A Storm, Civil War Round Table, Oak Park Lounge, Sunnyside and Beatles

SATURDAY, JULY 23

We had quite the storm last night with plenty of lightning, thunder and some of the worst hail we've ever seen.  Beware all the roofing companies who'll be about now.

Went to Panera Bread in Cryustal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group on Lee and His Generals.  Stopped at Wendy's in McHenry on the way home and had one of their Biggie Bags for $5, a good deal in these days of no deals.

Stopped at the Pink Harrison cabin which was plaqued earlier this month.  Liz did not know it was there.  We had wanted to see the afternoon band at the Lakehouse on Pistakee (Lake), but it was too crowded, so ended up at Oak Park Lounge for a couple beers.  That is real old-time Chain of Lakes.  Then stopped at Sunnyside in Johnsburg on the way home.

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SUNDAY, JULY 25

Bob Stroud Root Saluted the Beatles' "Something New" album which was released this date in 1964 during the force of Beatlemania.  I realize the later Beatles songs were much better efforts, but to me the early ones were the real "FUN" ones.  Recorded the show on cassette.  Songs on the album:

I'll Cry Instead

Things We Said Today

Any Time At All

When I Get Home

Slow Down

Matchbox

Tell Me Why

And I Love Her

I'm Happy Just to Dance With You

If I Fell

Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand

Went to the McHenry American Legion and Sunnyside in the afternoon.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If you replace  the "W" with a "T" in "What, Where & When", you would have the answer to each one.

Ending March: Crystal Lake, MCCWRT, Half-Price Books, CDs

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting with today's topic being Civil War Artillery.  We were occasionally on topic.  Then drove to Algonquin and bought eight CDs at Half-Price Books.  All were $2 except one:

STICKY FINGERS--  Rolling Stones

OKTOBERFEST IN CHICAGO--  Die Musikmeisters

BUBBLEGUM, GARAGE AND POP NUGGETS--  22 songs

ACTUAL MILES GREATEST HITS--  Don Henley

GREATEST HITS--  Little River Band

ONLY THE BEGINNING THE VERY BEST OF--  Chicago

COUNTRY LEGENDS--  36 Hits   3 CDs

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION SEVENTIES 100 HITS  This one was $10 for four CD set.

And, I Still Play CDs and Record on Cassette Tape  --RoadCD

Around Here: A Civil War Discussion, Karaoke, a Legion, Da Bears Blown Out and Stucky's

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting at Panera Bread.  Today's topic was the Battle of Perryville.  And, we actually somewhat stayed on topic much of the time.

Later, we went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois, for dinner and the $1 draft Pints.  Had a great time singing karaoke.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24

The usual morning on the internet, posting blogs and listening to the radio stations.

We went to the McHenry American Legion and watched one of the worst beat-downs ever on Da Bears at the hands of Da Brady and Da Buccaneers.  It was sad.  Very sad.

Then went to Stucky's to further drown our sorrows.

--RoadDog

Civil War, Half-Price Books, Sliders, Stucky's, Radio, Margaritaville, Da Bears, Legion and Concert

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Drove to Panera Bread Co. in Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group,    This month's topic was Lee's First Invasion, 1862.  Nothing like getting together with a bunch of like-minded folks to talk about history, drink some coffee and today I had a Bear Claw.  That was good as I hadn't had one in a long time.

Afterwards, I drove to Algonquin, and even got through the Algonquin Road-Randall Road intersection without having to wait.  That is a first for me.  I drive the extra six miles to Algonquin because they have two of my favorite places, Half-Price Books and White Castle.  Love those cheap books and CDs at the first place, and, of course, a ten-pack of those beloved Sliders.

Cut the grass and later went to Stucky's in Johnsburg for their $1 pints.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

The usual morning stuff of internet and Breakfast with the Beatles and Rock and Roll Roots on the radio and then watched the first part of the Bears game in Margaritaville, our downstairs bar, then the second half at the McHenry American Legion.  Enjoyed one of their Adequate Bloody Marys for $2.50.  

I left in the 4th quarter when it became apparent Da Bears were completely outclassed and going to lose (poor Justin Fields in his first start at qb was sacked NINE times) and went over to the nearby Miller Park on the Fox River where I met friend Pam and saw a set by a local performer who put on quite a show.  This was the final concert of the summer season there and what a perfect day for it.

Afterwards went back to the Legion for awhile and then home.

Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog

Last Week: A Fish Fry, Back to the Legion, Civil War, CDs, Sliders, Stucky's, Band, Another Legion

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

We met Kevin and Kelly at Wilmot Riverside in Wilmot, Wisconsin, for their great fish fry and $2 drafts.  Afterwards, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion for the first time in many months.  We used to be there most every Friday for 50-50 and lots of fun, but certain things in their leadership happened which we did not like and we stopped going.

We used to be there a whole lot for other things, and I am hoping to start going back again.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting where we talked about and looked at Civil War-era newspapers.  Two members brought in the real newspapers from then.

Afterwards, I went to my favorite two stores these days: Half-Price Books and White Castle. Half-Price Books has, of course, used books, but also albums and CDs.  Three of my favorite things.  And, White Castle has those delicious Sliders.

Went to Stucky's at night.  Thanked Craig and his wife for the bottle if Blue Nun.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

Went to McHenry, Illinois, got the $1 bacon cheeseburger special at Burger King and ate them at the band concert in Miller Park.  Went to the McHenry American Legion for the Bloody Marys and found out that buddy Mark was in the hospital.

Satisfied My Slider Attack.  --RoadDog

A Busy Weekend-- Part 2: Old Friends, Vets and Ed Bearrs

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7

This being Pearl Harbor Day, the 77th anniversary, I wrote about it in all my blogs.  My flags were already up for President Bush's funeral.

I drove to Bristol, Wisconsin, to have breakfast with former teachers from John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois.  We had our first get-together back in November and hope to get it to being a regular monthly thing.  It is always fun to get together with old friends, especially ones you don't often see.  A lot of retired teachers from Round Lake have moved to warmer climes, but enough of us stay here to have them.

Afterwards, I drove to the Fox Lake, Illinois, American Legion Post 703 where we were putting on our annual Christmas dinner for the people at the VA Hospital in North Chicago.  I worked in the kitchen plating yams, mashed potatoes and gravy.  We served around 125.

Later I drove to Arlington Heights, Illinois, and visited the grave of Liz's parents in Memory Gardens and then, with some difficulty found the place where Ed Bearrs was going to speak for the Northern Illinois Civil War Round Table at the Arlington Hts. Museum.  Mr. Bearrs is one of the preeminent Civil War people, having written many books and led many battlefield tours.  It was worth the distance and confusion to hear him.  I will eventually get around to writing about him in my Civil War blog.

A Very Long Day.  --RoadDog