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.