Photos

July 6, 2011 In Food, Photos, Wisconsin

all-american weekend

What do you get besides fantastic company, a great tan, and lots of laughs during a stay at the lake for a holiday weekend? Skis and boats and lots of fun stuff to play with:

Lunch pot-luck feasts with all the neighbors, complete with taco salads:

…that give funny olive boobs:

…fresh fruit and veggie salads with patriotic colors:

…chairs to sit in and relax over the water:

…and clouds to gaze at while daydreaming:

Gee, and I wonder why I didn’t want to leave.

Thank you to my Mid-West family that has taken me in as if I were their own. I’m counting minutes until I can come back and actually jump in that gorgeous water!

July 5, 2011 In Photos, Wisconsin

red, white and blue

I spotted this in Redgranite, Wisconsin this weekend. Perfect for a 4th of July post:

I love small town America.

July 3, 2011 In People, Photos

take a number gents

I know, I know, I’ve never looked hotter right? (The hospital no-slip sexy socks are the best part). It’s fun to embarrass myself. How could I not post this picture?

Rules to follow when you are really nervous about going to do something, and you feel and look like crap:

1.) Have someone that makes you laugh so hard your stomach hurts bring you

2.) Give them your camera

Dear G~

I could not have asked for a better care taker. Thank you. I’m still laughing…

June 29, 2011 In Photos, Wisconsin

ahhh…

Nothing says recovery and relaxation like time at a gorgeous lake for a long weekend!

June 27, 2011 In Illinois, People, Photos, Videos

Yesterday was annual Pride Parade Parade Day and my first one in Chicago. It was quite an experience. After I attempted to get close to actually be able to watch the parade and got squashed in the crowd within 5 minutes, I opted to just wander the streets for a couple hours. There were thousands of characters, so even though I didn’t get to see many of the actual floats, there was plenty of entertainment.

As I walked in the direction of the parade, I saw bars and restaurants with signs of pride:

…vendors selling schwag to keep the sunshine way:

…people so excited to be in viewing distance they stood on porta potties:

…and some climbing on signs and poles wearing tutus and Speedos to get a look:

I saw a few floats and signs:

..and LOTS of colorful outfits. Meet Lauren:

She was all about me taking her picture. Then there was this lady dancing in her lime green spandex as the crowd at the bar cheered:

A couple guys thought less was more:

…and even prideful little cutie pie kids:

I couldn’t resist taking a couple videos after spying Tina shakin’ it:

…and a dance party in a Dunkin Donuts parking lot:

It was all a sight to be seen for sure and a fun day for people watching. If you’ve never been to a Pride Parade in a big city, add it to your bucket list.

Thanks Chicago, for making every summer weekend I have here packed with endless events to attend and interesting people to meet!

June 25, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Illinois, Photos

to market to market

This gorgeous Saturday morning got me up and out to explore the Green City Market. This Farmers Market is located on the south end of Lincoln Park in Chicago and it was packed:

I wandered through fruits and veggies:

…fresh-baked loaves of bread that made me want to bite right into them:

…and pretty pink flowers for sale:

I love that each vendor had a tag attached to their space with personal notes about them and information on miles traveled from farm to market:

I opted for a strawberry fruit smoothie for my treat from Seedling Farms:

Gorgeous color and totally delicious.

The good old American Saturday morning in the summer at the Farmer’s Market; Crowds noshing on fresh fruits right out of the baskets, chef’s stocking up on supplies for weekend dinners, and kids running around in the grass screeching with delight.

Simple things, happy places.

June 23, 2011 In Illinois, People, Photos

meet kevin and pedro

In a city fantastic like Chicago, in the course of just a few short hours you can have a delicious authentic Italian meal at Antica Pizzeria in a charming neighborhood like Andersonville, see incredible jazz a few miles away at a place called Green Mill, and wrap up the night just down the road at a honkey-tonk western, meets hipster bar called Carol’s Pub.

Yeah, a couple girlfriends and I did that a few weeks ago. Fun times.

At the door of Carol’s was bouncer Kevin who when stamping my wrist, looked at my Blue-Razz Blowpop tattoo and exclaimed in his southern accent: “Well that ther looks lahhck uh a suh-ckerrr!”

I was so thrilled he knew what it was without any hints I had to ask him if I could take a photo with him. Most people ask me why I have a tennis racket, spoon, baby rattle, or maraca on my wrist. (Humph. Sad face.)

If you know me, you know I beeline to the dance floor at any opportunity to shake it. That’s where I found Pedro:

Clearly 78 year-old regular Pedro has no problem getting the ladies to dance with him.

I really enjoy living life from A to Z.

Here’s to trying it all and spending time with people that make you laugh so hard your stomach hurts.

Thanks Al, Rebecca, Kevin and Pedro!

June 21, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Illinois, Photos

food porn

(I’m sorry, there is just no other term strong enough to describe the following!)

The famous chopped salad from Wildfire:

The famous cinnamon roll from Ann Sather:

…oozing with warm icing:

Frites and egg at the Publican:

…and their snap pea salad:

And this was just a small portion of my Wednesday through Sunday last week!

Chicago sure has been spoiling me on the food front. So much de-lish, so little time…

June 18, 2011 In Arizona, Photos

ahhh…arizona

A really fun part about Blue Lollipop Road is that friends and readers write and tell me about their adventures. Trips they are either on, about to embark on, or are daydreaming about. I get photos sent to me too which I love. This one just in from a friend who hiked Camelback Mountain this morning:

Gorgeous. Sure looks like a fun Saturday morning to me. This really is urban hiking with a view.

Keep the photos and stories coming so I can share more. Here’s to early morning hikes and adventurous weekends!

June 14, 2011 In Funny signs, Live the life you want to live, New York, Photos

you know what this is?

It’s the story of my life and my favorite picture ever.

Exciting things are brewing!