January Thaw

Well, like most of the country, we've been experiencing slightly above average temperatures this past week. Our snow piles are slowly getting lower. But temperatures are still hovering around the freezing point. We may even see some low 40's by the weekend! I'm just loving the fact that I don't have to walk down the street with a scarf covering my face!

I shot this view of the Chicago River a couple days ago, with its ice layer breaking apart. It looked as though there should be penguins or polar bears somewhere out there, but alas, I saw none.

I try to get out of my office every day at lunch time, just to stretch my legs and to search for things to inspire me. I usually don't get Victorian inspirations, but I find interesting things to photograph! Here is a view out my office window a couple weeks ago. Not one of the more pleasant days to venture outside!

When it's below freezing, ice skaters are a regular sight in Millennium Park.

The Crown Fountain displays changing faces on 2 gigantic monoliths. In summer, the faces spit out streams of water to cool off delighted children. In winter, I can almost see their breath!

Thaws can be deadly in downtown Chicago. Ice falling from the skyscrapers has been known to kill people on the sidewalks below.

I hope everyone is having a fun and safe winter. Drive and walk carefully, stay warm, and enjoy any milder weather you get. It's not over yet!