Carlos Rodon's No-Hitter Last Night: 'One Shoelace Away From Perfection'

Good ol' frigid Comiskey Park (sorry, it will always be Comiskey Park for me) in April.  One place that is not good to be for night games in April and May because it is soooooo COLD!!  And I know, having been there many times over the years in April and May.

It was kind of strange because yesterday I was thinking about another near perfect game in which I was in attendance at Comiskey, and that one was back to 1983.  I was thinking about it during the morning and even went to a site about the game.  Of course, this was way before Carlos Rodon took the mound yesterday.

And, like 1983, it was a perfect game going into the 9th inning.  Last night, Rodon had one out in the 9th when he hit a Cleveland Indians' foot which put him on first and ruined the perfect game, but at least he still had a no hitter going.  He then got the next two outs to preserve his first no-hitter.

Sadly, though, in 1983, Detroit Tiger Milt Wilcox had a perfect game with two outs in the 9th, when it was all ruined by a White Sox pinch hitter.  The single ruined not only the perfect game, but the no hitter.  I am a huge White Sox fan, but not when I am about to see baseball history being made.

White Sox announcer Steve Stone, himself a former major league pitcher summed it up perfect with these words: "One Shoelace away from perfection."

--RoadSox

Okay, It's Groundhog Day, Again. Did Our Local Varmint, Woodstock Willie, See His Shadow?

It is now 7:36 am on February 2, 2021.  As the old tale goes, if a groundhog sees his (or her) shadow at sunrise, there will be six more weeks of mean old winter.

Sunrise here in Spring Grove, Illinois, was at 7:06.  I am looking at the window here deep in the basement of Key North and, there can be no shadows for Woodstock Willie if they have the same clouds we have (and Woodstock, where the famous movie was filmed) is just 18 miles away.

So, it is going to be an easy winter from here on out, or so they say.

And, it needs to be.  After a fairly easy November and December, January was a real bear.  We received a lot of snow on several different occasions and very little of it has melted because of cold temperatures and a lack of sunlight.  That snow is really piled up.  Just this past week, we received about 5 inches on Tuesday and another 9 inches Saturday-Sunday.

And, starting this Friday and going through to Thursday, Feb. 11 our forecasts call for cold, real cold.  Highs for those days:  15, 12, 3, 8, 10, 12, 14.  Lows for those days:  1, -5, -6, -1, -4, -2 and 1.

It is time for those Canadians to quit sending us their weather!!!!!  Build that northern border wall!!!

By the way, that "other" original groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did see his shadow.  But that's Pennsylvania.

Are You Sure Woodstock Willie Didn't See His Shadow?   --RoadCold

JSS: Winter Arrives Early-- Halloween Decorations-- Even Cold in Myrtle Beach-- How About That Wall MR. PRESIDENT?

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  WINTER ARRIVES EARLY--   It definitely has arrived early.  We had 5 inches of snow on Halloween and another 5 inches  yesterday.  And today, temps never much got past 20 degrees all day.

2.  HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS-- Unfortunately, I had taken down the Halloween outside decorations but not brought them inside.  Now they are covered with snow.  I'll have to wait for a warm up.  I sure hope it gets a bit warmer.

3.  EVEN COLD IN MYRTLE BEACH--  I usually listen to WVCO, 94.9 the Surf in North Myrtle Beach most mornings and they are talking of temperatures below freezing and wind chill tomorrow of around 20 degrees.  So, I don't feel so bad.

4.  HOW ABOUT THAT WALL, MR. PRESIDENT?--  I know our president would like to build a wall along our border with Mexico.  But I have a better idea for a wall.  Let's build it where an even bigger problem exists, and that would be along our northern border.

Now, don't get me wrong, I like Canadians, BUT I sure don't like THEIR WEATHER!!!  I think they should keep their weather on their own side of the wall and quit sending it to us.

Come On, Mr. President.  Build That Wall.  --RoadWall

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

DID YOU KNOW:  The symbol on the "pound" key (#) is called an octothorpe.

Don't octothorpe me.

JSS: BBBBrrrrr!!!!-- Cold Or Hurricanes and Floods?--- Groundhog Day Festival

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.    BBBBBRRRRR!!!  Yep, mighty cold here in Spring Grove, Illinois, of late.  Never got over -10 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday at 9 a.m., it was -23 degrees.  But, today, predicted high of 22 degrees.   Then Saturday our first day over freezing in weeks at 41 degrees and possibly 50 degrees by Monday.

When it hits 41 degrees on Saturday, folks will regard that as almost shorts and tee shirt weather.  We didn't go out at all Wednesday, but I'm imagining that even the dumb high school and college boys weren't out in their winter tee shirts and shorts.

2.  COLD OR HURRICANES & FLOODS--  Listening to the Surf in North Myrtle Beach, SC, on Thursday and  it was 27 degrees going to the mid 40s.  DJ Jim Morgan was talking about how much better it was living there than in Chicago.  But I just have to think of their hurricanes and floods.

Even when they don't get hit by these, they have to worry about pretty much any tropical storm out in the Atlantic.  If I have a choice between hurricanes and cold, I'll go with the cold.

3.  GROUNDHOG DAY FESTIVAL--  In Woodstock, Illinois, where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed.  It started Thursday and goes to this Sunday.  For the events, go to my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.  And, this year, Steve Tobolowski, who played Ned the insurance salesman will be there.

And, Lake Geneva, Illinois, has their annual winter festival with snow sculpturing and all sorts of other stiff this weekend.

--RoadDog

OK, So It's Cold

Temp this morning on front porch was -16 and just recently at 1:30 p.m. was -6.  All hunkered down inside though and unless we lose electricity, should be alright.  Liz showed me a picture of Michigan Avenue in Chicago this morning with but one car to be seen.  Folks hunkering down.

But, of course it is cold, but our weather folk are making way too big of a thing of it.  Just part of today's do everything to the extreme age we're in.  Weather event equals more viewers equals more advertising money.  Or something like it.

And, our good folks at Big Oil are showing their empathy  Sunday gas in Fox Lake, Illinois, was $1.96 ($1.95.9) and yesterday it was $2.30.  Someone going to make a buck?

Listened to WVCO, the Surf, out of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., this morning, as I do most mornings, and they were at 30 degrees and all they could do was talk about Chicago's cold.

Well, Cold Over Hurricanes Any Old Day For Me.  --RoadCold

IN 50 YEARS OF LIVING YOU LEARN:  You should not confuse your career with your life.

Not Saying It's Cold, But, BBbbrrrrrRR!!

An hour ago, the temperature in nearby McHenry, Illinois, according to WeatherBug was -10.4 degrees with a windchill to -25 degrees.  The front porch thermometer reads -5 degrees at the house and -10 on the deck.

Those doggone Canadians have sent us their weather again despite my specifically asking them not to do it.  Some about that "P.V." swear word.

Once again, most every school here in northeast Illinois is closed (the fourth day so far this year).  Like I used to tell my students, "Snow/cold days are great if you don't have to make them up.  But, if you do, unfortunately, you make them up in June when the weather is nice."  They just couldn't grasp the concept.

But, we have a "heat wave" on its way.  Temps tomorrow high of 21, Saturday high of 30.  Then Sunday 15-19, Monday 7-11 and Tuesday lower 20s.

Shoulda Gone to Florida.  Just Couldn't Get There.  --RoadDog


BEST NORM PETERSON QUOTES FROM "CHEERS":  What's the story, Mr. peterson?  "The Bobsey Twins go to a brewery.  Let's cut to the happy ending."

Too Much to Do Today

I keep telling Antioch and McHenry here in Illinois to stop having their big festivals on the same day, Thursdays, and same weekend, this one. is  Antioch's annual Taste of Summer which started Thursday and the McHenry Fiesta Days started last weekend and continues until tomorrow.

Last Sunday, we saw two bands at Peterson Park in McHenry (as part of thier Fiesta Days Concerts) and in just a little while are heading to downtown for the Art in the Park and street parties with all their bands in downtown McHenry.  Afterwards, we plan on going to the Legion in Fox Lake for Ron Payton playing on the guitar and later to Captain's Quarters for the band or Antioch for their band.

Tomorrow, McHenry has their parade and then Antioch has the Beatles Tribute band American English playing and after that back to Captain's for another band.

Too Much Goin' On Around Here.  --RoadDog

Cold Play: WXRT Playlist For a Bitter Cold Chicago Winter-- Part 2

11. VALLEY WINTER SONG-- Fountains of Wayne //// 12. **SNOW (HEY OH)-- Red Hot Chili Peppers //// 13. FIFTEEN FEET OF PURE WHITE SNOW-- Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds //// 14. GOODBYE ENGLAND COVERED IN SNOW--Laura Marling //// 15. **COLD COLD COLD-- Little Feat //// 16. FOR EMMA-- Bon Iver //// 17. OUTSIDE-IN (A WINTER'S TALE)-- Queen //// 18. 50 WORDS FOR SNOW-- Kate Bush //// 19. A LONG DECEMBER-- Counting Crows //// 20. JAMMING-- Bob Marley (OK, they said it was to get you out of your winter blues. //// I Liked That Last Song Best. --RoadDog

Our Canadian Friends DEFINITELY Aren't keeping Their Cold Weather to Themselves

That sultry 40 degree day we had last week is a thing of fond memory. And, that new two-word swear word, the "P.V." is back!! Just looked out at our outside thermometers. The one in back is at -2 and the one in front at 0 degrees. High and lows for next three days: TODAY: 11, -3 degrees // THURSDAY: 5, -10 degrees // FRIDAY: 15, 7 degrees. //// I'm thinking they should give back their hockey Gold Medals. //// "P.V."= Polar Vortex. --RoadDog

Fun Times Here On the Frozen Tundra-- Part 3: Take That, South!

I saw last night that temperature in Nome, Alaska, way up north, hit the 50s yesterday. OK, what is wrong with this scenario? Right now, I'm listening to 94.9 FM, the Surf, out of North Myrtle Beach, SC, and they are talking a lot about the winter storm on its way. //// Yesterday, I was listening to John Radio out of some place between Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C., and the winter storm heading their way was a big topic and people were having a run on stores for survival items. My sister lives in Savannah and told my mom the same thing. //// Also yesterday, I was listening to my classic country station, WBRF in Galax, Virginia, and they were talking about how cold it was goingto get today. //// Mom said it was 60 degrees in Goldsboro, NC, yesterday, but will be below freezing today. //// Before a couple weeks ago, I'd never heard of an Arctic Vortex, but I am really getting tired of the "V" word right now. Those Canadians can keep it. But Southerners, including Mom, are blaming us in the North for sending it their way. //// I Believe Everyone Should Get a Little Taste. --RoadDog

Fun Times Here on the Frozen Tundra-- Part 2: Eyeball Freezin' Weather

Thawing out now after just taking the garbage out to the end of the driveway. And the birds had finished off the feeder, so had to refill that as well. That involved a trip through three-foot snow drifts on the east side of the house. Hope they appreciate it, but I did hear some fuss tweeting complaining that I hadn't filled it in a timely manner and fashion. //// While in the back of the house filling the feeder, my neighbor Steve came running out his backdoor holding his dog Allie in the air. He said that Allie would not go out on her own in this cold and was just about to go in the house when he grabbed her. Unfortunately for him, he was wearing his shorts, so there he stood waiting for the dog to go in short pants. Now, he had to be quite cold. //// Hey, I was wearing two pairs of gloves and several layers of clothes and an exrtra heavy coat. And, I was still cold. //// Temperature outside this morning when I logged on was a crisp -14.5 degees in nearby McHenry. And, I still have to do the driveway again which got drifted over in places because of yesterday's high winds. //// And, It's Not Any better "Down South." --RoadDog

What a Wild and Crazy Week This Has Been

Weather Here in the Midwest, along the Illinois-Wisconsin line has been crazier than usual this last week. Monday and Tuesday that V.Thing came and got us and the real temp never got over 0 degrees nor wind chill over -30 degrees. I didn't even poke my nose out the door, other than fighting the freezing pop bottles in the garage. //// Wednesday, when the temp got up to the balmy 4 degrees (and it seriously did seem like a heat wave), I did leave the house, partly because the delayed-by-one-day garbage pickup was here and I needed to see a movie to break a slight case of cabin fever. //// Then, a continued warm up fo 20 degrees Thursday and then Friday we started out with something called a freezing fog which later turned into a freezing rain as we finally got to 32 degrees. Lots of melting snow and flooding, including regular ponds on some roads. (We hit one in Spring Grove.) //// Wow, 33 degerees right now and I went out to get thick packed snow off the front bushes as they were bending down real low. I then started chopping ice off the driveway and front sidewalk. Now, that is sure an aching back kind of an effort. //// We have sure had one heavy duty winter so far, starting back on December 8th when we had a surprise 8 inches of snow. We are now with maybe an inch of Chicago's annual snowfall and, of course, winter has just begun. Then, we had some ice storms which were one reason I didn't really completely clear off the snow so we could at least have some traction. //// And then, that lousy George Clooney is on TV with commercials about the wonders of Michigan's winters about every commercial break. Best that I don't see him right now. //// What Was That Thing About the Moon That Jackie Gleason Used to Say To His Wife? --RoadDog

JSS: Door Stops-- Pop-- Windows

JSS-- Just Some Stuff. //// 1. DOOR STOPS-- We have door stops at the base of the front door and door leading out to the garage which keep the cold out at their bases. Next time, though, that I buy one it will be orange or something bright as the oens we have are black and everytime I go to go out the door, it jams up. //// POP-- Whenever stores have a sale on the two-liter pop ($1 or less), I stock up and have the bottles out on the shelves in the garage. I'be been keeping an eye on them to see that they don't freeze. I also have a supply of Diet Cheerwine bottles I brought from North Carolina which I'm being especially careful as you can't buy them around here. //// WINDOWS-- Last night, I closed all the shades on the windows to keep the warmth in as much as possible. This morning, I opened the ones with a southern exposure to let the sunlight in while it is out. I'll close them again around 4. //// Keeping As Warm As Can. --RoadDog

Just Got In From Christmas Lights and Is It Ever Cold Out There

Inside and trying to get the feeling back in my fingers. It is COLD out there, about 20 degrees and a strong breeze making it worse. It was just like that yesterday so froze as well. That is a major problem around these parts along the Illinois/Wisconsin border.

But, I have them all up except for the icycles from the garage eaves and along the front porch.

Fortunately, I got all of the ones on the gazebo (inside and outside), the deck and sunroom up before I left for Thanksgiving in North Carolina.

Thawing out for that big game tonight at 7 PM CST on ESPN2 for the MAC Championship.

Deck the Lights With Frozen Fingers. --RoadDog

Bbbrr!! It Sure Got Cold Last Night

Last night capped off a cold and rainy day around the Wisconsin/Illinois border. Temps got down to the low 30s and their was frost and the Firebird's windows this morning. Hopefully, this is winter's last rotten gasp. This has been quite the miserable winter. And even when we went south it turned cold.

Didn't have to do anything with the plants as the only things up right now or bulbs. Hopefully, there was no harm to the budding trees. The Bradford pears and crabapples always put on a great show in the spring.

However, it is supposed to get into the 70s later this week.

It's Time to Get the Boat Out, Not to Get Snow Off the Driveway. --RoadDog

BRRRRRR!!! It's Cold Outside

This is one of the coldest days that I can remember.

This morning, when I got up at 8, the thermometer on the deck clocked in at a -10 degrees. That's about the coldest I ever remember it reading.

By 10 a.m., it had warmed to -5. By 1 p.m., we had a heat wave strike and actually broke zero degrees, all the way to 2 degrees.

Just as it got dark at 5, it had dropped back to -2.

These numbers are without wind, which thankfully hasn't been too bad today.

I didn't feel too bad, because even my relatives down south had it considerably colder than usual, but not as cold as here in Spring Grove, Illinois.

Baby, It's Cold Outside. --RoadDog

Been Ice Breaking

I spent some time Tuesday and a lot of time yesterday breaking up ice and snow on the driveway. It finally got over freezing, the first time since Dec. 2nd.

Usually, you can count on above freezing enough days to help, but not this go around.

December 1st, we had three inches of snow and then rain as it got up to the upper 30s on Sunday. Then we had the deep freeze and it all became ice. Then we had 6-8 inches of snow on two different occasions and several other days of multi-inch accumulation.

I decided not to use the snow blower Dec. 2nd and, judging by sore muscles today, surely regret that decision.

I'll be heading out shortly to break up some more ice. I try to make holes and that helps speed up the melting.

Aching Back Fun and Times Here in Illinois. --RoadDog