When you need to get away, where do you go? For me, I love a large body of water.
In Indiana, on a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline across Lake Michigan.
First photo, if you have an eagle eye, you can see the Chicago skyline at a distance. Second photo, I zoomed in, so you could see it better. What’s interesting is that in person, the sun was shinning on the building to far left, it was magical. Zoomed in, you can see what I saw in person.
Here’s to finding that special place that brings us peace, calmness and joy.
For those of you who follow me, you’ve seen the artistic cicadas I’ve posted. Now, it’s the end of August and the cicadas are in full force. We didn’t hear them in June or July, but now, they’re here.
I was at a friend’s house. I went to open the window and look what I saw… A CICADA.
I stared him straight in the eyes, I thought he might be scared off, but he wasn’t. He held on to the screen. Looking at him up close, I realized this would be a great picture to share with you.
From this photo, he (maybe a she) looks like a good friend stopping by.
This weekend I was able to walk by Lake Michigan. We were having strange weather, it had gone from hot summer days earlier in the week to suddenly cooler temps like Fall. You can see a bit of the fury in the Lake.
Some people were swimming, it’s a bit dangerous with waves like this, the undertow is strong. As a child, I loved swimming in waves like this with my friends, it was scary and exciting at the same time. The undertow would suck us under tumbling us around in water and sand.
We held our breath forever hoping we’d get to the surface. Oh and when we did surface, hoped our bathing suit was still on properly. To give you a visual, imagine a dog with a soft play doll, violently shaking the doll in his mouth right and left. That’s how it feels to be in an undertow.
I really liked this photo. It was so windy, I took the photo quickly. I didn’t notice that there was a person in the picture; otherwise, it would have been perfect.
Most people don’t realize that Lake Michigan is really a large body of water. At first glance, you might think it is an ocean. It’s really quite vast.
Here’s to enjoying the last bit of summer. Labor Day is almost here.
It’s all in the mind, isn’t it! Yesterday a friend sent me these lionesses.
I was thinking what perfect timing. I was feeling that way, strong, powerful, unstoppable.
We don’t feel like that every morning, but there are days when our energy is at an ALL TIME HIGH!
I did start taking some vitamins lately. Maybe that’s been helping, making me feel like Superman!
I’m off to go walking. Now, I just need that perfect song that goes with these lions.
How about this. Hats off to the Olympians who are FIGHTING for GOLD! They must have some powerful songs and/or motivational talks they listen to when they need to erase a bad performance, come back the next day and FIGHT to WIN!
I was visiting a friend. We were out walking. It was early evening and these little birds were out in full force. They were chirping and chirping and flying so fast. I was lucky to get a few photos, because they do not rest in one spot for long. I’m not sure why my IPhone has the photos looking a bit blurry.
This bird was interesting. Look how disheveled he looked. I imagined my mother telling my brother, “You aren’t going out like that. Go comb your hair.”
We’re almost into August, soon Fall will be here. It’s nice to be out walking and enjoy our nice weather.
Why did I wait so long to get this? Actually, I didn’t even know this multi-opener existed. For the past few years, I’ve found myself having trouble opening certain jars.
In fact, I was just at my daughter’s house and she could not open a small jar of garlic sauce. If I had known, I would have brought my new multi-purpose gadget. Instead, we spent a good 15 minutes, doing everything possible to get the glass jar open. We did finally do it, but it wasn’t fun!
I found this multi-opener by accident. It was on a sale rack.
My first thought was, “Wow, this is cool!” My second thought was, “Do you need to spend money?” My third thought was, “It’s on SALE, heck yes, opening cans will be easier.”
The red gadget is self explanatory. However, that grey one in the middle was a bit puzzling. I Googled it to see how it worked. Sure enough, there was a video that showed the six different ways to use it. How great!
I tried using it to open a tuna can that had the metal ring on top. You know, where you pull up on the metal ring to open the can. Unfortunately, user error, I ended up pulling the metal tab off. Obviously, I need to practice. So, I had to use a can opener to open the tuna can. I’m determined to do it right next time.
I highly recommend this type of product. I’m sure they have other brands, choose one. It’s for ALL ages. Even my daughter needed it the other day.
Guess what she is getting for her birthday?! She will thank me!
There’s nothing worse than opening a tool box to be welcomed by the most horrible smell. I mean horrible. I was ready to give up on my picture hanging project. I quickly closed the tool box lid.
For a while, I’ve known I had to deal with this smell. The funny thing is, these are all the tools I have. Oh, I lied, I do have a hammer and a staple gun, but I knew they were not the smelly culprits.
So, a five minute picture hanging project turned into a two hour long project.
I got my bucket out, I put the tools in it. I added some dishwashing soap, baking soda, water and then some vinegar. Wow – it was a sizzling explosion in the bucket.
After half an hour, I scrubbed my tools in the water they were sitting in. Dumped water, rinsed the tools, put tools back in bucket. Then, added more water, detergent, baking soda and vinegar.
After another half an hour, I decided to add more baking soda and vinegar. Again the sizzle.
Finally, after an hour, I decided I was done. I rinsed the tools, put them on the towel to dry.
RESULT – Only one tool has a very faint smell. The second one from the top. The others, nothing.
BIG QUESTION – Will the smell be gone forever OR will it come back after some time? I’m not sure, but boy is it nice not to have my tools smelling so bad.
Just as soon as the tulips came and we were in awe of them, now they are gone. As I walked yesterday, I noticed that roses are blooming. Pink is my favorite color, so I loved this.
At this time of year, I always think of St Therese of Lisieux who on her deathbed said she would “shower us with roses from Heaven.” They say if you pray a novena to St Therese, you will know she heard your prayer, because she’ll deliver a rose to you. WELL, not hand delivered, but you will find or see a rose and instinctively KNOW it’s from her, she has heard your prayer.
This happened to me! Years ago, I had been laid off my job. It was Spring, I saw roses and thought of her, so prayed for guidance. I waited, looked, hoped — nothing!
Until one day, I was at a coffee shop. I finished my coffee, went to throw my cup away outside and there was a bouquet of roses in a glass vase sitting by the garbage area. WHAT?? How strange and MIRACULOUS at the same time. Not one rose, but many. Now, granted, they were by the trash on their last leg, but to me, who had prayed – I KNEW they were my sign. Something “good” would happen. Yes, a job soon came!
So, on this bright sunny Wednesday, I wish you ALL a special day full of roses!! Look for your sign!
Recently, I had my annual check up. I heard the dreaded words, “Your cholesterol is high.” I’ve had this situation in the past, so I started researching online how to change my diet.
Salmon always comes up, so beneficial for our health in so many ways. BUT, I don’t like the fishy taste.
So, feeling like a little kid, I thought about how I could change the flavor. I decided to cut the salmon up in cubes, then marinated it in Teriyaki sauce. I’ve always cooked salmon with a little bit of garlic salt on it. Why not try something different. The result is in the photo.
Is the flavor better? Ah, a little, but still very fishy tasting, but more tolerable.
I always find it interesting when going out for dinner with people and they BRAG that salmon is on the menu as if it is the greatest thing to man kind. I tend to prefer white fish or shell fish. I feel like an outsider when they all order salmon and I say, “I don’t really like it.” You should see the horror on their faces!
Then, I remember years ago when I was used to eating white bread. That’s all we had as children. Slowly, I moved to eating healthier breads. First wheat bread, then multi-grain bread, etc. Now, I couldn’t even eat white bread unless it is sourdough bread.
So, won’t the same thing happen with salmon if I keep eating it? I’ll grow to like it???
This weekend after canoeing, I was hungry. I was thinking, “What do I want to eat?” Then I spotted this van marketing bagels. I have to say, the advertising worked, suddenly I wanted a bagel.
Imagine my happy surprise, when I went to their website, to find out they are Chicago based. Corey’s NYC Bagel Deli was established by Corey & Laurie Kaplan (husband/wife team) in 2000.
From their site, I see they make great bagel sandwiches.
Looks like Marcus Lemonis from “The Profit” visited Corey/Laurie to see their business and offer advice/a deal for moving forward. Here’s a clip from the show.
Recently, they lost business as a few stores they supplied bagels/cream cheese to closed down. So, after canoeing I have a new place to visit. They need community support.
By the way, fellow Blogger, “Yeah, Another Blogger,” wrote a post about art on wheels. He found some interesting companies advertising in Philadelphia, PA. I loved the “Tea Around Town” bus.
So, when you walk, don’t look down/text on your phone, you might miss a great advertising van!
Brilliant Viewpoint 