You wanted to believe the ride name, but then you realized it was ninety degrees out, and that slide was dry and wicked hot and would probably take three layers of your skin off as you went down it. Even the little sacks they gave the kids to sit on didn't look like enough protection against the heat...ouch!
The first time I've seen a grouping in all the different stages of bloom. The curled-in petals are the last stage, and the wide-open traditional daisies on the bottom are the first.
Downtown on a summer Monday morning is very different when it's raining. 
A splash of color
This only happens when it rains: an empty Bean.
Closed for lunch
They restored the Tiffany glass dome at the Chicago Cultural Center recently, so when I had an hour to kill downtown today I made sure I went to see it. It's absolutely stunning.
Here is what it looked like before:
Here is what it looks like now:
Before:
After:
The details are astonishing. Look at the pinks and greens! The woodwork!
They removed the copper outer dome, too, so the light coming through is natural now. And what a light it is! 
Amazing. I hope they do the other one too!
All taken this morning at the annual Glenview 4th of July parade. There are more in this set, but these are my favorites:
Red Flags
Minutemen
Drill Team in flight
If he didn't have a kilt on, I would have thought he snuck in.
Stilts Woman
Best Friend Girl Scouts
Bolivian Dancer
The End!
Fireworks tonight! They'll be posted tomorrow.
Remember this photo?
This is what it looks like in the spring.
Taken at the English Walled Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I am due for another visit soon!
Outside the Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. I love the confectioner's sugar on the ground all around him. Even on break, he can't get away from it.
French Quarter alley, New Orleans, April 2008
Anderson Japanese Garden South Gate, Rockford IL, May 2008
Mission San Xavier courtyard, Tucson, June 2008
So delicate and so cheerful!
Just looking the white version, they just looked...white. It wasn't until I aimed the camera very close that I could see the purple speckles on the petals.
During this time of year, there are many flowers with very short seasons, ones that I will see everywhere at the Botanic Garden one week, but will be gone for the year by the next weekend. Here are a few of my favorites that I spotted last weekend:
Lilies of the Valley.
Bleeding Hearts.
Allium (globe onions). These will be in full bloom by next week.
Colombine. (I always see the signs for this, but never the actual flowers. Caught 'em this year!)
African Daisy
One of the few so far that have fully curled its petals. They should be in full bloom everywhere in a week or two.
Bird Bath
I love the drops of water flinging into the air.
The spring flowers are giving way to the summer ones at the Botanic Garden. I think I'll be spending more time there this summer than I did last. I've really missed it!
Blooming trees only last a few weeks in the spring, but they are gorgeous when they're here! We see them everywhere, especially the small trees along the train station and downtown and down our street. They've just started to turn into green this week, so I was glad I captured a few shots at the Botanic Garden before they were gone for the year.
On Evening Island, by the carillon tower
Around the bridge to Evening Island
Crabapple Tree Row
Purple explosion by the greenhouse
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
