Enjoying some beautiful architectural details along the way… right in my own “backyard”… hard to get a good run in when you keep stopping for photos!!!

Another area affected by the Winter storms & high waters. This area used to be a beach at Ardmore-Hollywood … complete with an Accessible Beach Walk. Apparently not so “accessible” these days?!

There’s a new sculpture along the lakefront!!! A new Keith Haring piece installed alongside Belmont Harbor. It went in late last Fall, and it’s still surrounded by construction fencing… probably until the memorial gardens are planted this Spring. It’s a large piece… see it in comparison to my bike!!!

Okay, so maybe the signs are there for a reason?!… still biking, but seeing a LOT of winter damage to the bike & running paths along the lakefront.

It seems to happen every winter, but this time it seems worse than usual. Some areas are washed out completely… like this “river “ of water where there’s supposed to be a cement running path?!

It was great to get out on my bike this afternoon… after a productive studio morning. It’s gonna take a lot more than a sign and a barricade to stop me and my bike!!!

Okay, so who else remembers these?!… or maybe it’s just a Chicago-thing???
Automatic plastic molded sculptures while you wait!!! Who doesn’t want that?!

The sound of the machine cranking.
The clear bubble to let you see it working.
The smell of the molten plastic.
Pulling them out of the slot while they’re still hot.
Having to carry them upside-down while the plastic cools & solidifies!!!
Whenever we went to the Zoo or a Museum, we would get to choose which ONE of these little statues we wanted as a souvenir.

And every time I smell that melted plastic… I’m eight years old again!!!

For even more about the MOLD-A-RAMA… click here!

I’d like to add a little side note… maybe a little bit of a “Spoiler Alert”???

While I was in the Primate House, the Mold-A-Rama technician was there cleaning the machine and putting any of the errant plastic back into the reservoir. I mentioned how much I loved the Mold-A-Rama as a kid… and how the smell was such a childhood flashback. Then he mentioned that they’ve been working on trying to make a candle that actually has that classic Mold-A-Rama scent!!! Yes, please!!!

Save

Save

And while you’re out playing on a beautiful blue-sky’d day…
why not stroll a bit further to visit the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial just south of the Zoo.
I mean… if you’re gonna play hooky… just sayin’!!!

A beautiful day to visit Lincoln Park Zoo… even if they are in the middle of tearing down the old lion enclosure to make room for a newer, grander & “better-for-the-animals” environment for the Lion Pride. Luckily, they’re keeping the beautiful landmarked brick Lion House itself.

Save

A beautiful way to end the year in a beautiful Chicago theater. Amazing architecture, design & craftsmanship. Always beautiful at the Cadillac Palace Theater… even with the big chandelier “still under wraps”… and then again after they had “repaired it and wired parts of it for the new electric light. Perhaps we can frighten away the ghost of so many years ago… with a little illumination.”

A beautifully chilly morning along the lakefront. Especially cool with the “slushy” water and an early-morning fog that made the path just a little slick. Still a wonderful way to start my day…. with plenty of layers!

Save