spring

just when springfield is getting ready to get warm a weather system passed by eastward blanketing the city with 6inches of snow.. by midmorning to noon the temperature shot up melting the ice quicker than usual.. by afternoon its back to springtime.. in a midwest state like il its not impossible to have all four seasons in one day









frozen 8th street












frozen stop light



















frozen woods









frozen trail









frozen barn









frozen farmhouse landscape









frozen old house










frozen golf course

shawnee national forest il

its the first day of spring.. after a drive to the bank in o'fallon il.. a pit stop at mcdonalds mascoutah il.. a fish lunch in carbondale il.. and three quarters tankful of gas i reached the shawnee national forest.. which covers big part of southern il








somewhere in the eastern side of the forest is the garden of the gods.. it features unusual rock formations made of sandstone









honey im going to take your picture.. step back a little.. some more.. more..









still inside the shawnee national forest but about 18miles from garden of the gods going southeast is the cave in rock.. picture taken few meters inside the cave looking out.. several steps outside the mouth of the cave is the waters of ohio river.. the land on the other side is kentucky









the innermost part of the cave.. where the main chamber that can fit a small church is.. a small hole at the top lets some sunlight in









entrance.. kids all over the world are the same.. they always leave a mark on the place they go to









this cave has a history of being hideout of pirates and thieves









not far from the cave is the end of the road of il state highway 1.. barges ferry cars to and from ky side.. try to imagine a rush hour here









population 350

st patricks day springfield il ii

st patricks day is a joyful day for many.. it signals the end of winter.. and the coming of spring.. and most of all its a big excuse to drink lots of beer








people born with green hair are lucky.. they get a chance to steal the spotlight during st patricks day.. they are also unlucky.. they are not allowed out of the house the rest of the year









mom and dad in skirts









people who rather drink their beer in the streets.. they cant stand the smell of the people inside the pub









waiting for the parade









the newest gear in military clothing









wind beneath my bird









st patricks day is also an excuse to wear something foolish and no one would mind



















state senator bomke









rexona..