Last Week: Our 48th Wedding Anniversary and Living High Off the Hog-- Part 1

TUESDAY. AUGUST 24

We were thinking  what was going on with ourselves 48 years ago.  I signed my contract to teach my first year in Round Lake, Illinois, and we had the rehearsal dinner for our wedding the next day.

We had planned to go to Galena, Illinois, this week (where we went on our honeymoon), but decided to stay home because of the return of the virus (even though we are both vaccinated).

I went to the McHenry Count Civil War Round Table Board of Directors meeting instead.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25   LIZ AND MY 48TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Forty-eight years ago, Liz and I got married at the Newman Center in DeKalb, Illinois (NIU) and had our reception at the Holiday Inn on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.

No expense was spared for our anniversary breakfast with a trip to McDonald's for their breakfast sandwiches.  (Buy one get another for $1.)

Met friends at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia and an anniversary toast.  Then to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois.

Lots of Memories.   --RoadDog

WLS Top 10 for Week of August 30, 1971: 'Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey'

Fifty years ago in Chicago.

1.  SMILING FACES SOMETIMES--  Undisputed Truth

2.  SIGNS--  Five Man Electric Band

3.  UNCLE ALBERT / ADMIRAL HALSEY--  Paul McCartney

4.  SPANISH HARLEM--  Aretha Franklin

5.  RESURRECTION SHUFFLE--  Ashton,  Gardner & Dyke

6.  AIN'T NO SUNSHINE--  Bill Withers

7.  WEDDING SONG--  Paul Stookey  Played this song at our wedding as well as "Sunrise, Sunset"

8.  I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE--  Rare Earth

9.  GO AWAY LITTLE GIRL--  Donny Osmond

10.  WHATCHA SEE IS WHATCHA GET--  Dramatics

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DEBUTS

26.  STAGGER LEE--  Tommy Roe

27.  MAGGIE MAE / REASON TO BELIEVE--  Rod Stewart   This song always reminds me of the Sig Ep House at UGA.

28.  THE STORY IN YOUR EYES--  Moody Blues

29.  ANABELLA--  Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds

30.  SWEET CITY WOMAN--  Stampeders

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ALL HIT BOUND

SOLO--  Billy Sans

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "It's Not Warm When She's Away."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Ain't No Sunshine"

White Sox, Margaritaville, Ultimate Jukebox, Steak Fry, Miller Park in McHenry, Legion and Sunnyside

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

Went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.  Watched the Sox game there and came home and saw the rest of it.  The Sox won.  Enjoyed Margaritaville (my basement bar) and the Ultimate Jukebox (my 300-disc CD player).

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

Took a Firebird Cruise through Solon Mill and Spring Grove as well as Pioneer Road.  Liz and I went to the Spring Grove Firefighters steak fry at Horse Fair Park.  Great steak, baked potato and Stade corn on the cob.

We were going to go to Stucky's for their $1 draft beer special, but there must have been 300 people out in the parking lot. Johnsburg was having their annual golf cart tour de force to six bars and they were there.  So, we went to Sunnyside nd had a couple beers there, but when those golf carters started showing up at Sunnyside (last stop) we quickly adjourned back to Stucky's.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22

As usual, the radio shows in the morning.  I went to Miller Park in McHenry where they had a band playing outside at the gazebo (with the Fox River in the background).  Then to the McHenry American Legion for their famed "Adequate Bloody Mary" for $2.50.  Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--Good Times All Week.  --RoadDog

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS AND ANNSWERS:  Q:  I', two months pregnant right now.  When will my baby move?  A:  If you're fortunate4, right after he finishes college.

Trivia, Dog N' Suds and American Pop Standards-- Part 1

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18th

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and played live trivia with Professor Jeffie and enjoyed the half price drinks.  Had a half-price burger at Bricks 'N Ivy in Spring Grove, Illinois.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19TH 

Because of the recent storms, I had to cut the grass for the first time in three weeks.  

Went to Dog 'N Suds on Ingleside, Illinois for their 2 for $4 Charcoburger special and washed it down with a large root beer.  There are only seven of these old eating places left in the United States and we have three of them within 25 miles of us.  The other two are in Richmond and Grayslake, Illinois.  They, of course, still have the gal come out to your car with the food and put the tray on your window.  

This is real old-school eating.

I then went to the last It's Thursday concert in Antioch, Illinois, and saw Peter Oprisko do his show of American Pop Standards by such folks as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin,  He had an eight piece Big Band backing him.

Stopped at McDonald's on the way home for a Coke Slushie.

A Real Fine Day Indeed.  --RoadDog

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (From the Dec. 15, 2016, Orange Peel:  Q.  Should I have a baby after 35?  A.  No, 35 children is enough.

WLS Top Ten for Week of August 23, 1971: 'I Just Want to Celebrate'

Fifty years  ago, these were the Top Ten songs in Chicagoland according to WLS, 890 AM.

1.  SMILING FACES SOMETIMES--  Undisputed Truth

2.  SIGNS--  Five Man Electric Band

3.  UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY--  Paul & Linda McCartney

4.  RIDERS ON THYE STORM--  Doors

5.  TAKE ME HOME COUNTRY ROADS--  John Denver

6.   REURRECTION SHUFFLE--  Ashton, Gardner & Dyke

7.   SPANISH HARLEM--  Aretha Franklin

8.  AIN'T NO SUNSHINE--  Bill Withers

9.  WEDDING SONG--  Paul Stookey

10.  I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE--  Rare Earth

*********************************

DEBUTS

28.  I WOKE UP IN LOVE THIS MORNING--  Partridge Family

29.  DEEP BLUE--  George Harrison

30.  MARIANNE--  Stephen Stills

ALL HIT BOUND

STAGGER LEE--  Tommy Roe

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "All My Memories Gather 'Round Her, Miner's Lady, Stranger To Blue Water."  ANSWER BELOW.  --RoadDog

"Take Me Home Country Roads"  

Music Deaths: Chuck E. Weiss (Chuck E.'s in Love) and Jeff LaBar (Cinderella)

CHUCK E. WEISS,76

Died July 19, 2021

Songwriter / vocalist.  The subject of Rickie Lee Jones' 1979 song "Chuck E.'s in Love" which hit #4.

JEFF LaBAR,  58

Died 14 July 2021

Guitarist with glam metal band Cinderella from 1985.  They had hits with

"Nobody's Fool"  (#13-1987)

"Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)"  (#12-1988)

JSS: Missing Bob Rohrman-- Recreational Marijuana-- Firefighters' Steak Fry

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  MISSING BOB ROHRMAN

Bob Rohrman died Tuesday, September 1, 2020.  And, I miss his wacky TV commercials for his family-owned auto group were standard TV fodder and who put the ROAR in ROHRman.

2,  RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA COMMERCIALS--  And, on the subject of commercials, now I hear commercials telling people to save money on their recreational marijuana by getting a doctor's excuse.  I really never thought I'd be hearing these on the radio.

Of course, we have had legal marijuana sales here in Illinois for a year now and every month they set new sales records.  And a whole lot of the cost you pay for it is taxes.  Hey, our state is broke so nice to have the revenue.  As for us, we have yet to go buy any.  Personally I have enough problems with drinking and don't need another problem.

We also have never played any of the gambling slot machines that seem to be everywhere in the state these days.  I'm waiting for them to start putting them in bathrooms.

3.  FIREFIGHTERS' STEAK FRY--  Today, the Spring Grove Firefighters are having the annual Steak Fry, so we will be going over to that.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, THE BEHIND YOU LAW:  When you finally give up looking for that item in a store and ask an employee where something is, you know very well that it will be right behind you.

About Last Week-- Part 2: Fish Fry, $1 Pints, and a Wedding Anniversary

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13

Me Kevin, Kelly, Barb and Glen at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for the fish fry, then went to Lake View Place on Grasslake for that inspiring view of the lake and $1 pints sitting out on the deck.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

We went to the McHenry VFW to see Aging Teen Idols with John Piet, but it was too crowded outside so sat inside for awhile before going over to Stucky's for the $1 drafts.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15

We went to Cindy and Jerry's 15th wedding anniversary at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, DOCTOR'S LAW:  If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there, you will feel better.  But, don't make an appointment, and you will stay sick.

About Last Week-- Part 1: Storms and That Field of Dreams Game

Monday and Tuesday, we finally had rain, unfortunately several times in the form of storms.  Monday there were tornado warnings in the area and then a real bad one went through Tuesday, but with no tornadoes, but a lot of tree destruction.  Kevin and Kelly were without electricity from Tuesday night to Saturday.  On Wednesday, I did a Firebird Cruise on Pioneer Road and finally had to get off it because of all of the places where work crews were removing topple trees and big tree limbs from the road.  Plus, one stretch was nothing but little twigs and branches.

But, at least we got rain which was badly needed.

TUESDAY AUGUST 10

Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11

Firebird Cruise

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 12

Finally had to cut the grass because of all the rain.  

I had to make a choice tonight.  Whether to go see the band at Antioch, Illinois' It's Thursday as I originally planned, or go to Stucky's in Johnsburg and see Jim Sieg play music and host a jam.  But, today was also the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa, with the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees playing where the "Field of Dreams" movie was shot.

Well, either way, I'd get my music, but at Stucky's I could also watch the game.  So, Stucky's it was.

And, I am sure glad I did.  Besides all the corn (and them walking out of the corn like in the movie), WOW.  What a game.  The Sox went up 1-0 in the 1st, then fell behind 1-3 in the top of the 3rd before scoring 4 runs in the bottom of that inning to go up 5-3.  They added two more in the 4th to go up 7-3.

The Yankees scored once in the 6th and things were looking good until the 9th, when the Yankees scored 4 times to take a 7-8 lead over the Sox.  I tell you, we were downfallen.

Then Tim Anderson hit that walk-off homerun and a 9-8 win!!  Eight home runs were hit in the game.

Wow!  --RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, LAW OF COMMERCIAL MARKETING STRATEGY:  As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.  Boy do I agree with this one.  I look at it this way.  If I like it, they will take it away from me.

Music Deaths: John Lawton (Uriah Heep) and Gary Corbett

JOHN LAWTON,74

Died 29 June 2021

Singer (Rock).  Lead vocalist with Uriah Heep (1976-1978).

He wasn't with the band when they had their biggest hits, but, he sang them.  Personally, if I had to pick an all-time greatest Heavy Metal Band, it would be this group.

*******************************

GARY CORBETT, 62

Died 14 July 2021

Keyboard player / session musician.  Worked with Ian Hunter, Kiss and Cinderella

WLS Top Ten for Week of August 16, 2021: 'Liar'

Fifty years ago, these were the songs on Chicago's WLS, 890 AM.  If you remember these when they came out, you might be getting a little old.

1.  RIDERS ON THE STORM--  Doors

2.  TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS--  John Denver

3.  SWEET HITCH-HIKER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

4.  SMILING FACES SOMETIMES--  Undisputed Truth

5.  SIGNS--  Five Man Electric Band

6.  HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART--  Bee Gees

7.  MAYBE TOMORROW--  Jackson 5

8.  UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY--  Paul & Linda McCartney

9.  MERCY MERCY ME--  Marvin Gaye

10.  LIAR--  Three Dog Night   (Again, this song and "Take Me Home Country Roads" were my Quantico Summer USMC Camp songs.)

***********************************

DEBITS/HITBOUND

24.  WHATCHA SEE IS WHATCHA GET--  Dramatics

25.  ALL DAY MUSIC-- War

29.  THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN--  Joan Baez

30.  STICK UP--  Honey Cone

***********************************

ALL HIT BOUND--  George Harrison

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Almost Heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Take Me Home Country Roads"

Those Puzzling Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd Song Titles

Saturday, August 14

In the morning I was doing these blogs and listening to Bill St. James' Time Warp Show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  And, he was featuring 1969, a great high school college year for me and played two songs which took my right back to NIU.

The first was "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin and right after it he played "Commotion" by my all-time favorite 60s band (well, 70s as well), CCR, or Creedence Clearwater Revival.  Man, I was right back.

"Whole Lotta Love" is one of the very few Lez Zeppelin songs I know the title of when I hear the song.  For some reason, I just can't remember those song titles.  And the Drive (WDRV) plays lots and lots of Led Zeppelin in their Classic Rock format.  They also play a whole lot of Pink Floyd, another group I have big problems with song titles.

I've heard all the songs from albums of these two groups and recognize the song as one of theirs.  But, name the song, I can't.  If I were ever to get on Sherman and Tingle's show on the Drive and play their Seven Songs in 30 Seconds Challenge I'd be dead in the water if they played any by these two groups.  (They play the song and you guess its name.)

On the subject of Pink Floyd, I was in Mt. Airy, North Carolina,  (the inspiration for Andy Griffith's Mayberry) once and saw a great tee shirt for sale.  It featured a picture of Floyd the Barber in pink and under it, it said "Pink Floyd."  I almost bought it, but like with baseball caps, I sure don't need anymore tee shirts.

I Call WDRV the Station That Zep and Floyd Built.  --RoadDoh!

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE,LAW OF PHYSICAL SURFACES:  The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on the floor are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.

WLS Top 30 for Week of August 9, 1971-- Part 5, The Top Ten: 'Sweet Hitch-Hiker'

*  means it was climbing the WLS charts.  The number behind the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.

10.  DRAGGIN' THE LINE--  Tommy James   #4

9.  *SIGNS--  Five Man Electric Band    #3

8.  NEVER ENDING SONG OF LOVE--  Delaney & Bonnie & Friends    #13

7.  BEGINNINGS/COLOUR MY WORLD--  Chicago     #7    Formerly the Chicago Transit Authority.

6.  *SWEET HITCH-HIKER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival    #6   Their last Top Ten.

5.  *TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS--  John Denver        #2       His first hit.   One of the most popular songs played each year at the Oktoberfest tents in Munich.

4.  *WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE / ABRAHAM, MARTIN & JOHN--  Tom Clay    You should give this one a listen.  Wow!!     #8

3.  *MERCY MERCY ME--  Marvin Gaye    #4

2.  *RIDERS ON THE STORM--  Doors    #14   Their last Top 40.

1.  HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART--  Bee  Gees   #1

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Long-Haired Freaky People Need Not Apply."  --Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Signs"

Last Week-- Part 3: Cubs-Sox Game, Stucky's, Parish Fest and Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6

Decided to go to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes to watch the afternoon White Sox-Cubs game.  Also knew that buddy Coz would be there and he is a huge Sox fan.  And, this was one unbelievable game.  

The Sox had a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the 8th with the Cubs at bat.  We were thinking Sox victory, but no.  Former Cub reliever  Craig Kimbrel, he with the funny right hand posture when he pitches, blew it and the score was 4-4.  But the Sox scored 4 times in the 10th and held on for an 8-6 victory.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

We went to Stucky's in Johnsburg for  the $1 draft pints.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

I went to Parish Fest in Johnsburg and enjoyed Die Musikmeisters Oompah band and had some great food.  Later, Liz and I went to McHenry and I went over to the Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive salute to the Greatest Generation at Veterans Park.  I enjoyed Bill's Little Big Band playing all those great songs from WW II.

I wrote about both of these events in more detail in my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, THE COFFEE LAW:  As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

WLS Top 30 for Week of August 9, 2021-- Part 4: 'Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey'

*  Means climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high it got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.

15.  IT'S TOO LATE / I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE--  Carole King     #1    #12  for "I Feel the Earth Move."   Love the piano intro on "I Feel the Earth Move."  Guess some deejay turned "It's Too Late" over and played the "B" side.

14.  UNCLE ALBERT / ADMIRAL HALSEY--  Paul McCartney     #1    Listed as Paul and Linda McCartney.   Quite an oddball song.  I was upset when the Beatles broke up, but then realized we'd be getting at least three times as many Beatles songs.  I didn't much expect anything from Ringo.  Was I ever wrong.  I always wondered if Paul's Admiral Halsey was our WW II Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey.

13.  MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY--  B.J. Thomas      #34    Billy Joe Thomas, you know.   Now, you've been to church.

12.  SMILING FACES SOMETIMES--  Undisputed Truth      #3    From Detroit.   Their only Top 40 song.   Keep an eye on "Your Friends."  Maybe not so.  

11.  MAYBE TOMORROW--  Jackson Five     #20    Not one of the their better-known songs and I don't even remember hearing it, but, wow, this is a really good song.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Jealousy, Misery, Envy."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Smiling Faces Sometimes"

Last Week: Chipmunk Training, Trivia at Donovan's, Drought, No Wings for Me, Rosie & the Rivets and Classic Car Phobia

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4

The FP (Front Porch) chipmunk about has me trained to its expectations.  I get in big trouble if I don't give it something to eat every time it comes by.  We played trivia at Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and enjoyed happy hour with half price (+25 cents) drinks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5

Watering, watering and watering.  We could SURE use some rain.  We're in our second drought of the summer.  

I drove to Antioch, Illinois, for their It's Thursday party.  Along the way, I had in mind to stop at Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake for their 35 cent wings and 35 cent loaded potatoes.  No dice son, too crowded.  Then figured I'd stop at Bootlegger's on Grasslake Road, but they too were packed.

Ended up at Roost On 59 (on Illinois Highway 59) and had their great Chicago dog meal.

Then to Antioch for the 50s-60s band Rosie & the Rivets and the car show.  Watched an hour, but left early when we started getting some raindrops.  You should have seen those classic car guys scramble.  I think they think their cars will melt of they get wet.  (Heaven forbid if even a speck of dust gets on it.  Out comes the chamois and lightly move it off the exterior!!)

Why Go Elsewhere.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, LAW OF THE RESULT:  When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work it will.

WLS Top 30 for Week of August 9, 1971-- Part 3: 'Ain't No Sunshine'

20.  *WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN--  Who      #15    Who's screaming?  The ultimate Rock and Roll Song?  8:33 of pure, unadulterated RnR.

19.  *RESURRECTION SHUFFLE--  Ashton, Gardner & Dyke      #40    Now, this was one cool song.  Sadly, mostly forgotten these days.  Such a groove.  Their only-ever Top 100 song.

18.  *AIN'T NO SUNSHINE--  Bill Withers      #3      Just 2:06 long.   Can you get any more laid back and not fall asleep?  "I know, I know, I Know."

17.  *LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH--  Isley Brothers       #18      Funkin' up Stephen's song.  Comment:  "The Isley Brothers could sing the words of a phone book and still win a Grammy."

16.  *LIAR--  Three Dog Night     #7     The song was originally done by Argent.  This song takes me right back to Q Town.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Advocating Love But Don't Know Why."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Resurrection Shuffle"

Last Week: Eatin' and Drinkin' Cheap in the Neighborhood, Firebird Cruise, Car Show and Slow Tacos

MONDAY, AUGUST 2

We went to Bricks 'N Ivy in Spring Grove, Illinois, for their half price pizza special on Monday.  We got a 16-inch Harry Caray pizza which is a real garbage pizza with four veggies and four meats.  It cost $13.50.  We also enjoyed a $5 pitcher of Miller Lite.  Then went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg where we had $1.50 pints.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

Went on a short Firebird Cruise and went from  end to end on Pioneer Road.  It is one of McHenry County's Scenic Roads and well-earned at that.  I had taken it often from Illinois Highway 31 and that is a pretty stretch, but didn't know it continued on to West Solon Road to the north.

The McHenry Scenic Roads site describes it as 4 miles long in McHenry and Richmond townships.

I went to the McHenry Moose Lodge Classic Car Show on Il.-31 later and saw the most beautiful 1967 Firebird ever.  I am a big Firebird fan and at one time had a 1967 Firebird convertible along with my 1985 one which I still have and take on those Firebird Cruises.

But, if you want the Moose Tuesday special tacos, 3 for $5, I discovered you'd best go inside, place your order and then look at the cars.  It generally takes at least 30 minutes to get served.  Tonight it was a new record, 45 minutes.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, LAW OF CLOSE ENCOUNTERS:  The probability of meeting somebody you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

WLS Top 30 for Week of August 9, 1971-- Part 2: 'I Just Want to Celebrate'

* means it is climbing the charts.

25.  DON'T PULL YOUR LOVE--  Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds       #4    Classic early 70s rock.  Still don't know why Joe Frank got his names in the group name and the other two just their last names.

24.  MOON SHADOW--  Cat Stevens      #30   Too bad he gave up singing.  Follow up to "Wild World."  I especially remember listening to his "Tea for the Tillerman" album when I lived at Ski's trailer at the University of Georgia.  Takes me right back.

23.  YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND--  James Taylor     #1     Everybody needs a real good friend like James.  His only #1 hit.

22.  *I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE--  Rare Earth       #7    The drummer does the lead singing.  Who says white guys can't sing soul?  From Detroit.  One of the first white groups signed by Motown.

21.  SOONER OR LATER--  Grass Roots    #9     As far as I am concerned, this is a very underrated group.  One of the members was Creed Bratton, one of the stars of the TV show "The Office."  From San Francisco.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "And If I Ever Lose My hands, Lose My Plow, Lose My Land."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Moon Shadow"

WLS Top 30 for Week of August 9, 1971-- Part 1: 'Spanish Harlem'

The top 30 songs in Chicago fifty years ago this week.

*  means it was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high it got on the National Billboard Charts.

ALL HIT BOUND

*ALL DAY MUSIC--  War       #35      Is this a laid-back song or what?  A great summer song.    Someone said they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  That would be a shame.  (I looked it up.  They aren't.  Come on guys!!)

*STICK UP--  Honey Cone       #11   Lead singer Edna Wright died last year.   She was the sister of Darlene Love.  Follow up to huge hit "Want Ads"  (#1-1971)

*I WOKE UP IN LOVE THIS MORNING--  Partridge Family     #13      Made popular by the TV show which ran from 1970-74.  This was their 4th straight song to be #13 or higher.

30.  *TAKE ME GIRL, I'M READY--     Hr. Walker & the All Stars      #50     Sax Me, Baby.  I've heard this song many times, but didn't know the name.  Now I do.

29.  *GO AWAY LITTLE GIRL--  Donny Osmond      #1      A bit too high of a voice to sing this song.    Donny back in his Michael days.  Could have been a Gary Puckett song.

28.   *WEDDING SONG--  Paul Stookey       #24     As in the Peter, Paul & Mary guy.  Wonder how many times this song was played at weddings?

27.  *SPANISH HARLEM--  Aretha Franklin       #2      Making another song her own.

26.  *MOTHER FREEDOM--  Bread      #37      And you thought they just did schmaltzy slow songs.    Too bad they didn't do more rockin' songs, though.  Could have been longer also.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Know That Your Lips Are Sweet, But Our Lips Must Never Meet."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Go Away Little Girl"

Good Times Around Here, August 1-- Part 3: Summer of 1971, PLAV's Street Party, Brats, Burgers, Beer and a Band

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1

The usual Sunday morning stuff.  Bob Stroud played part 3 of his annual Rock and Roll Roots to the Summer of 1971, fifty years ago.  Of course, I had to record it.  You can see what he played in the last several posts.  He'll have a part 4 on Sunday, September 5 from 9 am to noon CDST on WDRV. This was a fun college year for me, spent between NIU and UGA.

Watered and watered and watered.  We could sure use some rain.

I had planned to go to the McHenry VFW to watch their afternoon band and then go to the McHenry American Legion.  But Liz said she thought she had seen something from the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in McHenry about their annual summer street party.

There was no question where I wanted to go when  I got that bit of information.  Get me to the PLAV ASAP.

She was right.  Of course, we didn't have it last year because of you-know-what, so I was really looking forward to it and would not have been very happy to miss it.  I'm so glad Liz told me about it.

For $15, I got auce and aycd brats, burgers, side salads, corn on the cob and draft beer.  Now, that is what I call a deal.  Plus, we had a great country band playing and karaoke in between.  And the weather was hot, but breezy and felt fine under the tent.

Afterwards, to the McHenry Legion for an adequate $2.50 Bloody Mary.

A Real Good Time.  Thanks PLAV.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, WARM WATER THEOREM:  When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.  And, I have an ADDENDUM:  Just as soon as you fall asleep for your nap, the phone doth ring.

Good Times Around Here July 31-- Part 2: Front Porch, Radio, Two State Parks and Stucky's

SATURDAY, JULY 31

The usual morning stuff, FP, internet and radio (Bill St. James' Time Warp, WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback 1992-1993 and the Surf's Beach Music Top 25 Countdown)

Took a nice Firebird Cruise south of here to the Moraine Hills State Park and the McHenry Dam State Park.  These are two of the most beautiful parks you can imagine.  Lots of walking trails and views.

I went to the McHenry Dam Park first and you get a view of the dam on the Fox River which regulates the depth of the Chain of Lakes.  The other side of it you can see the Stratton Locks which boaters use to get up and down the river.

The Moraine Hills Park takes its name from the geologic form known as a moraine, which is an accumulation of boulders and rocks and other debris deposited by a glacier when it melts.

There were a lot of people taking advantage of the two parks with picnics, walking and fishing at the dam.

We went to Stucky's that evening for the $1 draft pints and I had the chicken Kiev special.

--RoadDog

Songs From the Summer of '71-- Part 9, August 1, 1971: 'Sweet Hitchhiker'

Nothin' finer than going back fifty years ago and doing some 'membering as happens with this show by Bob Stroud on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.  And, we still have one more coming on Sunday, September 5.  That will be his final of four installments until next June when on the first Sunday he'll do the Summer of 1972, another college year for me.  And, those college years were a WHOLE lot of fun for me.

GET IT ON--  Chase    Horns, we need more horns.

RESURRECTION SHUFFLE--  Ashton, Gardner & Dyke   Too bad stations don't play this song more.

STATESBORO BLUES--  Allman Brothers

INDIAN RESERVATION--  Raiders   What?  No Paul?

SWEET HITCHHIKER--  CCR   As I've said before, my favorite 60s-70s band.

RAIN DANCE--  Guess Who

IT'S TOO LATE--  Carole King

REASON TO BELIEVE--  Rod Stewart

AQUALUNG--  Jethro Tull    Really?  Heavy Metal Grammy?

RIDERS  ON THE STORM--  Doors   Poor Jim was dead when this song came out on the radio.

DRAGGIN' THE LINE--  Tommy James    The number one song in Chicago this date.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Eying Little Girls With Bad Intent.  Snot Running Down His Nose."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Aqualung"

Songs from the Summer of '71-- Part 8, August 1, 1971: 'Go Down Gambling'

Songs on the radio and in your record collection fifty years ago today.

GO DOWN GAMBLING--  Blood, Sweat & Tears

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND--  James Taylor

RINGS--  Cymarron

TOO MANY PEOPLE--  Paul McCartney

UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY--HIGH TIME WE WENT--  Paul McCartney

SIGNS--  Five Man Electric Band

STRANGE KIND OF WOMAN--  Deep Purple

WILD HORSES--  Rolling Stones

WATCH THE RIVER FLOW--  Bob Dylan

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Long-Haired Freaky People Need Not Apply."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Signs"

Songs From the Summer of '71-- Part 7, August 1, 1971: 'Walk Away'

This past Sunday, Bob Stroud had his third installment of his annual Rock and Roll Roots Salute to the summer fifty years past.  That would be 1971 this year.  In his show, he plays the songs on the radio and in your record collection from that day.  It is always the first Sunday in each month June, July August and September.

I really look forward to it as it really takes me back in time. 1971 was a great college year for me split between NIU and UGA.

I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE--  Rare Earth

THE CHANGELING--  Doors

SMILING FACES (SOMETIMES)--  Undisputed Truth

LIAR--  Three Dog Night     (A song that always brings back memories of Quantico, Virginia, for me at Summer Camp.)

MOVE OVER--  Janis Joplin

(SOMEBODY ELSE BEEN) SHAKING YOUR TREE--  ZZ Top  (Sad to lose Dusty Hill last week.)

WALK AWAY--  James Gang

NEVER ENDING SONG OF LOVE--  Delaney & Bonnie

LOW DOWN--  Chicago

--RoadDog'71

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Won't Ever Leave, You Want Me To Stay."  Answer below.  

"Liar"

WLS Top Ten for Week of August 2, 1971: 'Take Me Home, Country Roads'

Can anyone say fifty years ago?  Can anyone say half a century ago?  Who's old?

These were the songs playing on Chicago's WLS, 890 AM (World's Largest Store) back then.

1.  HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART--  Bee Gees

2.  NEVERENDING SONG OF LOVE--  Delaney & Bonnie & Friends

3.  BEGINNINGS--  Chicago

4.  DRAGGIN' THE LINE--  Tommy James

5.  MERCY MERCY ME--  Marvin Gaye

6.  WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW /ABRAHAM, MARTIN  & JOHN--  Tom Clay

7.  RIDERS ON THE STORM--  Doors

8.  TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS--  John Denver

9.  MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY--  B.J. Thomas

10.  IT'S TOO LATE--  Carole King

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DEBUTS

24.  UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY--  Paul McCartney

25.  LIAR--  Three Dog Night

26.  AIN'T NO SUNSHINE--  Bill Withers

27.  I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE--  Rare Earth

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ALL HIT BOUND

TAKE ME GIRL, I'M READY--  Jr. Walker & the All Stars

CRAZY ABOUT THE LA LA LA--  Smokey Robinson & the Miracles

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"Liar" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" always remind me of my six weeks in the USMC at Quantico, Virginia.)

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Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Makin' A Livin' The Old Hard Way Takin' And Givin' By Day By Day."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Draggin' the Line"

Good Times Around Here July 29-30: Trivia, Donovan's, Firebird Cruises, It's Thursday, Band, Fish Fry and Stucky's

As usual, Summer, where else do you want to be besides around here.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

Played trivia during the afternoon at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and enjoyed the half price Happy Hour.

THURSDAY, JULY 29 

I went for a cruise in the '85 Firebird while enjoying Summer Music from Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV on the cassette deck.  Then went to It's Thursday in Antioch, Illinois, where I saw the band Hillbilly Rock Stars who played country music.

FRIDAY, JULY 30

Took another Firebird Cruise and drove over to the VFW in McHenry to try their fish fry and watch the New Odyssey Guy perform his music show, but it was too crowded so ended up at Stucky's in Johnsburg and had their fish fry and a good time talking with friends.  Stucky's is one of our main hangouts.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, VARIATION LAW:  If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time.)

Music Deaths: Ellen Mcllwaine and Johnny Solinger (Of Skid Row)

ELLEN McLLWAINE, 75

Died 23 June 2021

Singer / songwriter / slide guitar player (folk and blues)

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JOHNNY SOLINGER, 55

Died 26 June 2021

Lead vocalist with rock band Skid Row.   

Two big hits:

"18 and Life"  (#4-1989)

"I Remember You"  (#6-1990)

Every Blooming THing, Early August 2021: Prime Season

I regard this period of time as the best my yard has to offer.  It is a blaze of color from one end to the other with the most blooms of the year.

Right now, the purple cone flowers, black-eyed susans, daylillies, hostas and tall phlox are blooming.  And, I have hundreds of each of them.  I also have some sort of tall mini sunflowers blooming right now and even a few bee balm are still in bloom but most are gone.

But, sadly, we are in drought conditions for a second time so I have been out watering a whole lot.  At least I haven't cut the grass in awhile.  It isn't growing, but the weeds are doing real well, especially over the one septic line that is used.

I have also been very busy cutting back bushes and weed trees that have taken over parts of the back yard.

I have also been busy planting all the annuals that I bought at Menard's when they finally put them on sale.

Always Fun and Games in The Yard.  --RoadFlower