Lincoln Park Zoo & North Ave Beach

Warning - Picture Heavy Post!

**Friday Fun Day **

My friend Julie & I decided that we needed an adventure... so we decided to head for the city! If I haven't mentioned before... and I probably do it again... I live in suburb of Chicago called Yorkville, Illinois. It's about 1.5 hours away from Chicago, so we don't get there much... but when we do it's like we're on vacation. It's so different from where we live.  Totally city!!

First stop... The Lincoln Park Zoo.

The whole time we were there all we heard from the kids was, "We want to go to the beach!" But then when we came up to a really cool animal they were all like, "This is so awesome!"

We found time to be silly!

And, athletic!

and, amazed!

After spending some time at the zoo we walked a bit -- over Lake Shore Drive -- to North Avenue Beach.

It made my stomach a little woozy to see all that traffic speeding under my feet!

But, this was the gold at the end of the rainbow,  Glorious Lake Michigan! The sand was like powder on the bottoms of my feet, the temperature was perfect, and there was a slight breeze blowing of the lake. Without any time to waste, we immediately found our spot and began doing beachy things!

Sand castle building was high on the list.

As the sun began to set, the long shadows reminded us that it was time to pack it in and head home.... but not without objection from four little beach goers!

Thanks for spending time with me today as I share some of my adventures. This is what I love most when reading the blogs of others and thought, "I had better add to the pool of fun with tales of my own!"  Good times.

Next stop... The Lake Geneva Wedding!

xoxo,

Nicky

Ahhhh, the Joys of a Pedicure

There is nothing like a good pedicure.  And, since we have a wedding coming up this weekend (my brother is getting married), I thought I would knock off the garden dirt and get my toes all dolled up.  Funny... when I got home and was walking around my yard I noticed how close the color I chose was to my spider geraniums.  Love it!

 I am excited about the wedding because, for one, it is always good to share your life with someone you love, and two, it taking place in Lake Geneva -- a super cute town that's about 2 hours north of us.  It is a kinda touristy, cutesy weekend vacation spot. I just love it. There is lots of shopping, a lake, and a beach to play at.  Long ago, before kids, Jeff and I would drive up just to have lunch. 

On another note... I am still looping away at the granny.  Meet Jimmy.  He is our beloved house cat... who got outside this morning and I am anxiously waiting his return, as he is NOT allowed to frolic in the wild! I am hoping that he will come home when he is hungry??  Anyway, the point of this picture is that as soon as I stretch my granny out to see which color to work on, Jimmy immediately climbs on and curls up! He is sooo sweet I couldn't possibly get mad at him.

xoxo,

Nicky



Do You Have a Favorite Spot?

In the summer you can find me on my deck, under the umbrella!  Above is a picture of my back yard.  At the moment it looks pretty good. Yesterday I spent some time out back weeding, pruning, and mowing. It was a hot one... and we desperately need some rain in the Midwest. The yard is soooo dry. My feet were absolutely filthy from the dust cloud that followed me as I merrily went along. I truly felt like I was mowing dirt!

 

The hard work payed off, and this morning I could enjoy the fruits of my labor. How wonderful it was to go out with a cuppa, put my feet up, and crochet to the symphony of nature.  I heard fish jumping in the river, herons honk as they flew in, and the most gorgeous song birds. Sometimes I get so busy with things I forget how wonderful it is here.

This is our fire pit down by the river.  There is the Hideaway Lakes campground on the other side. It is heavenly to sit by the campfire at night and see the other campers' fires across the way twinkle and dance in the reflection of the water. It's like being on vacation without ever having to leave! 

The funny thing is... I'm a big camping fan.  So, last year we bought a travel trailer -- you know, the kind that you pull behind with your truck.  I wanted so badly to get out and be at one with nature... then, after a time,  I realized... I already am. 

For Sale -- (1) 30' Travel Trailer... like new :)

Before I get on with my day, this rather good size pile of snippets confirms that it was a productive morning!

xx,

Nicky

Making Progress

I am making progress!  I have reached squared status.  You know, the point when it is equal in length and width... and now with every next square it is closer to becoming an afghan that is long enough to cover your toes!

xoxo,

Nicky

I Can See my Future...

I can see the future, and in it I am wrapped in a very colorful granny square afghan!

It has been way too long since I've checked in at the Pick A Stitch Cafe, and I am feeling a bit antsy. I remember the days of lounging in the mornings with a cup of coffee, stitching away.  I have realized that sometimes I may take a break from crafting/sewing/crocheting, but eventually I will hear the siren call.. and before you know it, I will be obsessed again.  I just can't help it. I'm sure you can relate. 

So here I am pacing the house trying to figure out what crafty endeavor I am going to partake in. As I wonder, I notice all the projects that have been started with vigor, then abandoned for something better. I have decided the time has come. I see my future and in it I am wrapped in a very colorful granny square afghan! 

Remember this... It's soooo close to being finished, it is first on my list! Just to make sure, I made a square tonight in hopes that I didn't forget how to stitch it! I'm good. It's like riding a bike -- right?!? My goal is to have it completed in 3 weeks... yikes!  There I said it, laid it out in the universe, 3 weeks... now I have to stick to it! Wish me luck :)

xx

Nicky

Vacations Are Good for the Soul

Vacations are good for the soul!

We had a lovely time in Florida. It was our first "family" vacation. My kids and I went with my sister and her kids -- there were eleven of us all together -- to Disney World.  Look out Mickey, here we come! It was truly a trip of a life time. And you know what... with all the exciting things to choose from, my favorite part of the trip was when all eleven of us would reconvene at a restaurant for dinner. Seven kids, four adults... it was a mad house, and I loved it!  We were all sooo excited to talk about our adventures of the day... and, after dinner there would be more to come, fireworks over Cinderella's castle, Fantsasmic shows, and Electric Light Parades. We didn't hit the hay until midnight most nights! It was awesome!  The clock doesn't count when your on vacation!

On our last day we drove to Cocoa Beach. I love the water.  I live on the Fox River here in Illinois, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Atlantic Ocean.  Something about the ocean just calms me, brings out my inner hippy and makes all the the worry disappear.  I came home a better person.  I realized that I need to get back to the root of things... do what makes me happy, instead of worrying about what everyone else is thinking about what I do or don't do.

It's funny how easy it is stray from the path of life that I want to lead?!?

The new me... reinvented!

Back to nature, the simple things, and re-enlist my focus for school.  Only one year left of grad school -- I can do it!

xoxo,

Nicky

What... another one??

Yes, Yes... another one.

I need another project like I need a hole in my head! But, I thought I'd try my hook on a ripple. My reason you ask...because it doesn't take much thought. You can coast along in the rhythmic pattern and enjoy the crochet.

Do you remember this one? I started The Granny last summer. This is not one to travel with because you have to carry so many balls of yarn... or be really organized and only carry the colors that come next. Too much thinking for me :)

Then there is this one. I got the idea from Little Woolie, but for some reason I have lost interest for the moment.

Actually, it has been quite difficult to find any time to craft/crochet while in grad school. The professors want us to do home work -- and projects... what are they thinking? Don't they know I have important things to do?

Well, I have several to choose from when I am able. In the meantime, I am enjoying other blog posts from my favorite authors. Thanks everyone for posting, as it inspires me to carry on the craft!

xoxo,

Nicky