Chicago – Blue Angels are in town!!

The Chicago Air and Water show is in town this weekend. It’s always exciting.

I was sitting at my desk, hearing them zooming around. They’re loud, but you don’t always see them. It’s so frustrating. I was a swivel head looking for them.

I was in luck, my patience paid off. They flew by, but they were so fast, I just clicked, clicked, clicked the camera hoping I’d get a picture and I did! They really do fly so close together that takes practice.

For those of you, who have never seen the Blue Angels before, this is what they look like up close.

So, this weekend will be loud with lots of planes flying by. Good news, no rain forecasted and temps have cooled down to 75. Perfect summer weather.

Enjoy your weekend!

Some new friends…

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.

Enjoy your summer!

“Cicada Parade-A 2024” – Another sighting…

A new walk, a new “Cicada Parade-A” sighting.

See a previous post, “Cicada Parade-A 2024” / Sponsor, then decorate your own Cicada!”

The first cicada I saw was higher in the tree. This one had lower placement, so I saw it immediately. Also, being painted in a reddish pink color made it stand out.

The Insect Asylum (taxidermist & insect museum) and Formstone Castle Art (create art for festivals & events) are promoting this Cicada Parade-A project to anyone who wants to participate. You sponsor a cicada by paying a fee, then you can decorate your cicada and it is put up somewhere in IL. Although, I saw a video that mentioned someone out of state bought a cicada to bring to their home town. So, everyone can participate. 

Go to The Insect Asylum website, you can see a map of where the cicadas are.

If I keep exploring new neighborhoods, I’ll most likely find more, right?! Summer is not over yet!

Breakfast – What would you do? Pigeons versus Gull…

I was in Chicago last week for an appointment. As I was walking down the street, I heard so much noice, bird noise. I’ve always seen pigeons around town on the streets, but never by a dumpster. I was curious.

I quickly pulled out my camera and took these shots. Here’s what I saw:

  • #1 Gull watching pigeons.
  • #2 Closeup, we see there is a bakery item there.
  • #3 Gull makes his move…
  • #4 Gull is triumphant! He now has breakfast.

Sometimes we get the FINAL photo just right!! The Gull was determined.

Enjoy your breakfast, while watching out for the Gull!

Chicago – Tulips are everywhere…

This year there are so many tulips around Chicago.

Here are two photos of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Ave). On one side of the street, there were red/yellow colored tulips. When I walked to the other side, they favored multiple colored tulips.

I didn’t realize that tulips are perennials, so they come back again and again. Of course, this depends on the soil, how much water they’ve had during the year, etc. So, sometimes all of the tulips might not come back. For example, you might just see a lone tulip in someone’s yard, like this yellow one. Although, there seem to be some other sprouts that are coming to the surface.

Here are beautiful pink tulips. Such a fabulous color. This was in the evening. Were they going to sleep?

Tulips will only be in bloom until mid-May, so enjoy them while you can.

Happy Spring!

Almost Solar Eclipse time…

I carefully took this photo, trying not to look at the sun. The sun is bright, it hurts our eyes to look toward it. This was a neat photo between the trees. Looks like a spooky Halloween photo. We just need a witch flying by on her broomstick.

I look forward to seeing what the media shows later today.

Happy viewing, be safe!

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Happy St Patrick’s Day! I’m prepared. Recently, I was at Notre Dame University and picked up this shirt. Go Irish! Got to wear some green this weekend.

Then in yearly tradition, the Chicago Plumbers Union will dye the Chicago River green on Saturday. I always think of the “The Wizard of Oz” and their Emerald City when I see how green the river gets. It’s BEAUTIFUL!

We really get excited to see them dye the river. YouTube has some videos, you can see the process. There are a lot of Irish folks in Chicago, so it’s a lot of fun. I can’t say that corned beef and cabbage is my favorite meal, but once a year, OK. Lots of Irish beer. Don’t forget to wear some green.

My daughter lived in Ireland for six years. She said that St Patrick’s Day is their biggest holiday.

It’s time to watch “The Quiet Man.” Love that movie.

Have a great weekend. Happy St Patrick’s Day! ☘️

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love can be found. I saw this telephone booth in Nashville. Yes, you can try to find a cowboy! I didn’t try to call the number. I wonder if it worked. I’m sure they’d say something amusing, right.

A lady was dressed all in pink. She was with her husband, I saw her by the booth. I asked if she wanted a picture with her husband. She said, “YES,” it was her birthday. So, I took the picture. THEN she pulled me aside. She whispered, “You take picture of me alone, no husband.” 

Laughing, “Ok,” I said.

She was hamming it up for the camera. This pose, that pose. She must have been in her 50s. As I was taking photos, I told her it would be fun if she pretended she was making a phone call. She picked up the phone, more poses. It was fun being the photographer.

Whether you have someone or not, you can still have a heartfelt day! 💕

Wishing you ALL a HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!