Tournament Time Is Here!! Whoopee!!

MARCH 21--  THURSDAY

Well, we are upon my favorite sporting event of the year, the NCAA Road to the Final Four and National Basketball Championship.  And it arrived today (well, other than the four play-in games).  

This is a time I pull for the Little Guys vs. the Big Guys, even if the Big Guy is one of my favorites like Duke, UNC or Kansas.  For me, it's all about the upsets and especially Cinderella stories.  I remember when Gonzaga made that deep run which sent everyone to maps looking to find the location of Gonzaga.

I also like to see a high seed upset a low seed.

And, every year we get a lot of upsets and close games.  I am no fan of blowouts, even when it is one of my teams doing it to someone.  I especially liked it the last years when a #16 beat a #1.  Now that is just plain fun.

And, it is here.

I went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and watched the game with my buddy Rich who knows aa while lot about college basketball.  I then came home and continued watching games in Margaritaville while enjoying my Ultimate 300-disc Juke Box.

--RoadB-Ball

Interesting Winter So Far and Adios Toby!!

January started off fine, then we had several 5 inch snowfalls and then a big 13-incher.  Unfortunately, I had problems getting the old snowblower (it's about 22 years old) started until the 13-incher, then it really had a hard time coping with all of it.  I did get some of the driveway finished before a really nice neighbor came over and finished it.  Of course, there was also those three days below zero the entire day.

Now, February has been a beaut so far.  Finally, all that snow has melted and the last several days its been 40s and even 50s today.  I was able to open up the house and get some fresh air in it.  Plus, I even had peanuts in the shell our OD (On Deck).  Not too many things finer that peanuts in the shell.

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So sorry to lose one of my all-time favorite country music stars, Toby Keith.  I have most of his CDs and even one on my Ultimate Jukebox.  Who cannot help but sing along with him on "I Love This Bar" and "Red Solo Cup."  And, of course that "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" pretty well sums up my feeling about 9/11.

I didn't find out about his death until Tuesday afternoon at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.  Someone put on a bunch of his songs and we gave him a rousing sendoff.

Sorry 'Bout That Dixie Chicks or Dixies or Whatever You're Calling Yourselves Now.  --RoadDog

Celebrating the Chicago Tribune's 175th Year, A Fish Fry, Cheap Beer, 1972, McHenry and Johnsburg

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

Celebrating the Chicago Tribune's 175th Year and I read their anniversary edition out FP (Front Porch).  I have subscribed to this paper since 1973 (except about a year when I had a problem with its editorial process).  In my mind it is the best newspaper in the country.

But sadly, my days of subscribing are about over because the price is now up to $130 for two months of Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sunday delivery.  I'm sure going to miss it.

Met Kevin and Kelly at Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch.  The other name for the place is "Iceboc" because ot is so cold in there, but the food really good so we dress for the ooccasion.  They have a great Friday fish fry for $10.99, all you can eat.  

Afterwards, we went to Lake View Place on Grasslake and enjoyed their Friday $1.50 draft beer.  Came home and likewise enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

Went to Stucky's where we enjoyed the $1 draft pints and it was Angie's 50th birthday.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Bob Stroud played his Summerof 1972 special on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive.  These were the songs on the radio and in your record collection fifty years ago on June 12, 1972.  I have listed the songs elsewhere in this blog.

Drove over to Miller Park in McHenry (right on the Fox River) to hear the band, but it was too crowded.  We went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the cocktails there.  On the way home, we found Stucky's was closed, but Sunnyside wasn't, so went there before heading home.

--RoadDog

To Moose Again: All That Rain, Sunnyside, Margaritaville, Stucky's, Goldfish Races, the Moose Again and McHenry Legion

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

We sure have had the monsoons this spring.  We made our way to Sunnyside in Johnsburg for rest and relaxation then came home where we enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

The rains finally stopped and I was able to enjoy OD a couple times and even got a little yardwork in for the first time this year.  Went to Stucky's and watched the Goldfish Races.  This is where you pick a goldfish and they race down two lengths of sealed gutters in double elimination.  Something we'd never seen before.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

I was even able to get some time FP for the first time in a long time this spring.  I went to the Moose Lodge in McHenry for the Moose Lodge Riders breakfast and met Mark who got me the forms to fill out and I rejoined the Moose for a third time.  A great organization.

In the afternoon, we went to the McHenry American Legion and stopped at Stucky's on the way home.

To Moose Again or Not to Moose Again, That Is the Question.   --RoadDog

The Gas Gouge Comes Back: The Sunnyside Shuffle, Margaritaville & the Ultimate Jukebox, Goldfish Racing and Joining the Moose

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

It rained all day.  Last year we had a drought, but that sure is not the case this year.

Went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.  We always laugh at folks doing what is called the Sunnyside Shuffle.  This is where you move from the tables are far reaches of the bar to the horseshoe, where all the fun and talking is.  We have done this on many occasions.

Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox in the basement.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Maybe spring has finally arrived,  A dry day and fairly warm in the 70s!!  I even got some yardwork done and sat out OD.

We went to Stucky's in Johnsburg and enjoyed those hard-to-beat $1 draft pints and they ran something we'd bever seen before:  goldfish races.  For $5 you pick a fish and they run heats down the length of a double gutter course to see who first crosses the finish line.  It was double elimination.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

I went to the McHenry Moose Riders breakfast and met Mark and finally got around to joining the Moose.

Later in the afternoon, Liz and I went to the McHenry American Legion and Stucky's on the way home.

Don't Look Now, But IT'S Back.  --RoadDog

The Second St. Patrick's Weekend: That Great Tournament!! Margaritaville, Ultimate Jukebox, CB&C, Stucky's and the PLAV

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

Yesterday was a great day for college basketball, especially with that St. Peter's (#15) upset of Kentucky (#2).  I had to loon up to find it where this college was.  It turns out to be in Jersey City, New Jersey, two miles from New York City. I don't like Kentucky at all.  

Anyway, it was just one upset or close game after another on Friday.  That's the way I like my NCAA Tournament games.  We didn't even go anywhere.  I just enjoyed my Margaritaville Bar in the basement.  I've got a fully stocked refrigerator, a TV in the corner of the bar and the Ultimate Jukebox (300 discs).

Why go anywhere else?

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

Again, saw a bunch of games in Margaritaville before going to Stucky's in Johnsburg where we had the corned beef & cabbage (cb&c) dinners.  I sure wish we had cb&c dinners more often during the year besides just around this time.

Now, a perfect cb&c bite consists of equal parts corned beef and cabbage, heavily peppered and with a dash of horseradish and/or mustard.  But, I hate when I run out of corned beef or cabbage before the other.  Not cool man.

Had a great time watching the tournament games and singing karaoke.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

We were hoping to check out the newly remodeled McHenry American Legion, but there were too many cars parked outside it.  So ended up at the Polish Legion of American Veterans around the corner and had a great time as we know a lot of people there as well.

Afterwards, we found Stucky's was closed so went home and watched some more great Tournament games at Margaritaville.

--RoadDog

The Very Best of Outlaw Country-- Part 2: 'Gimme Three Steps'

Continuing with this great CD's songs:

6.  WHY YOU  BEEN GONE SO LONG--  Jessi Colter

7.  CAN'T YOU SEE--  Marshall Tucker Band

8.  4TH OF JULY--  Shooter Jennings

9.  YOU NEVER EVEN CALLED ME BY MY NAME--  David Allan Coe

10.  I BEEN TO GEORGIA ON A FAST TRAIN--  Billy Joe Shaver

11.  HERE FOR THE PARTY--  Gretchen Wilson

12.  COPPERHEAD ROAD--  Steve Earle

13.  GIMME THREE STEPS--  Lynyrd Skynyrd

14.  GOOD HEARTED WOMAN--  Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson

15.  TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT--  Johnny Paycheck

16.  TEXAS (WHEN I DIE)--  Tanya Tucker

17.  MODERN DAY BONNIE AND CLYDE--  Travis Tritt

18.  KEEP YOU HANDS TO YOURSELF--  Georgia Satellites

19.  FLIRTIN' WITH DISASTER--  Molly Hatchet

20.  COCAINE BLUES--  Johnny Cash

And, believe me, this goes on my Ultimate Jukebox of 300 CDs.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Better Not Try To Stand In  My Way As I'm Walking Out The Door."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Take This Job and Shove It"

The Very Best of Outlaw Country: 'The South's Gonna Do It Again'

Several months ago, I was in Wal-Mart going through their bin of close out CDs and found this great little nugget for the whopping price of $5.  Well, quick as a wink, I grabbed it.  I wasn't going to let it get away from me.

I already had most of the songs on other LPs, CDs and cassettes, but this collection would fit in just great in my Ultimate Jukebox.

And, besides that, I am a real big fan of Outlaw Country.  One of my favorite albums, of course, is "Wanted! The Outlaws."

Here are the first five songs of this new CD:

1.  ARE YOU SURE HANK DONE IT THIS WAY--  Waylon Jennings

2.  THE SOUTH'S GONNA DO IT AGAIN--  Charlie Daniels Band

3.  RAMBLIN' MAN--  Allman Brothers

4.  WHISKEY RIVER (LIVE)--  Willie Nelson

5.  ALL MY ROWDY FRIENDS ARE COMING OVER TONIGHT--  Hank Williams Jr.

Just these first five songs would get it on my jukebox.  I'll list the rest of them next post.

Will This One Get On My Ultimate Jukebox?  You Betcha.  --RoadLaw

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Tryin' To make A Livin And Doin' The Best I Can."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Ramblin' Man"

Good Times Last Week: Cuda's Fish Fry, 80s A to Z ibn Chicago's Drive, Legion Party and Margaritaville

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

We met Kevin, Kelly, Glenn and Barb at Cuda's on Grasslake Road for their beer-battered fish fry.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Since Friday afternoon I have been recording segments of the Drive's (WDRV, 97.1 FM Chicago) 80s A to Z, which they will be doing all this weekend and all of next weekend.  The 80s are one of my favorite decades for music and I was listening to a lot of it for my deejay business.

I am recording the segments on cassette tapes and will rerecord them on cassettes with the idea of listening to them when I'm out in the 1985 Firebird.  Which, by the way, still has a cassette deck.

Met Glenn and Barb at the Fox Lake American Legion at 3 pm where they had one of our favorite performers, Joe Kadlec entertaining.

Where else you gonna go in the afternoon for music and beers.

Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox (300 CDs) in the basement while watching the Sox and Georgia games on TV.

--RoadDog

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.

Music Deaths: Eddie Van Halen

EDDIE VAN HALEN, 65

Died 6 October 2020

Guitarist/songwriter with rock band Van Halen.

Band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1974 with the Van Halen brothers (Eddie and Alex), bassist Michael Anthony and front man David Lee Roth.  Eddie was noted for his guitar ability and histronics.

Lots of big hits for these guys:

"Dance the Night Away"  (#15-1979)

"Jump"   (#1-1984)

"Panama"  (#13-1984)

"Why Can't This Be Love"  (#3-1986)

"When It's Love"  (#5-1988)

Their greatest hits CD is on my 300-disc Ultimate Jukebox.

Missing Sports These Days and What To Do About It: Run Those Old Games

I sure do miss sports on TV.  To me, a mighty fine time is sitting at my downstairs bar (Margaritaville) with others or by myself, drinking beer or cocktails, eating snacks and watching a sporting event on the corner of the bar TV.  That, of course, with the tunes playing on my Ultimate Jukebox  (300 of my absolute favorite CDs).  The sound will be just so that the game can just be heard a little above the music.

I can still do all that, all, that is, except watch a sporting event.  Now, if I can figure out how to hook up the VHS VCR to that corner TV,  I could watch the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX game, or all the Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series games (which I have recorded on VHS).  But, alas, I can't figure out how to do that.

But, what I can recommend to the broadcast TV stations is rerunning great games of the past.  Personally, I'd like to see the entire 1985 Bears season, the Blackhawk Stanley Cup Champion series of 2010, 2013 and 2015.  Also the Cubs 2016 World Series Champions.  Of course, the 90s Bulls and you-know-who.

Oh yes, then, any game where NIU beats Toledo in football as well as our great 2003 season when we beat Maryland, Iowa State and Alabama (that's right ALABAMA).   Two notable players from that team were Michael Turner and P.J. Fleck.  And, of course, the man who made that year possible, Coach Joe Novak.

I'd also like to see some games of the 1967 and 1983 White Sox, 1969 Cubs (or any 1965-1969 Cubs game for that matter) and some of Walter Payton's greatest games.

That Would Get Me Through My Sports Negativity.  Think About It.  --Roadog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":  If you truly believe God loved you, you would touch your face.

One Great Time Last Weekend-- Part 2: Choppers, Jon Polit On Deck, Sunnyside, Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

FP (Front Porch).  Yard work.

We went to Choppers Bar and Grill on Illinois Highway 173, west of Antioch and sat outside on their deck under the huge old oak trees on an absolutely gorgeous day.  A 16 ounce draft beer is just $2 all the time.  Plus, we had one of our favorite singers, Jon Polit,  performing and we sure had a great time.  he is very interactive with the crowd while playing a wide variety of songs.

And, even better, there was a crowd but not so many that it became difficult to do things.  For years most every Sunday afternoon on the Chain of Lakes, you could find us at the outside bar of Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake, listening to their great afternoon bands.  But the place has gotten way too popular with huge crowds so we don't often go there anymore.

Choppers has crowds, but not too big.  Plus, we have boats going by on a channel.  Probably the only drawback was that we had to go inside to get our drinks.  Oh well!

We went by Sunnyside in Johnsburg before returning home where I enjoyed FP again and then adjourned to the basement and Margaritaville where I sat at the bar and enjoyed my Ultimate Jukebox which has 300 CDs.

This Was a Really Good Day.  --RoadDog

About Last Weekend: A Grand Buffet, Legion, 145,000 Miles and the Lincoln Funeral Car

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

A day of the doctors.  Afterwards a grand buffet at the Grand Buffet Chinese restaurant in McHenry.  You sure get some great food (including crab meat and shrimp) at a price just a bit more expensive than a Big Mac meal.

Went to the Legion for 50-50 but didn't win anything.  Enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox when we got home.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

The 2003 Malibu rolled over 145,000 miles on my way to Antioch.  Before this car, we'd never had a car go over 100,000.  We're impressed.

I toured the Abraham Lincoln Funeral Car which was on display in Antioch, Illinois, by the bandshell behind Main Street.  That is an amazing recreation of the train car that carried the body of Abraham Lincoln from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois, in 1865.

I'll write more about this eventually in my Saw the Elephant Civil War blog.

--RoadDog

TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD:  When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do as long as you're down there.   That old "Help I've fallen, and can't get up" isn't so funny anymore.

Good Times in the Neighborhood-- Part 1: It's Thursday Concert, Legion and Margaritaville

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16

We drove to the Sand Bar on Bluff Lake for a Chain Crawl passport stamp and that their Thursday special with $1 tacos.  Great view of the lake from the many windows.  We then went to Antioch for the last It's Thursday concert, this time by Dixie Krush who did more modern country music and did a great job.

We were saddened to hear of the death of Aretha Franklin even though we had been informed on Tuesday that it was near.  I spent many of the next days listening to her music both on You Tube and the three Greatest Hits CDs I have.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17

I have been busy the last several days working on Frances' Back 40 in the southeast corner of the yard which had gotten very overgrown.  Making slow progress.

Met the usual Suspects at the Legion and Kelly won the 50-50 for the first time.  The Cubs won for the second  time in a row by a 1-0 score.  Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox in my basement while watching the end of the Cubs game.

--RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You're mad because all your friends got goodnight kisses after prom, but  your sister just slugged you in the arm and said, "Thanks bro."

Keeping Busy-- Part 1: No Odyssey, PLAV, Half-Times, Yard, Legion and Margaritaville

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

We had rain threaten all day, but, unfortunately, didn't start until a couple hours before we were to see New Odyssey play their music at Veterans Park in McHenry, but the show was cancelled.  We did enjoy $1 miniburgers and $1.75 bottles at the PLAV  (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in McHenry and $1 pints at Half Times in Johnsburg.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

Still no boat, the latest that we have never had the boat out in a season.  Difficulties getting parts being the reason.  Still working in the yard.  I can never seem to catch up in the yard.  My fault though as I planted way TOO many plants, bushes and trees.

Went to the Legion for 50-50, but didn't win.  Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Julebox in the basement.

No Band, But Found Something Else To Do.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You have a monitor tan.\

A Long 4th of July Celebration-- Part 2: More Bands, a Fry and Cheap Drinks

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

Still no good sales at the local stores:  Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Meijer.  Perhaps after the 4th.

Drove to Antioch, Illinois, for their weekly summer party called It's Thursday.  We saw an up-and-coming country performer named Jake Hill and his band.  He sounded real good, but until he gets  to be well-known, needs to do many more covers.

Afterwards, stopped at Bootleggers on Grasslake Road and enjoyed $1 pints and saw another band.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

We went to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and had the fish fry at Popeye's overlooking Geneva Lake.  They have one of the best fish fries we've ever eaten.

Then stopped at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and enjoyed their half-price drinks at happy hour.  Then home and enjoyed the basement bar, Margaritaville at Key North and, of course, the Ultimate Jukebox.

--RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S A REDNECK COMPUTER WHEN:  The printer goes real slow since Bubba Don't read so fast.

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack "National Lampoon's Animal House"

Alright, I'll have to include this here since I was doing Stephen Furst's obit.  Great music, both the originals and the new ones made for the movie.  And, of course, John Belushi.

It is too bad the movie came out after I was out of school as this album definitely would have been on our party  playlist.  And, tose Toga Parties!!  What a great idea.  We, Delta Sigma Phi, played four albums, front and back, at our parties:  Four Tops Greatest Hits, Temptations Greatest Hits, Sly & the Family Stone Greatest Hits and "Green River" by CCR.

Of course, this is in my Ultimate CD Jukebox.

Faber College Theme--  Elmer Bernstein
Louie, Louie--  John Belushi
Twistin' the Night Away--  Sam Cooke

Tossin' and Turnin'--  Bobby Lewis
Shama Lama Ding Dong--  Otis Day & the Knights
Hey Paula--  Paul and Paula

Animal House--  Stephen Bishop
Intro--  Stephen Bishop
Money--  John Belushi

Let's Dance--  Chris Montez
Dream Girl--  Stephen Bishop

Wonderful World--  Sam Cooke
Shout--  Otis Day & the Knights
Faber College Theme--  Elmer Bernstein

What, No "I Gave My Love a Cherry?"  I'll Have Another.  --  RoadDog

LAWS OF PARENTING:  Backing your car out of the driveway causes your child to have to go to the bathroom.