Parasaurolophus

Parasaurolophus cyrtocristatus, Chicago Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois. Parasaurolophus cyrtocristatus was a duckbill dinosaur (ornithopod) from the Late Cretaceous Period where it was a North American herbivore in some 76-73 million years ago. There is still much speculation on the purpose of the huge crest ranging from thermoregulation to breeding and courtship-related ornamentation. Ironically, this one is hanging out by the exit sign.

Lend Me A Hand, Please...

Guan Yin (Kwan Yin), Wood, China, Early 19th Century (Qin Dynasty), Field Museum, Chicago. Kwan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, shown here reaching out to save others while delaying her own Nirvana/Salvation. She is shown, as usual, sitting on a Lotus Leaf. The multiple hands are atypical for Chinese Kwan Yin. If you look closely, there is a child riding on her crown as well. Out of curiosity, I looked it up and here is what I found at mykwanyin.com.

In depictions she is shown with pearls of illumination in one hand; and with the other she pours out "sweet dew", the nectar of Wisdom and Compassion from a small vase, blessing all with physical and spiritual peace. Her cupped hands are a symbol of the womb and the universal feminine principal. She sometimes holds a sheaf of ripe rice, a metaphor for sustenance supplied. The dragon is often seen with her, a symbol of wisdom, strength, and the power of divine transformation. A Divine Mother, always there are children around her or being held by her. There are two small attendants that show up periodically, a "young man of excellent capacities" and the "daughter of the Dragon King," both related to the legendary Miao Shan. As reference to fishermen, sailors and water, she can be seen on a boat or a lotus flower crossing the sea. Other things related to her are a dove, a scroll of prayers which are the teachings of Buddha, a rosary of white crystal beads showing the rounds of rebirth, and a willow spray with which she sprinkles the divine nectar of life.

If you want to learn more about the fascinating history of China, Wikipedia has a great quick summary.

Downtown Chicago

Chicago Board of Trade, Downtown Chicago. Architecturally, San Diego is pretty much dominated by low rise and new construction. Thus, Chicago is a lot of fun to walk through with the huge, old skyscrapers, the wonderful carved facades and bronze sculptures. The building pictured (center) is the Chicago board of trade. They have a statue on the top vaguely remiscent of an Oscar statue.

Hugo's

Hugo's, Chicago, Illinois. Just a random picture as we walked down the streets of Chicago on a nippy evening heading towards dinner. I recall thinking that the frog was really cool.

Chicago Summer Storms

I flew into Chicago Monday night. Within about 30 minutes after the plane landed, a huge storm lit up sky. The sirens wailed amid tornado warnings and lightning strikes hit all around the city. I've never seen anything quite like it. The storm lasted late into the night and the thunder roared among the huge skyscrapers like cannon fire. The rain came down in waves and the roads flowed like rivers. It's been nice since but wow, that was quite a storm.

Snowy April

I just flew back in from Chicago. It was snowing something fierce over there. Driving back to the airport was a minor adventure although, were I not driving, I'd be tempted to say that it was really beautiful, with the snow coating the windward side of the trees in big, wet, white, sticky flakes. Unfortunately, the flights were all backed up at O'Hare and there were hoards of really cranky people all over the airport. Just as I was wondering if I would ever get onto my flight for San Diego, the snow turned to rain and the flights started to get out again. I'm home and happy to be in warmer weather again. Hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday.