Candlewood Suites

I called the Candlewood Suites in Elgin, Illinois home for about two months this winter. I have to say that I really lucked out with this hotel! The hotel was only about 4 months old when I stayed in it, so everything was pretty much brand new and super clean. Most hotels I stay in talk up their work out facilities and they end up being some old crappy equipment from the early 80's. The Candlewood had some really nice workout equipment that I got some good use out of, granted the hotel is brand new so the equipment hasn't been used to much in the first place. One thing that I really like about all Candlewood Suites is that they have FREE washer and dryers! Most hotels charge an arm and a leg to use their washer and dryer, if they even have one. The rooms were equipped with a full kitchen, granite counter tops, DVD players, flat screen TVs, and very comfortable beds.

A couple of views of my room.

The staff of the Candelwood of Elgin was also a treat. Everyone was super friendly and very helpful with anything I needed. The hotel is also pet friendly, as you can see my dog Cloey relaxing in the room.

I would highly recommend staying at this hotel if you are in the western Chicago area.

Spring is in the Air

I walked outside the door this morning and was hit in the face with the sweet smell of spring. The sun was shining brightly, and the temperature climbed above freezing. When the temps warm up and the snow starts to melt, it usually means that some ice will start to hang around. On the back of our house there is a fine collection of icicles hanging from the eves. I am planning on knocking them down soon so they don't do any damage to the house, there is alot of weight hanging there! But before I knock them down I wanted to get some good pictures of the ice. Enjoy this spring weather, cause I am sure it wont be here long!

The Melting Ice

Some Black & White

The Doors of Elgin

I have been working in Elgin, IL for the last few months and I went out the other night and tried some night time photography. I wasn't having much luck finding anything interesting to photograph until I came across the side entrance of a church. I have seen many different pictures of doors, so I know it isn't anything new, but I thought I would see how I could do at it.

Plywood, Fake Snow, and Skyscrapers

If anyone has been to Illinois you know that there isn't much for big or little hills in this state. Despite the lack of vertical ground in Chicago they still have snowboarding competitions here. The other weekend I went with a co-worker to check out a snowboarding competition going on in Grant Park, which is in downtown Chicago. They built a plywood platform, threw on some man made snow, added a few rails and boxes, found some local youngsters, and put on a competition. Here is an idea of what it is like to snowboard in downtown Chi town.

A veiw of the skyscrapers in the background

A little tail slide action.