2018 Zoo Tree Trim

Posted on November 18, 2018 by Carrie

On Sunday, November 18th, we braved the cold to decorate our tree at Brookfield Zoo. Look below to find photos, but first let us present how we got our decorations. Or how I like to put it:

: Constructing a technological terror

: “The work has stalled”

: “You have to start somewhere.”

: “We’re on the verge of greatness.”

: “We stand here amid my achievement not yours!”

: “Oh. It’s beautiful.”

: “But farming? Really, a man of your talents?”

: “Excellent news, Galen. The battle station is complete. You must be very proud.”

: Round and Round the Christmas Tree

: Presents hanging there for you and me

: Lights all shining merrily

: Christmas a week away

: A-ring around the Christmas tree Children making up a melody

: Grown-ups laughing happily Christmas a day away

Zoo Tree Trim 2018

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Carrie

Join us for our annual trip to the zoo! Chicago Force will decorate a tree on Sunday, November 18th at noon!

Our tree is number 344, located on the North Mall, near the Carousel.

Roundhouse Report!

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Carrie

The Roundhouse in Aurora is a historic building that was originally used by the railroad to build trains. It fell into disuse, until Chicago Bear Walter Payton bought it and made it into the Roundhouse restaurant. It is now owned by Two Brothers Brewery and operates as both a distillery and a restaurant.

: Welcome to the Roundhouse!

: We are at the right place.

: Also a Heritage Site!

: The Round is being prepped for a wedding

: You can still find 34 here.

: This Budweiser Bar was made for the 1898 World’s Fair.

Now that we’ve seen the building, time for the tour:

: Waiting for start of the tour.

: If you stay still, it can’t see you. Or is that the other way around?

: Where the alcohol ends up, hearts were good and heals were not good.

: Pot and column stills

: The apple brandy is being aged in virgin oak barrels.

: Aging Barrels

: One barrel will get you 260-300 bottles.

: Surprisingly, not one monkey.

: Belly up to the bar for the free booze.

: The tiny, tiny free booze. Cider included for size comparison.

Chicago Force Distillery Tour

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Carrie

Who doesn’t like a little day drinking, combined with a tour? Our group will travel to Aurora for a free tour of Two Brothers new distillery and tastings afterwards. Saturday, September 29th 2 pm sharp!

Peanuts and Cracker Jack: Baseball Outing

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Carrie

It’s time to head out to the ballgame! Saturday, September 1st is Kane County Cougars Star Wars Night! Buy a lawn seat and meet us along the 1st base line to enjoy the Star Wars. Also these highlights:

Hey Jimmy is a party dance band. The band will play from 4:45-6:00 pm in the Acres Music Garden.

Joliet Star Wars Day 2018

Posted on June 2, 2018 by Carrie

There’s a gathering of geeks, a herd of nerds, an awakening of the dark, and the light. You know, Joliet Library Star Wars Day!

This event keeps growing, along with the fun!

Joliet Star Wars Day 2018

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Carrie

It’s always a great time at Joliet Star Wars Day. This is there Ninth One, so be sure to join us in downtown Joliet.

Tree Trim 2017

Posted on November 19, 2017 by Carrie

Another year, another trip to Brookfield Zoo to decorate a tree with homemade Star Wars ornaments.

First, the making of the baubles:

: TK-1225, why aren’t you at your tree?

: Some bling, or should I say ring!

: Forget the Eye of Sauron

: The first ornaments are away!

: The pile grows

: Our lovely assistant.

It was a sunny but chilly day on Sunday:

: A bright sunny day!

: World Famous

: Not our tree.

: TREE-196 reporting for duty!

And we were ready to decorate:

: Rockin’ around the Christmas tree

: At the Christmas party hop

: Mistletoe hung where you can see

: Every couple tries to stop

: Rockin’ around the Christmas tree

: Let the Christmas spirit ring

: Later we’ll have some pumpkin pie

: And we’ll do some caroling

: You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear

: Voices singing, let’s be jolly

: Deck the halls with boughs of holly

: Rockin’ around the Christmas tree

: Have a happy holiday

: Everyone dancin’ merrily

: In the…NEW…OLD…FASHIONED…

: WAAAAAAAAAAAYYY!!!!

Our two-part crew:

Of course, a trip to the carousel was in order:

: Cue Calliope Music

: Wave!

: Keep Waving!

And how can you go to the zoo without seeing the animals?

: A birdy visitor stops by

: Chillin’

: Another version of the Wings poster

: Best View in the House

: Business Meeting

: Have to have the best view

: The viewing continues

: 15 more minutes

: Haliaeetus leucocephalus, there you learned something

: Suns out…

: Wolves Out!

: That’s an electric fence, right?

: Chillin’ 2, Electric Boogaloo

: He’s faking, I saw his eyes open!

: Surveying the domain

Brookfield Zoo Tree Trim 2017

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Carrie

Join us at Brookfield Zoo for our Annual Tree Trim!

Check out the details here.

Galloping Ghost Arcade!

Posted on October 14, 2017 by Carrie

It was a dark and stormy night. Really, O’Hare got four inches of rain and the southern suburbs got eight. But that didn’t stop us from meeting at Lencho’s house and continuing on to Galloping Ghost.

: Our lovely hostess welcomes us with pizza

: Say hi!

We watched the new trailer for The Last Jedi multiple times. Then threw up some Star Wars Blips, Thor and other fun videos as we chowed on pizza. Then we braved the rain to head to Galloping Ghost.