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Lake Michigan, Fall weather – already?

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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.

Chicago – Blue Angels are in town!!

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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!

Feeling powerful like the Olympians!

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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!

Have a great motivational day!

Some new friends…

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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!

Multi-can opener… It works!

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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!

Morning breakfast, a pipe, flowers…

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I went walking the other day. It was early in the morning with a bit of rain, just a drizzle.

I came across this group of pigeons eating breakfast.

Then I saw this pipe thing on a tree. What do you think it is for?

Then some flowers.

I enjoy mornings when everything is waking up and coming alive.

Have a great weekend!

Lexus Monogram GX – Built in Pizza Oven!

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Have you heard the latest news?

Lexus GX and Monogram debuted an SUV with a pizza oven built in. They created this for the 2024 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado. Such a fun idea!

Sounds like this was a one-off. However, sometimes show pieces can become reality.

Who says it is just about burgers and hot dogs! Get a pizza oven too.

Happy 4th of July!

“Cicada Parade-A 2024” – Another sighting…

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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!

Help – Why do my tools smell so bad?

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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.

How have you dealt with smelly tools?