Sleepy heads

I guess I'm not the only person that feels less energetic when it's gloomy outside. I got myself to Tanglewood for my morning constitution and at 10:00 there were stores that still remained closed. It was dark in Belk up until just a few minutes before opening time and the door on the first level actually remained closed until 10:05 with patrons waiting outside. There were even gloomy faces on shopkeepers, although I'll bet it's more than just gloomy weather that brings a frown. I don't know about you, but it always cheers me up when someone smiles. Like the woman who works the counter at Chick Fil-A. She always seems to have a smile on her face like she did when she waited on me this morning as I ordered my coffee.

There's a new vendor in the center of the mall near JC Penney that is selling jewelry items and looks to be doing repairs as well. She worked without any direct lighting at her workspace and probably missed the sunshine more than the rest of us as she worked with her magnifying head gear and hand tools on a tiny gold chain.

Steve & Barry's University Shop now displays "liquidation" sale signs. I heard a report on the news the other night that the Tanglewood store will remain open as other stores in the area close so I'm not sure what the life expectancy of the store will be given that they are "liquidating."

Mystery boxes

I was ready to walk early this morning and the fog had not cleared yet. Down to the river I went and the fog lifted to reveal a cloudless sky. The cool temperature prevailed long enough for me to get my walk in without feeling like I would spontaneously combust. In front of the rail station there are 3 boxes being built near the walkway. I had met the Roanoke Parks and Recreation Superintendent at an event earlier this year and mentioned to him that I have seen exercise stations in other towns along their greenways. I put in my 2 cents that it would be nice to have them in Roanoke too. Could this be what the mystery boxes are being built for? It will be interesting to see how they turn out.

During my mall walk earlier this week I noticed some activity at the former Stein Mart and I wonder what the removal of the old lettering from the store windows could mean, if anything. I think it would be the perfect spot for a DSW shoe warehouse store. I've been in a few around the country and am always amazed at the variety of shoes to be found under one roof.

The old Walenbooks store is empty again after the used book sale that took place last weekend. I haven't seen that many people in line awaiting a store opening since Black Friday.

An awkward moment

Throughout Tangelwood's first level the kiddie rides have recently been upgraded. I love to watch the faces of the little ones as they pretend to drive a vehicle that gently shakes them around. Yesterday as I approached one of the rides in front of Belk, there were a couple of "older" guys who could not resist the draw of the ride's empty seat. One crammed himself into the tiny seat and his buddy was taking his picture using a cell phone. Then along comes the mall security guard to chide them and tell them to move along. These 2 passed by me on my next trip around the mall where I could get a better look at them. I'd say they were at least in their sixties so rides like these were most likely not available in malls when they were kids but this day they would not be denied. Here's to the child within! No harm, no foul.

A Quiet Tuesday

I had hoped for a walk by the river this morning but rain was falling as I left the house so I opted for Tanglewood. It seemed quiet to me as there weren't many other walkers that I had to dodge as I made my way around the mall. I actually heard music when I passed by Hayden Music. It sounded like someone was practicing a keyboard lesson; not bad. I noticed some activity in the old Foot Action space. Preparing for a new tenant perhaps. The former Walden Books store has been loaded up with used books in preparation for this weekend's book sale to support the American Association of University Women. Personally, I am looking forward to going to the Greek Festival this weekend so I hope that the weather cooperates. I should put in a few extra miles of walking this week so I won't feel so bad about the baklava that I'm sure to indulge in. Opa!!!

Ugly at any price

There are plenty of sale racks at Tanglewood stores offering the last of this summer's clothing remnants. The prices have been slashed and I was sure that I would find a great bargain on something I could use. But, alas, ugly is still ugly at any price and that's pretty much what's left on the racks. I'll pass until I can afford something that I will actually wear.

I stopped in for a closer look at Kay Jewelers and was warmly greeted by a sales associate who gave me the grand tour of their new space. She also shared with me that Kay offers repossessed items on their web site at significant savings. (I searched the web site but couldn't find a thing about this.) The displays take advantage of lighting, the open corner store placement within the mall and window display design. It is totally the opposite of what I see when I pass the newly opened Raquela's. What a mess! I can't even bring myself to walk into that store. It looks as though everything was thrown into the air and wherever it landed on a shelf, there it sits. Just looking into the doorway I feel like I am being assaulted by random displays rather than invited in by attractive displays to explore further.

Walks have been limited this week as I am saving energy for performances in "Children of Eden" with my fellow Logos Theatricus players this weekend. Our first performance was last night at the Jefferson Center and it was a blast! There are still 2 performances left to enjoy tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Y'all come!