgun accident at the Giant
Sad news story. However, I can't fathom having your handgun next to your seatbelt like this. Chad believes that it was due to an improper holster that didn't cover the trigger since in Virginia you can carry one on your hip exposed due to the "Open Carry" Law. Yikes - I guess I will avoid making someone mad here.
Guy shoots himself at Giant
Guy shoots himself at Giant
Weird names in VA
Has anyone ever wondered about this?
Gas stations here have the oddest names: Wawa (with a bird as a logo) and Sheetz. I pronounce the latter as a slow sh*t in a country drawl. Yes, because it's funny. I also saw a big box retail store called Gander Mountain. I'm assuming this is like REI or Any Mountain. It has a bird as a logo as well. What is the fascination with birds here?
Chad doesn't understand why there is a grocery store chain named "Bloom." It sounds more like a flower shop. Other grocery stores names are: Giant (not only for tall people), Wegmans (which is actually supposedly the higher end - more on that later), and Food Lion (because lions are damn hungry). I'll have to do an article lamenting the malls, and our giddy experience at Short Pump Town Center an hour and a half away. Remind me.
Then there are places you drive by like the "Git N Go." I am fascinated by this one and want to get a picture so that you'll believe me. However, Chad is usually speeding by at 60 mph. And no, that is not the speed limit. I'm wondering what they specialize in. Do they have liquor, chewing tobacco, and guns?
And every church here is a Baptist church with a small smattering of Catholic churches. They have several with the word, "Zoan" or "Zion." I can only assume it's like the one in "Ghostbusters" and that they are looking for the Gatekeeper.
Roads here are confusing. More on that later too - with the numbers and having to use landmarks. But a quick note on names: lots of roads are Plank Road for example or Old Plank Road, in that fashion. So, when Chad and I pass those types of road, I made a funny bit of it by using a Southern old drawl from the "Lady and the Tramp" (specifically the dog Old Reliable), saying, "Oooollldd Plank Road. Not New Plank Road. It's not old enough. Ollllldddd Plank Road." It was much funnier when we were house hunting in Richmond when they had the Old Hundred Road. "It's not the New Hundred Road. It's not a 10 year old road. It's the OLLLLDDD Hundred Road." OK - I'm a silly billy.
Every pizza place besides the chains are named Mama's. I guess it's to counteract the Papa's out there. And we know who really does the cooking anyway in Italy (Mama).
Some of the roads and stores have names that sound like you're going to vomit. Example: there's a department store called, "Belk." And there's a road here called, "Brock"
OMG - I actually saw an "Aflac" store too. Never knew they existed!
I'll try and remember what other weirdo names I've been seeing. I try to take a mental note, but as Shay says, "I don't have alzheimers. I have some-timers."
Gas stations here have the oddest names: Wawa (with a bird as a logo) and Sheetz. I pronounce the latter as a slow sh*t in a country drawl. Yes, because it's funny. I also saw a big box retail store called Gander Mountain. I'm assuming this is like REI or Any Mountain. It has a bird as a logo as well. What is the fascination with birds here?
Chad doesn't understand why there is a grocery store chain named "Bloom." It sounds more like a flower shop. Other grocery stores names are: Giant (not only for tall people), Wegmans (which is actually supposedly the higher end - more on that later), and Food Lion (because lions are damn hungry). I'll have to do an article lamenting the malls, and our giddy experience at Short Pump Town Center an hour and a half away. Remind me.
Then there are places you drive by like the "Git N Go." I am fascinated by this one and want to get a picture so that you'll believe me. However, Chad is usually speeding by at 60 mph. And no, that is not the speed limit. I'm wondering what they specialize in. Do they have liquor, chewing tobacco, and guns?
And every church here is a Baptist church with a small smattering of Catholic churches. They have several with the word, "Zoan" or "Zion." I can only assume it's like the one in "Ghostbusters" and that they are looking for the Gatekeeper.
Roads here are confusing. More on that later too - with the numbers and having to use landmarks. But a quick note on names: lots of roads are Plank Road for example or Old Plank Road, in that fashion. So, when Chad and I pass those types of road, I made a funny bit of it by using a Southern old drawl from the "Lady and the Tramp" (specifically the dog Old Reliable), saying, "Oooollldd Plank Road. Not New Plank Road. It's not old enough. Ollllldddd Plank Road." It was much funnier when we were house hunting in Richmond when they had the Old Hundred Road. "It's not the New Hundred Road. It's not a 10 year old road. It's the OLLLLDDD Hundred Road." OK - I'm a silly billy.
Every pizza place besides the chains are named Mama's. I guess it's to counteract the Papa's out there. And we know who really does the cooking anyway in Italy (Mama).
Some of the roads and stores have names that sound like you're going to vomit. Example: there's a department store called, "Belk." And there's a road here called, "Brock"
OMG - I actually saw an "Aflac" store too. Never knew they existed!
I'll try and remember what other weirdo names I've been seeing. I try to take a mental note, but as Shay says, "I don't have alzheimers. I have some-timers."
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