This was so amusing. Luckily, I wasn’t in a rush. These geese were taking their time.
Then a deer. I turned the corner and there she was, looking straight at me.
Such a lovely Fall day!
Holding up traffic…
Tag Photography
Chicago Skyline…
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.
Have a nice day!
Cicada… the real deal!
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.
Have a lovely day!
Lake Michigan, Fall weather – already?
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.
What bug is this?
On a walk, I saw this bug. I’m not sure if it could fly, but it looks like it probably has wings.
Anyone know?
The bug is a beautiful color and then on the flower, a perfect picture.
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!
Walking… No more tulips, now ROSES!
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!
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!
Brilliant Viewpoint 