Geneva Daily Photo

Homeward Bound

2011-08-03T00:00:00.000+02:00

Hunting Island, South Carolina

"The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone." George Eliot

McIntosh Book Shoppe

2011-08-01T18:00:00.011+02:00

Sadly, my vacation in Beaufort is coming to an end. So I made one last stop at the McIntosh Book Shoppe on Bay Street (my third this trip). I love old books and the stores that sell them, and dearly miss not having one on Third Street in Geneva.

Today I acquired a new lowcountry cookbook, an autographed first edition of Beach Music, by Pat Conroy, and an older (c. 1912-37) book, Dick Sand, by Jules Verne. This is a book store I could spend the better part of an afternoon browsing, and find something of interest on every shelf.

I found this terrific article about owner, Wilson McIntosh, here.

I am looking forward to being back home soon.

St. Helena's Church

2011-07-31T14:00:00.038+02:00

I am still on vacation in Beaufort, South Carolina. I really do miss Geneva, but today, as I walk through these tree-lined streets, I am daydreaming about perhaps one day writing two part-time blogs that celebrate my favorite places on Earth. Like Geneva Daily Photo, Beaufort Daily Photo has a lovely ring to it too, I think.

This is the of steeple St. Helena's (Episcopal) Church in downtown Beaufort, South Carolina, and the brick wall surrounding the adjoining cemetery. The church was established in 1712, and the first church building erected in 1724. The congregation will celebrate its tricentennial in 2012.

Uncle Bubba's

2011-07-30T16:00:00.001+02:00

A quick side trip to Uncle Bubba's in Savannah, Georgia for lunch. Shown here are the Shrimp and Grits I ordered, and they were GOOD! I think this may well be my new favorite thing to eat, but I will need another bowl to be absolutely sure.

We had a terrific afternoon together, and especially enjoyed visiting with Uncle Bubba, who checked in on us while we were dining, and spent some time chatting with us in the parking lot outside. I hope he remembers to tell his sister, Paula, we said hello!

You can try this lowcountry favorite for yourself! Click here for the recipe!

Life's A Beach

2011-07-29T16:00:00.000+02:00

Still on vacation, but missing you, Geneva! After a day spent on the beach, the girls and their cousins have collected a king's ransom in sand dollars, shown here drying as the sun sets.

Frogmore

2011-07-28T16:00:00.000+02:00

A small shop in Frogmore, on historic St. Helena's Island. St. Helena's is one of the sea islands near Beaufort, and many argue it may be the site of one of the oldest European settlements in the new world. The island was home to large plantations that produced indigo, cotton and rice, and were worked by a large slave population. The blending of so many traditions produced the rich Gullah culture which is still in evidence today.

St. Helena's has retained its rural, agricultural character, and unlike many of the islands along the coast, is not dotted with gated resort communities. Frankly, I think that is why I like it so much. There are a couple historic sites that I love to photograph, namely the ruins of the old Chapel of Ease, and the site of the former Fort Fremont, deactivated about a century ago.

They island may be best known as the location of Penn Center, a school which was established in 1862 for newly freed slaves.

Barbeque

2011-07-27T15:30:00.000+02:00

Lunch, Southern style.

Pulled pork, sweet potatoes, squash, cornbread and iced tea. The food at Sgt. White's in Beaufort is out of this world! Which is a good thing, since with such a full plate, I won't be eating again, I don't think, for a couple of days!

Changes In Latitudes

2011-07-26T14:00:00.002+02:00

For the past several days, I have been on vacation. Unfortunately, the images of Geneva that I planned to show you this week didn't make it on vacation with me.

So instead, I bring you sunset in Beaufort, South Carolina. My other adopted home town. The South Carolina lowcountry is quite possibly (after Geneva, of course!) my favorite place in the world.

Getaway

2011-07-25T14:38:00.000+02:00

The Herrington Inn from the east side of the Fox River in Island Park.

A Moveable Feast

2011-07-24T14:00:00.024+02:00

On Sunday, the French Market opens up on South Street, in the parking lot north of the train depot. There are many interesting vendors, bur for me, only two stalls truly evoke memories of my visits to Paris.

One is the antiquarian bookseller, who reminds me of afternoons spent walking along the Seine, and also hours spent hiding from the rain at one of my favorite Paris treasures, located at 37 Rue Bûcherie (5eme). The other is this one, selling lovely damask linens that make me wish I were spending a morning shopping for fabrics in the 18eme (Montmartre), in the shadow of Sacre Coeur.

There is something here for everyone, even if it is French in name only. Maybe you will find your own little bit of Paris here?

You Can Leave Your Hat On

2011-07-23T14:29:00.009+02:00

"I myself have 12 hats, and each one represents a different personality. Why just be yourself?" (Margaret Atwood)

I spied this impressive bit of millinery as I waited for the train last week. This woman, and about a dozen others, were all attired in red hats and purple clothing. One or two went far enough as to accessorize with red shoes. It was like Margaret Atwood's collection of bonnets (each with their own unique character) on parade. Truth be told, one was wearing only a simple red headband in lieu of a flashy chapeau. My teenager gave her very high marks for her comparatively subtle expression of conformity with her party.

Very Short Stories

2011-07-22T14:00:00.005+02:00

They say Ernest Hemingway, on a bet, once wrote a short story in only six words, declaring it one of his finest pieces of writing.

I might be able to tell the story of this photo in only five:

My neighbor has a dog.

Awesome Blossoms

2011-07-21T15:00:00.001+02:00

Despite the heat wave this week, I found these sturdy "flowers" in full bloom outside of the Paper Merchant on Third Street.

Not A Sound From The Pavement

2011-07-20T15:00:00.003+02:00

Twelve o'clock.
Along the reaches of the street
Held in a lunar synthesis,
Whispering lunar incantations
Dissolve the floors of memory
And all its clear relations,
Its divisions and precisions,
Every street lamp that I pass
Beats like a fatalistic drum,
And through the spaces of the dark
Midnight shakes the memory
As a madman shakes a dead geranium.

T. S. Eliot

Reaching

2011-07-19T15:00:00.001+02:00

"It is not from ourselves that we learn to be better than we are." Wendell Berry

In The Pink

2011-07-18T14:00:00.004+02:00

Sort of an overcast day here in Geneva, and just far too hot and humid for a photo safari. These flowers, planted by Geneva Beautification volunteers, seem to be tolerating the heat better than I am.

From His Footprints Flowed A River

2011-07-17T14:00:00.001+02:00

This sculpture stands just off of Illinois Route 25, on the former estate of George and Nelle Fabyan. Like much of the diverse, and sometimes eccentric, statuary on the grounds, this work is likely attributed to the Fabyan's resident sculptor, Silvio Silvestri.

I have long been curious about the Fabyan Indian statue, but not just because it seems a little bit disconnected from everything else in the park. In particular, I often wonder if it influenced, or was influenced by, The Eternal Indian (more commonly referred to as the Blackhawk Statue) by Lorado Taft. Taft's towering statue, dedicated in 1911, stands on the banks of the Rock River in Oregon, Illinois, on land that was once part of the Eagle's Nest Art Colony.

The Colony itself operated on the summer estate of Wallace Heckman, a prominent Chicago attorney and generous patron of the arts. Like Fabyan, Heckman was a successful businessman, and noted for his diverse interests. Both men were profiled by Halliday Witherspoon in his book, Men of Illinois (1902), so perhaps it is not entirely unlikely the men knew or knew of each of other.

Interestingly, the two statues may have a remote, six-degrees-of-separation sort of connection. The renowned sculptor and medalist, Trygve Rovelstad, studied art at the studio on the Fabyan estate upon graduating from Elgin High School in 1922. He later worked for Taft at his Midway Studio in Chicago.

What, if any, real connection which may exist between the two pieces, I cannot know for sure, but I confess that in my imagination, the vision of two wealthy eccentrics trying to outdo each via sculpture makes for an amusing daydream.

Small Details

2011-07-16T14:00:00.001+02:00

While walking home from the train station earlier this week, I noticed, for the first time, the detail on these sidewalk planters.

Bien Trucha

2011-07-15T14:00:00.003+02:00

Dinner outside on the patio last night at local favorite, Bien Trucha. The setting sun and the watermelon margaritas made for a beautiful summer evening. And, as usual, the service was exceptional!

A Bug's Life

2011-07-14T14:00:00.014+02:00

My daughter and I spent some time yesterday watching hundreds of butterflies at the Geneva Park District's Butterfly House, located west of town at Peck Farm Park. I sat quietly on one of the benches for a pretty long time before this butterfly landed nearby. If you haven't visited yet this summer, I hope you find some time to experience this peaceful spot for yourself. The house is open daily, and the suggested donation is $2.00 per visitor or $5.00 per family.

(I think this one might be a Spicebush Swallowtail.)

The Remains Of The Day

2011-07-13T14:00:00.003+02:00

I took this photo at about 8:00 Monday night from the eastern end of the State Street Bridge. That's the United Methodist church on the corner of Hamilton and Second Streets in the background.

Carry Us Away

2011-07-12T14:00:00.027+02:00

The Fox River looking north from the Island Park footbridge.

Blue Bench

2011-07-11T14:00:00.016+02:00

Several members of my family are away from home this week. It sure is quiet around here.

Geneva Cycling Grand Prix

2011-07-10T14:00:00.005+02:00

Geneva played host to an exciting cycling event yesterday! The 2011 Geneva Cycling Grand Prix was sponsored by local merchant, Bicycle Heaven. For nearly 12 hours, seven separate races featuring approximately 600 cyclists, wound through the historic, tree-lined streets of Geneva.

The race attracted professional cycling talent from around the world, and was the second stop on the International Cycling Classic, which includes 17 consecutive days of races throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. For more information about the tour, click here.

Exploring

2011-07-09T14:00:00.004+02:00

Shoppers explore Dodson Place, located on the site of the former Community Hospital.

On Your Mark

2011-07-08T14:00:00.001+02:00

If you are a runner, or have been thinking that it might be time to start, I would like to suggest you check out the Batavia Accelerators Youth Running Team! The group holds open cross country races every Thursday evening at Wheeler Park in Geneva, and runners of all ages are invited to participate! Registration begins at 5:00, and the race steps off at 6:00 sharp.

The club and its excellent coaching staff focus on having a great time while working together to develop each runner's individual skills. This is a great opportunity for families to get moving together! No matter what your experience level, this group will bring you along in an encouraging, supportive environment that will help you to meet your personal goals.

Check out their website here, or visit them on Facebook here.

A Closer Look

2011-07-07T13:00:00.003+02:00

Initially, you might think this is one of those images captured accidentally, as I walked along with my camera aimed at my feet. But if you look more closely, you will see what my daughter found this morning as we walked along the river together.

Click here for a close up! If you know what this is, please tell me in the comments section, below.

State Street

2011-07-06T19:00:00.003+02:00

Detail of some of the buildings that line the 200 block of West State Street, south side, on a perfect summer afternoon.

Big Fish

2011-07-05T19:00:00.001+02:00

About twenty-five years ago, I experienced photography for the first time.

Although I had been snapping pictures with my own camera for years, I had never really considered the images I created as anything more than posed affairs with my family, fleeting moments with my friends and awkward shots of a menagerie of family pets. As a rule, they were generally poorly composed and frightfully overexposed, and are fittingly tucked away in boxes in my closest.

But this was the Art Institute of Chicago, and these...these were something very different. These were photographs. Portraits. Piercing, compelling, and frequently unnerving. They were like nothing I had ever seen before. Life-sized images of people I rarely, if ever, encountered in real life...but only because when I did have the opportunity, I had too often looked away.

The photographer was Richard Avedon, and these were striking portraits from his portfolio, Images in the American West. They were disturbing. They were strangely intimate. And before long, I discovered they were surprisingly beautiful...at least to me. These photographs changed forever how I looked at the world, and more importantly, at other people. They still remind me how much more there is to see when I set aside my own lens, and don't turn away.

I share this Edward Bloom-inspired moment from my past, because it came back to me yesterday as I encountered this engaging gentleman on the banks of the Fox River. He was kind enough to let me photograph his catch before he returned it to the water. I found the big fish a trifle unsettling, yet I also found myself unable to resist photographing it. This is perhaps the largest catfish I had ever seen, although his friends assured me they can grow even larger. I don't know if that is good news or not.

So if you'd like, you can click here for my own extraordinarily feeble attempt to cut my fisherman friend from his frame, and present him to you a la Avedon.

Sounds Like Summer

2011-07-04T18:00:00.001+02:00

Perhaps one of the most enduring images of summer in America...the ice cream man!

Has it been years since you have heard an ice cream truck on your street? Click here for information about Eskimo Man Ice Cream, serving the Chicago area for more than 50 years!

Revery Alone Will Do

2011-07-03T12:00:00.000+02:00

"A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone." Henry David Thoreau

These Small Hours

2011-07-02T19:00:00.009+02:00

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Year Of Wonders

2011-07-01T19:00:00.014+02:00

"You don't save a pitcher for tomorrow. Tomorrow it may rain." Leo Durocher

You don't save a picture for tomorrow either, or before you realize it, an entire year (a real annus mirabilis in our case) has come and gone. Some things are lost, other things are restored, and the more things change, the more they stay the same...or maybe they just change. I can't say with certainty anymore. But it may be time to dust off my lens, and take a closer look.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

2010-07-15T18:30:00.000+02:00

"You can observe a lot by just watching." Yogi Berra

Chuck Lencioni

2010-07-12T18:08:00.004+02:00

January 3, 1955 - July 12, 2010

Rest in Peace, Chuck.

Geneva won't be the same without you.

The Fabyan Windmill

2010-07-11T20:02:00.020+02:00

An intermittent breeze was working its magic this afternoon, filling the canvas sails and gently turning the arms of the Fabyan windmill against an almost perfect summer sky. My family stood together in silence on the hillside, mesmerized by the graceful motion that called to mind a magnificent sailing vessel too far from sea.

It was involuntary. I started humming Michel Legrand..."Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes on its face."

We had never actually toured the windmill before, so today we finally went inside.

The windmill was originally built in 1877, and stood east of here, in what is today a part of Lombard, Illinois. And although I have generally associated it with the Netherlands, I was surprised to find it is actually built in a traditional German style. Colonel Fabyan purchased the mill in 1915, and had it relocated to his estate. Interestingly, much of the original mill was left behind. Only the pieces essential to the structure and the mechanics were brought to Geneva, where it was reassembled, and carefully refurbished with with the finest materials and an exceptional attention to detail. The result is a beautifully outfitted structure, the workmanship of which almost rivals the expansive view of the forest preserve below.

Inside, I lost myself among the woodwork - the warmth of the aged varnish, the patina of the well-worn stair treads, and the immense beams that are joined in a manner that epitomizes the phrase, old-world craftsmanship. But above all, I loved the lines of the structure. The sweeping curves were so reminiscent of nautical architecture, that for just a few minutes, I imagined I had indeed stowed away on a huge galleon, and was headed out to sea. It is because I wanted to focus on the elegance of the lines that I am showing you this photo in black and white. I want you to visit the windmill yourself to experience the rich color the varnish gives to the wood.

As a special treat, we were permitted to continue our visit past the public areas into the very top of the mill! It was fascinating to climb around the massive wooden gears and into the cap. Even here, in an area that was seldom seen by anyone other than the miller, the beautiful workmanship of the structure is breathtaking. The spur wheel, the interlocking posts and beams, and the tightly-fitted paneling elicit a sense of awe. And then, of course, there is the view...

We can't thank our friend, who is a volunteer miller, nearly enough for such a fantastic experience!

Independence Day

2010-07-04T22:32:00.016+02:00

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Thomas Jefferson

Theme Day: Reflections

2010-07-01T10:13:00.018+02:00

It is the first of the month, and that means it is Theme Day in the City Daily Photo blog community. Today, bloggers from all over the world are posting photos of reflections.

As I looked through my work to try to find something appropriate to fit the today's theme, I found nothing I liked as well as this photo of my daughter in Island Park in November, 2008. I remember that afternoon as being cold, and oddly quiet. The air and the water were still, and the gray, overcast sky set off the golden color of this tree as it arched toward the pond near the footbridge. As we walked the entire length of the park, the only sounds I remember were the distant whoosh of traffic on the State Street bridge, and my daughter's voice as we talked together.

But I have already posted these photos, and even though I am sort of on "summer hours" lately, I wanted to share something new.

So I chose this photo - one I took in April of a local artist, Joe Gagnepain. I like this portrait, because while the reflection in the mirror is only suggested, it also implies an alternate definition of the word: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose.

I hope you like it too.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants!

Swedish Days - Old and New

2010-06-26T06:07:00.007+02:00

Not just one photo, but an entire week's worth! These are some of my favorites from the past three years (2008-2010). Enjoy!

Mulligan

2010-06-17T02:17:00.003+02:00

"Golf appeals to the idiot in us and the child. Just how childlike golf players become is proven by their frequent inability to count past five." John Updike

Poolside

2010-06-10T20:47:00.015+02:00

I haven't updated Geneva Daily Photo lately.
I guess I have been sort of busy.
But I think I am sufficiently rested and waterlogged now to get back to work.
I'll see you tomorrow!

My Nose Knows

2010-06-03T18:03:00.007+02:00

"Memories, imagination, old sentiments, and associations are more readily reached through the sense of smell than through any other channel." Oliver Wendell Holmes

Today, I have a photo for you of one of my favorite new places. The Spice House isn't new to Geneva, but I have to confess that I hadn't visited it until a couple of weeks ago. Big mistake on my part. Huge!

The shop is located just north of the train station, at 577 South Third Street, but the heavenly aromas that waft out of the front door will grab you about a half a block north or south of the store itself! Give in, and follow your nose. You are in for a treat!

Once you get inside, close your eyes, stand still for a few seconds, and imagine yourself in some exotic locale. Channel your inner Anthony Bourdain and start browsing the store. You don't have to look much farther than...well, the end of your nose (sorry!)...to discover that the difference between preparing something mediocre and creating something memorable is the quality of the ingredients!

Better yet, plan your visit on a Thursday, and you can shop the Geneva Green Market too! Then don't forget to drop me an email to let me know what time you are serving dinner!

School's Out For The Summer

2010-06-02T22:55:00.008+02:00

Finals finished, lockers emptied, goodbyes said, and memories made.

My daughter's Freshman year is behind us now, and Sophomore year is shimmering somewhere in the distance in much the same way that the highway ahead looks wet on a scorching hot summer day.

My mantra kicks in...I am not going to look ahead, I am not going to look ahead, I am not going to look ahead...

It dawns on me now and again that we have become so preoccupied with, "Are we there yet?" that we forget to look out of the window, and that is the true beauty of summer. It is the perfect time to pull off on the shoulder, and to look for some roadside diversion that will take us just a little bit off course.

Long live lassitude! Or at least a little laziness, anyway.

So, with any luck, we are going to spend this summer watching the scenery roll by, and searching (figuratively) for the world's largest ball of twine. And by fall, let's hope we are pleasantly surprised to find that the new school year has arrived, and we have plenty of fodder for the inevitable "What I did on my summer vacation" essay.

Out there, somewhere, another school year is looming, across the distant gulf of 83 unhurried, unharried, unharassed days that will pass far too quickly, despite the general atmosphere of languor which has already begun to permeate my household. In fact, tomorrow, I am shutting off the alarm, and staying in bed a little longer than necessary. I am making pancakes for lunch. I might read an entire book from start to finish, and that will be all. (Unless it is hot, in which case, I am going to the pool.)

Day one will be marked by absolutely nothing. And that's going to be a very good thing.

"Like painted kites, those days and nights
Went flying by
The world was new
Beneath the bright blue
Umbrella sky "

(Summer Wind - Johnny Mercer)

Theme Day: Funny Signs

2010-06-01T21:10:00.001+02:00

We are one more full day, and two finals away from the end of the school year. As such, our normally hectic pace has been kicked up a notch or two, and somehow, we find ourselves eating dinner later and later as we wrap up an entire month of evening activities.

Tonight, too late to prepare dinner at home, my family headed over to Geneva Commons to Noodles & Company for something to eat. The choice of Noodles was deliberate, as I needed an appropriate photograph for today's Theme Day. I took this photo with my iPhone, so the quality isn't terrific, but it should be clear enough, if you read it once or twice!

Weeks ago, in the first few days following the remodel of the N&C eatery in the Geneva Commons Mall, my family and I noticed that it hadn't taken long for someone to perform a little clever editing of this sign just inside the door.

So much for this being a family restaurant...

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign! City Daily Photo bloggers all over the world are posting funny signs today. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants!

Wildflowers

2010-05-22T19:15:00.001+02:00

I had an email from a reader describing the beautiful phlox blooming on the side of the road south of Fabyan Parkway along Mill Creek Drive, and so I stopped by to photograph it! There are clusters of purple and white phlox dotting the natural areas all along the roadway, and I took some time to photograph some of them. Here I found phlox growing alongside daisies, and thought they made for a nice mix of summer color.

Thank you to those of you that have sent me photo suggestions and requests! Please keep them coming!

Summer Reading List

2010-05-21T09:19:00.006+02:00

I have been a little slow to upload this photo, which I took a couple of weeks ago along South Batavia Avenue (Illinois Route 31). After receiving a number of emails suggesting I take a look at this fabulous wood carving, I was finally able to find a sunny day to admire and to photograph it. I confess that I probably stood alongside the road longer than I intended, because I found myself fascinated by the amount of detail the artist was able to incorporate into what I am guessing was formerly a tree stump.

Anyway, it is a particularly timely post for today, because my daughters and I are compiling our summer reading lists. This exercise is something of an annual ritual that occurs every year about this time, and involves aggregating teacher suggestions, friends' favorites, and titles promoted by our favorite school librarian. Sometimes, I can convince one of my daughters to read something I loved at their age, although I will admit that occasionally I am secretly disappointed when one of my adolescent favorites fails to resonate with their twenty-first century worldview.

While I suppose it sounds a little silly, I do love the hour we dedicate to reading together every morning in the summer. The morning light is gentle, the house is still cool, and better yet, quiet. For just one hour, before they run off with their friends to create their own memories, the four of us are all together, even if we are engaged in our own flights of fancy. Watching my daughters read connects me in the most profound way with my own childhood, and I have vivid flashbacks of riding my metallic blue Schwinn to the local library, while somehow managing a dangling canvas tote bag filled with books. I can still smell the forest where I read in my fort, and hear the chorus of frogs and crickets that came from the pond behind my house. I remember Judy Blume, Edgar Eager, Zilpha Keatley Snyder, John D. Fitzgerald and Carolyn Keene as if they were my old friends. Their humor, magic, and mystery will always be a part of me, and I wish no less for my daughters as they lose themselves this summer in Rowling, Lewis, Tolkien, Dahl, Snicket and Riordan.

They already have their literary itineraries set...their reading adventures are waiting. My summer reading list is still a work in progress, and I need some help - some inspiration. If you have anything you just can't put down, please let me know!

Rain Barrels On Parade 2010

2010-05-20T07:15:00.002+02:00

"The Pure Gardener"

by Esther Roby
located outside of The Pure Gardener

Another day, another rain barrel! This one by talented local artist, Esther Roby, is located outside of The Pure Gardener on State Street. You will want to stop by to see this barrel up close, in order not to miss all of the detail! While you are there, don't forget to pick up something colorful for your garden!

Click here to see all of this season's barrels photographed to date.

Rain Barrels on Parade 2010

2010-05-19T07:15:00.016+02:00

Everyone Is Different

by The Green Group

located outside of the Geneva History Center

The barrels are beginning to pop up all over town, and I can't thank you enough for your emails alerting me to them! Keep the tips coming, and hopefully we can photograph them all before the end of the summer!

I particularly like this one, probably because I have the pleasure of knowing many of the students who painted it! I am very proud of their artwork, and also of the beautiful way they chose to promote diversity in our community! Keep up the great work!

Click here to see all of this season's barrels photographed to date.

Middle School Orchestra Concert

2010-05-18T19:19:00.002+02:00

Last night marked the final orchestra concert for Geneva Middle School for the year. The program was excellent, and I particularly enjoyed the finale, which featured all three grades performing together onstage. My heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the staff for inspiring the students to perform so well! Thanks also to the Geneva Music Boosters for their ongoing support of the District's programs!

I am sure the highlight for the students was the reception held following the performance, which featured some pretty tempting baked goods. This cake was almost too beautiful to eat.

Almost.

Geneva Township Senior Center

2010-05-17T22:52:00.006+02:00

On Friday last, I had the pleasure of visiting with a variety of talented artists at the Geneva Township Senior Center in Wheeler Park. The group staged an event called, Art in the Park, and showcased a diverse collection of art - primarily paintings - created by the Center's members. It was difficult to chose just one photo to represent all of the artists and their work, but I think this one tells the story the best. The paintings you can see here represent just a fraction of the total exhibit, and were all painted by members.

My sincere thanks to Gayle Kennedy, the Center's Director, for extending an invitation to me to visit! I always enjoy seeing you, and appreciate the opportunity to photograph your events!

GHS Band Concert

2010-05-11T22:34:00.001+02:00

I attended a band concert at Geneva High School this evening, and while this isn't the best photo I took during the performance, it does capture something original that made the concert even more enjoyable than usual.

And yes, that is indeed Godzilla being projected on the wall.
And yes, he does appear to be visiting Las Vegas.
And if you think that is perhaps a little out of the ordinary, you should have seen the Elvi in the percussion section...

Throughout the performance by the High School's three different bands, Geneva High School art teacher, Al Ochsner, created artworks inspired by the pieces played during the program. As the students played, the artworks came to life - projected on the wall of the auditorium - creating a fantastic multimedia performance. Godzilla emerged as the Wind Symphony performed Godzilla Eats Las Vegas, by Eric Whitacre. As the final band concert of the school year, it was also a fitting finale for a number of extremely talented musicians who will be graduating in just a few short weeks.

My sincere thanks to both the Music and Art Departments at GHS for their continued dedication to our students!

Rain Barrels On Parade 2010

2010-05-10T20:24:00.005+02:00

Geneva's Natural Resources Commission is sponsoring their popular Rain Barrels on Parade project again this year, and I spotted the first barrel last weekend outside of the Paper Merchant on Third Street. I believe this one was decorated by the Harrison Street Elementary School Cub Scout Pack.

These painted rain barrels are designed to promote water conservation in our community, and have become a colorful part of the summer season. Please drop me an email as you spot the painted barrels throughout town, and I will be sure to feature them as often as I am able.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:56:00.001+02:00

My Mother's Day included a number of terrific moments to celebrate!

(Congratulations, Blue Lightning!)

Genoa Pizza

2010-05-08T19:25:00.014+02:00

I neglected to mention earlier this week that my daughter celebrated her birthday. This, of course, meant a visit to Genoa Pizza, on Geneva's east side, for dinner with our extended family. We are a bit low-key about celebrations, but family birthday gatherings at Genoa have been our tradition for years and years.

If you are planning your own party, why don't you give Genoa a try? You can find them at 705 East State Street, just east of the Dairy Queen.

Bien Trucha

2010-05-07T18:42:00.005+02:00

I wasn't able to photograph anything of interest today, and so I had to dig into my photo archive for something to show you. I thought maybe you might like this shot from a lunch I had several weeks ago at Bien Trucha on State Street. Enjoy!

Chandelier

2010-05-06T22:52:00.000+02:00

"Darkness is only driven out with light, not more darkness"
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cinco De Mayo!

2010-05-05T18:45:00.000+02:00

It is Cinco de Mayo! And of course that means...well, it means nothing here at my house, apparently. My family is outside, as I post, cooking up cheeseburgers on the grill. I couldn't talk a single one of them into something more festive. Apparently, then, my Cinco de Mayo celebration will have to be limited to enjoying this virtual margarita from nearby Mike and Miguel's. But I am happy to share it with you.

View responsibly.

Bistro Thai

2010-05-04T15:03:00.000+02:00

It was an absolutely beautiful day today. The sun was shining, the sky was really blue, and I had a terrific lunch with a dear friend I do not get to spend nearly enough time with!

You can check out Bistro Thai's website here.

Weldon Has Left The Building

2010-05-04T00:07:00.009+02:00

Congratulations, Weldon, on your well-earned retirement!
Enjoy!

Prom Night

2010-05-02T12:25:00.002+02:00

Theme Day: Statues

2010-05-01T07:01:00.002+02:00

I first showed you this statue last July, when Joshel Plaza was dedicated at the south end of Third Street. Since that time, I have taken dozens of photos of the Rain Man, but today tried to show him to you from a slightly different perspective.

As I first crouched, then actually lay on the ground at his feet, I couldn't help but notice that the bright blue spring sky seemed oddly juxtaposed with his umbrella. That is why I decided to show him to you again in black and white, this time with the contrast altered to give the sky a more threatening look. I hope you like it!

It is the first of the month, which means it is Theme Day in the City Daily Photo blog community! Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

April In...

2010-04-30T17:13:00.000+02:00

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."
Ernest Hemingway

It being the last day of April, I was listening to April in Paris this afternoon...or, more truthfully, I was listening to Thelonious Monk, and one of the tracks was April in Paris...and thinking how lucky I am that I don't have to go all the way to Paris for good bread, great cheese, and a nice bottle of wine...or a Moveable Feast either for that matter.

A Blustery Day

2010-04-29T18:22:00.000+02:00

I actually snapped these pinwheels in front of the Paper Merchant on Third Street last week, but thought about them today after I stepped outside, and into the mighty wind that blew through the Midwest this afternoon. We laughed so hard while trying to walk downtown today, with our hair whipping wildly, and the bags we carried struggling to free themselves from our grasp, that it reminded Little C and I of Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day. I have to confess, that I have been sitting here trying to be clever and make the text of this post look like it is blowing away. But it isn't working. Apparently, there is a fairly large disconnect between my imagined cleverness and my formatting skills...

Oh the wind is lashing lustily
And the trees are thrashing thrustily
And the leaves are rustling gustily
So it's rather safe to say
That it seems that it may turn out to be
It feels that it will undoubtedly
It looks like a rather blustery day, today
It sounds that it may turn out to be
Feels that it will undoubtedly
Looks like a rather blustery day today

"A Rather Blustery Day"
Written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Performed by Sterling Holloway

You Say Tomato

2010-04-28T17:31:00.001+02:00

I stopped at the Pure Gardener on State Street this afternoon to talk to Craig MacLean about some ferns for my porch, and had to smile at this display of tomatoes and their original containers.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

2010-04-27T12:53:00.005+02:00

"The Amen of nature is always a flower."
Oliver Wendell Holmes

Fire Safety

2010-04-21T19:01:00.001+02:00

I was visiting a second grade classroom in one our elementary schools last week, and was fortunate enough to attend a lesson on fire safety taught by two Geneva firefighters. Here, firefighter DeHaven explains his equipment to the students in an effort to familiarize them with his appearance in the event they are ever caught in a fire, and in need of rescue. He and firefighter Cellini were excellent presenters, providing lots of information to the students and answering several questions.

Breathtaking

2010-04-20T21:59:00.003+02:00

I love getting requests for photos! Over the past few days, I have received a number of emails suggesting I visit a garden on the north side of Fargo Boulevard, and this morning, I was so happy that I did!

I parked my car on the south side of the street, just about a block west of Illinois Route 31, and in no time found myself staring, awestruck, at the most perfect spring garden I think I have ever seen. It was an explosion of color that did indeed recall a visit I once made to Giverny. There was just no way to capture it all in one shot, so I took several. This one is my favorite, and I hope you like it too.

Coffee To Go

2010-04-19T08:52:00.000+02:00

"A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of."
Ogden Nash

Helping Hand

2010-04-18T17:52:00.003+02:00

In what is quickly becoming our new favorite pastime, my daughters and I spent an hour at Graham's 318 on Sunday morning relaxing together over coffee and cocoa, and playing a board game. Today we chose Sorry.

As our game got underway, we were joined by two-year-old Joe, who wandered over from a neighboring table, and was kind enough to assist us in our play. The girls and I really enjoyed his company, until the game was won, and Joe returned to his own family and a game of dominoes.

I love our new Sunday morning game time. I wish my girls and I had started this sooner. Much sooner. That isn't to say we haven't played games together for years, but sometimes it dawns on me how quickly their childhood passes, and in the end, this is how I want to remember our Sundays. There really are some things you can't do too often.

Quiet

2010-04-17T20:00:00.007+02:00

I took this photo the other day as the mid-morning sun warmed the river stone surrounding the Herrington Inn courtyard. The sunshine made me pause, and consider abandoning my scheduled appointments in favor of an early lunch, and a quiet afternoon spent with a book on this secluded bench overlooking the river.

Tulip Time

2010-04-16T18:54:00.003+02:00

For the past couple of years I have looked for these brightly colored tulips to emerge and to confirm for me that Spring has indeed arrived. Sure enough, as I drove east on State Street the other day, there they were, lining the walk of the large Italianate house at 223 East State Street. This 1866 home once belonged to Charles Bennett, one of the two brothers that owned and operated the Bennett Mill, which stood at the river's edge just north of the bridge.

Tom Lichtenheld

2010-04-15T17:53:00.074+02:00

As I have been visiting our elementary schools a bit more than usual this week, I have had the opportunity to practice my math facts, visit an art class, work on telling time, and to listen to costume-clad third graders deliver first-person biographies. Early in the week, I even participated in a fire drill! Hard to imagine why grown ups think they are the only people tired at the end of the day.

On Tuesday, I visited the Williamsburg Elementary School library, and was delighted to arrive just in time for a presentation by local artist, Tom Lichtenheld. Tom is a best-selling children's author, and in my house, we are big fans of his book, Everything I Know About Pirates. In addition to explaining little known facts about pirate life, the book includes a handy pirate naming chart. I took this photo as Tom and his attentive audience used the chart to create a new pirate character.

Tom spent the day at the school, and met with students of all ages. His presentation touched a great deal upon one of my favorite subjects - visual storytelling. He explained to the schoolchildren how the use of artwork can enrich the experience of reading a story, help us to make predictions, and enhance our comprehension. Insofar as his ability to engage and to connect with young readers, Tom really knows his stuff. Like the students, I also fell under the spell of his exceptional sense of humor and his clever writing.

My daughter attended one of Tom's morning presentations on Tuesday, and in the past two days has drawn me an entire pirate crew, many of whom are staring at me in a terribly menacing fashion even as I write this. This one is her favorite:

We are truly blessed to live in a community where we inspire each other to explore our creativity. Thank you, Tom, for your generosity in sharing your gifts with our students!

The Conversation

2010-04-14T21:59:00.004+02:00

I have been spending a lot of time in our Geneva schools the past two weeks photographing community members who volunteer with the Geneva School District's PRIDE program. I took this photo this afternoon in a first grade classroom.

The P.R.I.D.E. program began in the fall of 2005, and welcomed senior citizens who wanted to volunteer in a school setting into buildings throughout the District. These "Proud Retired Individuals Dedicated to Education" are paired with classrooms at every level, and participate in a variety of ways, including light tutoring, mentoring, presentations, enrichment activities, and even field trips. In all, approximately fifty individuals share their unique talents with our students on a weekly basis, and form intergenerational relationships that enhance student learning and strengthen our community.

If you, or someone you know, might be interested in the PRIDE program, please contact me!

Theme Day: Red

2010-04-01T23:01:00.002+02:00

Another day off of school, and another staycation outing - this time to Funway Entertainment Center in nearby Batavia for a couple of games of bowling with some close family friends.

It is the first of the month, which means it is Theme Day in the City Daily Photo blog community. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants!

Staycation Part One

2010-03-31T16:51:00.003+02:00

School is out for Spring Break this week, and for the first year in recent memory, the weather actually feels spring-like! My family and I are staying in Geneva instead of traveling this year, but we have scheduled a number of outings that you might find interesting, even if that means for a few days I won't be showing you photos of Geneva. Yesterday, for example, we spent the day in Chicago visiting the Field Museum of Natural History. I have loved this museum since I was a child, and always discover some new detail that I have overlooked on past visits.

So, thank you for joining us today on our Staycation! I will have another out-of-town photo tomorrow.

Smoke On The...Golf Course?

2010-03-30T18:28:00.003+02:00

I happened upon this controlled burn this morning in Mill Creek, west of town. I have often seen the blackened ground after a burn, but have never actually stood by and witnessed the process. What always amazes me is how quickly the native plants begin growing again. I am certain that in a few weeks, the charred ground will be gone, and the native prairie grasses will have carpeted this area in a blanket of green.

Hamburgers And Hockey

2010-03-28T21:40:00.001+02:00

Today was the most perfect spring day, and my family spent much of it trying to clean up garden beds all over our lawn. In addition to a little raking, I spent some time this afternoon removing twenty-six feet of stacked limestone that has for years served as the wall of a raised garden bed behind our garage. The thick stones will be re-purposed into a shaded patio area we are constructing under a tree at the rear of the yard.

My back, my legs, and my arms are sore already, and I know that by tomorrow morning, I may have trouble moving.

We were so tired by evening, that we headed over to Old Towne Pub for dinner. They have a great menu, but our family loves their cheeseburgers, which tonight were the perfect meal to end a busy outdoor day.

Eggs-citing!

2010-03-27T19:28:00.001+01:00

The annual Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Geneva Park District, was held out west of town at the Persinger Center this morning, and the competition was pretty stiff on the seven-year-old field. Still, the hundreds of participants managed to collect each and every egg in less than a minute! Thanks to the student volunteers of the Geneva High School Key Club for helping out!

Scentimental Gardens

2010-03-25T22:52:00.000+01:00

The warm weather and the sunshine make it official. It is spring, and my thoughts are turning to my yard, which is looking really horrible right now. Worse than horrible, as a matter of fact.

In my imagination, I envision transforming the post-winter blah of my yard into an outdoor space that is inviting enough to actually visit longer than it takes the dog to peruse the perimeter and head back inside. I dream of creating a verdant green oasis that seems far removed from the urban chaos of downtown Geneva...if there were really to exist that sort of thing.

In practice, however, I never seem to actually get around to making those dreams a reality. I spend a lot of time chasing kids around in the summer, and somehow, never seem to prioritize the outside of my house. Last year, I tried to learn to appreciate the wild beauty of the several varieties of weeds that crept in, and in the fall fooled myself into thinking they provided winter interest.

But even I can change. And in truth, I already have several trays of little green sprouts poking out of peat pots lining the radiators in front of the south-facing windows of my home. I am turning over a new leaf, so to speak, and I am going to pay just a little attention to my curb appeal this summer. Even if it is just a few pots to begin with.

So all this to say that today I found myself at Scentimental Gardens on the corner of State and Fifth Streets, expanding my imaginary outdoor space, and in general, not wanting to leave. Seriously. I considered sitting in this chair, opening a gardening book, and designing my outdoor living areas for the remainder of the afternoon. The store is the perfect place to inspire your inner Gertrude Jekyll, and if, as in my case, your imagination is light years ahead of your actual gardening talent, I should mention they offer design services. Music to my ears!

Visit their website, then visit the store, and come back here next week, because I am going to be featuring the store again as they "Light It Up Blue" to raise Autism awareness on April 1 & 2.

See you then!

Spring Fever

2010-03-24T17:07:00.003+01:00

I am going to be catching up today on a week full of photos that I haven't had the time or technology to upload more consistently. I have been out taking pictures of Geneva, but have been struggling with an antiquated laptop, which made the task of transferring them to Geneva Daily Photo a bit of a chore.

But now I have a new computer. Life is good. Life is VERY good.

So, for those of you that receive updates via email, I will keep the commentary on each of these photos to a minimum so as not to send you an illustrated, epistle-length email of my musings.

This photo, by the way, was taken by my daughter as we waited at the traffic light at State and First Streets. Don't let the black and white fool you...the dresses in the window were cheerfully colorful! I bet they have some great prom selections...

Welcome spring!

Chalk It Up

2010-03-23T18:09:00.002+01:00

This is the box of chalk that Graham's 318 barista, Gina, was using to decorate the patio with this afternoon. I love the way the colors blend together, and I am continually amazed at her talent.

I think I have mentioned before that she makes this chalk herself, and it is on sale in the store, so you can attempt some artistry of your own on the sidewalk in front of your house!

Bird House?

2010-03-22T17:32:00.002+01:00

I am not a particularly huge fan of the squirrels in my yard.

Sunday Morning

2010-03-21T21:40:00.001+01:00

A sunny Sunday morning. A walk with my entire family. A lazy hour at Graham's 318 drinking coffee, enjoying croissants, reading the paper and playing a game of Scrabble.

Sweeney Todd

2010-03-19T23:00:00.002+01:00

This weekend, Geneva High School performed the musical Sweeney Todd. Say what you will about the subject matter, but give credit to the cast and crew for a brilliant production!

I think each and every one rose to the occasion, and performed this extremely difficult material admirably! The vocal performances were absolutely exceptional, and the talent of the entire cast was remarkable. The one group that I don't think received sufficient praise was the tech crew, who did an outstanding job with the set, the lighting and the sound, creating the perfect mood and atmosphere.

My congratulations to the entire company for a job well done!

Daylight Savings Time

2010-03-18T19:20:00.003+01:00

Just after six o'clock, and the sun is still shining. It is the little things like the joy of Daylight Savings Time which make a photo of nothing special seem like it might be worth posting.

Leprechaun Luncheon

2010-03-17T21:28:00.001+01:00

My sincere thanks to the Geneva Township Senior Center for inviting me to come and take photos of the Leprechaun Luncheon they held today in partnership with the Geneva Park District. There were, by my count, more than 100 seniors in attendance who enjoyed lunch, a huge silent auction, and a fashion show, while they raised money for the St. Peter Food Pantry!

For more information about the Senior Center, please click here.

More Stained Glass

2010-03-15T17:22:00.008+01:00

A reader, who no longer lives in Geneva, suggested I visit the Unitarian Church on the corner of Second and James Streets in order to see the beautiful stained glass windows, and to write a little something about its history.

I did indeed stop by, and the staff was most kind to open the sanctuary for me. The windows were beautiful, although I wasn't able to take a satisfactory photo of one of them in its entirety. I hope this little peek will suffice, and perhaps pique your interest so that you stop by to see them for yourself!

The building is steeped in history, and it is said its first pastor still keeps a watchful eye on things. I gathered the following information from the congregation's website. Enjoy!

In 1842, the First Christian Congregation was formed in Geneva by Augustus Conant, his wife, and nearly two dozen others. Conant served as the first minister. The original building was constructed about this time, and was later expanded in 1855. A vestibule was added in 1974.

The windows and pews were purchased from a church that burned during the 1871 Chicago Fire. The parsonage was added in 1893, and still stands next door. Today, it is called Pioneer House. On the day I visited, the sun was shining, and I was tempted to linger for a while in the beautiful garden which sits between the sanctuary and the parsonage. Do take some time to stop by the church, it is Geneva's oldest, and is beautiful in it's simplicity.

Shameless Nepotism

2010-03-14T23:51:00.002+01:00

Spring is nearly here, which means even more soccer for my daughters. Little C. played in two games yesterday with two different teams, and scored goals in both of them!

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2010-03-13T16:42:00.001+01:00

...and except for this brief outing to have breakfast with my family at Mel's, I am not going out today. Be back soon!

Thank you!

2010-03-12T22:34:00.001+01:00

I wanted to thank the staff of the Herrington Inn for asking me to come take some photos for them today! I really loved the fabulous chocolate chip cookies, although I doubt they would have paired well with this bottle of wine! Thank you especially to Executive Chef, Jason Tsoris, who let me into his very busy kitchen to photograph him as he worked.

Running On Empty

2010-03-11T18:45:00.001+01:00

A very busy day...several long, back-to-back meetings, and no lunch. I walked by Stockholm's on the way home late this afternoon, and I wished I had just a half an hour to sit down inside, grab a bite to eat, and look out the window.

In My Life

2010-03-10T21:21:00.001+01:00

My daughters were devastated to hear this weekend that their favorite Geneva store, Assembly Line Toys, had closed. Indeed, when we walked by the Charles B. Wells house on Third Street today, we could hardly bear to look at the empty space, or the For Lease sign in the window.

Since the days it was located around the corner on Franklin Street, my girls have loved visiting the store, and dreaming about their extensive collection of Playmobil toys. I remember the Christmas that one of Santa's helpers negotiated the purchase of the mansion displayed in the window, complete with all of the furnishings, and put it under the tree for our oldest daughter. I can also recall receiving a phone call from a very jolly Santa last year letting my youngest daughter know that he had left her gifts in the care of Todd, the owner, since his sleigh was overcrowded. Her eyes grew wide as saucers as she played the message over and over again. It was a happy day that she and I stopped in to pick them up and carried them home.

But now, the store is empty, and there is a little less joy on Third Street. A lump formed in my throat, and tears welled in my eyes as I snapped this photo through the locked door today. But in some respects, the store will never close, at least not in the minds of three grown up little girls, for whom Todd and his toy store will always make for happy memories.

I don't usually allow guest writers, but my middle daughter contributed this to today's post. Somebody please pass the tissue.

Not Quite Barefoot In The Park

2010-03-09T23:38:00.002+01:00

The weather was so nice today, and my oldest daughter and I took a walk through RiverPark. We found the decorative paver she made when she was still small enough to piggyback around. The embedded, dalmation-patterned tiles have long since broken, leaving only a faint indentation, and the rough shape of a dog. But in my mind's eye, I can still remember the day the two of us made it together, and I still think it's beautiful.

Read!

2010-03-08T22:22:00.005+01:00

"Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers. And the wonderful thing is that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open."

Laura Bush

Romeo's

2010-03-07T07:01:00.002+01:00

For the past two days, Geneva has been tied up in green ribbons in order to better celebrate J.U.L.I.E.T.S. weekend. This annual event attracts mothers, daughters, sisters and girlfriends from near and far, for a weekend-long getaway full of special events, shopping, fine dining, and lots of special pampering.

Although we spied a number of J.U.L.I.E.T.S. (which stands for Just Us Ladies Into Eating Together and Shopping) strolling downtown yesterday, I couldn't resist snapping a photo of these two Romeo's who skipped by us on their way to the bakery.

Donuts, Is There Anything They Can't Do?

2010-03-06T18:49:00.008+01:00

In early December, Geneva held it's annual Christmas Walk, and although it was really, really cold, my daughters and I walked the entire length of Third and State Streets partaking of the abundant holiday cheer and the tasty treats offered by several of our local merchants. We experienced something magical that evening, and I have been revisiting the exact moment in my mind ever since. It was cinnamon sweet, it was warm, and it was comforting.

It was my Donut Epiphany.

Although I have probably seen no more than a dozen complete Simpson's episodes in my entire life, in that brief moment, I think instantly connected to my own inner Homer.

Today, as my daughter and I walked down Third Street, enjoying the arrival of spring, a familiar aroma greeted us as we reached Franklin Street. Memories of that cold December evening stirred, my stomach growled, my mouth watered, and without a moment's hesitation, we turned west towards Hahn's Bakery. Standing outside in the sunshine was...

THE DONUT ROBOT!

And guess what? If there is anything better than a freshly-made donut from Hahn's Bakery, it is getting a free sample of a freshly-made donut from Hahn's Bakery!

I think I am in love with the Donut Robot.

So next Saturday, when you visit Hahn's for your own piping hot, homemade donuts, I promise not to snap your photo if you promise in return not to comment on my drooling.

Mmmmmm, donuts...

Happiness Is...

2010-03-05T23:23:00.000+01:00

...a sure sign of spring!

I am very sorry to have been absent this week. I did manage to take a few photos every day, but have had precious little time to upload them for you. Check back for images from March 2-4 in the next day or two!

Like A Lamb

2010-03-01T19:42:00.003+01:00

March came in like a lamb today, which is a good thing, since I am excited at the prospect of longer days and warm balmy breezes! I am looking forward to putting the cold weather behind me, and readying for a change of seasons. I am anxious for a day warm enough to open all of my windows, and to breath in the fresh air.

In my mind, spring translates into renewed activity, to getting outside. It is watching the color unfold as everything comes back to life while the gray winter landscape fades. For the sake of our local merchants, I hope it also means more visitors will be making their way downtown to see what our beautiful City has to offer.

I am optimistic that spring will bring a sense of renewal for our business district. While some old favorites have closed their doors of late, I am encouraged by the number of recent additions, and their contemporary, sophisticated offerings that are...(dare I say it?)...springing up throughout town, ready to attract residents and visitors alike, and to establish relationships with an entirely new generation of customers. There is something extraordinary about our downtown business community. It has the unique ability remain original and fresh, while maintaining its familiar feel and historic character. It is the face-to-face interaction with hands-on business owners that makes shopping Geneva an experience, something more satisfying than a simple transaction.

If you haven't been downtown lately, I encourage you to take a new look! For a list of local merchants, restaurants, or for information about relocating your business to Geneva, please click on any of the links or icons to the right of this post.

I am looking forward to spring, to a new season, and to turning a corner. We all need a little revival.

Geneva Wedding Walk

2010-02-28T23:42:00.006+01:00

Love was in the air this afternoon, as more than one hundred brides-to-be, many wearing tiaras, visited Geneva for the fourth annual Wedding Walk sponsored by Geneva Bride.

Guests began the afternoon at the Herrington Inn, where they registered, before setting off on foot to visit a number of local venues, boutiques and specialty businesses ready to make their wedding spectacular. Thirteen local merchants and restaurants opened their doors, and showcased their distinctive menus, products and services. The afternoon culminated in a fashion show and vendor reception, where nearly two dozen additional local vendors were available to answer questions and accept reservations.

I spoke with several of the participants, who confirmed that the event was indeed an absolute success!

For more information about planning your wedding in Geneva, or to engage the services of any number of local wedding professionals, please click here.

Calm

2010-02-27T23:58:00.003+01:00

I have been writing Geneva Daily Photo for nearly two years now, and I periodically receive photo requests from readers who are engaged in genealogical research on their Kane County ancestors. Sometimes, they would like a photo of their great-great grandfather's home in the historic district. Those requests are easy, and I usually end up learning something about the history of our town that isn't recorded anywhere else.

Sometimes though, the requests are a little more...um...intriguing, and require me to head over to the Oak Hill Cemetery on the City's east side. More often than you might guess, I find myself here alone in the morning, walking the rows, hunting up Great Aunt Winifred, and in general enjoying the peacefulness of the setting.

This angel is easy enough to find, and is really very pretty in the early morning sun. I will offer a gift certificate to Graham's 318 for a cup of coffee and a pastry for the first person to comment with the name on the monument.