Inverness, Illinois (USA) Daily Photo

Jelly Belly

2010-11-05T18:39:00.000-05:00

About an hour drive away from Inverness, just over the Wisconsin border, there is a Jelly Belly warehouse/store. You can take a tour and see how jelly beans are made. The company goes back before the 1900's. It really is a fascinating tour. This is taken out in front of the store. If you are ever in Kenosha, Wisconsin....it is a great place for a visit....AND they have a tasting counter for those unusual flavors you might like to try!

On the street where I live

2010-10-20T02:49:00.000-05:00

It seems like it was overnight the leaves went from green to brown. This is the sugar maple in front of my house that usually turns a BRILLANT color of red. It is turning orange and dropping leaves. The Honey Locus has already dropped all its leaves. Maybe because we haven't had a lot of rain in the past month......

The end of the season

2010-10-19T06:45:00.000-05:00

Even though my flower garden is about done....the asters are the last to go....here is a stalwart fellow looking for something. I do believe that is a WEED the bee is on but far be it from me to purge my entire flower bed of weeds.....not that I haven't tried...I just wear out after a bit!

A hazardous crossing

2010-10-17T09:32:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Louis over at San Francisco Daily Blog for hosting bridge Sunday!
This is a street in our neighborhood that is a very tight crossing over a very small creek. When there is ice on the road....you do need to pay attention to the hazard sign! Have a great Sunday.

A people bridge in Beijing

2010-10-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

In order to cross the street in Beijing, we had to use this.....it was quite fun actually!Thanks to Louis over at San Fransisco Daily http://bayphoto.blogspot.comphoto for hosting the Bridges series!

A Beijing wedding

2010-10-09T23:27:00.001-05:00

Meet our new daughter in law, Rainey...or Yang Ran. Gregory married her in June in Beijing...We had a wonderful time and are delighted to have Rainey as a member of our family. They have been here visiting for a few weeks. I am sure she will be delighted to get home as she has met sooooo many of Greg's relatives --on both sides of the family. I can only imagine what she will tell her parents about her new family! I certainly remember what I told my parents after I met all 9 siblings of my husband.....quite the event!!!

A bridge in Kansas City, Mo

2010-06-12T23:15:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much to *Louis* over at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo for hosting The Sunday Bridge Series. While I was NOT playing croquet, I have spent one weekend in Kansas City, MO. and the other in Washington D.C. And after this weekend...which is our 34th wedding anniversary, I will be gone to Beijing, China for my oldest son's wedding. Blogging is NOT easy to do in China if you do not have a computer to take with you so I will be unable to stop and visit. Hope you all have a great month.
This is a bridge I saw as we left a FABULOUS barbecue in Kansas City. It goes over a retention ditch I think.

Lake Shore Drive Bridges

2010-05-22T23:54:00.000-05:00

I was downtown playing croquet this morning and had to drive down Lake Shore Drive. I was amazed at how many bridges I had to go under.This bridge is actually over the Chicago River and you can't see it other than the towers around it. I do believe it raises to let the boats go out to Lake Michigan.
Thanks to *Louis* over at San Francisco for hosting the Sunday Bridge series...click on the Golden Gate Bridge icon to see more!

Candied sticks

2010-05-19T10:06:00.000-05:00

This is a display at a resturant near me, Cooper's Hawk. It has a lovley selection of wines but I was struck by their "sticky" display. It is sugar coated. I haven't seen anything like this before.

An Interstate Bridge

2010-05-16T01:15:00.000-05:00

Since I live in the Midwest....bridges aren't as common here in the breadbasket of the world! But there are PLENTY of interstate bridges to see. This one is actually a figure 8 but I like this view. Thanks to *Louis* over at San Francisco for hosting the Sunday Bridge series...click on the Golden Gate Bridge icon to see more!

2 Foot Bridges

2010-05-09T10:39:00.001-05:00

These 2 foot bridges are on one of the holes of the Inverness Golf Course.....a very exclusive club that I don't belong to by the way....the only way to get this photo without actually playing the course is to walk up someone's driveway so I opted for just driving by and shooting this.
Thanks to *Louis* over at San Francisco for hosting the new Bridges series. Please click on the San Francisco bridge icon and visit all the bridges today from around the world.
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A New Orleans bridge

2010-05-02T06:17:00.000-05:00

The funny thing about this bridge is it goes no where. The building on the right used to be a brewery that is no longer. The building on the left has some stores in it and a fast food aisle and I guess at one time the idea would be to grab a beer and a sandwich and sit outside.
Thanks to *Louis* over at San Francisco for hosting the new Bridges series.

The mighty Mississippi

2010-04-25T09:13:00.000-05:00

Thanks to *Louis* over at San Francisco for hosting the new Bridges series.Illinois is known as the "Prairie State" which means it is a pretty flat state. I love *Louis* bridge series so I am trying to be creative in looking for bridges. This is taken while I am driving from Illinois to Missouri so crossing the Mississippi is mandatory. This was taken in March when there was still some snow around. I am amazed that there is a motor boat on the river at this time of the year. Have a great Sunday!

A working New Orleans bridge

2010-04-18T08:56:00.006-05:00

Thanks to *Louis* over at San Francisco for hosting the new Bridges series. Please stop by his place and see all the lovely bridges!
I live in a fairly flat place so I need to be creative about bridges...but in the meantime...here is a bridge in New Orleans. It is right next to the 9th ward where so many homes and people were lost. Apparently, a barge on this river, went sailing over the levy and wiped out many homes in the middle of the night. (the 9th ward is to the right in this shot.)

Bridge Sunday

2010-04-10T22:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks to *Louis* over at San Francisco for hosting a new Bridges series.
This is the mighty Mississippi between the state of Illinois and the state of Iowa.....as well as Wisconsin! It is a unique spot because you can see all 3 states. Illinois is on your right across the river, I am standing in Dubuque, Iowa taking the shot and the bridge waaayyyy in the background is the one that goes from Iowa to Wisconsin. The one in the foreground goes between Illinois and Iowa. Enjoy seeing all the bridges around the world today and thanks *Louis*!

Bridge over a Bayou

2010-03-28T07:56:00.002-05:00

Thanks to *Louis* over at San Francisco for hosting the "Bridges" series. Please stop by his place and see all the lovely bridges!
This photo is from the air as we flew into New Orleans. This bridge is part of the interstate highway if one would chose to drive to New Orleans. It is hard to drive in New Orleans as it is hard to orient to anything. Due to all the water around New Orleans, it gives a whole new meaning on how to find north, south, east or west! Enjoy all the bridges today!

A New Orleans courtyard

2010-03-27T12:59:00.003-05:00

This was the courtyard out our hotel room. We had a nice balcony that we could sit and watch the activity around us. Bourbon street was just on the other side but this was very tranquil indeed.

New Orleans from the air

2010-03-23T20:51:00.000-05:00

This was as we approached the airport. Bayous everywhere. It is quite impressive...it was overcast when we arrived and then we had WONDERFUL weather!

New Orleans!

2010-03-20T08:32:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't go to Mardi Gras but we were in New Orleans last week. We had lovely weather and saw many things. This is where one can catch the free ferry to go across the river from New Orleans to 2 other small cities. We missed the free ferry so I only have the "port" waiting room to share!

Almost Heaven, West Virginia

2010-03-04T10:25:00.001-06:00

This is a picture off my mom's back porch. She lives in West Virginia (where I grew up) and I just love this shot..
The river is called the Coal River. It dumps into the Kanawha River which goes to
the Ohio River which then empties into the mighty Mississippi. Coal River got its name due to a coal mine at the mouth of the river emptying all of the coal dust into it and the river turning black. The mine has been closed for decades but the name stayed.

A shooting fountain

2010-02-28T15:48:00.002-06:00

This is the fountain at McCormick Center, which is where the Chicago Auto Show is always held. It is really stunning in real life!

The Display...

2010-02-28T05:56:00.000-06:00

I looked at this a long time. I still couldn't figure out how the sign pertains to much. This was a display of water for Lexus but it wasn't anything you were going to lean against..all water is contained inside and it was pretty heavy. Interesting sign. I guess I really wanted to see someone one "on" the display so they could be told to get "OFF" :)

It's a dogs life

2010-02-24T10:34:00.002-06:00

Clancy is not tired of the snow..He LOVES to lay and play in it....I wish I could teach him how to shovel.....

Lamborghini

2010-02-23T06:27:00.002-06:00

I was afraid to ask how much these babies were....but they sure looked bright! They were behind a roped area and no one could touch them. I think it would've been fun to sit in one of them.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a..

2010-02-22T06:42:00.004-06:00

.....Ram Dodge truck (truck of the year!)--suspended upside down at the Chicago Auto Show....One of the few things that I felt was a photo opp. Usually, one can be WOWED by some of the proto-type cars they have been working on. There weren't that many -or they didn't impress me! The Mitsubishi has an electric car...very tiny...that is coming out here next year. I was unclear as to whether it was already being sold overseas.
But all in all, I did enjoy the Auto show.

Pretty but....

2010-02-22T06:34:00.000-06:00

Yes, it is snowing and I LIKE the snow....but I am to the point that it is pretty to look at as long as you don't have to shovel it and THIS is in desperate need of shoveling....and it is heavy and wet...."Heart attack" snow is what we call it.

Crystal clear

2010-02-21T09:37:00.000-06:00

It is still winter here. Although we haven't been overwhelmed with snow it has been consistent. This is an early morning shot of the frozen snow on the trees.

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-10T20:46:00.001-06:00

This is the other side of my yard. The dogs are certainly enjoying the snow and cold. And this is also NOT in Black and White! I never got around to bringing in these shepherds hooks that I hang plants on....I should be organized in my yard work.

Our back deck

2010-01-09T04:28:00.003-06:00

This was before the next 6 inches came down! Our poor flag needs to come in but it is frozen where it is. And even though this looks like a black and white it really is in living color!

This is not my car-whew!

2010-01-08T10:34:00.002-06:00

We have just had a snow storm move through the area for the past 3 days. The parking lot where I work is very very good about cleaning out the snow....however, a younger neighbor decided to hide their car from the repossesser's and parked it in the work lot and this did NOT make the maintenance guys a fan.....so they blocked it in. The owner showed up and immediately turned around and walked away. I imagine they will try and dig out tomorrow when no one is around.

Later that day the maintenance guys DID snow blow her out of this mess.....but I think they made their point...park elsewhere!

A vandalized house

2010-01-07T20:57:00.001-06:00

Word on the street was the builder went bankrupt and did not pay his sub contractors. Apparently the sub contractors weren't very happy about that. This is not something that normally happens in our little neighborhood! HOpe everyone had a Happy New Year!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2009-12-12T18:03:00.001-06:00

A neat little shop near me that has an enormous amount of Christmas villages for sale.

2009-11-30T10:38:00.001-06:00

There are still 3 weeks until winter begins but these are the only leaves left on any tree around me. Only 3 weeks and a few days until Christmas... if anyone is counting.

The Fox River

2009-10-28T06:25:00.001-05:00

The Fox River is a tributary of the Illinois River in the states of Wisconsin and Illinois in the United States. It is a fast moving river when it rains! The ducks are nice to look at when you amble along the path around this part of it.

Inverness Town Hall

2009-10-27T06:48:00.001-05:00

We residents actually call this the "castle" as it is supposed to be a Scottish one I think.. but this is where I go to vote. I was out over the weekend taking some photos and trying out new settings -or different settings on my camera besides "Auto" ....I really don't get the whole white balance thing. This one is a bit blurry but it really strikes me as a fall shot.

The Windy Inverness

2009-10-26T22:04:00.000-05:00

Chicago is known as the "Windy City" but over the weekend, the wind was certainly whipping this flag around as if we were on the lakefront! Hope you had a good weekend!

Fall

2009-10-21T06:06:00.000-05:00

I was struck by how quickly we went from no leaves to a lot of leaves. This is in the courtyard at St. Ignatius High School in Chicago. The grounds to this school are very nice and this school, which is run by the Jesuits, does not have a cafeteria .....it boasts a "dining hall". I will be the first to assure you, they are correct......it is such a lovely "dining hall" that brides love to rent it for their wedding reception. This tree and bench is just one of the views from the "dining hall".

Fall...sort of

2009-10-13T11:14:00.000-05:00

We have had 2 frosts this weekend and the leaves are getting ready to change. I think the frost hurried the leaves off these trees! no showy color just yet!

a baby shower

2009-10-12T22:35:00.000-05:00

I helped host a baby shower for my goddaughter this weekend. This is the table before we added the food. I have been very busy with a sick friend in an ICU unit so I have had not a lot of time to blog. I hope all is well in blogland.

Glass Flowers

2009-10-03T20:27:00.003-05:00

These were lovely glass flowers I saw at a store. They seem like they would catch an awful lot of dust! But they do look better than my flowers that are in my garden. It is that time of year where the outside flowers need to be disposed and I have had no time to do that !

Cousins

2009-09-29T22:34:00.000-05:00

My mom and all of her grandchildren except one grandson (my son) that lives in China. They left
a space for him to be photo shopped into....I just can't find the right photo to do that! This one is by height. Out of 3 daughters my mom got 1 granddaughter and 7 grandsons

Dead Trees

2009-09-19T18:38:00.000-05:00

Here are two of our trees that need to be chopped down. The redbud is suffering from a fungus and the Austrian pine is suffering from some kind of bug infestation. Once the Austrian pine is gone, we have been told to plant a fungus resistant tree.....like that is going to be easy.....sigh.

A cool summer

2009-09-13T23:02:00.000-05:00

We have had a very cool summer this year. This is a shot of one of our Austrian pines after a rain. Turns out Austrian pines aren't supposed to do so well here in the north.....we have 10 on our property and they have done ok for 23 years. However, we seem to be losing 4 trees to a fungus this year. Our tomatoes have succumbed to a fungus as well so all those lovely tomatoes are rotting on our vine. We are an organic outfit here.... no bad chemicals on the lawn and we don't use them on the veges or trees either. The tree guy that came to look at our trees suggested we might want to "rethink" organic. With 4 dogs, a daughter that is an environmentalist and us with a well for our water....probably we won't be using chemicals still. So bye bye to 4 trees ( I will post them tomorrow).Hopefully, we won't lose anymore.

Sunrise

2009-09-06T23:09:00.000-05:00

The weather has been very cool in the mornings. This is what our back yard looked like yesterday morning. We still need some warmer weather to get our tomatoes to ripen. I fear the plants will die before that happens! The plants are starting to fade back....let's hope we get some soon!

Dawn on the Deck

2009-09-03T06:07:00.000-05:00

I was out with the dogs this morning around 5:30 and as I looked off our deck ay my neighbor's driveway, this view struck me. It has been so "fall-like" here. Our average temperature the month of July was 69.6*F which is the lowest since they started recording tempratures. The dogs are enjoying the cooler temperatures but we have an entire garden of tomatoes that still think it is June. Lots of greenery but no red tomatoes. I hope it warms up long enough to riped them but it won't be the first time we have lost a whole crop of tomatoes!

Dolphins

2009-09-01T23:45:00.000-05:00

I love how these look....so real...but how do they keep them watered?

A Chinese Garden

2009-08-29T17:18:00.000-05:00

This is one of the many decorations around Beijing last year for the Olympics. I was looking in my archive and thought this would be a good one to post. No, I wasn't in Beijing but I do have a son that has lived there for 5 years and took this.

acro yoga

2009-08-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

"bat pose"

I am not sure who can do this but my daughter can. She took a Thai Massage course when she was in Thailand and this was her teacher. I am pretty sure I would be in the hospital should I try to do this.....or the person trying to do it to me would be!!!!

A Desert Landscape

2009-08-23T20:49:00.001-05:00

This is what a desert should look like. I was taken aback at how green it was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I shudder to think how much water they waste watering the golf courses and pieces of green grass that are all around the businesses...

Sisters

2009-08-19T21:45:00.002-05:00

Well, All we seem to get is older.....my sisters and me and our mom at my nephews wedding in Albuquerque, New Mexico......

An organic garden

2009-08-19T18:09:00.000-05:00

This is an organic garden in Petosky, Michigan. It is on an acre and they have volunteers come and pick the produce. It was pouring the rain the day we were here but it was a lovely place to visit......

The Sandia mountain in Albequerque New Mexico

2009-08-18T21:30:00.000-05:00

This mountain turned red when the sun finally set........a lovely place for wedding photos......unfortunately....some gentleman decided to blow his brains out on the first golf hole in the early morning so no bride or groom could go out and have their photos done.....a very sad event for a beautiful wedding.

A New Mexico dance shot

2009-08-17T21:27:00.000-05:00

We were on vacation for a few weeks...this is Shannon doing one of her dance poses.....

A horse is a horse of course

2009-07-30T09:13:00.003-05:00

A few years ago, Chicago did a series around town of cow statues painted and decorated in a variety of ways. One of the communities near Inverness, Barrington, is doing the same thing with horses. This horse is outside Good Shepard Hospital. I did not realize it looked like it was eating a person until I posted it!

Campbellsville, Kentucky

2009-07-26T11:57:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of the admissions office at Campbellsville University. It is a Baptist Christian University 80 miles south of Louisville and Lexington, Kentucy with 2800 students. I was attending a Scholastic Summer Bowl Camp with some of my students and this is one of 3 locations they held camp. It was a lovely small town but what impressed me the most, besides the friendly nature of the residents, were the stunning flowers EVERYWHERE... I felt like I was at Disney World where the flowers are amazing and there are no WEEDS to be seen. Same here. The staff worked very hard to keep it weed free.

Raspberries

2009-07-25T19:36:00.000-05:00

I saw this bush of raspberries while I was on vacation in Kentucky (now THERE'S a great destination!) and I almost sampled one of the ripe ones. But the bush was in someone's front yard so I opted for a photo instead!

Transformers

2009-07-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

Truly, looking at this, it is really quite an impressive car. This I found in my archives and remembered how unbelievable and BIG this was at the Chicago Car show.

my aching neck

2009-07-16T08:56:00.001-05:00

....is all I could think of when I saw this photo Shannon took. I love the look on her face but a whole new way of carrying stuff that I don't really want to learn how to do!!

Wedding

2009-07-15T01:47:00.000-05:00

This photo was an advertisement for planning your wedding. All inclusive...the place, the preacher, the party,...just needed to supply the bride and groom I guess!

Upside Down

2009-07-13T10:01:00.002-05:00

These were in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas where all the REALLY nice stores are located. I loved how they looked. AVCR8TEUR also liked them here!

O'Hare International airport

2009-07-12T19:31:00.001-05:00

Shannon is in the orange outfit saying goodbye to the girl she sat next to her on trip home from India via Singapore...I love all the people in this shot.

A Party

2009-07-10T07:11:00.001-05:00

Between the raindrops of the 4th of July....we had a little celebration. Shannon and her dad enjoying some conversation and strawberries.... and a beer.

Flowers

2009-07-09T07:16:00.000-05:00

With all the rain and cool weather, some of the flowers around us aren't doing so well. These are doing very nicely. They are in my neighbors yard. She obviously weeds waaaay more than I do!~

Flower

2009-07-06T02:30:00.000-05:00

My great niece found the only red flower in the yard and had a wonderful time running back and forth across the yard.

Grill anyone?

2009-07-02T22:22:00.006-05:00

We went to a restaurant called the Weber Grill. You can find a Weber grill in just about everyone's backyard. It is a charcoal grill that you cook your hamburgers and hot dogs on in the summer (other food as well...steak, chicken, etc.!!) This is a bronze statue at the restaurant we were at and I just liked it. This is anticipation of the 4th of July celebration. Many folks will be firing up their Weber's for the holiday!

soda anyone?

2009-06-30T07:02:00.001-05:00

I guess even in India, kids will always love soda pop! Although, I have discovered that most Europeans and Asians are NOT a fan of our American Root Beer. Must be an acquired taste!

Hello

2009-06-29T07:43:00.001-05:00

I love how everywhere you go we all seem to be connected to a phone. Her henna on her hands is amazing. I wonder how long it takes to do that? I know it lasts longer than you think it would. This is photo from Shannon's travels around India.

A funny place for a nest

2009-06-27T18:19:00.000-05:00

I was walking with a friend down an old downtown, revamped area. While we were chatting we did not notice mama goose and she scared the you know what out of us when we got too close to her. I waited until she settled back down and then snapped her picture. Whew...who knew how dangerous it would be just shopping?!!

India via Shannon

2009-06-25T12:01:00.001-05:00

My daughter is home after spending 5 months traveling through India with the Hare Krishnas. She went on pilgramages and met the most interesting of people. She wore saris (they were cooler than what she had) and generally made herself at home in the India culture. This is one of her photos that I loved. It is the Gange River I believe..if am wrong I will correct it later....and the worshipers.followers bathing in the river.

Which way?

2009-06-23T18:33:00.001-05:00

While in Washington DC with my Scholastic Bowl kids the end of May, we took a quick trip downtown early early early to see the "sights"--the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the White House (which we couldn't even drive by because it was blocked off due to Rolling Thunder (a motorcycle event on Memorial Day))...As we were driving down the boulevard, I saw these 2 one way signs......which way should I go? Well, I went straight! I will show you that tomorrow.

Another Indian Couple

2009-06-19T18:38:00.001-05:00

I snapped this when I turned around from taking a picture of the bride and groom..I like the way this turned out.
A very fancy outfit for a very handsome couple.

An Indian Wedding

2009-06-18T04:01:00.000-05:00

(I apologize in advance for the blurry photo but I was on the escalator when I snapped this with my Iphone.)While at the Hyatt, I saw this Indian couple throughout the day, actually. The bride never seemed happy all 4 times I saw her....but this one cracked me up. While the photographer was trying very hard to pose the bride and groom -like the tapestry behind them- the groom totally ignored him so he could answer his cell phone. Now I ask you, who do you suppose was calling him if he was at his wedding? Wouldn't all his friends and family know he was a bit busy???? Look at the bride's face. NOT a happy camper.

An unusual bouquet

2009-06-17T09:36:00.001-05:00

I was at the Hyatt Reniassance Hotel(by O'Hare airport) for an event and I saw a few interesting things....this was the first one.....I am assuming it was for a wedding and this was the bride and groom's car/destination. I will admit to never having seen flowers like this on a car before but I will tell you this...they sure smelled lovely! No expense was spared if one is putting Calla Lilies on a CAR!

An indoor garden

2009-06-15T18:37:00.001-05:00

This was taken at shop for things to put in your garden. I am not sure how the umbrellas would do in my garden....or the little itty bitty garden that is meant for an indoor table....but it sure was cute.

Wine bottles

2009-06-14T21:42:00.001-05:00

What do you do with your old wine bottles? This is a yard decoration...if you want to spend a couple 100 dollars for it! I guess you could make one for less!

Vintage Motorcycles

2009-06-08T23:21:00.002-05:00

I was with my girlfriend in a place called Cedarsburg, Wisconsin and we saw these motorcycles parked near where we were having lunch. We could not resist taking a picture of what I think are vintage motorbikes....but I could be wrong!

My friend, Flo

2009-06-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

We celebrated your 94th birthday on May 25 and you really wanted the 100 celebration candles as you were pretty sure you wouldn't make it to 100. For being in pretty good health other than a bit of forgetfulness...oh and the broken wrist that happened on Thursday....we thought you would. Well, you proved you were right and we should've listened to you. May you rest in peace and know we will miss you.

A package from afar

2009-05-27T05:56:00.000-05:00

I have been traveling and have been too busy to blog. When I returned home, this package was waiting for me from my daughter. The trip I took to Washington DC pales in comparision to where she is! I think the return address says it all.

Sisters and or nuns

2009-05-20T05:42:00.000-05:00

This is a retirement center, I think, for the Sisters of the BVM (Blessed Virgin Mother---or Black Veiled Monster is what I heard someone say!) that the recital took place in. The ladies could not have been nicer to the recital participants. They LOVED the music. I loved the beautiful weather that we enjoyed as well!

A Lilac along the Mississippi

2009-05-17T21:50:00.001-05:00

On my trip to Iowa, this was one of the few lilac bushes in full bloom. It smelled soooooo nice. Between the rain and the cold weather, Spring is sneaking in!

A Crab Apple Tree

2009-05-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

While walking down the street in Dubuque,Iowa,this lovely crabapple caught my eye and my camera. Since my husband chopped down my crabapple tree 2 summers ago ( it was sick and not getting better) I have seen nothing but lovely crabapples everywhere. go figure why ours looked awful always....

The Mighty Mississippi

2009-05-10T20:34:00.001-05:00

I was in Dubuque, Iowa yesterday to listen to a concert 2 of my nieces were performing. We walked to the event and meandered down by the Mississippi. There are 3 bridges in this photo. On the near right is the state of Illinois, the left is Iowa (I was standing in Iowa, obviously!) and way in the far upper right is Wisconsin. Dubuque was settled originally as part of a lead mining town. It is really a lovely city and a very nice drive from Chicago suburbs. Took about 2 and 1/2 hours.

Chicago Policeman

2009-05-06T05:48:00.001-05:00

I was downtown Chicago for a concert and this policeman passed me by on the sidewalk. I have heard of these but haven't seen one in action before. He was pretty quick at zipping through the crowds of rush hour pedestrians!

Rolls Royce

2009-05-03T07:44:00.002-05:00

Last week, there was a party for Rolls Royce owners at a very nice French Restaruant.....more like a fund raiser I guess since you could pay the owner money and the chauoffer would drive you around...all right turns I might add. No, I did not "sign up" ---I was just trying to take a picture without getting in anyone's way!

Saucer Magnolia

2009-05-01T15:42:00.001-05:00

This Saucer Magnolia Tree is outside the door I go through everyday when I get to work. It bloomed over night and then the rains continued and most of the beautiful flowers are now on the ground...

Spring is coming

2009-04-27T21:32:00.001-05:00

With the rain we have been having and the warmer-if erratic-- weather, Spring is coming quickly...all the trees are starting to bud. My tulips are still on the ground but they do look bright!This is our Washington Hawthorn and it is getting ready to bloom. These are some nasty thorns! Fortunately, it is in a place where you don't walk into it!

Tulip saga

2009-04-26T09:59:00.002-05:00

Overnight the temperature went from 37* to 81* and then back to 44*. So it is no wonder I was shocked to see my tulips had bloomed. This is what my tulips look like. They never have drooped like this before. I can only assume it is from the trama of the weather we have had!

Raindrops

2009-04-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

The rain has been falling and these are the tulips that were covered in snow 2 weeks ago. I am anxious to see if they actually bloom!

Earth Day

2009-04-22T08:54:00.002-05:00

This is Earth Day and I was so happy to see the sun out today...although it is very chilly...I snapped a picture of the activity in the neighborhood. Have a great Earth Day!

Welcome

2009-04-20T18:22:00.004-05:00

My poor little welcome sign is rusting.....and the purple crocus is now no more thanks to the snow.

Tree work

2009-04-16T07:44:00.001-05:00

The house with the beautiful flowers was having some tree work done yesterday. Amazing how efficiently these guys work from the cherry picker!

Daffodils

2009-04-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

The snow we have had does not seem to have damaged these daffodils. The owner of this house has flowers that bloom at all times of the seasons. Their yard guys are busy from April to October. I LOVE the flowers in this yard. I am glad to see that these haven't been too scared off by the weather.....

Easter Flowers

2009-04-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

These flowers were in church. Taken with an iphone as I did not have my REAL camera with me......hope your Easter was wonderful if you celebrate it!

Snow-again

2009-04-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

The good thing about today's snow-if there is such a thing-we don't have to snow blow...the streets and driveway are mostly clear.....but the crocus's........my oh my...Such hardy little things but I am guessing this will definitely do them in....

The Sears Tower

2009-04-05T08:28:00.002-05:00

A picture taken while driving (not me!) down the interstate. What a difference a week makes......no snow...but it is NOT Spring yet. This is the Sears Tower, FYI.

My crocus' after the snow

2009-04-02T18:33:00.000-05:00

This is what my crocus look like after the snow melted. Good news is the dark purple are starting to bloom. As you can see the light purple have "bit the dust" as it were.

Tulips and Crocus

2009-03-31T06:39:00.000-05:00

My crocus are in the front of this photo and my tulips were just starting to come up. I am hoping this was like a "blanket" and not a funeral for them!

A view from the front door

2009-03-30T17:31:00.000-05:00

While I will admit that it was warm enough to melt most of the snow today....this is what it looked like out my front door yesterday.....

Our house

2009-03-29T10:08:00.001-05:00

This is what we woke up to this morning.....I can't imagine how my just arising tulips and my poor crocus will do in this weather!

Crocus

2009-03-26T09:50:00.001-05:00

A sure sign of Spring....my only crocus and it is starting to bloom. It is also the only purple I could find for today. Visit Michelle over at The Rocky Mountain Retreat to find out about the color purple today.