a winter ride

This week we had a couple of days above freezing so the roads cleared up enough to go on my first bike ride of 2014. Passed this scene on my way home. Looking forward to warmer days!

have you seen my tauntaun?

Most of the Chicago area was transformed into the ice planet Hoth this winter. Tauntauns would have been helpful…. except for the smell. This was taken at Robert Moses State Park, on Long Island in New York. (No Tauntauns were harmed in the taking and processing of this photograph.)

winter’s dreamy shore

Robert Moses State Park. Love the shore…. any time of year…. I love the shore…

bridge and stairs

I posted a similar picture of this location here. There are two beautiful state parks about 50 minutes west of us: Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park. This was taken at Matthiessen. We are experiencing the coldest winter here in Chicago since….well… since the beginning of recorded time, but I did enjoy the cold hike on the day this was taken. I would be interested to know which one of the two you prefer. Have a wonderful weekend!

winter’s shore

This has been a wonderful week loving on my elderly parents, laughing with my siblings, and walking along the shore during this trip to my home town: East Meadow, NY. So grateful to take home some new memories… grateful for family, friends, and, this beautiful world…

the beautiful shore

A long time ago I decided to stop trying to understand why I love the southern shore of Long Island so much; particularly Jones Beach and Robert Moses. I simply enjoy the sense of peace, wonder and smallness that walking along these beautiful beaches bring to my soul. Add to that, the fond childhood and high school sweetheart memories, and I remain – always – so glad to be back “home” along the shore…

winter bridge

Went for a C-O-L-D hike yesterday… oh… and took some pictures too. Taken at Matthiessen Park, in North Utica, IL.

the nook sunset

Living in the plains of the Midwest does have its benefits. I do miss the Atlantic Ocean on the south shores of Long Island… the mountains of upstate New York… but I have come to appreciate the many beautiful horizons of our town: Minooka.

sun dog

So, apparently, this meteorological phenomena is called a ‘sun dog’. I… uh… didn’t know that. Taken just behind my home.

winter expedition

We are having a very cold and snowy winter in the Midwest, but my youngest son and I went out for a winter expedition after the snow storm, and, before the temperatures plummeted – it is now -15 Fahrenheit. It was absolutely beautiful.