Things you see while out & about in winter.

Winters in Chicago are quite tough. If you're not from here, you'll hate it. On the flip side, if you are from here, there's a pretty good chance that you don't have the kindest of feelings towards it either.  
Some of us try to make the best of it as we await the arrival of spring. I like to sometimes go out with a small camera and shoot whatever catches my interest at any given moment. 
Sometimes I get lucky and run into some great image opportunities, but more often than not, it's just cold and my fingers can only take so much cold before they start hurting.
I have managed to capture some interesting imagery during a few of such walks.

Some things are nice & pretty, while others tend to reflect the darkness and bone-chilling vibe of the season.
It's all interesting nonetheless and it gives me an opportunity to "think outside the box" in some cases and to just get my creative juices flowing. After a while, I end up enjoying the process and I'm glad I did it.

Here are some images from a couple of those outings. Enjoy!

-Mario

Above ↑ - The river comes to a standstill as it freezes due to the cold temperatures.

Below ↓ - No matter if it's cold, snowing, sleeting, etc. When January rolls around, you'll see these guys (or gals) in costume advertising a tax preparation business.

Above ↑ - While parks remain open during winter, some areas are restricted or closed due to the snowfall.

Below ↓ - People still don't seem to remember how to drive in winter conditions and end up sliding through intersections and causing traffic accidents.

Above ↑ - Pigeon frozen to death.

Below ↓ - If you live in Chicago, you know what this means.