Slippers

These handmade slippers are warm and cozy. They were made for me by my Amtrak seatmate on my ride last summer back to Chicago from NY. She got on in Western NY and knitted all the way to Chicago. I think she made and gave away at least 3 pair of slippers. I love mine.

Neon

This joint uses neon signs to the max. 

Scooby's Hot Dogs

Lamb

It's lambing season at Kline Creek Farm. 
The tag indicates this was the first lamb born this season (Jan 26.) He's just so cute & frisky.

Notice the number 1, so there's no question they belong to each other.

Closed for the Winter

The barn at St James Farm, DuPage Forest Preserve.

Snowman

The 6 inch snowfall of last weekend has melted. Only the piles from the plows are left. Flurries began to fall about 9PM but the accumulation is only expected to be about 1 inch. 

This snowman sits indoors in the rocking chair I had as a child.

Lamp

This kerosene lamp belonged to my Great, Great Grandfather Daniel J. Wyse (1847-1925) who lived near Archbold, Ohio.

Inbound Train

I had a front row seat this morning as the inbound Metra (West Line Union Pacific) commuter train arrived at the Winfield, IL station. On the inbound run, the engine actually pushes the passenger cars. (This train is moving left to right.)

Table Runner

I got this beautiful table runner last year on my Christmas Shopping Vacation, at the Friday market in Ventimiglia, Italy just across the border from France. The market was full of Christmas textiles. I love the sparkle of the pine cones and the rich green holly leaves. I still have it on my table a full month after Christmas.

Animals

Twenty-plus years ago I was was in Kenya for a conference and got these handmade napkin holders.

Icicles

Another sign that winter is really here.

Sleigh Ride

I arrived at Danada Equestrian Center just in time to see them hitch up a team of horses and teach a new "driver" how handle the sleigh and team.

Snowing Again!

It started snowing about 9AM and by evening the accumulation was near 6 inches. My 25 minute commute home took an hour. I discovered using residential side streets was better than the main arteries. 
Winter is really here.

These shots were taken in my neighborhood.

Soup Bowl

On a cold winter night, what could be better than a hot homemade cheesy bean soup served in a traditional Guatemalan soup bowl.

Flurries

Today was sunny with a blue sky after over night flurries.
I had to stop and take a few photos. 
I almost missed this leaf in the snow.   

Kitchen

Here's a replica of a traditional Venezuelan kitchen depicting a rural setting of bygone days. Notice the wood burning stove and the colorful pet parrot in the upper right corner.

Plate

This wooden plate is from Costa Rica. It features the painting style used on ox carts of Sarchi.

Homestead

The Baker Homestead is the oldest remaining Greek Revival home on its orginal site in DuPage County. It is now part of the West Branch Forest Preserve. I think this home looks best with snow on the ground.

Skiing

Once it snows the Illinois Prairie Path becomes a ski trail. 
This dog just wanted to run ahead but was very well behaved when called back.

Pine Cone

The snow made everything brighter this morning. I love this solitary pine cone I found this morning in the yard.

SNOW!

Finally on Jan 12 there is snow in Illinois. It's been snowing here in the western suburbs of Chicago since 9AM and will probably snow until 9AM tomorrow morning. Predictions say 6-8 inches. Tonight it took me 50 min to get home, a trip that usually takes 25 min. 

Before: 8 AM

After: 6PM

Table Snow

So far this winter this is about as much snow as we've had. 

This set of Salt & Pepper Shakers and Sugar Bowl was given to me a few years back by my neighbor.

Winter Friend

Snowmen

With Christmas over it's Snowman Season. Here in IL there is no snow. So far we had one snowfall an accumulation of about an inch and only lasted 2 days. Other than that it's been flurries. I can't remember the last time we were this far into January without a real snowfall.

Biking

It's been really warm so far in January and I had the itch to ride my bike today. It turned out to be the dirtiest ride I've taken in 3+ years on this bike. I hadn't figured on mud, but considering it was in 54°F on Friday and it's only been below freezing a few hours at night, it's not really surprising there was a thin layer of mud over much of the 6 mile path I rode. 

I had so much mud on my winter jacket it went right into the washing machine. Here's what my bike looked like after the ride.

Green Shutters

I've driven by this house for years and I think it catches my attention because it's not like most of the "mansions" nearby. I like the whitewashed brick and the arched side entrance. It reminds me of homes in the south or maybe a county "estate" in England.

Dia de los Reyes

Happy 12th Day of Christmas - Epiphany - King's Day, the day the magi brought gifts to Jesus. My friend Vicki lives in Mexico and this day is celbrated with a Rosca de Reyes, a King's Cake. After reading an article she posted on Facebook I decided to buy a cake and share it with my coworkers.

 Inside the Rosca are hidden babies that represent hiding Baby Jesus from King Herod. If you find a baby you have to host the next party. My friend Bonnie found the first baby.

My neighbors built a fire in a pit and are sitting out in the evening air. There's no wind & it's 40°F but feels much warmer. Hard to believe it's Jan 5.

Bird

My friends Cindy & Libby got me this carved Quetzal bird for Christmas. The Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. They have an extremely long tail.

 Trivia Fact: The monetary unit of Guatemala is the Quetzal too.

Terra Cotta

A church I found in the Municipal Market in Antigua, Guatemala.

Cold & Warm

The weather has take a turn for the cold. There were flurries this morning and slick roads. I think winter is really here. It is already 18 F and still dropping, (down to single digits tonight) with a wind chill near 0 F. Just the right time for a bowl of hot soup and a warm sandwich.

Family

Happy New Year!

Today I'm borrowing a photo taken this weekend at my cousin Rick's wedding. This is most of the Wyse clan that attended. All the living Aunts & Uncles and 17 of the the 24 first cousins were there. What a great way to kick off 2012.