I started my staycation with a walk through the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park - had never actually walked through the garden before. It's simply lovely and in the height of summer, when everything is in bloom, I bet it's a real stunner! It's so interesting to be surrounded by these prairie grasses, wildflowers and tall trees and then just over the top of them are these huge skyscrapers. Wonderful balance! 
bulb fest
I drove up to the Botanic Garden today with my friend Marcey to check out blub fest. It was the most beautiful Fall day for wandering the gardens. They have loads of mums in yellows and oranges and strategically placed gourds here and there, a hay bale maze and gourd tower. It was lovely.
First tip - if you want bulbs (which I didn't - no yard to put them in) go on Friday or early Saturday or pre-order. They were very picked over today. Second tip - don't expect very many vendors for fun fall goodies. I picked up a couple of mini loaves of peanut butter cookie bread (yep, yum!) and some homemade marshmallows. Marcey picked up some veggies and that was about it ... But it was the most perfect day to be out and about. Perfectly Fall! 
beautiful day @ the botanic garden
So, I am not a huge flower person... but I do love the Chicago Botanic Garden. Marcey and I met the Robinson's there to spend the most lovely day wandering the different gardens. There was so much in bloom - pretty much everything looked great except for the roses, they were just past their time. I really think I should try to make it up there once each season. Next up would be Fall foliage ... putting that on the calendar now! Till then, enjoy some pretty flowers!
Oh and I almost forgot about the crazy lilly pads! That may have been Elliot's favorite of the day...
flowers for mom
Happy Birthday Mom! Photos of beautiful peonies on your day! ( because you say I never take photos of flowers * wink * )
california bloomin
Some lovelies soaking in the Sonoma sun.
Yellow
Was the most beautiful day today.
classic bloom
What is it about black and white photography that makes everything so perfect?
oh snow
Oh snow, you are so pretty ... I think today's snow finally got us to our normal snow total in Chicago for the year. Let's hope it's the last one of the season! I worked from home today and took a quick trip to Starbucks up the block and snapped this little gem with SmugMug's Camera Awesome. It's by far my favorite camera app for taking photos. It gives great DOF!
202 golden grasses
... via iPhone ...
216
Petal pink