Out From Under Tornado Watch

Close to 8 o'clock last night we were finishing up our last 5 or so patients at the clinic when Chicago's 115 emergency warning sirens started going off.  I had never heard a Tornado siren before so it took me a while to figure out what it was. Highrises were being evacuated to their basements, and cars were directed off of the Interstate. Rains were pouring at a predicted rate of 3-4 inches per hour, all at the mercy of 75 mph winds.  Patients were panicking and the windows were threatening to break. 

About 8:45 cars were back on the road and we were able to let patients leave. The wind settled enough that I could make it home, but I have never seen so much continuous lightning. The wind and rain stopped by for round two about 11 oclock and were still going strong when I finally fell asleep. I found a couple pictures on the Tribune's website.  Twisters did touch down in three Chicago suburbs. Winds were recorded at 94 mph over the lake one mile from our beach and there were 8,00o lightning strikes within one 10 minute segment in the greater Chicagoland. 

The view in this picture is very similar to the view from our place. You can see the Sears Tower being struck, my clinic is 2 blocks from it.

A small example of some of the damage.

Another storm photo.

OshKosh

I'm just beginning to learn what it means to be a pilot's wife, and haven't found anything to complain about yet. We both had the weekend off and got word that Oshkosh (the world's LARGEST aviation show) was going on in WI. As soon as Jason found out he had a trip planned, so I decided to go along with him:)  We left early saturday morning so we could spend time checking out all the planes before the air show started.  We had a great time, and lucky for you, took lots of pictures! 

This is an amphibious plane. It can take off and land on water or ground. There are only 3 like it in the world. This one is from the Caribbean.

This plane was from the British Army, insanely huge and powerful.

There were also a few helicopters....

All branches of the military were there showing off some of their gigantic airplanes. 

This one can fly as either a plane or helicopter...in this picture is it halfway through changing it's wings from props to rotary.

To start the air show they had jumpers come down with the American flag.

There were some many planes flying, you couldn't watch them all..at one point Jason counted 43 planes in the air!

They did an awesome bombing demonstration with B17 bombers and P51 mustangs. They detonated TNT as the planes flew by. It was so loud that the ground was shaking. 

If you look closely you can see one of the bombers, right after they released the bombs.

They flew straight at us and created what they call a "wall of fire." 

Alive and Well

I know it's been a while since I've posted any kind of update...but rest assured, we are alive and well here in Chicago.  It's finals time again which means that Jason is spending long hard hours with the books, and I have been putting in my fair share of overtime at the clinic. We are enjoying the summer and taking advantage of living 2 blocks from the lake.  Our beach is significantly less populated than those closer to downtown and is actually fairly relaxing. I'll try to get some pictures one of these days.  We're heading back to Washington in a couple of weeks for Olympia convention and looking forward to seeing family and friends there. Hope everyone is enjoying the summertime!

Crowds crowds and more crowds...

After work on Thursday Jason and Cassie met me downtown to watch the city's firework show. We knew that they were expecting over a million people, but I don't think we had any clue how many people that really is! The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed in one of the parks before the show so we went and listened for a while. Although it was a battle to find somewhere to sit it was well worth it. Jason got a few pictures of the crowd as we were trying to walk home. The lines for public transportation went on for blocks.

A couple pictures Jason took of the crowd.

I had the day off on Friday so we opted for something with a few less people. We headed up to Port Washington with our bikes, and rode part of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. In total we did about 23miles which was more than enough for me!

We started at the Marina where they were having quite the July 4th celebration. It was a cute little town that made you feel like you were on the east coast.

Jason enjoying the ride.

Me...secretly happy for the break!

One of the covered bridges that we rode through. We thought swimming sounded nice until we got to the rivers. They are still recovering from all of the flooding in the region, so they look more like chocolate than water.

Happy 4th!

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday and I'm so glad that it is here again! I hope everyone is enjoying their day! 

Last night we had the "privilege" of watching fireworks from  the lakefront with 1.2 million other people. Although the fireworks were absolutely breathtaking, the crowd was less than enjoyable. So, seeking serenity, we are loading our bikes in the car and heading up to Wisconsin to do some touring!  Enjoy the 4th!

Travels

It has been a few weeks now since I said I would post pictures..so here goes. Jason is in Seattle for an Optometry conference so the house is quiet...too quiet. I'm beginning to feel like an "empty nester." He will be there through Sunday night and I might be a baby but I'm missing him like crazy! He is staying with Bethany and Kate Thornton and Mom and Dad Barnes are going to meet him for the weekend so it is nice that he gets to see family, I wish I was with him!!

Flying over the Mission mountain range on my way to Montana...or Seattle, then Spokane..and eventually Thompson Falls!

Got to spend some quality time with the brothers... this is at one of the two dams in Thompson.

Of course we had to roast some hotdogs! Mandy and their new puppy..

We headed over to Ronan for a day of preps and to spend some time with Beth before convention. Despite the downpour of rain we had quite a good time driving golf carts and tractors, moving woodpiles and tables. Here I am using sheer manpower to carry my precious cargo.

Mom and Beth at preps.

The old roommates reunited...it was soo good to be with them again!

Back at home, Jason took me out to a new Latin restaurant for my birthday! It was an awesome evening. That is my shiny new bike/birthday present in the background..I love it!

Last Saturday we went out for another birthday dinner with some of Jason's classmates...it seems like all we do is eat! Then we watched the fireworks off of Navy Pier which are amazing. The city of Chicago spends an insane amount of money in the summer, shooting off very impressive firework shows every Wednesday and Saturday night. We can see them from our living room, but this was the first time watching them from the park.

Home

We're back! And finally out of the rain! We had an awesome time in Montana and were so refreshed by Convention, but it does feel good to be home. I didn't take too many pictures but will try to post a few of our time with family soon. Hope everyone is having a wonderful June!