Planning My Gadabout Weekend

On this rainy Friday morning I perused the News and Observers' Weekend Section to see what's going on in Raleigh.  There are always many events to choose from reminding me how lucky I am to be living here.  This weekend is no exception.  I'm recovering from skin cancer surgery on my nose, so I'm planning on treating myself to several events.  But which do I choose?

Going to a movie is always fun either by myself or with friends.  That's just one of the many things I miss about not having Dan here.  He was my favorite going-to-a movie-partner.

There are two movies I would like to see this weekend, and I might manage to see both.  Kedi is a documentary that by popular demand is enjoying a second run at the Rialto.  It's for cat lovers, so count me in.

Another movie is The Zookeepers Wife based on Diane Ackerman's book by the same name which I enjoyed.

A movie would fit right in for this rainy day.

Saturday morning I've signed up for the Young Life 5K in which I am sponsoring my 15 year old granddaughter, Grace, who will be running.  I on the other hand will do a 1.5 mile walk (probably with my walker in tow).

If I were young as I once was I would definitely be taking in the Rock n Roll Marathon's after party that will be filled with numerous musicians at the Red Hat Amphitheater.  But alas!

Today, Saturday and Sunday the Art In Bloom exhibit at the NC Art Museum will feature 50 floral masterpieces based on work of art in the museum's permanent collection.  I could do that today to perk up a dreary, rainy day.

Forecasts for Saturday and Sunday are calling for beautiful days, perfect for taking in the Raulston Blooms Festival at the Raulston Arborteum.

I will surely have to get over on Saturday for the grand opening of Fresh Local Ice Cream that is opening its second store in Cary.  I have patronized the one on Glenwood Avenue for the last few years, and now I will have a second store from which to choose.  I love their ice cream.  The best I have ever eaten anywhere.

Of course the big event of the weekend will be the NCAA ballgames on Saturday night.  Dare I head out to a sports bar to watch Carolina play Oregon???? Probably not.

I'll post about my gadabouts when the weekend is over.

Gadding About at the Kadhai

What a special lunch on Sunday!  My friend Jeanette treated me to lunch at the Kadhai, a new to me Indian restaurant, at the Pleasant Valley Promenade. I'm always happy to find a new restaurant especially when it is an Indian one and one as good as this.

There were so many different choices in the buffet that I had a difficult time choosing.  Highly spiced dishes I avoid, so I chose those that were mildly spiced. The hummus was particularly nice and so beautifully displayed.

Hummus. 

My plate.

I always have a mango lassi when I'm at an Indian restaurant.  Sometimes in the summer I just go into one and order a lassi to go. A lassi has a cooling effect to counteract the spicy food.  I also like raita for the same reason.

Mango lassi. 

Raita (Photo from the Kadhai website.)

The decor in the restaurant is quite nice.  Lots of nice photographs and artwork.

Nice decor. 

There were three different desserts from which to choose: Gulab Jamun milk balls served in rose flavored sugar syrup and caramom, Carrot Halwa Rich carrot pudding flavored with cardamom and Rice Pudding.  I chose the rice pudding and it was perfect.

A trio of desserts from which to choose. 

I will definitely be going to this restaurant again.  I believe it is now my favorite Indian restaurant in Raleigh.

Gadding about at "Two Doors Down" In Shelby.

After Virginia and I had lunch at Ni Fin's Kitchen the other day, we popped into the ladies' clothing shop next door. Back in the 50s and 60s another ladies' clothing shop, McNeeleys,  was in this same location. Both the former shop and the current one, Two Doors Down, which is actually one door down from Ni Fen's, are known for their beautiful collection of ladies' wear.

I love the vivid colors. 

The beautiful bright colors convinced me that Spring and Summer aren't that far off.

It was not  my intention to buy anything, but I couldn't resist this colorful top that will be perfect for my planned summer travels.

The decor inside is in keeping with the "door" theme.  Colorful vintage doors are mounted above the clothing racks and add a nice touch.

Colorful vintage doors. 

I'm glad to have discovered this shop.  I'll check in again the next time I'm in Shelby.