Just a Florida Sunset

Just a Florida sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from the Bradenton area. I was looking for a green flash which you sometimes get when the sun just dips below the horizon, but not this time. Probably too many clouds on the horizon. Have you ever seen a green flash? I have seen 4 of them, one of which was a spectacularly brilliant, bright emerald green. Still, this red sunset was beautiful all on its own.

I-80 Out West

I've got no road trips planned this year but the west is calling. I love heading out west and seeing the country. Even the major interstate highways can be interesting but it is even more fun to get off the main roads and seeing the small towns that time has past.  These shots were taken on a trip to Portland last year to bring Michael home. For some reason that I can't fully explain, I am just not up for a big trip this year. Did a bunch of traveling last year. This year I will likely stay in the midwest. But the west is always calling my name....

A new season

A new season begins. A clean slate. Everyone starts at zero. High expectations for one team. Low expectations for the other. Both would taste great right now. Go White Sox.

You never know when a shot will appear

You never know when a photographic opportunity will pop up at you. Crossing the street in downtown Chicago near the Berghoff Cafe back last August, I saw these huge shadow bands stretching across the street and grabbed a quick shot as I walking. Happened to have my camera with me but a cell phone shot would have worked just a well. I loved the shadow bands and, as I looked at the picture on my computer, I got a painterly feeling coming off of the shot. So, I pulled out the filters and gave a bit of a painterly finish. I love these random, almost throwaway shots that turn into something with a little finish.

Mars on Earth or too much The Martian?

While I was sick with the flu this weekend, I actually watched The Martian (the one with Matt Damon) twice. I love that movie. That's my favorite si-fi movie made to date. So, I saw this scene in my photo stream and I had to turn it into a Martian landscape. It was not as red in real life. But the shot screamed Martian landscape, so I added some red to it. Obviously, a shot taken while flying near the Grand Canyon. Not sure exactly where, but close to Vegas.

Here is the shot I took right before the one above, without the Martian red layer added on. Sort of blah coloring but still otherworldly.

Today's goal: Walk a bit of the Riverwalk

The sun will be shinning today, although still a bit chilly. Even so, time to give the Riverwalk along the Chicago River a try. Welcome to spring.

They don't make churches like this anymore

Walked by this wonderful church heading to meet the family at a coffee shop on the north side and stopped in to take a peak at this wonderful old church, St. Alphonsus. The nave reminded me of our old parish, St. Basil's on 55th and Wood. That church is long gone, but this one remains. Going to be hard to keep these old churches open but this one is still going. Beautiful building inside and out.