But the snow is still coming down, and it's filling in, even as I shovel. This photo was taken "through" the window, so it's not as bright as it looks.  The snow is so bright, that it burns out the photo... so I shot it through the window. In our backyard, you can see, it's about 12 - 14 inches deep. (not as deep as they'd predicted)... but our yard is fully fenced, and somewhat protected from the winds, so it doesn't appear to have drifted much. But the snow is still coming down hard, so by the time I'd gotten to the end of the sidewalk (yes, there is a sidewalk under there) the first part has already started to fill back in. The winds are strong (I have no idea how many miles per hour).. strong enough to whip the falling ice crystals around and sandblast any exposed skin.. (like your ... 02/02/2011

On what planet, and in what dimension is this a relief?? But it is... this morning, they were talking about 18 to 24 inches of snow from Tuesday evening through Wednesday. And as of now, the weather channel, at least according to this map, is only calling for 6-12 inches of snow for the Greater Chicagoland area. All I can say is "whew". (266  -18)oh, my achin' back. 01/31/2011

With the looming threat of a gigantic oncoming snow and ice-storm readying to affect 30 states, with Illinois and Chicago right in the center of it's sights, I thought I'd give you a yardstick to compare this incoming storm. They're saying that we, here in Chicagoland, can expect between Tuesday and Wednesday a total of 18 to 24 inches of the heavy, massive white-stuff (why do I always have to make it a racial thing?).  How does that compare to some of our biggest storms? Well, since they began keeping those types of records, here in Chicago in 1886, there have only been 41 winter storms that produce more than 10 inches of snow in a single storm.  That's right, only 41.  (I know, sometimes it feels as though we get that much in a single winter... kinda like what's happening to the east ... 01/31/2011

I've always been the stand-apart... the one guy who doesn't like sports.  That's right, I admit it, I don't care for sports.  Personally, I'd rather watch paint dry. I played a little golf in my life (poorly), and finally gave up, 'cause what I was doing to that poor golf ball was an insult to the game.  The only thing I might have done that would have made it worse, would have been if I'd adopted the golf garb. You know, the ugly plaids, and the hideous sweaters... the clothes that ruin a good walk. (who sells that stuff??). Anyway, I never really got into Football, or Baseball, Soccer, Hockey, Basketball... they never really caught my interest.  I was always the last kid selected on any school team (with a valid reason... I sucked!).  But when I finally landed in the Chicago area... w... 01/21/2011

Since I didn't stay awake 'till midnight last night, following the results of each and every local contest, I went online, this morning, I had to go to multiple sources to get all of the information, but found much of it available on WGN's web page. So, in order to keep you from having to search everywhere... I've have compiled the results to some of the local races here on my blog.  All of these are based on 99% of the precincts reporting, and was updated at 8:32 this morning. For Governor  (too close to call) Quinn (D)  1,694,196  46.5% of the vote Brady (R)   1,685,847   46.2% of the vote Cohen (I)   132,639   3.6% of the vote Whitney (G)   98,511   2.7% of the vote Green (L)    33,922    0.9% of the vote. For Barack Obama's old U.S. Senate Illinois seat Kirk (R)    1,749,941    48.... 11/03/2010

It was a little disheartening walking into the office this morning. I walk directly past our local bank, which is right next door to our office. Recently they planted a beautiful array of autumn flowers... pot after beautiful pot of colourful mums.  They dug some holes, and dropped the pots directly into the holes, probably figuring when the weather gets too cold, and the first frosts threaten, they'd be able to take them inside before they freeze. Well, this moring, all of the plants are gone.  They weren't taken inside to prevent freezing, since they were still in their original pots, apparently they presented just too tempting a target for someone, and they've been stolen. Happy, happy autumn, folks. 09/30/2010

My wife was anxious to fill me in on Gus (our Havanese dog) and his adventure during the day. Gus has this habit... when he has some kind of "goodie" in his mouth (this could be a milk bone, a "real" bone that we get at the pet shop, or one of Amy's socks) he'll wander around the house, giving the treat a tour of his favourite spots... (here's my blankie, here's the corner behind the couch, oh, and here's the closet... nice, huh?), and while he's giving the nickle-tour, he whimpers.  Almost as though he's narrating to the "treat"... whine, whine, whimper, whine... So, back to yesterday.  When my wife got home from work, she let the dog out into our fenced yard.  He spent a lot of time out there, he usually runs right back in, 'cause that's when he gets lunch.  But he stayed out for a wh... 09/26/2010

If you don't know where you're going, then any road will take you there. Wiser words were never spoken (or typed).  Do you know where you're going?  I happen to know, that tonight, I'm going to see a music icon... Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks will be appearing at Spaces, here in Evanston... and I (and my family) will be front and center.   Dan is an interesting character, but the consumate musician.  I've been listening to his offerings for over 30 years, but have never attended one of his live shows, and tonight will experience him in a small venue that holds maybe 150 people.  It should be a great experience. I'm looking forward to it. 09/16/2010

OPEN HOUSE, EVANSTON, IL I will be sitting an Open House today at 2439 Cowper, Evanston, IL at this darling... storybook cottage.  It's just as charming as it appears, but also larger than it looks.  It's located in an area of Evanston where there have been recent tear-downs and sales of homes that are in the high 800's and 900's, and even a couple of low millions. This home is only a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home... (a great alternative to living in a condo), but it has character and charm to spare.  The living room has a fantastic stone fireplace, and a lovely bay window overlooking the large front porch.  The kitchen has been nicely upgraded, and boasts a Spanish tile counters, white appliances and a breakfast bar for at least 2 maybe 3 people. The dining room is separate, and large enough... 08/22/2010

Here's a better link to where the action is, and where the voting is happening.  Remember, this is a Chicago vote... so "Vote Early, Vote Often"... you can vote once every 24 hours... Or you can type  http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Chicago-IL/#poll  into your browser's address bar. There are no prizes, there is no award or ceremony... just the bragging rights to say that "I was voted the best real estate blog" in the greater Chicagoland area. As of today... I am currently in umpteenth position.. wth 2% of the vote... (hey, I'm thrilled to have 2% of the vote... wow!) c'mon, that's gotta be fun... well, at least fun for ME. I am currently the ONLY ACTIVE RAIN BLOG, in Chicago, nominated! Just do it! Let's show 'em the power of Active Rain! 08/04/2010

First Time Homebuyers in Evanston were treated to a First Time Homebuyers workshop hosted here at our Coldwell Banker offices at 2929 Central Street, in Evanston, IL. The workshop was well attended, and was hosted by Coldwell Banker agents; (left to right) Lisa Hershenson, Margi Hazlett, Cathy Kozlarek, Lindy Goss, Helen Gilbert & Shannon Fassett (not pictured). A light dinner was offered, and then the attendees were treated to information about Mortgages, by our PHH Loan Officer Greg Schneider, and then opened to discussions about credit scores, home insurance, home warranties, referrals to agents in different locations and the general homebuying process. There were many questions about the buying process, each answered promptly and with clarity.  Handbooks were given out, and for thos... 07/22/2010

"Here's the lock box code... I'll be there in about a half hour", were the instructions I received from the listing agent, who asked me to "open" his broker's tour today.  He was running a touch late, and wanted me to get the house open for any agents who might show right away. [enter combo code]... click, the door opens... and I hear that familiar - beep, beep, beep - "What is it?" I ask myself.  "Is a garbage truck backing up?"... "someone playing Playstation?"... or "maybe someone left the refrigerator door ajar".  It couldn't possibly be an alarm beeping, could it?  There's no way that my buddy, my pal, my office-mate would set me up and forget to tell me that there was an alarm on this house. The cacophony that followed shortly thereafter proved me wrong... he did forget to tell me... 07/13/2010

I scare myself,when thinking about you,I scare myself,when I'm without you... Some of the iconic lyrics of that celebrated Troubador, Dan Hicks of Dan Hicks and his hot licks.  Dan is a strange mixture of country, swing and jazz, and has been around as long as I can remember.  He's not a household word, except of course in some of the more bizarre households... which of course explains why he's been a name known in the May household for years, and years. My girls know that his music resonates with me, and that's why, when my daughter Sarah noticed that Dan Hicks was going to be appearing locally, at Spaces (the Society for the Preservation of Art & Culture in Evanston) in September, she called me and I managed to grab premium seating for the show. Dan and the "lickettes", (his backup si... 07/12/2010

Eric P. Egeland | RE/MAX SUBURBAN | (847) 337-7090 1819 Emerson St., Evanston, IL REO - Bank Owned Property 4BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $119,900 Year Built 1923 Sq Footage 1,662 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 4,973 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION FORECLOSED AS-IS REO PROPERTY. GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR RECENTLY UPDATED HOME!! NO SURVEY OR DISCLOSURES PROVIDED. BUYER RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY/ALL CITY COMPLIANCES/REPAIRS, ESCROWS ETC IF REQUIRED. ALL OFFERS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PRE-APPROVAL AND/OR PROOF OF FUNDS. MINIMUM 3% EARNEST MONEY IN CERTIFIED FUNDS DUE UPON ACCEPTANCE. TAXES PRORATED 100%. Eric P. Egeland, SFR, CDPE, e-PRO RE/MAX SUBURBAN NorthShoreREO.com see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Living... 07/09/2010

Evanston condos for $200,000 - $300,000. Continuing with my series of "What can you buy in Evanston for $xxx,xxx?  We're going to now veer into condos.  So, what can you buy in Evanston condos between $200,000 and $300,000 as of the beginning of July, 2010. Starting at $200,000 even, this is an elegant vintage building right in the heart of downtown Evanston.  It's a 1 bedroom/1 bath at 1519 Hinman Street,  listed by Patricia DeNoyer of Coldwell Banker. The unit has spectacular natural light with tree top views & 9’ ceilings. Living areas have hardwood floors. Living room has south & west windows, wood burning fireplace with gas starter, crown moldings . Bedroom has three windows, built-in closets. Art galley/hallway has built-in bookcases._________________________________ Next we have ... 07/07/2010

ahh... so here we are again.  Mrs. Elvis & I, once again, planted ourselves smartly in front of the Coldwell Banker offices, to view the Evanston Fourth of July Parade, as a celebration of her birthday (and, not incidentally, the birthday of the United States). The U.S. finds herself over 200 years old (234 by my count), and Mrs. Elvis finds herself substantially younger.  Here are a few images of what it looked like from our vantage point. and then, there at the end... this is my first attempt to upload a video that I took with my own personal digital camera ... no, it's not a FLIP camera... (the latest craze)... all of our digital cameras are capable of taking video, easily, quickly, and without spending a bunch 'o cash on a new specialized camera (with a smaller viewer)... so let's h... 07/06/2010

Well, last night, the City of Evanston provided yet another of their wonderful outdoor Starlight Concerts, featuring Wayne "the train" Hancock. Wayne is a bit... well, let's call him "interesting". He may be small in height, but he's large in stature.  His somewhat nasally intonations carry far and wide with a little bit of electronic amplification. And interestingly enough there were quite a few, in the crowd of maybe 200-300 who knew Wayne's music enough to call out favourites for him to sing, which he happily accomodated.   He's an interesting mix of country, swing and blues.  I've never seen Wayne before, but I'll bet he'd be a fun "bar show".  I've included a couple of his "youtube" videos, so you can get a sample of what it sounded like in south central Evanston last night, in the... 07/02/2010

Evanston Real Estate is still limping forward.  Effective June 2010... Yes, limping, but going forward. We haven't seen a huge drop in sales, since the loss of the first time home buyer's credit, but we have seen the drop in interest that we typically associate with summer's approach. I thought I'd list the low and the high of what's currently available, here in Evanston. The lowest priced condominium is at 126 Callan (left), marketed by Leslie Brock, of Keller Williams, for only $46,000 and currently under contract.  Nice job Leslie.  It's a 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo (no surprise) in a recently rehabbed building, with exposed brick wall, redone kitchen with granite and redone bath, and it is a short-sale. The higest prices condo, currently available in Evanston Real Estate, is a relative... 06/25/2010

Last night, the city of Evanston offered up a free starlight concert, featuring the Goldstars and headliner Andre Williams. Andre is an old (and I do mean old, he's 73 years young) Rhythm & Blues guy.  The concert was outdoors, at James Park.  We sat on the hillside of Mt. Trashmore, and watched the veteran singer, put his portfolio through the grinder.  His smoke-addled voice, grinding out some of his best known songs, he opened with Agile, Mobile and Hostile, in which he explained to this mixed audience of young and old, as two 9-year-old girls danced in front of his stage, this grandfather, dressed in all white, including his homburg had, accented only by his Mylar Gold jacket, he explained "If you want to make love to me you have to be Agile, Mobile and Hostile. He followed that wit... 06/25/2010

Evanston condos for $300,000 - $400,000. Continuing with my series of "What can you buy in Evanston for $xxx,xxx?  We're going to now veer into condos.  So, what can you buy in Evanston condos between $300,000 and $400,000? Weighing in at $305,000, here is a condo (a recent conversion in 2006).  It's a 3 bedroom/2 bath at 1014 Main Street, right here in Central Evanston, listed by Judy Newton of Coldwell Banker. This condo was gut-rehabbed, and everything was replaced right down to the flooring.  Kitchen with stainless/and beautiful cabinetry, new baths, working fireplace, diagonal hardwood flooring and 9 foot ceilings._________________________________ Next we have a 3 bedroom / 2 bath recent conversion (2005), in East Central Evanston... Listed for 319,000 and located at 2147 Ridge, #2... 04/22/2010