Steeple

This is the steeple of Wheaton Bible Church. It sits on top of the Prayer Tower and is often lit at night.

Airfield

Today I discovered that they fly remote control airplanes at Manville Oaks Park in West Chicago. This plane is a bit unique. They told me it was from Virginia and they are passing it from club to club across the US from the East coast to the West coast. Today it was is West Chicago. 

 This is a WWII model plane.

Waiting

Twice today I found myself waiting at a train crossing. Both times I took out my camera to take a few shots. In this first photo I decided to work on my timing. I wanted to see if I could get the crossing light on the other side of the track in between cars. I took a series of 9 photos and was successful on 2 of them. Not too bad, I'd say.

This next photo is interesting because you only occasionally see a train engine in the middle of the train.

This train is actually going from left to right (East to West). 

This is a crossing over Roosevelt Rd (IL 38) at the corner of Kirk Rd.

Mirror

I picked up this mirror in Venezuela. I was intrigued by the bird design. I think I found it in an outdoor market.

Another Metra Train

I just had to stop at the Winfield Station tonight and take some more photos of one of the evening commuter trains. I was impressed with the length of this particular train. The sky was blue and the sun was at my back so all the conditions were right.

What is it?

This is a Cassava squeezer made of a woven basket-like sleeve. It was made in Venezuela by indigenous people. Bitter cassava needs to be properly prepared to get rid of poisonous toxins before it can be eaten. The cassava (manioc) root is grated, washed, squeezed and dried. The resulting flour can be made into a hard flat bread.

Evening Commute

The #53 Metra train on the Union/Pacific West Line as it leaves the Winfield, IL station headed to Elburn. Here it crosses the West Branch of the DuPage River.

Horses

The beautiful Spring blue sky and green grass was the perfect backdrop for a few horse photos at Danada Equestrian Center.

Passing Train

This graffiti was amazing. I know it's illegal to deface other's property but I couldn't resist posting this artistic talent. I shot this photo as a Union Pacific train heading east passed through West Chicago, IL.

Sheep

It was sheep shearing day at Kline Creek Farm. Lots of kids had a great time. Farmer Mark did a wonderful job of educating and entertaining the guests as he explained and demonstrated how to shear sheep. "It's more like shaving than getting a haircut."

Coffee

I love coffee and coffee makers. A quick count around my kitchen uncovered at least eight. Only three are electric. The coffee pot pictured here is a traditional one from Venezuela. Currently I also have coffee from some of the countries that I have visited; France, Guatemala, Philippines, and Argentina.

Hope of Summer

I put up my trellises tonight. They look a bit barren but in a month or so they should be full of clematis flowers. As I was finishing up, my neighbor Tony stopped to give me some lily's that a co-worker had given him. Each year I've been adding perennials to this garden in an effort to share the beauty with my neighbors. 

Storm Coming

I came out of Walgreens and dark clouds hovered overhead. Will it pour before I get home? Ninety minutes later it hasn't rained yet. The clouds have moved east and there is more open sky but the clouds are still heavy. No doubt it will rain as predicted before the night is over.

Vermont WWII Vet

Today the gate was open to St John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Winfield, IL. I went in and found a grave for a World War II Veteran from Vermont. I googled his name but so far haven't been able to find anything about him. 

Historic Building

The former Kroehler Manufacturing Company, Naperville, IL on the south side of the BSNF railroad tracks. 

In the 1940's Kroehler's was the 2nd largest furniture company in the US.

Steel Pans

This afternoon I attended a concert by the Steel Band of Waubonsee Community College. The band started in 1980 and they are excellent for a student group. 

 Here's one of the songs they performed today. Dynamite.

There was also a guest performance by members of Pastiche Steel Ensemble, the nation's premier steelpan ensemble. This event was sponsored by the  Warrenville Arts Council. 

Lilacia Park

The Lilacs, Tulips and Daffodils were in all stages of bloom. Some were finished and others just peaking.

 

 

Deep Quarry Lake

West Branch (DuPage River) Bartlett, IL.