This week my parents moved out of a house that has been in my family since the 1930s. It’s an old stone house out east that my paternal grandparents had built when my father was small.
In the eye of the Bean
Tanks and towers
Now dwindling in number, water tanks used to dot the skyline of the city. These amazing rooftop cisterns came into use in the late-nineteenth century, when on-site water storage was recognized as a necessary fire-fighting measure. Water tanks continue to be built in New York City for the ordinary purpose of maintaining the water pressure…
The morning run
As this runner knows, the annual gardens are best visited early or late in the day. Then light and shadow are most beautiful. Colors are vibrant. Often a cool dew lies on the grass. It is all so visually luxurious.
The annual gardens
The annual gardens below the conservatory are growing in. They are always beautiful, always different each year. On this day, it was delightfully cool. More people were in the garden than I’ve ever seen. There isn’t much to say about this beautiful place, except that there peace and happiness usually reign.
Self-study
This is just a funny self-portrait that I took one day at the office when I was goofing off. I can’t even remember now how I did it. All I know is it entailed using a mouse, a point-and-shoot, and Photo Booth. So much for professionalism, on so many scores. Nonetheless, looking at this picture…
At 5 pm
Commuters on the bus regard others enjoying the unfettered pleasures of being at the beach at the end of the day. I look out at the passing scene through the bus window. Being liberated from work is itself a pleasure, compounded by the pleasure of watching other people enjoying the day. I think of how…
The waves
Jeanne Gang’s Aqua, one of Chicago’s boldest and most beautiful new skyscrapers.
Prairie metaphysics
Power dog
In our continuing quest to find the world’s best Chicago-style hot dog, we’ve found a contender out in Harbor Country. Honestly, this was the best hot dog I’ve ever eaten. The name of the place is Nani’s, on the Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier, MI. It’s a new place, opened last season, that only…
Love of fireworks
I was skeptical when my husband suggested we watch the DC fireworks on television, but I became a convert and ended up taking hundreds of (impressionistic) pictures of the screen. Here are a few of my favorite explosions. Ineffably lovely! Click to enlarge.
Still waves
Happy Fourth of July, everyone! Long may she wave, over a people equally committed to liberty and peace!
