Illinaisa, M(?): Spring's A Comin'

Sure spring doesn't start until March 20. But combine the time change and the temperature swing around these parts, and it's starting to feel like spring.

Today was the first time in at least four months I've been able to step out of my apartment for the whole day without a jacket on. This week's also the first time it's been above freezing for an extended period of time. Heading out to clinic, my car told me it was 53°. Coming out of clinic it was 60°. Combine that with the later daylight, and the city just feels more alive. I've never really appreciated a season change as much I am now/will be. Midway (Airport) has gotten 58" of snow this winter, making it the snowiest winter in almost 30 years. And there have been more than a few days of single digit/subzero temps as well.

Now, I knew all of the above was going to happen to some extent when I moved here. So I'm not really complaining, just pointing out that winter is a bit longer and harsher up here. It's all that business that'll make me appreciate spring and summer when they roll around. Nice as it was today, I'm not packing away the winter gear just yet. I did do a quick 180° for my camera on the way out...it was that nice outside. I ended up snapping a few shots as I headed down to the South Side.

Inbound Ike Near the Circle

A midday commute wouldn't be complete without traffic at the Circle Interchange. Hooray for the country's third worst traffic bottleneck! Double hooray for getting to clinic on time!

Outbound Lake Shore Drive

Heading down to and coming up on Hyde Park. Got a craving for some Harold's chicken as clinic was winding down. Since I was already about halfway there, I figured I'd make the rest of the trip. Eight piece bucket of healthiness was awaiting at the end of this trip. Hyde Park's home to Harold's, yes. But it's also home to Senators Carol Moseley Braun and Barack Obama.

Inbound Lake Shore Drive