Shandy in the City?

On a lovely walk with Richard and the pups today we came up with the idea for a little game called, "Shandy in the City" (although Bandit is along on this excursion).

Take a look at the four photos here and see if, by the final photo, you can figure out where Shandy might be. Photo #1 is impossible to say; #2 you'd really need to know the path (Niki, do you recognize it?); #3 has a BIG clue (though upside down); and #4 tells the whole story.

This new bike path is on a former railroad right of way just west of Pulaski and runs from Bryn Mawr to Devon. It's become a favorite destination on our summer rides because of all the shade. Rumor has it that once Lincolnwood gets on board to extend it further north, it will link with a five county path system. Come on Lincolnwood, get on the band wagon!

Poetry Dog Tags

The Chicago Cultural Center across from Millennium Park has a great gift shop where you can always find fun stuff.

Recently I couldn't resist the cool glycerin soaps from the Enterprising Kitchen that were reminiscent of the ice paintings in the park. And I just had to buy the Poetry Dog Tags seen here. I love to pull a few tags from the box, see what comes up for the day, and wear them as a literary reminder.

The first day I wore: Billions beat as one
While Richard's read: Free, fast, happy

It wasn't until later that we realized how well they work together. I'll post more later--there's one for Shandy that I especially like.

Ice Paintings

In case you didn't get to visit the Museum of Modern Ice in Millennium Park before the exhibit closed, here are a few photos. We finally took the el down there last weekend so we barely made it ourselves. Wish we'd been able to see it at night.

(Click on photo to see larger version.)

Snowy Chicago New Year

Shandy and I didn't make it to midnight but around 11 we went for a walk in the snow. It was quiet and beautiful and such a treat to see Shandy enjoying herself again.

I didn't get a photo, but this shot from the deck this morning shows what it was like.

Happy New Year one and all. May you have health, happiness, and much success in the coming year.

Full Moon Fire Twirling

Hope you enjoyed the gorgeous full moon last night.

Though Shandy didn't seem to notice, I'm sure, like most animals, she's much more aware of the phases of the moon than we mere humans.

We went to the lakefront to watch the moon rise over the water while listening to drumming and enjoying fire twirlers, like the one pictured here. If you haven't experienced the celebration, it's worth putting on your calendar. You can find more info at spunn.org. Check it out.

Columbus Park Photos

Here are the photos from yesterday's tour of the Columbus Park refectory (Did you know that a refectory is a dining hall, usually in a monastery? Me neither.)

If we can persuade the powers that be, the dogs would be in the outdoor pavilion area and the hall would be for lunch and the school program Reading Rewards presentation. It would be great to have such a nice place for the kids to celebrate. Keep your fingers crossed!