18 December 2013: Ceci n'est pas un Metro de Nöel

It's an annual tradition with me, standing on the porch freezing my butt off
waiting to get a picture of the Holiday L as it goes roaring past in all it's glory.
I checked the CTA schedule to get a good idea what time it was scheduled
to go past, then waited … and waited. I took a few practice shots
(including this one) and waited a little longer.
As usual, i hadn't bothered to put on a coat, or socks, and the battery
on my phone was dying, so i gave up. It did eventually go by, but
unfortunately by then i was sitting cozily indoors and didn't get a picture.
Maybe i'll try again tomorrow.
Here is the schedule in case you'd like to take a ride on the Holiday Train.

16 December 2013: "Building a New Chicago"

After days of posting pretty pictures of fluffy snow, it's time for a view of the less scenic aspects of a snowy December day in Chicago. As if one major construction project wasn't enough, a second job is also underway on Farwell, replacing the old gaslines. The machine in the midsection of the picture is scoring the pavement in preparation for digging a trench for the pipeline. 

A simple walk to the dumpster this morning made me feel like a character in a video game: trying to maintain my balance on an icy sidewalk, dodging a forklift carrying a heavy steel plate, avoiding the river of mud created by the machine in the picture (without taking a dive on the aforementioned ice), and hauling a bag of garbage in one hand while the other hand was clutching the leash of a frisky little dog who is not overly fond of loud machinery. 

15 December 2013: Stuff Covered with Snow

Every planter looks like it is wearing an ushanka (one of those big Russian fur hats that i wish i owned).  The familiar is made unfamiliar, a good thing since i have no intention of remaining outdoors long enough to find something new to photograph. 

14 December 2013: The Upside of Snow

It's looking pretty festive on Morse Ave. today.

13 December 2013, Pt. 2: Coming Soon to a Corner Near You

Sign in the Window of the former Morse-L
at the corner of Morse and Glenwood 

Why doesn't somebody listen to me and turn this storefront into a place that makes the kind of breakfasts that i'm too lazy to make for myself? What i wouldn't give to be able to wander up to Morse in the morning for some waffles … or French toast … or a nice Nutella crêpe! Oh well, bon appétit, all you whiskey-and-taco aficionados! 

13 December 2013: Green Terra Cotta

Another favorite building: the Belle Shore on Bryn Mawr Ave. The green glaze on the terra cotta is a little mismatched at this point, but still quite beautiful, and oh that neon sign!!!

10 December 2013: Superhero Sighting at the Christkindlmarket

Despite the frigid weather, I made a quick visit to the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza this afternoon, browsing through the traditional German food and gift items.

Somewhat less traditional was an appearance by the Batman (or, since this is a German holiday market, perhaps i should say der Fledermausmann), who was there with members of the Chicago Fire Department  raising money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.