Tuesday, April 17, 2012

No Clue

Discovered these paper mache birds at The Magic Hedge/Montrose Harbor.  



Sunday, April 15, 2012

Getting Ready

The new 31st Street Harbor -- almost ready for the start of the boating season.


Friday, April 13, 2012

The Bridge is Up

The Columbus Bridge being raised, as viewed from Upper Columbus


Sunday, April 8, 2012

A Spring Thing

Ramps are in season.  It's a short season so get them while you can.  Make pesto and pasta sauce, omelets and pizza, pickle them, freeze ramp butter.  So many options, so little time!  

What are ramps, you say?    Allium Tricoccum.  Wild leeks.  And, a few sources say, the reason for the name "Chicago".  The Potawatami word for Wild Onions (also skunk, but I choose to ignore that variation) is Checagou.  Apparently, ramps were plentiful and the are had a distinct - but pleasantly garlicky oniony 'aroma'.


Saturday, March 17, 2012

There Be Me Pot o' Gold

I found it ... over by Navy Pier.

Happy St. Patrick's Day
  
(Please remember to celebrate responsibly:  Wearing more than
can be harmful to the health of those around you)     


Wednesday, February 29, 2012

An Extra Foggy Day

Does anyone else wonder why the ancient calendar makers decided to put Leap Day in February instead of in - oh, any of those lazy Summer months?  But, February?  Isn't winter - even a mild one like we've had - already long enough?    


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Inspired by Champagne

The design of the Carbide and Carbon Building on a Spring-like Winter Day was allegedly inspired by a Champagne bottle.  The green terra cotta tower representing the bottle with a gold leaf top representing the shiny foil cover on the cork.


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Bright Flowers

These colorful flowers, brightening up some dull winter days, are on the 212 South State Street Building in the Loop.  The building is owned by the General Services Administration.  They partnered with a group called Portraits of Hope to create a uplifting mural on the doors of the building.  



Monday, January 30, 2012

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Exploring Chinatown: Ping Tom Park

You can get a unique perspective of the skyline - where else can you see the Sears Tower as a backdrop to a canyon wall? - from Ping Tom Memorial Park