Some Day This Will Be Funny: God, Guns, Trump
This is funny now but unfortunately not to everyone. And at the same time, it is also sad. Some day this will be funny to everyone. Summer of 2020.
#SomeDayThisWillBeFunny
Abandoned Exoskeleton of a Cicada
After 17 years undeground, a cicada nymph emerged to undergo molting process and transition to an adult cicada to breed. It climbed a fern leaf and shed its exoskeleton. The exoskeleton called "exuviae". #BroodIX
Cicadas Emerging After 17 Years Underground
The insects spend the majority of their lives underground, in a nymph state. The emergence time is different for different species but the nymphs of this species emerge from the ground in the spring of the 17th year and transition to mature cicadas, ready to breed.
The 17-year life cycle of this periodical cicada species makes it one of the longest-lived insects. #BroodIX
Vacant Cars During the Coronavirus Outbreak
The reduction in passenger traffic due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) left train cars vacant on the usually full trains on the bounds to Chicago.
Mural of Murray
Posters painted on the wall next to Woodstock's movie theater. One of them
resembles the theatrical release poster of the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day", which was mostly filmed here in Woodstock and it reads, "Home of the Groundhog Day the Movie".
Juvenile Atlantic Horseshoe Crab
These are considered living fossils - they first appeared some 450 million years ago. Also, horseshoe crabs are not true crabs - they are more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions than to crabs.
Decorations In a Restaurant
Fragment of decoration with unusual style for a restaurant.
Mid-April in the Midwest
Welcome to the midwest where the weather is made up and the seasons don't matter.
Polar Vortex 2019 - Chicago River Froze in Record Cold
This was the first time I saw the Chicago River completely frozen. The ice was broken by an ice breaker boat but the breach froze over again.
These Rusty Tools are Actually Made of Chocolate
A window display at Christkindlmarket with rusty tools, bolts, and screws which are actually chocolates. #christkindlmarket
Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
Vendors’ booths in front of "The Chicago Picasso" at the annual Christmas market called Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza in Chicago, Illinois. #thechicagopicasso
Odd-looking Pumpkins at the Home Depot
Unusual pink pumpkins with stiffened growths laying by the Home Depot entrance.
Back Alleys of Chicago
Hidden bystreets and alleys of Chicago let avoid the foot traffic on the way to the train station.
Union Pacific Northwest Train Hits a Tree on Tracks
Ok, maybe the title shouldn't be so breaking-news-like and maybe now this doesn't look like a big deal but it was much more exciting sitting in the first car right after the engine when a loud bang pierced the relative quietness (most of the loud people usually get off the train a couple of stops earlier). Judging by the noise, the amount of leaves and wood chips that shot past the windows of the car - what you see stuck to the cowcatcher* is only a small part of what we hit.
* Cowcatcher ( the pilot, cattle catcher) - is the front part of a train that supposed to deflect foreign objects on the track and prevent derailing.
The Chicago Picasso, 2018
An untitled 15.2 meter (50 feet) monumental sculpture referred to as "The Chicago Picasso" or just "The Picasso".
The final model of the sculpture was completed in 1966 by Pablo Picasso and the statue was dedicated on August 15, 1967, in Daley Plaza in the Chicago Loop. Chicago, Illinois. #thechicagopicasso
Fishing on Santa Rosa Island, Florida
Besides beautiful beaches, like the Princess Beach, Santa Rosa Island offers good fishing. I've added a dozen new species to my list after just a few fishing sessions.
Princess Beach on Santa Rosa Island, Florida
Beautiful white sand, crystal clear water, and lots of personal space.
Now the confusing part. The Princess Beach is located on Okaloosa Island which is not the name of the whole island but a part of Santa Rosa Island - a 40-mile (64 km) so-called barrier island.
Remains of 110 N Upper Wacker Drive
#littlewasleft of 110 N Upper Wacker Drive - former headquarters of General Growth Properties Inc.
You Are Amazing, Babe!
I was driving home and saw this unusual expression of love - a heart-shaped sign along the road.
Smoke on the Water & the Non-Existent Building
It was cold in Chicago at the end of December so that the Chicago River gave off steam. It was an unusual scene for me and I took a picture.
The photo came out less impressive than the actual scenery and I decided to not post it. But in a few weeks demolition of the building in the background had started, by mid-March #littlewasleft, and now it is completely gone.
I've learned that this five stories tall building was the headquarters of General Growth Properties Inc. (110 N Upper Wacker Drive). It should be replaced by a modern riverfront tower. Let's see.
Side of the Three First National Plaza
The building was designed so its extending outward windows provide a wider view from inside and the cut angle of its southern side minimizes obstructions to the nearby buildings.