Lots of interesting things have been happening in North Carolina, but the weather continues to hold true to its record for the most variable weather conditions. Where else in the US can you expect to see two days of 10 degree morning readings with gray and overcast clouds, only to enjoy 68 degrees with sunshine three days later? Having just returned from an appointment in Hickory, I was delighted to leave the heavy winter coat at home and enjoy the light jacket! I was surprised to discover that the heat in the car had automatically switched to the AC. I might add that my eyes are welcoming the green of the returning lawns as opposed to the blinding light of sun on the snow, requiring sunglasses even in the house!
Today has been a good day for each of us to return to being out and about. Lee had a pedicure appointment and finished his outing with lunch at Shorty's Short Stop. The highlight of our last day of confinement was when our good friends Ted and Dianne dropped by and we all decided to go for lunch at the Cat Square Cafe'.
For those of you who are not familiar with our location, we proudly profess that we live in a unique area of western Lincoln county. Our farm is sandwiched between several rural roads. Most of the roads in Vale are named after those families who were first landowners in this area. Then there are those roads that make one take a second glance and wonder how that came to be. Where else can you find names like "June Bug Road", "Henry" or, Howard's Creek Mill Rd., and"Owl's Den Road". The two more significant landmarks in this area of Vale are Cat Square and Hog Hill. We happen to live somewhere in between the two.
The legacy of Cat Square is that it is a crossroads between two country roads. There is no traffic light nor blinking caution light there. It is a two-way stop with Cat Square road being the main thruway. Legend has it that at one time, this was the place to leave abandoned felines. In tribute to that, the center of the intersection is painted with a large white square and inside the square is white- painted cat's face. Cat Square is famous for having one of the largest and longest Christmas parades within a four-county area. Each year votes are taken for the new mayor of Cat Square several weeks prior to this event. This is a great honor and the mayor is the grand marshal of the parade. Anyone can enter the parade with whatever. The revelers are also joined by all the trucking companies housed in Vale along with the Shriners, and different church floats. I would be remiss if I did not mention the 200 or more horses and their riders! Lee has entered his 1931 Ford A-Model roadster several times and I and several of our grandchildren have enjoyed riding in the parade! Happy to report that it is now unlawful to use this area for a depository for felines.
I am not sure how Hog Hill garnished that name, but have to assume there may have been an abundance of hog farms in that area. Today it is famous for the Hart Square 1850's villages. You can read all about it through Google. We have been there on several occasions and it is truly an amazing adventure. It is only about four miles from our house.
Anyway, back to the Cat Square Cafe'. I have to admit it is not fancy by any means, and as Lee has explained to me, it was at one time a gas station. The interior probably has not changed a lot since the gas station other than a coat of paint, some red curtains, serving counters, the kitchen in full view, and a lone picture of an outdoor scene of a Paris restaurant. The tables are bare and the chairs are simple. Hand-written signs adorn the walls as to prices, rules and serving hours. Strangers visiting for the first time might be tempted to leave, but that would be a mistake, because they serve the best hamburgers, sandwiches and sometimes full dinner plate specials that are the best! If you want to find a burger of the 1950's (BH & Mac) before Hardees and MacDonalds, try Cat Square!
We enjoyed the ambiance of the area and good conversation with our friends. The place was warm on the cold day and the friendly waitress was efficient and timely with our order. We never felt rushed to leave our table and had the advantage of greeting a few neighbors along the way.
We have an assortment of eating establishments around the area. Lee and his good friend Hewitt often take advantage of Shorty's Short Stop, located closer to our house. Most of the days he makes sandwiches to order, but then frequently surprises his clientele with a free home-cooked meal. His small convenience store also houses a garage and Shorty is an excellent mechanic!
Aaaah! Country! The only place that refuses to be pushed forward while it still has the means to exist during the time before................................................................
More Later.............................................Brenda
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