Saturday, November 23, 2013

Dayton part one

 Abby hearts Sullivan!

 We were there for a few days and made the most of it. We saw War Horse. This is the Schuster Center designed by Cesar Pelli. This structure replaces what I know as "Rikes", a department store with large display windows.  The western building was the Miami Hotel, a lovely red brick with terracotta  decorations. When Rikes was torn down, my mom, Abby's godmother, and I went and rescued pieces of the building. They lived in my parents backyard for a decade or so and now they are decoration for Hawthorn school.  (Photos later).


 The horse's expressions were amazing. 

 Ever wonder about that first flight? Well, this is about how long it was...

 Downtown


 Oregon District

 South Park - where I grew up.

The boulevard, inspired by designs by Frederick Law Olmstead.

The gazebo where my parents were married.

I can't remember quite what she said, but she wanted me to take her photo, so I did, and she said she was the most beautiful woman on earth, because she was made in God's image.

My first place of employment. 

Woodland cemetary and arboretum.

Woodland. I can visit some of my friends. 

and admire a lovely setting. Great place to go walking. Very peaceful.


When my friend was buried here over twenty years ago, this tree was shorter than I.

My dream house! Small living quarters upstairs, large porch...


We enjoyed the best the city has to offer.

Went and ate where I ate as a kid - in a trolley!

With friends.

Measuring who is taller.

Hodapp, where Morgan grew up.



Saturday, November 16, 2013

Chicago

 Going two and a half years not seeing my parents, and my parents not seeing Abby and I is too long! Somewhat affordably meeting meant using miles and flying into Chicago. We got to spend the night in a downtown hotel.


 

 We went to Navy Pier. 


 Visited Ohio Street beach (a beach in Chicago - who knew?!


 Got tickets to this innocent looking ferris wheel. 


 But let me tell you, that wheel was wild!  It was blowing cold air and it was up there! Looks like fun huh?

  I was super impressed with Chicago's architecture. I thought I had seen skyscrapers before - not so!  30 stories is nothing compared to 80 stories!

 My mom and I went out and I got to take some cool night time photos. As much as I love taking night photos, I am a bit hypocritical because I don't like light pollution. The lights could have been turned down a bit...

 I love this building!

 
  
The Chicago Tribune Tower is quite awesome.

 The Gothic design mirrors many Catholic churches I've seen.

 Pieces of famous buildings are inset (Notre Dame, Pantheon, etc.).

 The founder had high ideals about journalism...




 This building was 80 stories high. We on the 14th and I felt wierd!


 Love this bedroom and bathroom. In comparison to Kodiak prices, aspects of Chicago seemed affordable!

I really enjoyed being in a thriving metropolis.