Seashells from Cancun

As my friend Penny at "Doodles and Dreams" says when she adores an item, I "heart" seashells.
I found these little, white seashells on the beach just outside my hotel in Cancun. One early morning I gathered as many as I could. Upon returning to cold Chicago, I found beautiful jars with lids at The Container Store, I separated seashells into 3 different sizes and put into the jars.
I also put some of the sands that made it back with us to remind how warm and soft it felt under my feet everyday as I took a walk on the beach......

Matthiessen State Park, Utica Illinois

Matthiessen State Park is about 90 miles southwest of Chicago. I have not been to Matthiessen for close to 10 years and was really looking forward to photographing the fall colors. Since it was a nice warmer day for a fall, I was expecting a crowd of hikers and day visitors. Fortunately for me, because of the rain we have had in last several days, some of the trails were not accessible, and that kept people from venturing in further into the Dells. After scaling down steps after steps of stairs I made it to the bridge I had to walk across so that I can walk down more stairs to the dells. I hiked very narrow, slippery trails and at times had to walk on a very narrow logs across a creek, and some areas I had to guess which rocks in the creek were safe to walk across. To tell you the truth at times I thought for sure I would fall into the creek, and I had this image of me dripping wet, driving back to Chicago with all of my gears ruined.

Selecting a pumpkin with his Dad !!!

I saw this little boy selecting a pumpkin with his Dad. He was so excited and wanted to take home the biggest one. I sure do miss those days . . . . . . .

Last day of Farmers Market

Today was the last day of this years farmers market. I will truly miss the croissants by the nuns, beautiful grapes, apples, peaches, by the fruit farmers, broccoli, tomatoes, corn, lettuce, onions, herbs by the local farmers, pop corn, little donuts, home made cheese, farm fresh eggs, organic raised beef, honey by the bee keepers, beautiful flowers, orchids, soaps, olive oils, gift basket, hand made x-mas ornaments, bags, purses, baskets from Ghana, bird cages, jewelry, dog biscuits, hand made pizza, huge cup cakes, cookies of all kinds and many, many more. I will truly, truly miss this Sat. morning market. I can't wait until May for this market to re-open next year.

Fish out of water

I was just minding my own business enjoying bobbing in the warm ocean, suddenly school of fishes started to jump out of the water. Only thing I can think of was "SHARK" !!!!!!!!

Click on the images to enlarge. It's worth the trouble.

Cathedral of San Gervacio

In the town of Valladolid, Mexico we came upon a parade of Catholic worshipers with flags, banners and beautiful streamers going around the town square and going into Cathedral of San Gervacio for a Mass. Cathedral of San Gervacio was constructed in 1706 to replace an earlier one from 1545.

Beautiful Beach

Going for a little R & R this coming week.

Brasserie Jo

Brasserie Jo restaurant is a authentic French brasserie near Merchandise Mart in Chicago. We were 30 minutes earlier then our original reservation but were seated with a smile with no questions, place was full but they honored our reservations. The food was really well prepared and atmosphere with dark wood and white linens made it seem special. Wait staff was knowledgeable and friendly. We ordered Charcuterie, Pate and Cheese Assiette for Hors D'oeuvres, the wooden plank was filled with cold cuts, cheese and 2 different kind of pate... this was meal in itself. We broke the bread and ate with our goodies... yum.....
Main course, we had steamed mussels for $19.95 filled with garlic and lemon flavor that was great, Sauteed skate wing with mashed potate for $21.95 tender fish, Quiche Lorraine $13.95. I have never seen such huge Quiche, great flavor, and Red wine Chicken Coq au Vin for $22.95, Chicken was so tender that it just fell apart, and gravey was just devine.
Dessert was of course Chocolate mouse, which arrived in a huge serving bowl that we just could not stop giggling. The server scooped out two huge spoonful on a plate, dusted with chocolate powder and white chocolate sause to the side... It was so light and delightful.

They do have extensive wine and beer collections and if you like to drink with dinner selections are plenty.

Great place before theater or would like a casual french dinner this is a place to go......

2016 Olympic bid will be announced tomorrow

Olympics has been close to my heart since I was small. Tokyo Olympic in 1964, I remember rushing home from school to watch of all things wrestling? I grew up in a family where we did not watch TV, but Olympics were special that we were allowed watch. Mexico Olympics in 1968, we had just immigrated from Japan, last years Olympics in Beijing holds a special place, for one thing I was able to visit Beijing and was able to see the venues and I knew several of the athletes that won the medals. So, Chicago in 2016 yes, I hope the vote will be in the Chicago's favor.... Good Luck Chicago...... my dream? to hold the torch and run .........