Downtown Naperville Potter Party

Naperville turned into a Harry Potter-ville for the rollout of the new play in book form for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I wonder how many in line at midnight knew it was a play and not a book? Anyway, the costumes and energy around a "book" once again was amazing. JK Rowling didn't even write it and it still turned to gold. The Hagrid down below is amazing. 

Snuggle this Muggle Day

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child comes out at midnight tonight  No cursed children here but we have lots of Harry Potter fans. Apparently, Eckhart is a big fan. 

Naperville Visitors

On a pond near my house I see these visitors all the time--I think a couple of Egrets and Heron's, although I am not an expert. I always think of these as more southern birds but they have a wide range. Love how they stacked up for me in the shot.

Raleigh Crepe Myrtle

Hat tip to Garrett Moseley to tell me about this beautiful southern tree, the Crepe Myrtle, with its very colorful flowers.  Color is where you find it, even if in the parking lot of an office building.

How many do you put on your Hot Dog?

Ran into the Vienna Hot Dog Factory and Cafe on Damen and Fullerton and found lots of hot dog love. Quite the line up of condiments. Never thought of putting ranch dressing or hot sauce on a hot dog. Have to try that some time.

Mushroom colors and patterns

I was attracted to the beautiful patterns and muted colors of these Trametes versicolor mushrooms, which grow on dead trees. Got a chance to spend a day out in the open air in Indiana while camping last weekend. Don't get this much in Naperville Illinois. 

A good old fashioned thunderstorm

Even when you are driving (last weekend on I-65 as it turned out) a good old fashioned thunderstorm is kinda fun. Especially, when you can beat it as it tries to cut across your path.

Changing Reflections on Nuveen

Can you see the differences? Over the years, the reflections on the Nuveen building have changed.

The top shot is from August 2010 and the bottom from this month, July 2016. Quite a difference in the surrounding area with all the new construction on the north side of the river. The Nuveen name is also on the building now, a change that happened in the past few years. Those not working there may remember the Nuveen building was featured in the film, 'Ferris Beuler's Day Off' as the location of Ferris' father's office.

Looks like fun at the old ballpark

Don't know anybody in this picture, which was taken from the White Sox video board last week but it looks like everyone was having fun. I guess they are happy to get on the big board. Got to see a rare triple play but is was too bad we lost the game.

Meeting of the minds on the mound

"We need a live rooster to take the curse off of Jose's glove. And nobody seems to know what to get Millie or Jimmy for their wedding present....."

Chicago Ice Cream Truck

Walked past an old time ice cream truck in downtown Chicago and while the shot looked ok in color, it stood out to me as a black and white shot with the heavy fog from the heat and the recent rain rolling off the lake. I didn't do any ice cream although I was tempted.....

Chicago Palmer House Great Room

Chicago's Palmer House Hilton 2nd floor lobby is a wonder to behold. The ornate 1920's style architecture is beautiful to see in person. A photography seminar gave me that excuse/opportunity to stay overnight and it was a great choice.

Lily Rose Levitation Trick

Lily Rose wanted to try levitation so I told her to concentrate real hard and you should be able to float in the air. It worked.

A 4th of July Family Tradition

Once a year the basketball court on the driveway gets used. The tradition has changed over the years. First it was the uncles against the younger cousins. Then when the uncles got beat (that was a fun year) it switched to 2 on 2. Now with Sam getting older and stronger, it is back to 3 on 3 with the Davern's including Joe Junior vs the Hackers. Glad to report no injuries this year. Oh yea, the Davern's dominated. Only Jono and Sammy play more than once a year so this is going to get ugly.

Happy 4th

I don't have any good July 4th flag displays so I went to the archives to pick a shot from Veteran's Day 2011. Still, nice display of flags on a hill in Naperville.

I was debating on which shot to use and decided since it was my blog, I can use both. Here is Clio in Red, White and Blue looking all grown up.

Chicago Cares

Chicago Cares. A sort of self serving ad for Blue Cross/Blue Shield makes for an interesting view.

Buckingham Fountain

Nothing beats downtown Chicago on a pretty summer evening at Buckingham Fountain.

Ahhh.....the Selfie Stick

Hard to get an interesting shot with blah skies and tourists all around. However, the selfie stick gave me a frame.