...life abroad yesterday, today, tomorrow & inbetween
4 Aug 2014
Spider work
I was watering the plans the other day and found this nature's artwork. Believe me, I am not a spider lover, but this work of a spider was just beautiful in the morning sun.
25 Jul 2014
"The Bean"
....not a coffee bean, nor the beans in your chili, not even Mr. Bean :-)..... I want to talk about OUR Bean in Chicago - one of the major attractions of Millennium Park. It is simply known as "the Bean", officially named Cloud Gate, and you have probably seen it -somewhere- before.
This sculpture was inspired by a drop of mercury, and created by Indian born British artist Anish Kapoor. The cost of creating and transporting it went from $6 million to $23 million. It is made from 168 stainless steel plates welded together and polished.
People have lots of fun taking picture of it or themselves with it, reflected in it...you name it. I think it is unique and fun!
This sculpture was inspired by a drop of mercury, and created by Indian born British artist Anish Kapoor. The cost of creating and transporting it went from $6 million to $23 million. It is made from 168 stainless steel plates welded together and polished.
People have lots of fun taking picture of it or themselves with it, reflected in it...you name it. I think it is unique and fun!
24 Jul 2014
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one of my favourite places in Chicago, and is 10 years old this month.
It was open on July 16, 2004, and replaced Illinois Central Railroad tracks. It is basically a huge rooftop garden built over an underground parking garage, covering nearly 25 acres!
Today it is the second-most-visited tourist spot. There are many attractions, and I will go through them all in my next posts.
BEFORE...
AFTER...
It was open on July 16, 2004, and replaced Illinois Central Railroad tracks. It is basically a huge rooftop garden built over an underground parking garage, covering nearly 25 acres!
Today it is the second-most-visited tourist spot. There are many attractions, and I will go through them all in my next posts.
AFTER...
23 Jul 2014
Teavana
I was doing some shopping at Westfield Mall yesterday, and was passing a tea shop where I sometimes buy my tea.
They had some samples at the door, and after tasting, this time, iced tea I decided to purchase both. Unfortunately, they usually put sugar in their tasting samples, but I am aware of that, so I buy only a small amount at first to be sure that I really like it.
I got Youthberry which is flavored white tea, and Wild Orange Blossom herbal tea. They taste both great, but also smell amazing.
They also sell beautiful tea gifts and accessories.
The name of the store is Teavana - www.teavana.com. I have also been to the one in Oakbrook Center and Naperville.
I have just learnt that Teavana was acquired by Starbucks in 2012. What a story... "coffee people" purchased "tea people".
They had some samples at the door, and after tasting, this time, iced tea I decided to purchase both. Unfortunately, they usually put sugar in their tasting samples, but I am aware of that, so I buy only a small amount at first to be sure that I really like it.
I got Youthberry which is flavored white tea, and Wild Orange Blossom herbal tea. They taste both great, but also smell amazing.
They also sell beautiful tea gifts and accessories.
The name of the store is Teavana - www.teavana.com. I have also been to the one in Oakbrook Center and Naperville.
I have just learnt that Teavana was acquired by Starbucks in 2012. What a story... "coffee people" purchased "tea people".
21 Jul 2014
Biking accessories
I have purchased a new bike saddle and gloves.
Finally, my husband decided to get a new bike, so we are ready to do some biking again. I got a new saddle because I was looking for something more comfortable, and my cycling gloves are really old.
Finally, my husband decided to get a new bike, so we are ready to do some biking again. I got a new saddle because I was looking for something more comfortable, and my cycling gloves are really old.
18 Jul 2014
"Under the Skin"
Hmmm, try to watch "Under the Skin" movie and tell me what you think?!?!
I have just finished watching and still confused what to think of this one!
"The Story: A mysterious woman — who is apparently an alien — prowls the Glasgow area in a white van to seduce and dispatch men. The Lowdown: Highly acclaimed as fresh and original, Under the Skin is also slow-moving and on the deliberately impenetrable side. Yes, it's the critical sci-fi sensation of the moment, but it's not going to suit everyone's tastes."
on
I have just finished watching and still confused what to think of this one!
on
16 Jul 2014
RA Sushi
I was introduced to a new sushi restaurant. It is called RA Sushi, and this one is in Lombard. I since discovered that there are other locations in my area, but also across the USA. You can find details here www.rasushi.com
It is a Japanese fusion cuisine, and I really enjoyed the food as well as an eye-pleasing and modern interior. I have visited once for lunch, once for dinner, and will be going back. It was a very nice experience not too far from us.
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| http://www.rasushi.com/locations |
15 Jul 2014
Still to do....
It has been overwhelming at times, but we have managed to do so much around the house since we purchased it last year!!! The list is still long though...we are very ambitions about what we want to achieve:-)
I just had to slow down as I had too much on my plate (put it there myself ), and developed several unpleasant -aches and pains- which I am still dealing with, but slowly getting there.
Here is the current TO-DO LIST:
1. Finish hardwood on the steps
2. Tile entrance and kitchen floor
3. Paint the walls downstairs
4. Paint the shutters
5. Finish the garden - as for this year..... We have so far planted 69 trees and shrubs!
I just had to slow down as I had too much on my plate (put it there myself ), and developed several unpleasant -aches and pains- which I am still dealing with, but slowly getting there.
Here is the current TO-DO LIST:
1. Finish hardwood on the steps
2. Tile entrance and kitchen floor
3. Paint the walls downstairs
 |
| Still undecided.... |
4. Paint the shutters
5. Finish the garden - as for this year..... We have so far planted 69 trees and shrubs!
 |
| Privacy hedge in the front |
1 Jul 2014
After some time
So, here I am again. I haven't been blogging for a while as I have been dealing with some issues, and it was difficult for me to focus on much else.
It is the first of July today, the new month and hope everything will just get better and better....
It is the first of July today, the new month and hope everything will just get better and better....
1 Apr 2014
Lost weekend
My husband came back from his business trip in Europe and got sick. It seems like it is becoming a "habit" whenever he has to fly. I guess the dry air on a plane and who knows what type of germs everywhere. He has been fighting it for two weeks, and now I have the same symptoms he had a week ago. The truth is that I have been troubled by some sort of sinuses symptoms for a while, it just got worse. Because of that we were not able to do anything on the weekend.
So, my mantra for this week is:
I hope it will work!!!!!
So, my mantra for this week is:
I hope it will work!!!!!
28 Mar 2014
Gooseberry
I am planting a gooseberry soon. I love all sorts of fruit but gooseberries are hard to find and when they already have them in a store they are terribly expensive. We used to have them in my parents' garden. They are so easy to grow, but I guess there is no demand hence the high price.
I got this tiny plant of Pixwell Gooseberry the other day, and can't wait to plant it, just waiting for a bit more suitable weather.
I got this tiny plant of Pixwell Gooseberry the other day, and can't wait to plant it, just waiting for a bit more suitable weather.
27 Mar 2014
What if ...6
"WHAT IF Mother Nature could perform for an audience?
Does anyone really believe that she doesn't? We certainly see her expressing herself with storms, earthquakes, tornadoes, drought, and global warming. Is she, as the Hopi shaman said, "a mother dog shaking off fleas? "
I would like to hear the specifics of what she teaches us with her magnificent "spectaculars." For example, are the colors of flowers vibrating at the same frequencies as the musical notes in the scale? Does all sound have color? I knew a woman who loved to attend symphony concerts just to "see" the colors the instruments were making.
What if drought is Mother Nature's way of teaching us that we need to drink more water and yet we are polluting it everywhere?
What if falling snow is to remind us of the protection of white lights?
What if flooding occurs because it is time for us to wash our environments clean?
What if mud sticks to us because that is what we have become?
Maybe our unquenchable interest in dinosaurs is equal to our unquenchable thirst for oil? In their first time around, they were destroyed. In this second time around, they will destroy us.
What if the speed of Nature's show is accelerating in a way that is meant to beckon us humans to accelerate our consciousness? What if we are holding her back and that is why she is shaking us off?
What if the "violence" of Nature is simply her way of saying "hurry up" or you'll be left behind? Nature's violence is probably the most devastatingly dramatic and disturbing thriller to grace the screens of life - and we haven't even assigned it and X rating."
* reference Shirley MacLaine's book
Does anyone really believe that she doesn't? We certainly see her expressing herself with storms, earthquakes, tornadoes, drought, and global warming. Is she, as the Hopi shaman said, "a mother dog shaking off fleas? "
I would like to hear the specifics of what she teaches us with her magnificent "spectaculars." For example, are the colors of flowers vibrating at the same frequencies as the musical notes in the scale? Does all sound have color? I knew a woman who loved to attend symphony concerts just to "see" the colors the instruments were making.
What if drought is Mother Nature's way of teaching us that we need to drink more water and yet we are polluting it everywhere?
What if falling snow is to remind us of the protection of white lights?
What if flooding occurs because it is time for us to wash our environments clean?
What if mud sticks to us because that is what we have become?
Maybe our unquenchable interest in dinosaurs is equal to our unquenchable thirst for oil? In their first time around, they were destroyed. In this second time around, they will destroy us.
What if the speed of Nature's show is accelerating in a way that is meant to beckon us humans to accelerate our consciousness? What if we are holding her back and that is why she is shaking us off?
What if the "violence" of Nature is simply her way of saying "hurry up" or you'll be left behind? Nature's violence is probably the most devastatingly dramatic and disturbing thriller to grace the screens of life - and we haven't even assigned it and X rating."
* reference Shirley MacLaine's book
Housing situation once again
Yes, it is time to get another house, a birdhouse :-) We already have some bird feeders but decided to put also some birdhouses in our garden to attract even more birds. Not only because we love to watch them but because they are important for our trees as they liquidate all the possible unwanted insects that attack trees.
Here is our first one. I purchased this one, but will make more myself, or will assign a project to my husband ;-), based on this design later.
Here is our first one. I purchased this one, but will make more myself, or will assign a project to my husband ;-), based on this design later.
24 Mar 2014
In two pieces
This was one of my favourite decorative items - part of my African scheme which I love. It was on a sideboard and a picture was behind it, only leaning against the wall because I am not finished with painting, so I didn't hang it yet. I was airing the house out, and the draft knocked the picture on my plate which didn't survive the impact :-(
I will try to glue it together and see what happens.
I will try to glue it together and see what happens.
21 Mar 2014
Walking in Batavia
I can't remember if it was last year or already the year before (past two years were very hectic), but it was spring and we went to Batavia again for a walk.
Batavia is a suburb of Chicago, and the oldest city in Kane County. I like that area because of it's river walk. No sign of spring flowers in my neighbourhood yet, so I guess there is still time before I can enjoy the carpet of blue flowers again.
Batavia is a suburb of Chicago, and the oldest city in Kane County. I like that area because of it's river walk. No sign of spring flowers in my neighbourhood yet, so I guess there is still time before I can enjoy the carpet of blue flowers again.
20 Mar 2014
First day of spring
Yes! The spring is officially here. Finally!
What a horrible winter we had. It took toll on our Giant Arbovitae trees which were frostbitten due to the unusually low temperatures this year. I hope they recover from it. We only planted them last year and I should have known better and burlap them. I will definitely do it this year, just in case.
In the meantime I have pulled the book I bought last year off the shelf. It is American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers. I decided to get it because there are quite differences and less choice in what I can plant in my garden here in Midwest to what I am used to from Europe, but I am not giving up. Gardening is one of my passions.
What a horrible winter we had. It took toll on our Giant Arbovitae trees which were frostbitten due to the unusually low temperatures this year. I hope they recover from it. We only planted them last year and I should have known better and burlap them. I will definitely do it this year, just in case.
In the meantime I have pulled the book I bought last year off the shelf. It is American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers. I decided to get it because there are quite differences and less choice in what I can plant in my garden here in Midwest to what I am used to from Europe, but I am not giving up. Gardening is one of my passions.
18 Mar 2014
I am back...
I have been dealing with some difficult issues particularly past few weeks, and quite frankly wasn't capable of posting on regular basis. The things are getting better, so here I am again, and let's just say I am going to try the famous:
5 Mar 2014
Cheating Cheetahs ?!?!
Are these cheetahs trying to cheat the nature?! That is the only explanation I have to the story I received today in the email from my mother-in-law who lives in South Africa.
Have you ever seen anything like this???
Here is the story:
"The Law Of The Wild says kill ONLY when you are hungry.
Photographer Michel Denis-Huot, who captured these amazing pictures on safari in Kenya 's Masai Mara in October last year, said he was astounded by what he saw:
"These three brothers (cheetahs) have been living together since they left their mother at bout 18 months old,' he said.
'On the morning we saw them, they seemed not to be hungry, walking quickly but stopping sometimes to play together.
'At one point, they met a group of impala who ran away. But one youngster was not quick enough and the brothers caught it easily'."
These extraordinary scenes followed.
Have you ever seen anything like this???
Here is the story:
"The Law Of The Wild says kill ONLY when you are hungry.
Photographer Michel Denis-Huot, who captured these amazing pictures on safari in Kenya 's Masai Mara in October last year, said he was astounded by what he saw:
"These three brothers (cheetahs) have been living together since they left their mother at bout 18 months old,' he said.
'On the morning we saw them, they seemed not to be hungry, walking quickly but stopping sometimes to play together.
'At one point, they met a group of impala who ran away. But one youngster was not quick enough and the brothers caught it easily'."
These extraordinary scenes followed.
26 Feb 2014
What If...5
"WHAT IF we are coming to resemble our own technology?
Are we thinking and communicating with the speed of the Internet - and ignoring the depth and breadth of what we actually feel? We can get any fact in a nanosecond, but getting wisdom still takes a lifetime (or more!)."
* reference Shirley MacLaine's book
Are we thinking and communicating with the speed of the Internet - and ignoring the depth and breadth of what we actually feel? We can get any fact in a nanosecond, but getting wisdom still takes a lifetime (or more!)."
* reference Shirley MacLaine's book
18 Feb 2014
Meltdown
No, I am not talking about an emotional meltdown, although I was close to one this winter. I am actually celebrating this one - the snow is finally thawing. The pictures are taken from the front door of my house.
We have absolutely lovely plus 5°C (40°F) today! I don't know how long it is going to last but it should even rain tomorrow.The more snow disappears the better because we have nowhere to put it.
I guess we will remember this winter as I already mentioned in my previous post. I have heard a new description of Chicago's weather. It goes like this: "There is 9 months of winter and 3 months of hell in Chicago..." It pretty much describes it.
We have absolutely lovely plus 5°C (40°F) today! I don't know how long it is going to last but it should even rain tomorrow.The more snow disappears the better because we have nowhere to put it.
I guess we will remember this winter as I already mentioned in my previous post. I have heard a new description of Chicago's weather. It goes like this: "There is 9 months of winter and 3 months of hell in Chicago..." It pretty much describes it.
17 Feb 2014
Sushi Station
On Saturday we went to the Sushi Station again. Finally!
Sushi Station is one of my favourite places to eat. If only the place was closer. There are actually two Sushi Station restaurants. One is in Rolling Meadows (B) which is closer, and the other one in Elgin (C) which I like much better because it is a more spacious and modern place. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the one in Rolling Meadows and 50 minutes to Elgin.
I have heard that there are some plans to open a third location south, around where I live. I hope it is true, it would be amazing!
Note to the owners: "There are many sushi eaters here too, please open one soon :-)"
So what is Sushi Station? It is a restaurant serving Japanese Kaiten Sushi style where the sushi is served on small plates that revolve on an enclosed conveyor belt. I absolutely love this style because I can sample many different types of sushi at once, it is very affordable, and completely different experience. The price is determined by the colour of the plates.
If you have never heard about this type of restaurant there are some videos to learn more about it on this website.
Some of my favourites are Miso soup, Spider Roll (soft shell crab), Phoenix Roll (spicy tuna), but many more.
Sushi Station is one of my favourite places to eat. If only the place was closer. There are actually two Sushi Station restaurants. One is in Rolling Meadows (B) which is closer, and the other one in Elgin (C) which I like much better because it is a more spacious and modern place. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the one in Rolling Meadows and 50 minutes to Elgin.
I have heard that there are some plans to open a third location south, around where I live. I hope it is true, it would be amazing!
Note to the owners: "There are many sushi eaters here too, please open one soon :-)"
 |
| from www.sushistation.us |
So what is Sushi Station? It is a restaurant serving Japanese Kaiten Sushi style where the sushi is served on small plates that revolve on an enclosed conveyor belt. I absolutely love this style because I can sample many different types of sushi at once, it is very affordable, and completely different experience. The price is determined by the colour of the plates.
If you have never heard about this type of restaurant there are some videos to learn more about it on this website.
Some of my favourites are Miso soup, Spider Roll (soft shell crab), Phoenix Roll (spicy tuna), but many more.
 |
| Miso soup |
 |
| Phoenix |
 |
| Spider
|
14 Feb 2014
Valentine's Day - numbers and facts
It is the day again today, Valentine's day!
I believe it has changed a lot in my home country ( I have been living abroad for a long time), but when I was younger we didn't celebrate Valentine's day, it just wasn't a tradition. People started celebrating about a decade ago. I am never back home in February.... I wonder how it compares to the US or the UK.
Here is to learn more about the popular day!
I believe it has changed a lot in my home country ( I have been living abroad for a long time), but when I was younger we didn't celebrate Valentine's day, it just wasn't a tradition. People started celebrating about a decade ago. I am never back home in February.... I wonder how it compares to the US or the UK.
Here is to learn more about the popular day!
Bet You Didn't Know: Valentine's Day
11 Feb 2014
What If...4
"WHAT IF Nature is designed to be fuel efficient without man's help, but mankind, forgetting we are part of Nature, has tinkered with that design?"
* reference Shirley MacLaine's book
* reference Shirley MacLaine's book
5 Feb 2014
Chicago winter
The most used sentence this winter: "I am sick of it!", of winter that is. Apparently, it has been the worst winter ever. My problem personally is not the snow, but the freezing temperatures. You just can't go out.
As for the snow, I am quite fond of it. In Europe I used to love being outside in winter. Imagine you are walking in the forest surrounded by needle trees, it is sunny and all you can hear is this winter stillness. Winter can be beautiful.
All I remember from this year winter is:
1. being freezing
2. shoveling the snow
As for the snow, I am quite fond of it. In Europe I used to love being outside in winter. Imagine you are walking in the forest surrounded by needle trees, it is sunny and all you can hear is this winter stillness. Winter can be beautiful.
 |
| "Winter WONDER -LAND" - not Chicago |
All I remember from this year winter is:
1. being freezing
2. shoveling the snow
 |
| Winter CHICAGO-LAND, - my street |
4 Feb 2014
Juice from South Africa
Last week I remembered to buy some South African juice again. It is not widely available here, so I am not reminded of it often. I have to go and get it in specific stores, last time it was at World Market.
The brand is called CERES after The Ceres Valley in the Western Cape, South Africa (where my husband comes from), made by Ceres Fruit Juices.
I like the juices because of the variety and the quality: no added sugar, no artificial colours, no preservatives. My favourite flavours are Litchi, Passion Fruit and Papaya. It is probably because I like it also as fruit.
The brand is called CERES after The Ceres Valley in the Western Cape, South Africa (where my husband comes from), made by Ceres Fruit Juices.
I like the juices because of the variety and the quality: no added sugar, no artificial colours, no preservatives. My favourite flavours are Litchi, Passion Fruit and Papaya. It is probably because I like it also as fruit.
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