Travel Off the Beaten Path with Noel F. & April M. Williams
Category Archives: McHenry County Illinois
McHenry County is located in Northern Illinois bordering Wisconsin. The Fox River runs along the middle of the county providing recreation and home sites.
It is snowing in the Chicago area for this Where Are You Today?” episode. It is almost St. Patrick’s day and spring is just around the corner. Finally! Winter seems to last longer each year. Chicago is getting ready to dye the Chicago River emerald green. They use orange dye to do so. The river scenes and parade bring tourists and locals downtown.
In the Northwest suburbs, we have our own parades.
According to the National Weather Service we can see snow through May. In 1940 2.2 inches on the white stuff came down.
Here is a reminder of what a typical snowy day looks like in McHenry County. Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”
More snow in Chicago. We just returned from Hutto and Padre Island, Texas where the temps were unseasonably cool. The snow storm due to hit Chicago just grazed the city and left three inches of heavy, wet snow for our arrival.
This morning, large flakes began falling. A pretty sight for sure. Pictures from Hutto, Texas show 2 inches of snow on the ground. We left town just in time.
Chicago winters are brutal. Cold, wet, slippery, windy. When we reach winter solstice the days are so short, many of us go to work in the dark and return home without seeing daylight. The cold, dark days take a toll on us Midwesterners. Some of us are affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which impacts our mood and ability to function.
When we do catch a break and temps reach 30 and the sun comes out, I appreciate the reprieve. Winter does have beautiful moments. Enjoy a few of the scenes from my neck of the woods.
Winter Solstice Sunset in McHenry County
Naturally Flocked Christmas Trees in McHenry County
Winter in Chicagoland and the weather is predictably unpredictable. Snow fell for most of the last three days leaving trees dusted with a white coating. Yards and streets are blanketed with a thick layer of snow.
Not bad driving today in McHenry County. Yesterday snow fell faster than plows could clear. Spun out cars and trucks lined the roads. We shoveled multiple times before the storm let up.
Here’s what it looks like today a day after the multiple day storm.
Today is the Winter Solstice in the Midwest. It’s cold and snowy here in Chicago as we get closer to year end. The sun set at 4:21 last night for the shortest day of the year. Today we start the six month journey to summer solstice when we enjoy the longest day of the year. In the Chicago area, it does not become fully dark until 9 PM in late June. That is my favorite time of year.
Until then, I’ll enjoy the few minutes of additional daylight each day. The sun rises one or two minutes earlier and sets a moment or two later each day.
Living in the moment, here is a photo of my neighbors snow yard art. Enjoy
In the Midwest, the foliage can offer up a bouquet of colors in Autumn as deciduous trees prepare for the long cold winter. This year the weather turned cold and damp early fall and leaves on the tree did not get a chance to show dramatic shades of color. Many leaves fell while still green.
We take advantage of the last few days of summer-like weather around here. It is time to bring in any hoses, lawn ornaments and furniture. It’s also time to bring the snow shovels out because we will be needing them soon.
As I enjoyed our Indian Summer this week, I had to capture the sound as I walked through the leaves. Listen in:
We founded a new monthly networking session at Port Edward in Algonquin. Buffet breakfast and lively, thought provoking conversation for just 10$. Best deal in town. All are welcome. First Wednesday of the month from 8:30AM – 10AM. For more info visit our website.
This morning I facilitated our discussion on sparking latent energy. Sparks of ideas were ignited!
April M. Williams @aprilmwilliams leads this morning's Posi+ineCharge
David Manilow, creator and producer of Check, Please! was at Port Edward in Algonquin Aug. 14, 2009 to tape a segment for the fall season. My friend Ed Wolowiec invited my husband and I to watch the shoot. As a Check, Please! viewer it was interesting to watch the efforts and time involved in shooting the episode. In a typical show host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh and three guests discuss three restaurants they all have dined at. During the episode viewers see pictures of the food and atmosphere while folks at home get a real flavor for the restaurants.
Port Edward Restaurant in Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois
Friday night is international seafood buffet at Port Edward’s and I asked David about his favorite item. He must have been very hungry. Check this video out and see what I mean! Click on the picture below to watch.
Port Edward is located at the Fox River and Algonquin Road.
