Tom Gill Photography

Launching Pad

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Bunyon Giant
Wilmington, Illinois

One of three bunyon statues along Route 66 in Illinois, this one is in front of the Launching Pad restaurant. Originally from California, the statue was purchased for $3,500 and turned into a spaceman for the restaurant. It was named "The Gemini Giant" after NASA's Gemini program.

It still greets drivers on Baltimore Steet "Old Route 66" in Wilmington, Illinois

Icicle

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Icicle on Bob's Tree
Wilmington, Illinois

Too "Dam" Dangerous

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Kankakee River Dam
Wilmington, Illinois
December 2, 2006
Turbulent water at the base of this dam have proven to be very dangerous. Many people have drown at this very spot in recent years, yet others ignore the warning signs and wade into the river to fish a few yards upstream of the dam.

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Throwable flotation devices perched near dam
Wilmington, Illinois

We watched as tires and logs bobbed up and down in the water at the base of the waterfall. The swirling water prevents things from flowing downstream, so many things are stuck in place for hours or even days before they finally flow downstream. This is why it's so dangerous to swimmers and boaters, they can't escape the current.

Kankakee River in Winter

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Flooded Kankakee River
Kankakee River State Park
Near Wilmington, Illinois

A cold December afternoon along the river. Temperatures were around 18 degrees with some snow showers.

Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade

Every year, thousands of motorcycles drive down Western Avenue in Chicago from the Dan Ryan Woods to drop off toys for needy children. This year, the toys for tots riders had to endure a temperature of 18 degree during the 20 mile drive.

The Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is billed as the "World's Greatest motorcycle parade". It's a great site to see--thousands of motorcycles (over 20,000 in 1998), many decorated for Christmas, and riders carrying a gift for a girl or boy. The Chicago Police stop all east and westbound traffic to allow the motorcycles free passage.

We got there a bit late today, so I was unable to get over to the other side of the street, but we still enjoyed the spirit of the parade.

Tinley Park Metra Train Station

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Train platform decorated for Christmas
Tinley Park, Illinois

The Tinley Park Metra station on 173rd and Oak Park Avenue was host to the Holiday festivities last weekend when Santa, rides, hot chocolate and carriage rides were offered free of charge.

WELCOME PAIGE AND LIA!

Congratulations to John and Tracey on the birth of their twin daughters Paige and Lia. (Congrats to big brother Joshua too).

Don't know any details yet, so keep checking back.

A Christmas Past

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Christmas Carriage Ride
Tinley Park, Illinois

A boy watches as a carriage ride passes an old home in Tinley Park.

The carriage rides are part of the holiday events scheduled each weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas. They include a kid's Ferris Wheel, little train ride, photos with Santa, and hot chocolate and cookies.

This was an unseasonable day for November, with temperatures in the 60s.

Chicago's Christmas Tree

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The Official Chicago Illinois Christmas Tree
Daley Plaza 2006

Chicago's massive 85 foot tall holiday tree is comprised of more than 100 smaller Balsam Fir trees illuminated with more than 4,000 twinkling red, gold, white and green lights and 130 glowing ornaments. The tradition of an official City tree was initiated back in 1913 when it was first lit by Mayor Carter H. Harrison in Grant Park. -from http://egov.cityofchicago.org

Chicago Temple Building

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The Chicago Temple Building at Night
Chicago, Illinois

Built in 1922, by architects Holabird and Roche, this building was once the tallest building in Chicago, and second tallest in the world. It remains the tallest Church building in the world at 29 storeys and 568 feet tall. It is constructed of steel and masonry and is the home of the United Methodist Church of Chicago.

This photo was taken from Daley Plaza on November 26th 2006

Marshall Field and Company

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State Steet at Night
November 2006

It's Macy's now, but I'll still call it Marshall Field and Company. It's a family tradition for many to travel to downtown Chicago and walk around State Street during Christmas. Every year, Marshall Field and Carson's would have elaborate moving displays in their windows, often telling popular Christmas or children's stories.

Marshall Field's was purchased by Macy's and Carson's is closing it's State Street store. What happened to "That great street?"

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Clock on the Marshall Field Building
State Street
Chicago, Illinois

Hay Storage

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Barn on State Road 4
Near North Liberty, Indiana

Close-up of the contents of the barn

Cold November Morning

Red Sky
Looking East toward a distant Lake Michigan at Sunrise
Will County, Illinois

Hersh In Concert

Kristin Hersh performing at Shuba's in Chicago, Illinois December 2005.
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Kristin never disappoints. Whether she's performing her solo works acoustically, or with her new "surf punk" band 50 Foot Wave, or with Throwing Muses, the trend-setting alternative band she founded in the mid 80's, her enthusiasm for music shines through.

Called "The Godmother of alternative", Kristin created a musical style unlike any before (or since). Deep, dark lyrics, sophisticated guitar work, and vocals that range from a whisper to screams (often in one breath) are at the center of all three performances.

Home to all of Kristin's music and meeting place for her loyal fans
Throwing Music

November Harvest

John Deer Combine Harvesting Feed Corn
LaPorte County, Indiana

Ted's Barber Shop

A customer getting a haircut from Ted, the owner of Ted's Barber Shop in North Liberty, IN. I've been going to Ted's since the early 1980's and the place hasn't changed one bit (except for an occasional new joke on the wall or puzzle on the counter)!

I guess the building was an old bank or something because the door behind Ted is a vault. Must be where Ted keeps his scissors for his famous "Presidential Haircuts".

Spongeorama!

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The famous Spongeorama in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

A live spongediving demonstration performed by a real sponge diver. It takes place in the Gulf of Mexico around the mouth of the Anclote River.

I've never seen this in person, but each time I'm in Tarpon Springs, I hear a man with a Greek accent over the Spongeorama loud speaker announcing the departure times , "See a real sponge diving operation! See dolfins along the way! The boat leaves in 5 minutes! There's still room for more! Hey, you in the blue shirt, have you seen Spongeorama?! Bring the kids!"

It wouldn't be Tarpon Springs without the sponge docks, Spongeorama, the gift shops playing Greek music or Louis Pappas Restaurant - oh wait, they closed - and it's still Tarpon Springs!

Orange County Choppers Fireman Bike

If you've ever seen the Discovery Channel's program called American Chopper, then this bike will be familiar to you. It's the Fireman bike designed by Paul Teutul, Jr of Orange County Choppers to honor the 343 fireman who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attack. It was on display at a local store over the weekend.