Home » Photo Essay (Page 4)
Category Archives: Photo Essay
Afternoon At The Fen
Thursday was sunny and hot. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon, visiting the Bluff Spring Fen. I was treated to a nice breeze blowing through the fields and the sky provided a spectacular cloud show.
A fen is defined as a type of wetland. This 160 acre, mineral-rich, spring fed fen is part of a larger 225 acre nature preserve managed by the Forest Preserve Districts of Kane and Cook Counties and the City of Elgin.
Nature preserves have a higher degree of protections and regulations than parks and forest preserves. There are no picnic tables or shelters. It is not a playground. No cycling, dogs or horseback riding are allowed. With extremely narrow paths and an occasional footbridge, it is the perfect place for a tranquil walk and to view rare and protected plants and wildlife.
Here are a sampling of the photos I took on my first visit.
I look forward to visiting again and capturing the change of seasons in the months to come.
Exploring the Fox River Trail
Whether you live in a rural or urban setting, and whether you know it or not; there are some amazing walking and biking trails near you. I found sights, sounds and smells that can dazzle to extremes, just a short distance from my home. I can experience the city, farm and fields, beautiful river and forest views; all in a relatively short distance. The sounds of traffic, babbling brooks, chirping birds… even silence. Stale city smells, pungent livestock, fresh forest air… are all there waiting for you to explore.
A little color as spring begins to invade Trout Park along the Fox Valley Trail.
Last week, I took my longest ride so far, traveling south from Elgin down to the heart of St. Charles. There and back, my ride clocked in at just over 22 miles, round trip. To date, I’ve covered about 16 miles of the Fox River Trail (FRT) between St. Charles and East Dundee.
In total, the trail is approximately 43 miles long from Montgomery to the south, to Algonquin on the north end. The trail links in multiple locations with other Illinois trails branching out in other directions.
Here are some highlights, as well as some tips to help you avoid getting lost and to work around some trail closures. I’m sharing some photos I’ve taken along the path over the past few weeks.
One of the best urban portions of the ride, travels through Elgin, along the Fox River, passing Walton Island Park.
Pratt’s Castle, north of downtown Elgin (1262 Cedar Ave, Elgin, IL) along the Fox River Trail.
“Brick Roadway on North Spring Street” (1930’s) is the last exposed brick remaining in Elgin.
Detours. I was naive enough to believe once you were on the trail, you’d stay on a clearly marked trail. It’s not the case. There are some closures and detours you’ll want to be aware of along the trail.
Traveling north from Elgin on the Fox River Trail. There are really only two minor considerations you’ll want to know about traveling north of downtown Elgin. The first, is a pretty simple jog that takes you a few blocks east of the river, around the Gail Borden Library, to allow you to cross near the Kimball street bridge. There are green bike signs that help get you across this busy street. You then have the option of taking the sidewalk around either side of the library until it reconnects with the trail. This is a permanent part of the path. I should note that once you cross Kimball, you should take the side walk south of the library back down to the river or you’ll miss a beautifully maintained section and the Veteran’s Memorial. Otherwise, you just continue straight ahead, passed the library and a large (currently) vacant piece of land, back to the actual trail going north.
The second spot is at I-90 about a quarter mile passed Trout Park. The path is not closed there. I saw one post online stating it was closed. You are crossing through a construction zone– and there are signs requesting you walk your bike through the short stretch, although most cyclists I’ve encountered, ignore the signs. The bridge that crosses the river at I-90 (taking you off trail) is closed and under construction.
Traveling south from Elgin on the Fox River Trail. A couple miles south of Elgin the FRT is closed. If you’re not paying attention, you’ll suddenly find yourself traveling along the Illinois Prairie path, and not know how you got there, or how to get back on the FRT. Forking off to the west is a closed path that appears to dead end at a train trestle. There is actually supposed to be a bridge
The FRT detours here. The bridge is gone that is supposed to go under the left arch connecting the trail.
going under the trestle that connects the trail. This spot tripped me up my first ride. It is not marked as part of the FRT and there are no signs anywhere that instruct how you can detour back to the trail.
The best work-around I found, is to take the Illinois Prairie Path to Middle Street and go west, into South Elgin, go north one block on South Gilbert Street to State Street and then taking the State Street Bridge west, putting you are back on the trail again.
On my return trip, I did investigate the ‘skipped’ portion of the FRT and it is walkable but not easy to ride– up to where the bridge is out. That portion of the path is in extreme disrepair, lots of steep and bumpy, twisting spots that need to be redeveloped– if and when the bridge is replaced.
Seba Park on the west side of the Fox River is currently under construction but you can follow the path through, staying on the trail. From there, the trail is quite beautiful and unobstructed. Following the shoreline of the Fox River, along side a railroad track for some distance, is a nice peaceful ride.
There is one long, fairly steep incline that I find too difficult to ride and walked it instead, when heading south. It’s fun riding north though— but you need to use your breaks.
As you get close to St. Charles, there are a few spots where you have to ride main roads and residential streets between gaps in actual dedicated paths— so you’ll need to use extreme caution if walking or cycling. Some spots aren’t marked, you just continue straight ahead and the trail will become clear when it picks up again. I used the TrailLink app and GPS just to be sure.
Farms, fields and sky along the Fox River Trail and Illinois Prairie Path.
Where Bridges and Train Trestles Meet. One of the spots where the Fox River Trail and Illinois Prairie Path link.
Biking across the Fox River, north of St. Charles on the Fox River Trail.
Stunning view of the Fox River.
Much of the Fox River Trail follows along functioning and unused train track.
Open blue skies.
I stopped when I reached downtown St. Charles because I was confused where to go. The map shows the trail forking and following both sides of the river through downtown. You cannot ride your bike on the sidewalks in downtown St. Charles though. The narrow roads and traffic congestion make riding in the streets a little daunting as well. Signs are posted requiring cyclists to walk bikes on sidewalks. Since I was out for a ride, not a walk; I decided to turn back towards Elgin at this point. I found out later, there is an actual riding path on the west side of the Fox River, which after some distance, must cross back over the river to the east side, before heading south towards Aurora.
On my way back, a work crew on the path forced me on a bit of a detour through a small portion of Tekakwitha Woods. I was rewarded with a stunning bridge view I would have otherwise missed.
Just off the FRT in the Tekakwitha Woods.
I’m looking forward to more exploring this summer. My next goal is to ride from Elgin to the northern trailhead in Algonquin. A friend of mine just told me yesterday that north of East Dundee, is a beautiful scenic ride.
There are thousands of miles of trails across the United States and some are bound to be near you. Some you never knew existed. Get out there and explore!
Suggested Links:
- Trail Link- Fox River Trail
- Kane County Forest Preserve- Fox River Trail
- Fox River Bike Trail
- City of Elgin- Biking & Walking
Beautiful Christmas: 321 Division Street – A Peek Inside
As promised, here are a few Christmas pictures inside our house. We’re currently celebrating the house’s 125th Anniversary.
I finally finished my Department 56 Christmas in the City village yesterday even though it was the first thing I started back in November. There are approximately 80 houses and 200 accessories.
I tried to include a variety of pictures featuring some of our 12 indoor trees.
A view of the basement man cave.
A corner of our kitchen.
The Foyer from the front door.
The Department 56, Christmas in the City village.
Looking up at the Foyer Christmas Tree.
The Foyer Christmas tree from the second floor.
The dining room, originally the second or family parlor.
The front parlor.
The front parlor during the day.
Front Parlor- Night view.
Smaller Foyer tree by the front door.
Mercury Glass Ornaments in the front Parlor.
Cherubs on the Foyer tree.
Mantle decor.
Beautiful Christmas: 321 Division Street – A Look Outside
The front gate at 321 Division Street, December 2014.
It’s the 125th Christmas here at 321 Division Street and no snow… yet. With Christmas only a few days away, I wanted to post some pictures to help you get in the holiday spirit.
Here’s what the house looks like on the outside, tomorrow I’ll share some pictures from the inside.
Just before sunset.
Front entrance before sunset.
321 Division Street, from the front corner.
Christmas at 321 Division Street.
Wreath above the main entrance.
Garland and red bow drape the wrought iron fence surrounding the house.
Colorful star in the side yard.
The porte cochere from the back.
Trees in the yard from the front porch.
A view of the house from across the street.
Color changing lollipops line the front walk.
Trumpeting Angel.
Window view.
Large LED snowflake in the dining room window.
Glimpse inside from the porch.
Front porch from the side.
Blowing Up Thanksgiving
When I think of Thanksgiving, three things immediately come to mind: family, turkey and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What was it about the parade?
As a kid, it was all about the balloons. As I got older, it became more about the chance to get a glimpse of current and upcoming Broadway performances.
The parade has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I have memories of watching it on TV in different houses and at different times in my life. It’s always been a tradition, no matter where I am. Finally, as an adult, I actually got to experience the parade live. Three times, actually.
There’s nothing in the world as exciting as spending the holidays in New York City. There’s also no place in the world that’s busier.
Michael and I have spent multiple Thanksgiving weeks in NYC; on our own, with family and with friends. The biggest thrill for me was having the chance to fulfill that childhood fantasy: seeing Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, up close and personal.
If crowds aren’t your thing, it might be a little difficult. I just recommend you avoid areas like Columbus Circle, Times Square and Macy’s itself, unless you are connected and have a reserved viewing spot. It’s crowded all along the parade route, but if you set out early and bring along your patience– it’s an unbeatable experience.
Balloons lined up as crowds view the inflation in 2008.
One of my most memorable experiences was in 2008, when I went to the balloon inflation on Thanksgiving Eve. Years ago, the inflation took place over night in Central Park. People could wander through, all night long and watch all the workers; busy readying the balloons for their big flight. In more recent years, it has become an event and they started inflating the balloons earlier in the day– so families could bring their children to witness the magic coming to life.
This year the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation takes place Wednesday November 26th, near the American Museum of Natural History, from 3 to 10pm. You enter at W 79th Street at Columbus Avenue.
2008 Kermit during the balloon inflation.
The later you go, the more the balloons will have taken shape. It’s also more crowded (later). You walk along at your own pace and are sure to get a great, close up view of some of your favorite balloon characters.
I’ve heard (and read) of many people having good and bad experiences; but all agree, it’s one of those things you must do at least once.
I loved it and would do it again.
2008 Spongebob beign inflated for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
( I took all the photos featured here during the 2008 balloon inflation.)
Autumn At 321 Division Street
Autumn Leaves.
Crisp morning air, full of the scent of falling oak leaves…
Fall is finally here! My favorite season. Surprisingly, there is an abundance of color– in spite of the short summer we experienced this year. With an unseasonably cool August, many of our Maple trees dropped the majority of their leaves more than a month earlier than usual without changing color. Temperature, rainfall and a whole slew of other factors can affect the amount and timing of fall color and nature is putting on quite a show.
We’re pretty much at our color peak right now, here in Elgin. How long it will last, will again, depend on a number of factors– but might hang around a little longer than usual is we don’t experience any extreme weather changes.
To top off this autumn color display, we had a great viewing opportunity, October 8th, of a lunar eclipse. I’ve seen many over the years and this one was unique from my past viewing experiences; with the full eclipse occurring at 5:30 am, fading into the dawn.
Enjoy it while you can. The snow will be here before you know it!
Virginia Creeper turning crimson.
Autumn color at 321 Division Street.
Side Porch view.
Fall color surrounds our 120+ yr. old Ginkgo tree.
Blazing color of our Burning Bush after the rain.
Fall at 321 Division Street.
Lunar Eclipse, October 8th, 2014.
Lunar Eclipse Over Elgin, at dawn. October 8th, 2014.
Brilliant colors of Autumn.
My forest angle of the 321 Division Street
Autumn at 321 Division Street. 125 years old.
Belle: Introducing Our New Addition
Friday, September 12th, we adopted a beautiful, eight week old, female AKC Boxer, we named Belle, into our family. Our first vet visit went extremely well and our 12.2 pound baby girl was fit as a fiddle. In three weeks she was already up to 17 pounds.
A typical Cash & Belle snuggle moment.
After a lot of thought and research, we finally felt it was time to find Cash a new companion… A decision we’ll never regret. Belle has lit a new fire in Cash as he finds his second puppyhood. It’s pretty amazing to watch the two of them together. With Cash at 11 1/2 years old, we weren’t sure how he’d adapt. For the most part, it’s been the best thing we could have done for him. We make sure he gets his share of attention and slowly introduce changes but for the most part we are keeping his routine the same as it’s been. The most notable, positive change is that he sleeps a whole lot less and Belle makes sure he’s getting a lot more exercise.
Now, it’s been a little over a month of joy and challenges getting used to our newest family member. Crate training and potty training are both going well. She responds to her name, fetches, is starting to sit for treats and loves to explore the yard. If we could only curb her fondness for pulling down all the pillows from the furniture, we’d be set.
Belle loves her big brother, Cash and is trying desperately to make friends with Collins (our cat) but that’s taking more time. Collins is suddenly more needy and has no trouble expressing his jealousy and annoyance if he’s not getting all the attention he thinks he deserves.
I’ve been so busy with Belle, it’s taken me this long to finally get a moment to post these pictures of her. I try to keep my camera close because she’s growing so fast. Here’s a selection of pictures from our first meeting to the present.
My first meeting with Belle.
Cash and Belle’s first meeting.
Nap Time.
A budding friendship.
Belle, AKC female Boxer at 8 weeks.
Who could resist that face?
Someone To Watch Over Me. Cash & Belle.
Just a little stair crazy.
Belle
Looking for her brother.
Belle the Explorer.
Cash & Belle: Best Friends.
Remembering 9/11
Every year on this date I take time to remember, grieve, celebrate and honor the many heroes and those that lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. Thirteen years have flown by but the wounds are deep. 2,977 innocent people died on that day and they, as well as their families deserve to be remembered.
In addition, more than 1,400 first responders have also died since 9/11. There are many more that are sick and suffering.
I think it’s important on this day of remembrance to also remember the heroic men and women that have served our country and those that gave their lives in the days since 9/11 to protect our freedoms. To date, more than 8,000 American and Allied soldiers have died in post-9/11 wars.
A close up of the Last Column.
How will you remember this tragic and historic day?
Here is a link to a list of ways you might participate in the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The photographs I’m sharing here are images I took on the official opening day of the museum at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City on May 21, 2014.
You can see more images I shot that day by clicking here.
Even as the buildings collapsed, the slurry wall held back the water that would have flooded Lower Manhattan.
Tridents recovered from Ground Zero.
Ladder 3.
A lot has changed in our world since then. Some good, some bad. I can honestly say I don’t feel any safer today than I did immediately after the attacks. I will say though, that I think America needs to be very cautious and not let fear and hate win over reason when it comes to national security and our place in the world. War does not equal justice and war does not always protect us in the way it is intended.
In today’s world, it makes us a bigger target.
I miss the unity I felt in the days and months after 9/11. We came together as a nation then. With all that is happening in this country and around the world, we need that now more than ever.
Behind this wall lie the unidentified remains of many that perished on 9/11/01.
Rediscovering Chicago
Good Morning Chicago. Early morning cityscape from Upper Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.
The funny thing about living in or near a major city is that it seems that everyone that lives there, is too busy to see it. When we visit New York City, even though our primary goal is to see as many Broadway and Off Broadway shows as possible, we also try to get away from Times Square and experience the real New York that tourists don’t often see. We try to explore neighborhoods and restaurants that are new to us, and just enjoy the eclectic vibe the city has to offer. Sure, we do the touristy things too. But when you ask New Yorkers, most have settled into their routine, have their favorite hangouts, and seldom explore the city the way tourists do.
The fact is, when you live in a metropolitan area, you tend to take it for granted. It’s there, you can see it whenever you want but most don’t get out there and explore it. And– God forbid, you do anything at all that tourists would do!
I came to Chicago in April of 1989 for a week-long vacation; and by chance, got a job on the second day of my visit. I didn’t return home for four months– and then, only long enough to pack up my things and move to my new home. I lived in Roscoe Village and then Uptown for nearly five years before moving permanently out to the suburbs. That was twenty five years ago.
Since then (aside from one day spent in the city with visiting family, more than ten years ago) trips to Chicago have been limited to a few hours usually for dinner and a show and very little exploring.
A view of the bridges over the Chicago River from my hotel room.
For years, Michael and I have been saying we wanted to spend time seeing Chicago but never have.
So finally this past Labor Day weekend, with family in town, we decided to stay in a hotel and spent three days seeing some of the sights.
We stayed at the beautiful Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront (formally Hotel 71) and had a stunning view of the Chicago River.
I wanted to share pictures from our stay in and around the Chicago Loop and lakefront.
Cloud Gate by artist Anish Kapoor in Millennium Park. Better known as ‘the Bean’.
Cloud Gate, 6 am.
Looking across Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain in Millennium Park towards Michigan Avenue at 5 am.
Statues by Jaume Plensa in Millennium Park at 5 am.
Two Prudential Plaza.
The Smurfit-Stone Building.
The newest major addition to the Chicago skyline, Trump Tower.
Reflections on the Chicago River.
The Willis Tower. Formerly known as the Sears Tower. The second tallest building in the U.S.
The Chicago skyline at sunset.
The Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier.
Chicago at night.
At a later date, I’ll post more photos from the Architectural River Cruise and the museums. I realize there is much more to Chicago than what the Loop has to offer. There is a vibrant, neighborhood and cultural identity to explore as well. At least we got a start rediscovering some of the many treasures Chicago has to offer. It took us long enough. What could be more short-sighted than exploring the world while ignoring the riches in your own backyard?
321 Division Street : 125 Years Young
Plaque designating that 321 Division Street is officially part of the historic district.
It’s time to celebrate two milestones at 321 Division Street.
This year, we celebrate the 125th birthday of the house and our 15th anniversary as its guardians. It’s hard to believe we’ve been here this long.
In 1994, Michael and I happened to be invited to a private party at this big, old, scary house we’d admired from a distance for sometime, never imagining we’d ever step inside. We both agreed it would be so cool to live in a place like this some day.
Flash forward four years: Michael just happened to overhear a woman going on and on to a friend of ours about a house that just went on the market. The more she talked, Michael realized she was talking about the house– and we wasted no time getting an appointment for a viewing.
The oldest known photograph of 321 Division Street from the early 1900’s.
Built by John Newman in 1889, Butterman’s, as it is often referred to; is a bit of a rare breed. It is a brick and stone Queen Anne, unlike the majority that are mostly wood construction. It originally featured 14 rooms, eight fireplaces, over 30 stained glass windows, and 13 different types of wood. It is listed as one of the thirty-five most influential buildings in the Elgin Historic District.
At the time John Newman built the house, he was also busy acquiring fifty-two creameries and is often credited for setting the Midwest dairy prices in the late 1800’s. He is most famous for his Spring Brook Creameries brand butter and served as President of the Elgin Board of Trade from 1894 to 1911.
Following the Newman family, the Ludwig family lived at 321 Division for many years. It sat empty towards the end of the 1960’s, was heavily vandalized in 1973, and considered a candidate for demolition. All the stained glass windows, many of the chandeliers, ornate door hardware and other intricacies were gone. Vagrants squatted in the house, starting a fire in the foyer by the grand staircase causing minor damage. Luckily, the Powers family came to the rescue, saving the house from demolition and preserving and extensively renovating 321 Division into what became, for a time, an upscale dinner club known as Butterman’s Restaurant, which opened in 1976.
The John Newman House, 321 Division Street as it looked in 1998.
After a few successful years, the restaurant began to struggle and started opening primarily for private parties before closing completely by the early 1990’s as the owners fought to find a new, sustainable use for their treasure.
We’re only the third family to live here. Prior to our purchase in 1999 and sometime after 1994, it had become law offices, with the industrial basement kitchen rented out to a caterer. Even though we closed on the house in February, we weren’t able to fully occupy until all the renters’ leases were up, July 1, 1999.
It’s really been fifteen years.
The John Newman House, 321 Division Street, Spring 2004.
Owning an old house brings many joys and frustrations. Enjoying the unique beauty and character of the home is sometimes overshadowed by the constant upkeep. Something always needs attention. The romanticized notions of living in a place like this are certainly balanced by the hard work necessary to keep it going. Still, I can’t help but treasure and relish in the time we’ve spent here.
Our first projects after acquiring the house included the addition of a wrought iron fence with drive through gates and the removal of the parking lot that ran the entire west side of the property. Tons and tons of top soil had to be brought in after the asphalt was removed. At first, we planted the entire side yard with grass. Slowly, we’ve added to the landscape over the years, first adding a gazebo and then plantings and stepping stones– some of which I made myself.
I spend much of the summer and fall outside enjoying the grounds. There are currently more than 75 trees on the property and hundreds of shrubs and perennials in need of attention. The yard continuously evolves as things grow, creating challenges in deciding what to add or subtract in maintaining our little forest in the city. I’ve tried to create areas that look landscaped but at the same time maintain a natural feel.
The John Newman House, 321 Division Street, Fall 2009.
Mother Nature certainly has her say, as new things spring up and old ones die off. I am constantly trying to keep up with her. I couldn’t even begin to count the hours spent planting, mulching, weeding, trimming and shaping our little sanctuary. I wouldn’t say that I’m an expert but I certainly enjoy the time I spend tending to it.
A home like this is a huge commitment. There are always projects and unique circumstances to overcome. Old houses are also harder to clean and keep clean. You have to learn how to pace yourself and not become overwhelmed, which i think happens naturally over time.
The John Newman House, 321 Division Street as it looks today. (Summer 2014)
There’s no real way to measure an experience like this, except to say it was the best/worst decision we ever made.
Would we do it again knowing what we do now? Probably not.
Still, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. You really have to live it to understand it. It’s an ongoing labor of love. The rewards really can’t be put into words.
From parking lot to paradise. The transformation of the west side yard at 321 Division Street.
West side yard view from the second floor at 321 Division Street.
Front Porch at 321 Division Street in 1999.
The front porch of the John Newman House, 321 Division Street as it looks today (Summer 2014).
How Do You Measure 525600 Minutes? 