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.

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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.

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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.

Sailing: Before, During and After

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I got to go sailing for the first time.  I can't wait until I can do it again.

Paco de Lucía does Montrose Harbor in June

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I took these on a beautiful June day as I strolled around at Montrose Harbor.

Oak Street Beach on a foggy day

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had time between appointments today, so I ended up wandering around at Oak Street Beach, which is located near downtown Chicago.  It was amazing to capture the fog around the buildings and on the beach.

Wandering around at Starved Rock State Park (Utica, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Today was an absolutely beautiful day to go roaming around Starved Rock State Park.  I haven't been there in years.  I was shocked to see that they've basically paved the paths so there was no real climbing, which on some levels I was relieved, yet also saddened.  When I asked a park ranger he told me it was to preserve the land.   I was also shocked at how crowded it was on in the middle of the week and it's not even summer yet.


I hope while watching both films you feel like you spent the day wandering the woods with me or at least feel like you took a mini vacation.

Part 1


Part 2

The Beauty of Gloomy Day

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


This morning was warm, bright and sunny, yet by the time I got out it was cold and gloomy.  I was frustrated due to the amount of pain I'm still in from the car accidents and that I haven't completely recovered yet.


I knew if I just got myself up, out and walking that I could distract myself from everything.  I really wanted to walk along the beach and figured I'd be able to transform the mood into something beautiful if I just used my camera.  This is what I saw.

Early Spring at the gardens at the Bahai Temple in Wilmette, IL

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was the first warm spring day this year. I stopped by to see the gardens that surround the Bahai Temple in Wilmette

Lilacia Park (Lombard, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went to see the lilac's in bloom at Lilacia Park. Unfortunately, I think I got there a week or two too early for them to be in full bloom.

Smith Museum of Stained Glass and the Chicago Mosaic School

© (2011) photographs by Vicki Polin

While I was strolling around Navy Pier I came across the Smith Museum and decided to take a few pictures of some of the beauty I saw. Totally amazing work.

Navy Pier and Ohio Street Beach (Chicago, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

After an appointment I went for a walk along Navy Pier. I haven't been there since they had Chicago Fest there. I think that was back in the 1980s? They've completely renovated the place.

The Dunes of Indiana and Michigan

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I needed to get lost some where in nature. On my way to the dunes I heard a weatherman on the radio stating that this was one of the gloomiest April's in history for the Chicagoland area.  Fortunately today was a bright and sunny day.

The last time I was at the Indiana dunes was with a dear friend of mine who was murdered a little over 20 years ago.  The last time I was at Warren Dunes in Michigan I believe was during the weekend of my high school senior prom.  It was amazing to go back to both of these places, the beauty surrounded me.  

I was saddened though to learn there was a forest fire on the top of the highest dune at Warren Beach, yet the skelaton's of the trees remained.

For some reason I didn't remember that there were two nuclear power plants in the area.  It really disturbed me seeing them so close to the lake front, especially after what has been happening in Japan.

There are two videos below. The first is of the Indiana Dunes, the second is Warren Dunes.

Indiana Dunes


Warren Dunes

Timber Lake Park

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had a need to be near farmland, yet living in the Chicagoland area means having to drive pretty far north. I kept finding myself crossing over into Wisconsin.

Puppies on the beach

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was an absolutely beautiful day when I went for a walk along the beach. I sat down on some rocks and just captured the moment. I had fun watching two dogs playing in the water.

Monday at the Lake

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

A day of solitude

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I walked for along various beaches today on an overcast day. At the end of the walk it got very foggy and could barely see a thing.

The forest in the early spring

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

On my way home I decided to stop by the forest to see what my deer friends were up to. I was amazed to see that the grass was green and soon enough there will also be leaves on the trees.

Wandering and spinning around Montrose Harbor and the Bird Sanctuary

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Took time out on a beautiful spring day to wander around Montrose Harbor and the bird sanctuary.

Spinning around at Montrose Harbor

Filmed by Vicki Polin
It was a beautiful day to go walking around Montrose Harbor

Wandering along on the beaches

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Neil Diamond - I am

It was a beautiful sunny day when I went for a long walk along the beaches of the Chicagoland area. The water was various shades of blue and turquoise. The view of downtown Chicago was taken from the beaches in East Rogers Park, about 10 miles away.




You can watch the waves come in here:

The start of spring and melting ice

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


I was wondering around at Tower Beach in Winnetka before a meeting and captured the remains of this past winter.

A tour of Lincoln Park Zoo - Mozart's Concerto #5

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I spent lunch wandering the zoo with my camera. I'm totally amazed how much Lincoln Park Zoo transformed during the 12 years I was away.

Below the first film is a clip of a Rhino playing around.

Sun shining from the forest to the sea (Lake Michigan)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was a sunny day that started off at a local forest preserve and ended at Montrose harbor, watch ice fishermen.

East Rogers Park, Evanston and the Forest

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: The Cure - Boys Don't Cry

During a break I first drove over to a beach in East Rogers Park and then drove over to one of the local forest preserves and snapped a few shots.

It was so sad to see homeless men sleeping out on a pier. Two men were guarding them and told me not to come any closer, yet they posed for me when I let them know I was going to put my pictures up on YouTube. They were excited they were going to be famous.

Showing a friend downtown Chicago

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun

I was showing a friend around Chicago. While we were downtown we heard tons sirens going off. Turns out there was a fire at the Bank of America Building right near where we were.

We started off the day at Montrose Harbor and then went to the Bean. We strolled around MillenniumPark, and then on to State Street, etc.

Balmy winter day in Chicago

© (2011) photographs by Vicki Polin
Music from Hair - Initials

This too will pass - Deer in the hood

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

The weather in Chicago in the winter can change so dramatically. Last week it was -30 with the windchill factor. Today it was in the 40's. I was wandering through a local forest preserve and was fortunate enough to capture several deer.

Music by Peter Himmelman - This too will pass

Gillson Park and Baha'i Temple - 2 days after the Chicago Blizzard of 2011

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


Two days after the end of the Blizzard I was able to get into Gillson Park. It was amazingly beautiful to see how the mounds created by the snow and sand.

Chicago Cultural Center

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

During a break I cut through the Chicago Cultural Center with some friends. I haven't been inside in many years. It's still just as beautiful as I remembered it being.

The views of downtown Chicago were taken from inside the Cultural Center. It was 2 days past the Chicago Blizzard of 2011.

The Cultural Center was built in 1893 and was Chicago's central library and Grand Army of the Republic Museum.

Music: Both Sides Now

Chicago Blizzard of 2011 - Around the curve between Evanston and Chicago

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


I took these around noon on Feb. 2, 2011 after the blizzard ended. I think these are the most amazing pictures I took today.  I was hoping to drive down Sheridan Rd. from Evanston into Chicago.  It was impossible.  I ended up walking around South Ave. Beach .


It was totally impossible, yet the area felt festive with everyone coming out to capture the moment.



Music by Simply Tsfat - A Niggun From Uman

Cruising around in Evanston after the big Chicago blizzard of 2011

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Besides wandering around in West Rogers Park, I also cruised over to Evanston and captured these images around noon on Feb. 2, 2011.

West Rogers Park After the Chicago Blizzard of 2011

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

After my car got dug out I had to drive around for a bit and migrated over to West Rogers Park at around 1:00 PM.

I was amazed at how quickly the city dug out all the main streets, yet the side streets were still plowed under.

Music by Michael Alon - D'ror Yikra

Blizzard of 2011: Driving around as the blizzard first hit

Here's several film clips of when the 2011 Chicago Blizzard first hit.  I'm driving around in East Rogers Park in Chicago and Evanston, and then a few taken later on in the evening.

The Beach


Juneway Terrace - East Rogers Park, Chicago


Sheridan Road between Evanston, IL and Chicago, IL


Sheridan Road Near Northwestern University - Evanston, IL


9:30 PM


11:30 PM

Start of the 2011 Blizzard in Chicago

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


I took these images between 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, which was really the start of the blizzard.  The wind was blowing so hard near the lake that it was difficult to stay standing unless I was holding on to something.  I heard the winds were between 30 - 40 mph




Music: Winter wonderland

When you're gone. . .

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Avril Lavigne - When you're gone


I ran away from home for a few hours this morning and brought my camera along for the ride.  It was a warm winter day for Chicago.  I ended up going to Gillson Beach in Willmette, IL.

Winter and Thumbelina

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was a beautiful day with fresh snow on the ground. I went for a walk along the lake and was surprised to see that I could actually see the water without ice over it.

Shabbat with some deer friends

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It's been bitterly cold out the last few days and went out to do some drive by shootings with my camera. Ended up at one of the local forest preserves and stumbled upon a herd of deer.  There are two videos posted here. The first one is of still shots.  The second is a movie of two deers eating.



Two deers eating

Would you know my name

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went wandering around the Grosse Point Lighthouse today.  It will never stop amazing me how different the beach can look from one day to the next.  While I was walking around this song was playing in my head.

Music by Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven

Wandering around Gillson Park on a winter day

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


I ended up on Sheridan Rd. and decided to take a walk around Gillson Park to see if I could capture anything interesting.


Music by Eric Clapton - Classical Guitar

Quaking up at Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin

Changes

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by George Harrison - My Sweet Lord

Today was one of the few days lately that the sun was shinning brightly. I started off at Gillson Beach, went up to Tower Beach and ended my day at Glencoe Beach.  I could only be out for about 15 minutes at a time before my fingers started to freeze and my face began to burn.

To my delight while at Gillson Beach I bumped into a high school friend who's also a photographer.

It was amazing to see how the mixture of snow and ice created mounds. I'm not sure if I should call them glaciers or icebergs?

Desert of Snow and Sand

(2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

There were the last pictures I took in 2010. I went walking along one of the beaches in Evanston. I felt as if I was walking in a desert. It was amazing to see the snow melting on a 50 degree winter day in Chicago. It looked as if there was an earthquake, as the snow divided and cracked.

Music by The Beatles - Here, There, and Everywhere