Day 125 : Freezing Rain

The freezing rain today in Chicago was more than any tropical person can take. It rained and with freezing temperatures, everything from trees, cars and roads to fences were completely frozen as if laminated by ice. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 124 : Snow Dogs in Chicago

We generally hear that snow dogs can be seen on mountain terrains covered in 10 feet snow. But Chicago offers a rare sight into these hard-working dogs in the winter. I took this picture in Navy Pier. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 123 : Wait for Me

Looks like the Mallard couple are out on a stroll in the frozen lake. I cannot imagine how such small birds like ducks and sparrow manage in such cold weather, but it is amazing. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 122 : Pink Begonias

Never thought there would be a flower that would look like a Rose, and as beautiful as well. These Begonias so delicate, so calming, make you wanna just sit and enjoy the view. Here is the picture if the day:

Day 121 : Hanging Gorilla

There is a little surprise waiting for us in every little corner around us. You will see it and smile for a moment, however you forget all about it. This picture is one such thing. I thank whoever put this cute Gorilla hanging on the tree in their front yard because it makes me smile every time I come across this tree. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 120 : Funhouse in the Window

I took this picture when I went out with my friends and their kids to Jumpzone, where I discovered the child in my heart. As the sun set and the windows became mirrors, I saw this fantastic opposite world in the window glass. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 119 : My Wall

This cute little vine made a white wall its home. It was amazing to really look at its tiny roots anchored to the nearly invisible hinges that rose off the wall's texture. The green splash on a white wall is always an exquisite site. I think this picture will make a good wallpaper, don't you? :) Here is the picture of the day:

Day 118 : Living on the Edge

Day 117 : Raindrops and Pink Buds

It rained pleasantly today in Chicago and a beauty of different sorts was standing behind the curtains of rain. Thousands of drops were standing on each thorny leaf of the Fir trees. The buds were quenched of their thirst, showing first signs of the spring. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 116 : Violet Roof

Skyflower (Duranta erecta) is the violet flower that stands tall on the top of this little tree shading you with hope. I love its deep violet color that hangs down onto the occasional stroller coming its way. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 115 : Chicago Lighthouse

One of the best things about Chicago is the lighthouse that stands near the Navy Pier. As I was doing some research, I found that it is an active lighthouse and visitors are not allowed. But that does not stop you from admiring the lighthouse whether its summer or winter. When one gets on the tour boat or cruise and go around the lighthouse, you cannot help admiring this tall structure as if you are seeing it for the first time. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 114 : Red and Yellow Orchid

Day 113 : Twin Trees

There is something magical about seeing something green on a vast sheet of ice. I saw these twin trees standing as one on a hillside covered with a sheet of snow. The clear blue sky giving the green trees a background as if it were a painted canvas. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 112 : Shopping is Fun

You will never believe where I took this picture. In India, shopping means going to a store surrounded by many other stores with hundreds of people everywhere around you (don't get me wrong, I love being in the middle of so many people, it gives me a kind of secure comfort), but I could never imagine going to shopping and seeing a beautiful scenery that you generally see in pictures of exotic places. I took this picture behind Costco where we were filling gas in the car. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 111 : Iced Raindrops

Happy Valentines Day to you my readers!! I wish true love to you all.

After the storm, Chicago weather had showed kindness on us and temperatures have increased pleasantly enough to melt the snow mountains around us. With the snow clearing, the water dripping and forming ice again, it looks like a magician is turning his wand on the weather at his whim. The water drops on the jute cord of my bird feeder froze to give this picture of the day:

Day 110 : Glowing Vase

Simple things hold the key to great beauty. Yesterday, I saw a candle behind a glass vase, which made it glow while the tender pink orchids felt shy before its glory. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 109 : Cold..So Cold!!

Its nearly 12, and I just came from one of the best days of my life. I had a perfect date with my husband at the Odyssey Cruise with exquisite Chicago beauty in the window, heart-warming Champagne, lip-smacking food, live music, chocolate fountain, and had the time of my life, dancing with my handsome husband in silence. To spend time with a boat filled with men and women in love on a valentine occasion, gives you a subtle hope that there are still people who believe in love.

For the picture of the day, I took this photograph when the temperature was -14F outside and my wild pet
Squirrel was trying to soak in every last drop of the sun:

Day 108 : Two in the Bush

I shot this picture at the Bonsai exhibition from Chicago Botanical Gardens. This was the first time I saw a Japanese Apricot and instantly fell in love with this flower. This little Japanese Apricot is my second favorite in the exhibition after the Japanese Witch Hazel that I posted earlier. I wish I could see all the four colors of white, pink, purple, and light green of the flowers (I will post pictures when I see them). The ivory-colored petals of this delicate flower against the backdrop of this sturdy little tree was just picture perfect. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 107 : Pollen Blast

This is a tiny tiny flower made of florets bunched together like a bouquet. The pollen burst and fell over all the florets. There was so much pollen on the flowers that it was like Diwali in India and 4th of July in USA. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 106 : Christmas Tree Ornaments

The day before temperatures dropped to 3F degrees, the snow on the roof melted and trickled down on my mini Christmas tree in the patio. The water formed ice ornaments on the tree that had now transformed from a simple pine tree into a fully decorated Christmas tree. Here is to the little wonders of everyday life:

Day 105 : Water Glass

Yesterday, the snow on our roof melted and I had a patio view of rain falling. I took pictures of the water drops falling on the snow and melting it little by little. The drops of water falling in my patio had given me the opportunity to see things differently, with my mini Christmas tree completely covered in icicle ornaments (I will post it soon) and Water Glass on my camera. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 104 : Flying High

I admire Americans, especially Chicagoans, for their spirit to enjoy every season, no matter how cold or how hot. Some jog in the snow, some walk miles even at -10 degrees, and most enjoy winter sports. I prefer staying indoors during snow and just enjoy the beauty of snowflakes in my balcony. This picture is the proof of their spirit. This teenage boy looked fearless when he was sleighing down the two-story structure and other participants were eagerly waiting for their turn. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 103 : Sweet Sunshine

With the snow binding my wings for over 2 months, I wish for the sun to emerge with all its might that would melt away all the snow. Coming from India with plenty of sunshine, I wish for the warm sunshine that awakens the flowers from their peaceful slumber. This Oriental Paper Bush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) reminded me of the sunshine in India. This flower reminded me of the ever faithful Sunflower. Originally found in Himalayas, this Paper Bush blooms with fragrant yellow florets, while its branches are used in prepare fiber for commercial purposes. Heres for sunshine, warm and bright:

Day 102 : Guardian Gargoyle

This snow sculpture of this gargoyle against the backdrop of the city makes it look like the guardian of the city. This was carved by Kim McCombs and Jyl Bonaguro of our own Chicago. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 101 : Lonely Mermaid

Chicago Botanical Garden is home for this beautiful bronze sculpture of the little mermaid boy. This sculpture was made by Sylvia Shaw Judson in 1920. He was sitting on the edge of the tank in the middle of the hall looking intently at something in his hands and he looked so lonely. The tip of his tail was dipped in the water playfully, but I love this view. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 100 : American Robin

When I first saw this colorful bird I was spellbound by its beauty. At the time, I did not know that it was the Robin on which so many poems were written, especially the one written by Emily Dickinson. I have always thought that the Robin was red in color, due to the famous songs as well as Batman and Robin comics. But it has a perfect combination of soft orange feathers on the chest with its grey feathers on the back. After nearly 30 shots, I got this picture right. The Robin is considered as a symbol of Spring, I hope the spring comes fast. Here is the picture of the day:

Day 99 : Beauty in Chaos

The 'Blizzard of 2011' had shook Chicago to the roots and finally abated today. The snow, the winds, the thunders, and the lightening had made our hearts beat faster, praying for it to end soon. Many were stranded in cars, many families suffered the cold without electricity, and everyone would wrestle with the snow that nearly buried their cars. But there is beauty in chaos too. This morning, as I was watching the snow storm pushing away everything and anything in its way, I saw most wonderful snowflakes sticking to my window. I tried to take pictures, but my camera was not equipped for this job. And then this snowflake, big and beautiful than others, invited me to take a picture and voila! here is the picture of the day:

Day 98 : Eight Children at Play

Navy Pier is home to this bronze statue of life-like 'Eight Children at Play.' This statue was made by renowned sculptor, J. Seward Johnson, Jr. The statue exudes pure happiness and you can literally hear the children's laughter. From the laughter in their eyes to the crease in their clothes, the artist has captured the soul of the children. Here is the picture of the day: