The calm before the storm

Last night a whopper of a storm rolled through

Just before it did I took a walk in my little subdivision.

Shortly after this pic was taken the wind started.

50 to 70 MPH gusts!!

We sure needed the rain but today some folks are

nailing shingles back on their roofs. 

I have a guy coming to look at mine later today. 

The Sea

Last April when I was in Florida

I had a lovely dinner sitting on the deck

at a hotel on Singer Island

This was my view. 

For a Midwestern gal, I certainly do have

 a love affair with the sea!

I was invited on a trip to Cartagena Columbia

all expenses paid and I am debating whether to go.

I would have to attend meetings with other planners and tour hotels but these trips tend to be 5 star plus and you get enough free time to snoop around plus there are sight seeing tours included.  

Did I mention it is right on the sea?

Anyway, the caveat is the amount of time it takes to get there.

No direct flights etc. 12-14 hours ick!

I really have to make up my mind soon.

Has anyone of you been to Cartagena?

The Harvest

Bet you can't guess

what I'm having for dinner.

No cooking here today it's a very humid 96 deg.

Rollins Savanna

I took my walk here today.

This is a part of the Lake County Illinois Forest Preserve 

It is a short drive away from my house.

Delight

Sunday I took a walk down Main Street

This little gift shop always looks so nice!

Click on the picture

I just love all the colors!

Note Card Party ~ Seasons

I was listening to James Taylor and Carol King

 "At the Troubadour" CD 

and this popped into my head for the note card party.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Or Fall 

All you have to do is call

♪ You've got a Friend ♫

~

Linking to Vee's Note Card Party

A Blast from the Past

In my little town there is still a Main street with 

shops and restaurants that are thriving.

One of the things I love to see the most is this 

blast from the past.

Car Hops and all!

Plus the old guys with their vintage cars.

I have to say the food leaves something 

to be desired but the Root Beer is still delish.

Judging by the crowd there today many don't

agree with my opinion of the food.

Then again I'm pretty fussy.

Glendalough

All of Ireland is beautiful but

Glendalough is beyond breathtaking.

Linking to Fridays Fences

The Lake

I had some business in Lake Forest yesterday

So afterward I parked the car and took a walk by the lake. 

Little did I know I was breaking the law.

Understand, for those of you unfamiliar with Chicago

The North Shore is where the ultra wealthy live and 

Lake Forest is at the top of the heap.

So when I get back to my car I see this sign.

In case you can't read it, the parking fine for non residents is

$125.00

A polite way to say 'Keep Out"

Well, my take on that is, these people pay more in property taxes than most middle class folks make in a year.

I guess they deserve their own beach.

75 deg and breezy

It's a Beautiful Morning ♫

I think I'll go outside for a while

And just smile

Pictures in Clouds

Somewhere in here I see

A horse prancing

Photo Challenge ~ Water

One of my favorite things is watching and listening to the waves .

The pattern is never the same.

The shot above was taken with an IPhone 4S

No editing, just pure luck!

I've learned that "Auto" is a definite no-no when capturing waves

You need to use a fast shutter speed to get the details

These were taken on Jupiter Island

This one is my fav.

Please click on these to get the full effect.

Linking to Donna's Personal Photo Challange

Sanity

Remember Tuesday's photo?

It looked like this!

It rained last night after I sprinkled the magic red powder...

Add this little varmit

that I caught in the act!

And here's what you get!!

I will NOT give up!!!!

Hot Lips

Okay... I replanted this pot with the

best I could find left over at the nursery.

It will take a couple of days to perk up.

                 

I replanted the front and side beds this spring because 

I lost so many plants in last years drought.

It appears this little sweetie is rabbit resistant

No munching here

No munching here

Uh oh... These were beautiful and lush a month ago!

My new weapons!!

Local Farm Fresh Goodness

This is what I love about summer

Stuff that has not been sitting 

in a refrigerator truck for a month

Yummy Blueberries and Strawberries

Sweet Corn

In the city these delicasies sell for premium prices

 at high end foofy stores

So glad I am far enough away to consider these my neighbors. 

Rain

A little storm came through here the other night

Rolled in pretty fast

I thought we were in for a doozie

All it produced was a very gentle rain

Great for the grass and bushes

Rabbits!

The Patio Salad Bar is Now Closed