More Chicago ...

Some more images: the Cubs game where Barry Bonds hit two more homeruns, Rochelle and I at the game, and a view of the city on our way to the subway.

Chicago at Night ...

This is my first successful HDR (High-Dynamic Range) Image. YEAH! After some great information from the State's Attorneys' Association, and a great Cubs game, we headed out to Navy Pier for dinner and fun. This image is a view looking back at the city from the pier itself, (5) exposures, all combined from low to high, to capture Chicago in all its nightly grandeur. It was an exceptional evening after the storms had rolled through the day before, cool, dry, and not too breezy (well, until you hit the end of the pier -- but that spot is reserved for pirates -- argh!).

Views of Chicago...

Some views of Chicago from Navy Pier.

Dixon, after the parade ...

I thought I would stop by the front of the new courts building this evening and take a few images of the famous Dixon arch. For those who don't know, this is the "new" arch. An original, much smaller arch, was built just north of this one as a tribute to the soldiers who made it home from World War I. Just behind it, and to the right, is the infamous sculpture which has inherited many names throughout the years. However, it's given title is "Wings of Peace".

He's learning ...

Farley now understands "no." Most importantly, though, he's taken lessons from Jake on how to ignore that command and be stubborn.

HDR - Attempting Again

Okay, so I'm kind of getting the hang of this HDR thing ... I know, the image looks funny, but it's a good reference point for when I really get the hang of it!

Carnivals!!!

Petunia Fest was in its last "hoo-rah" today, so I decided to pay my $5, get a button, and make my way through the carnival. After photographing some of the locals, I decided to listen to the blues and relax with a couple of drinks. Carnivals really are pretty at night ...

Uncle Marvin's Garden

My garden looks pathetic next to my Uncle Marvin's. He's one of those who actually tends to his garden on a regular basis by weeding, feeding, and nurturing. My version of gardening: throw seeds on ground, pray, yell at weeds. Anyway, my uncle shared some jokes with me today; they were funny, but I can't post them here :).

Repetition . . .

Alright, I know there is another image on my blog that is very similar to this one, but for some reason or another, maybe because I'm a "farm-boy," the sun setting through the grass always reminds me of my summers during childhood. It's relaxing.

Farley doesn't like water ...

Our friends, Laura & Mike, along with their trusty labs, Laney and Bailey, stopped by today to see all of us. We went down to the lake to cool off and have some fun. Farley has never had the opportunity to swim, so we let him try it. The good news is, he can swim. The bad news, he doesn't like it -- it ruins his regal look. Jake was content watching the labs while sitting in the water. I'm pretty sure I heard him ask for a Corona, too.