Winter at the Chicago Botanic Garden

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - "Ahi Wela - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

How I wish I could be in Hawaii, yet if you just use your imagination with these pictures you can almost feel the warmth of the sun.

Icebergs on Lake Michigan

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Music by Sarah McLachlan - "I will remember you"

Even though it was bitterly cold, I had this strong desire to capture a few images of Lake Michigan. I couldn't go to my regular haunts due to the fact there were snow drifts wthat were over 2 feet deep, so I found two beaches where the snow wasn't so high.

At the time it was -13 with a windchill factor of -45 by the lake. It was absolutely beautiful. I wish I could have stayed longer, yet the temperature was getting to me and had to get inside my car to warm up again. BRRRRR it was cold!

South Blvd Beach - January 6, 2014 (Evanston, IL)

© (2013) Filmed by Vicki Polin

Who needs beaches in Miami, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii when you can bask in the sun on one of the beaches on Lake Michigan in Chicago?  

This was filmed on January 6, 2014.  It was a balmy -45 degrees (with the windchill factor) at South Blvd Beach in Evanston, IL

Chi-beria's Northshore

Chi-beria's Northshore

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Music by Zlotchover Rebbe's Niggun

I think everyone should take 10 minutes out and see the beauty that winter can offer in the Chicago area.  

I needed to make one last run to Trader Joe's before the arctic blast hit Chicago.  

I decided to take the long way so I could go out and capture images of the snowstorms of the last few days.  I really wanted to go out to the lake and get good images of the icebergs, yet when I got there the snow drifts went way above my knees and couldn't get as close as I wanted to, yet I did capture some brief movies of the water.  

Some of the places of interest included this film clip include the Skokie Sculpture Park, Grosse Point Lighthouse Beach, Bahai House of Worship and the Skokie Lagoons.

Welcoming in 2014 - Happy New Year!

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by James Taylor - Auld Lang Syne

Happy New Years Everyone!

These are the first images that I took in 2014.  Chicago got hit by a snowstorm on New Years Eve that lasted until January 2, 2014.  I went out to capture some of the beauty the storm had to offer.

Chicago Botanic Garden - Early Fall

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Evanscence - "I'm Immortal"

I had time to go strolling through The Chicago Botanic Gardens on October 26th.  The leaves were just beginning to change colors.

Wandering along Sheridan Road

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Paco Del Lucia  - El Vito

Took some friends on a tour of some of my favorite places on Chicago's northshore.  We stopped at Grosse Point Lighthouse, Baha'i House of Worship and Gillson Beach.

Chicago Botanic Gardens

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by R.E.M - Everybody hurts sometime

I took these earlier this month at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Northbrook, IL

Tashlich (2013)

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Simon and Garfunkel - Groovy

Tashlich (תשליך) is a tradition observed by many Jews between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, where they go to a flowing body of water to "cast off" their sins of the previous year by tossing pieces of bread or another foodr. Just as the water carries away the bits of bread, so too are sins symbolically carried away. In this way the participant hopes to start the New Year with a clean slate.

Chicago Botanic Gardens (August, 2013)

Photographs by Vicki Polin

Music by Melanie - Look What They've Done to My Song

Had the chance to wander around the Chicago Botanic Gardens.  I can go here a zillion times and every time I go I can find something new and interesting

Bristol Renaissance Faire (August, 2013)

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Paco De Lucia - Virgen De Amor

 The following pictures were taken during my first trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire (Bristol, Wisconsin).

Taking the backroads to Gettysburg

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Mumford and Sons - Awake my soul

While I had the chance I took the backroads to Gettysburg with Murray, who is my photography coach.

I used to love going down Old Bachmans Valley Road. On this trip I was able to stop, get out and take several pictures of one of my favorite great big old, rustic farm.

The day ended by photographing the sunset over the battle fields in Gettysburg, PA.

Bixler Family Cemetery (Manchester, MD)

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: A time for us

Was wandering around with a friend taking the backroads to Gettysburg, when we found this old Cemetery dating back to the late 1700s. There's even a marker of someone who died fighting during the civil war.

The cemetery is located off of Bachman Valley Road, next to the Bixler's United Methodist Church.

There are different spellings of the surname, some "Bixfler" or "Bipler" or "Buscher" or  "Bichsler" or "Bipher" with most families settling on the "Bixler" spelling in the 19th century.  One suggested original meaning for the surname was "box maker".

Come and Go Farm (Maryland)

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Simon and Garfunkel - America

I went wandering the back roads between Baltimore and Gettysburg with a friend when we came across this magnificent farm with long horn steer.

Quick Drive Through Hunt Valley

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Janis Joplin - Mercedes Benz

Back in July I spent a few weeks in the Baltimore area.  I was fortunate enough to be able to take one more ride through Hunt Valley.  At one point during this short trip, I looked down at a riverbed and saw a stream of butterflies.

The Birds of Lake Redman (York, PA)

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Bob Dylan - The times are a changing

During my trip back to Baltimore I had the opportunity to go out one more time with a dear friend, who also happens to be my photography coach.  He brought me out to Lake Redman to capture what ever nature we could.

Falls Road and Beyond (Baltimore County, MD)

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Paul Simon - American Tune

During my trip back to Baltimore, MD I had the opportunity to take a ride down Falls Road and beyond.  I truly miss being so close to this absolutely breathtaking part of the United States.

Montrose Harbor and Bird Sanctuary (Chicago, IL)

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Simon and Garfunkel - Bookends

I took these back in June while I was strolling along at Montrose Harbor in Chicago.  It seemed like there were tons of red winged blackbirds  everywhere.

Mean - The Anti-Bullying Theme Song

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Taylor Swift - Mean

So many survivors of sex crimes who come forward sharing their stories of being abused as children and or as adult are now being bullied by those who want them to maintain their silence.  It's time to put an end to this type of  bullying on and off the internet.  This video was created in hopes of helping those being targeted will realize they are not alone and that they can heal from these types of crimes.

Wandering in the early Spring

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Music By Sarah McLachlan - "I will Remember You"

I went wandering a bit with my camera and took a few pictures.

Long Ago

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Music by Don McLean - "Vincent"
On a warm spring day had the opportunity to walk around at place filled with childhood memories.

Mitchell Park Conservatory - Milwaukee, WI

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Carly Simons - "Love is a Rose"

Haven't been to the Mitchell Park Consrvatory since I was a young child.  I remember reading about it in my "Weekly Reader", and then my parents took us up to see this amazing place.

Farms in Southern Wisconsin

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by John Cougar  - Little Pink Houses

Took the back roads from Milwaukee back to Chicago.

Emily Park - Skokie, IL

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Five For Fighting - "100 years to live"

I took a stroll through Emily Park in Skokie. This was a very special place for me growing up. Every time I go back here I'm totally amazed at how much it's changed since I went to day camp here several years ago. 

The lagoon used to be filled with snails and leaches. I remember when learning how to row a boat our camp counselors warned us not to fall in. Due to the number of leaches in the water. 

I also couldn't help thinking about the secret path we would take from Oakton Bowl across the bridge of the railroad tracks to get to the park when I was in Jr. High. So many memories flood my mind each time I come here.

Today the wildlife is something I never expected to see in Skokie. Who would have ever think there would be geese living at Emily Park, let alone deer.

Bird Sanctuary at Montrose Harbor - Early Spring

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Mumford and Sons

I took a short around the bird sanctuary at Montrose Harbor in Chicago.

Red-breasted Mergansers at Gillson Park

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Music by Simon and Garfunkel

I took a stroll in Gillson Park along the beach and came across a swarm of Red-Breasted Mergansers. I really wish I had a more powerful telephoto lense, yet I did pretty good with what I had.

Chicago Botanic Garden - Early Spring 2013

Chicago Botanic Gardens - Early Spring 2013

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Music by Taylor Swift - Mean

Today was an amazingly warm day in Chicago.  This was the first time in almost a year that I was able to get to the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Northbrook, IL.  

Early Spring - Running Away From Home

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Simon and Garfunkel -

These were taken in northern Illinois near the Wisconsin border

Lost in New Jersey

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Paco de Lucia - Pajaro Chogüi

It was amazing to get lost in the middle of no where with a friend.  We were wandering around somewhere near the Jersey shore.

Winter Solstice Bonfire - Somme Woods

Winter Solstice Bonfire - Somme Woods  
© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music "Dulamoan - by Women of the World Celtic

The photographs in this film clip were taken on December 22, 2012 at the annual winter solstice bonfire at Somme woods in Northbrook, IL

Emily Park (Skokie, IL)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now

When I was in grade school I went to camp at Emily Park (which is now known as Emily Oaks Nature Center). I have so many found memories of my time here. One includes learning to row a boat, or shoot an arrow with a bow. I also learned the words to the song "both sides now" when I was around 7 or 8. We were always told not to go swimming in the lagoon since it was packed with leaches.

 Emily Park also had one of those secret paths only kids who grew up in Skokie knew about. We would cut over the train tracks to go to Oakton Bowl or Oakton Park.

I'm so amazed at how different this park is now. It used to be an open field with three campfire rings. Now it's like a jungle. The wildlife is unreal. It's hard to believe this is the same park that I wandered in back in the 1960s and 70s.

Sculpture Park (Skokie, IL)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by The Beatles - I've Just Seen A Face

I went wandering around the Sculpture Park in Skokie between Demptster and Main Streets back in August.

Timber Lake Park

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music By REM - Mad World

A place filled with childhood memories.

Leaving Southeastern Minnesota (July, 2012)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by "The Church" - Under the Milkyway

I had a few hours before I had to fly out of Rochester, so I went driving off into the countryside to see what I could find.

Thank you!

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by James Taylor - "You've Got A Friend"

I took these pictures after a very long day of having medical testing done at the Mayo Clinic.  I really needed to be around nature, cows, horses or what ever else I could find. I would never have been able to take these pictures if it wasn't for a group of amazing people.   I don't know how to begin to thank all of you who helped me to get to Rochester, MN all for times that I had to go there so far year.  Each and everyone of you helped to save my life.  The love and support you have shown me has been amazing.

This Father's Day

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Peter Himmelman - "This Father's Day"

I took the following pictures over the last few days.  I created this video to mark my father's 80th birthday. 

Road To Mukwonago (May 20, 2012)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Diana Ross - "Do You Know Where You're Going To"

I really wish I had been in NYC for a protest rally, yet it was too far for me to travel.  Instead I headed to southern Wisconsin to be in the rolling hills and to find the solace I used to find when going to the mountains of western Maryland.

Day's Before NATO Summit - Chicago, 2012

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin Music by Christina Perri - "A Thousand Years" I had to be downtown and figured since I had some time I would take pictures of the Museum Campus area before the city closes it down before NATO comes to town. It was so strange to see very few boats in the water on such a beautiful spring day, let alone very few in Burnham Harbor. I also don't believe I saw a single plane flying over the city. My hope is that Chicago will shine before, during and after the chaos hits our beloved city.

Illinois Beach State Park

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Five For Fighting - "100 Years"

I haven't been to this park since I was a kid. I was surprised to that I could see downtown Chicago from the beach. This state park is about 50 miles away.

The Great Escape - May 8, 2012

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin Music by Bill Quateman - "What are you looking for" I was feeling bogged down, so I started my day off by going to the Bog in Volo IL and on to the Mc Henry Dam. Once I was done there I wandered around the countryside. I just needed to see farms, horses and what ever else I could find.

Farwell Beach - East Rogers Park, Chicago

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin Music by Simon and Garfunkel Had a little time to go for a short walk along the lake and took a few pictures.

Hail Storm on the northside of Chicago (May 3, 2012)

© (2012) Filmed by Vicki Polin

Got trapped in a building when the hail started coming down. Here's what the parking lot looked like. I didn't think of taking my camera out until the hail started to slow down.

A Celebration of Life - Gillson Beach

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Paco de Lucia (A Pesar De Todo)

The pictures today were taken as a way to celebrate my life. It's the 2 month anniversary since I had surgery.  It was also the first day that I saw sailboats out on the lake. 

Benching at the Chicago Botanic Gardens (April 18, 2012)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by: Natasha Bedingfield - "Wild Horses"

Today was an absolutely beautiful day. I'm still recovering from surgery, yet needed to get out in the fresh air. I went from one bench to the next resting as I captured the beauty that surrounded me with my camera.

Spring at the Chicago Botanic Gardens (April 2, 2012)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

This was my first time at the Botanic Gardens in a very long time.  It was a beautiful day to be out in nature.

My first day out this spring (2012)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I haven't been able to get out to take pictures until yesterday. My walk was very short, yet at least I got spend a few minutes by the lake.

Trip to Olmsted County, MN (March, 2012)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

These were taken during the early part of my trip to Minnesota. The pictures were taken on the last day that I'll be able to drive for several weeks. I had no choice but to take a ride down as many country roads I could find in a very short period of time.

Enjoying the Fox River with Paco de Lucia

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I took a ride around the Fox River. I heard that people spotted some eagles. I didn't see any, yet I did find a bunch of kids snowboarding at Raging Buffalo Snowboarding Park. I passed the Norge Ski Club, yet it was way to warm and not enough snow for anyone to be skiing.

Montrose Dog Beach and Harbor (Jan. 27, 2012)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had some time before an appointment so I wandered over to the lake to see if I could capture the moment. This is what I saw.

Coming home from Minnesota

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

On my way home from Rochester I decided to take several breaks along the way to photograph what I saw.  I needed to clear my thoughts to prepare for March.


The photographs start off in southern Minnesota, then on to the area around Mississippi River. I took a break in the Wisconsin Dells and then caught some folks skiing down Cascade Mountain.

Just outside of Rochester, MN

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had some time to wander on the country roads outside of Rochester, MN today. Many of the roads were still packed with snow and were pretty slick, so I didn't do that much exploring.

Minnehaha Falls, Como Conservatory and the Mississippi River (Minneapolis, MN)

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I spent a few days in the Minneapolis area. While there I went to see the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Falls and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory (AKA: Como Conservatory).

Happy New Years Chicago - 2012

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Went with a friend to see the fireworks at Navy Pier to celebrate the new year.

Chicago Botanic Gardens (December 25, 2011)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I took a stroll around the Chicago Botanic Gardens on the 5th day of Hanukkah.

Gillson Beach -- First snow fall in December, 2011

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

These were taken on December 17, 2011 at Gillson Beach,

Just in time for Hanukkah - Deer in December

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Today has been packed with news in the Jewish community regarding alleged sex crimes.  If your like me I  needed a break from keeping up with it all.  I finally found the time to put together this entry in my photo journal.  I took these images the other day.  Hope you have fun watching them.

December 1st - Chicago Botanic Gardens

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Today was the first time since October that I was able to get to stroll around at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Northbrook, IL

Montrose Harbor with high winds and waves

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I heard we were having high winds and waves in Chicago over Lake Michigan, so on my way downtown I decided to stop at Montrose Harbor to see if I could find anything interesting.  BTW, there were a few times I was holding on to trees and polls while taking these pictures because the winds were strong enough to knock me down.  I really was only out for about 10 - 15 minutes.

Birds on the run (NBC News Chicago)

© (2011) Photograph of seagulls by Vicki Polin


Another photograph of mine made it to the 10 pm news. This one was taken on a beach in Evanston, IL

Song of Long Ago - Gillson Beach

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

After being so sick I had a strong desire to just spend some tie near the lake.  For me being near nature is extremely healing, and that was exactly what I needed, even if it was only for a few minutes.

Beautiful day on the beach in October

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I wasn't feeling so great so I spent some time on the beach.

Sailing Away at Gillson Beach (Willmette, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went wandering around at Gillson Park. I was shocked to see so many people there. Not only on the beach but in the water too. Thought I saw a few traffic jams with sailboats.

It's all happening at the Zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

We've been having a heat wave in Chicago. The weather was perfect. After a meeting I decided to take a stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo before heading home.

The Beach

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was a beautiful day in October and decided to go hang out on one of the beaches. This is what I saw during my hour there.  While I was sitting there a seagull flew over towards me, sat down and started talking to me.  I only caught the last few seconds on film, which you can see on the second clip posted below.

Talking Seagull

One of my photographs made it to the news

One of my photographs made it to the news.  It was on the 10 PM broadcast of NBC news in Chicago on October 3, 2011.  The photograph was also published in the Chicago Sun Times on page 20 on Tuesday, October 4, 2011.

If you want to see the surfer in action click here

Kol Nidre -- Chicago

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Gemar chatimah tovah! (May you be inscribed in the book of life for the good this year) 
              
             . . . and wishing everyone an easy fast this coming Yom Kippur

Rip Tide: Watching a storm come in at Montrose Harbor

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Poli

I took this at Montrose Harbor as a storm started moving in.

Rip Tide: Bike rider on the walkway at Montrose Harbor

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin


I took this while strolling around Montrose Harbor. I can't believe this guy would go out on the walkway when there were waves that were 10 to 15 feet high.  

RIP TIDE: Riding the Waves -- Kite Surfing Chicago Style

There's two different film clips below. The first is still images, the second is live footage.

-------------------------------------------

Rip Tide -- Montrose Beach (Chicago, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

As I was wandering around Montrose Beach I saw some surfers enjoying the rip tide.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Riding the waves -- Chicago style
© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin

I was walking around near Montrose Beach when I saw people wind surfing.

FYI: I had a difficult time holding the camera still.

On The Rocks

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went wandering by the rocks at Northwestern (Evanston, IL). This place holds so many wonderful memories from throughout my life. It's been a very long time since I had the time to stroll along.

Shana Tova - Avinu Malkeinu

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

Wishing everyone a year filled with sweetness and prosperity.

(FYI: I took these pictures last week at the Chicago Botanical Gardens in Northbrook, IL)

A beautiful day

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


This group of pictures is dedicated to everyone who's trapped inside on an absolutely beautiful day.  It took these as I was wandering around the Chicago Botanical Gardens on picture pefect day.

Strolling Along at Tower Beach

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went with a childhood friend to Tower Beach. It's been years since he was last there. It was an absolutely beautiful day to watch the boats go by and watched a school of fish swim around in circles.

For the Boys - Trains at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Back in August I went with a friend to the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Of course he was more interested in seeing the trains then the flowers.

Wild Waves

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I took a long walk along the beach at Gillson Park and spent time watching the waves roll in.  There's two film clips here.  

End of Summer at Montrose Harbor

I have a great deal going on over the next several weeks and I really felt the need to capture the last glimmers of summer.  After a meeting downtown I ran away and spent some time at Montrose Harbor.  You know me, I brought my camera with me to capture the moment.  Hope you enjoy the show.

How I spent my summer vacation

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

This was the first summer I spent in Chicago in many years. It was so wonderful to reconnect with so many old friends, meet new people and do the things I love to do.

Sunset over Lake Michigan

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I was driving by the Grosse Point Lighthouse beach in Evanston and decided to stop by and watch the sunset on a cloudy evening.

A Sunny day at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went with a friend in the late afternoon to the Botanic Gardens and did my best capture the moment.

Wandering around at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

This morning was spent talking to many people who were feeling alone. I needed a break and ran off with my camera to the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

Moments at the Forest

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

The other day I drove through one of the local forest preserves and was lucky to find a few deer, a dove and a raccoon.

Storm Clouds over The Glenn (Glenview, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went to the Art Festival at the Glenn with a friend, as were walking the sky started getting dark and the clouds started rolling in. You know me, I had to take pictures of what I saw.

A day of bliss at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Today started off with spending quality time with a dear friend, and then making the time to wander around the Botanic Gardens with my camera.

The wonders of Gillson Park

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went wandering along at Gillson Park today with a friend. It was fun to teach my friend to look closer at what you actually could see if you just stood still and looked closer at the beauty that is right in front of you.

Mickey Dolenz Concert in Elk Grove, IL

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went with some friends to seek Mikey Dolenz at a summer fest in Elk Grove Village with some friends. 

When I turned 9 I invited the Monkees to my slumber party for my birthday. I was so sure they would come. I was so disappointed when they didn't show up. Today for the first I saw my heart throb -- Mikey Dolenz. For all my girlfriends out there who dreamt of being in his presence. These are for you.

The sound quality in the second and third videos is not so great.  I was standing way to close to the speakers, yet it's still fun to watch Mickey sing.








And here's a history lesson on the Monkees

Because the Night Belongs to Lovers: 10,000 Maniacs in Des Plaines (Mary Ramsey)

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin

I went with a group of childhood friends to see 10,000 Maniacs at the Summer Festival in Des Plaines.  The sound quality of these two videos isn't so great.  I think it was because I was too close to the stage.

Looking for beauty in all the right places

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went up to the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Northbrook and just shot what I saw.  I couldn't stay as long as I wanted because it got so hot and humid.

Blue Oyster Cult Concert in Vernon Hills

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin

I went to the Blue Oyster Cult concert with a bunch of childhood friends.  Had a blast!

Wandering on the Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

A day of memories and surprises

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

There were so many things I wanted to get done today, yet due to the fact it was an absolutely beautiful day the urge to be outside won over. Today turned into a day of self reflection and wandered around in an absolutely beautiful location -- which helped to put my mind at ease.

Music by Bill Quateman - "What are you looking for"

Les plages de Rogers Park - Chicago, IL

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

We had a major thunderstorm earlier today in which the electricty went out. After running around I found some time at the end of the day to wander around on some of the beaches of East Rogers Park.

החופים של רוג'רס פארק
Les plages de Rogers Park
די ביטשיז פון ראָגערס פּאַרק
Las playas de Rogers Park

Did you ever wake up with the urge to go to Dubuque, Iowa?

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Life can be very strange some times. I woke up with the urge to go to Dubuque today. No idea why?  I really can't explain that one.  I had nothing else planned, so before I knew it I was on the way.  

Since I was passing through Galena I thought I'd stop and visit Grant's home and wander around the town.  


Once I got to Dubuque and went down towards the harbor I saw a White Pelican flying over the Mississippi River along with a tug boat pushing a barge downstream.  Definitely, not my typical day.  

4th of July Fireworks - Morton Grove, IL

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin

Saw the fireworks with a high school friend and her family this year.  They were great!  It was so much fun to be back in my old stomping grounds.  Great food, good company and being back home.

Kansas Concert in Arlington Heights

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went with a bunch of friends to the Kansas concert at the Arlington Heights - Frontier Days over the 4th of July weekend.

The first film clip is a bunch of still pictures from the night.  The second was filmed while Kansas sang "Dust in the Wind".  I had trouble keeping the camera still since both of my hands are still in braces.  The sound quality is totally amazing considering the little camera I have.



Dust in the Wind

Gillson Beach - Riders of the Storm

I was running on errands when I noticed the sky and had to head over towards the closest beach.  The wind and the cloud formations were incredible.  My photographs don't do what I saw any justice

Hiking around the Volo Bog - Volo, IL

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I ran away from home today and went to a place I hadn't been since my early childhood. It was an absolutely beautiful place to spend my birthday.  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

 I was told that the Cranes towards the end of this film clip are much taller then I am.  Unfortunately, they were pretty far away from where I was standing.

The words to this song in English are:  

Again peace will come upon us, 

Again peace will come upon us, 

Again peace will come upon us -- 

and on everyone.  

Salaam ('peace' in Arabic), 

Among us and on all the world. 

 Salaam, Salaam

Hope you enjoy the show. . .

Searching for Cows

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I woke up with a need to find cows grazing in fields.  Living in Chicago, that's not such an easy task.  I ended up going up north towards the Illinois / Wisconsin border.  Once into Wisconsin I saw a young woman walking a flock of pigs down the road. This was a first for me.  I mean of seeing pigs walking down a country road.

Chicago's skyline from Northerly Island

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I really wanted to stroll along on Northerly Island much longer then I did. It started to rain so I had to make my trip short. I'll have to go back on another day.

Paco De Lucia does the Chicago Botanic Gardens

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was a perfect day to get lost at the Chicago Botanic Gardens out in Northbrook to unwind from a crazy week.

The gardens were a bit crowded so I ended up spending most of my time out in the prairie.

Puppies of Grosse Point Beach

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


Yesterday was a very cold and rainy day.   I had some time to kill before a friend came over so I grabbed my camera and headed to the beach. It's June and I was basically wearing my winter coat from the days I lived in Baltimore (not a Chicago winter coat).


As soon as I got there these two beautiful Golden Retrievers came running up to me to say hi.


I went out yesterday to the beach wearing a very warm coat, wishing I wore gloves and took these pictures. Hope you enjoy the show. I still can't believe how cold it is in June. brrrrr.