2024 Indy 500-- Part 3: A Delayed Race, Newgarden Wins Again

The big question on everybody's mind was about the approaching rainstorms set to hit the Indy area at race time.  They wouldn't postpone the start until 11.  WE had to drive to the race track and waited at Tom's tent until we found it was postponed until after the storms so went back to the camp site and waited until we had some idea of when the race would be.

When the storm did hit it was quite the downpour with lots of

We drove back to the racetrack and then walked over to our seats between Turns One and Two. Those stairs were a real obstacle again for me.  They quickly cleared the track and went through all the traditional pre-race ceremonies.

And, we had quite a race with Josef Newgarden winning his second race in a row.

Leaving was no fun as we waited without moving for two hours.

--RoadDog

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.

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.

The $3800 Six Mile Auto Trip Last Tuesday-- Part 1: One Helluva Storm

We had had an almost unbelievable streak of warm weather for almost seven days in early November, so we had been taking advantage of it.  

However, Tuesday, November 10, it was supposed to end and in a big fashion with storms rolling through and really big winds.  Of course, that was the sky-is-falling weather forecasters so it was something you had to see.

We were down in Johnsburg sitting outside enjoying a late lunch (wow, sitting outside comfortably with just a sweatshirt and short pants in November here in the Midwest.  Wow!!) and then it began looking like the weather folks might be right.  Some really bad-looking black clouds were rolling in from the west and the wind was picking up.  (We were sitting outside because of the virus and no dining inside.)

Around 4:15, a big blast of wind and a smattering of raindrops hit, sending customers chasing after chairs, tables and umbrellas and then we and others decided it was time to hightail home.  We got to the car just ahead of a downpour.

Driving north on Johnsburg Road, we could see the rain coming down horizontally.  Trees were bending over alarmingly.  The pavement was becoming slippery.  We stopped at Ringwood Road for the sign, proceeded through the intersection and about a quarter mile north, I saw a large tree branch blown down and start across the road.  This was maybe a hundred feet in front of us.

Slammed on the brakes, but had to let up when I started skidding.  The branch was sliding across the road, but enough in it so that we were going to hit it.  We did.

The car continued going with no problems and we drove the last couple miles to home.  Parked in the garage and we could see no damage.

Hopefully, we wouldn't have any damage, but would have to wait until the next day to take a look in the daylight.

That Was Too Close.  The Heart Was Racing.  --RoadSmash

THINGS TO PONDER:  If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2.

2019 Route 66 Trip, Lebanon-- Part 5: An Easy Day

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Another early morning thunderstorm, but it cleared up and turned into a nice day.  Had a nice talk with the people staying in the next two rooms.  That is an advantage of staying at an older mom and pop motel.  You can't do that at the new motels unless at perhaps the free continental breakfast.

Went to the Wal-Mart, looking for St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup gear, but they had nothing.  Ate breakfast at Hardee's again.  Their new loaded hash browns is really good.

Roamin' Rich is going to be at the nearby Gasconade  Bridge which is possibly on its way into oblivion and was thinking about going there, but didn't go.  Went to the Legion and watched the Cardinals win.  A lot of regulars were there, as well as the fun bartender from yesterday.

Back to the Munger-Moss and sat outside watching that neat old sign.

--RoadDog

Chain Flood 2017-- Part 10: Rain, Rain, Go Away

SATURDAY JULY 22

Yesterday, we had a short storm come through in the afternoon, but not a problem.  Forecasts called for a lot of rain starting in the evening.  We decided not to go to Antioch's Taste of Summer to see the Suburban Cowboys because of it and those annoying, pesky mosquitoes.  Glad we didn't.  It started drizzling when we went to the American Legion, then turned into an off-and-on downpour.  Again, we sure don't need any more rain.

It rained much of the night, but isn't right now at 7 a.m..

Rumor has it that we are in for another five inches of rain by Sunday.  If that happens, the boating season on the Chain of Lakes will essentially be over.  The flooding would be massive.

While at the Legion, I went to the jukebox to see if they had "Rainmaker" by the Cryan' Shames or Harry Nilsson.  They didn't.

But, when I got home I watched the Sox game on TV in Margaritaville and got my Ultimate Jukebox going and among those 300 CDs, I had the Cryan' Shames' version of it so listened to it several times.

Today, forecasts call for scattered showers with a 35% chance of rain, 83 degrees, 82% humidity and we are in a flash flood watch.  Weather Bug has chance of rain at 65%.

We'll have to see what thuis will do to our going to McHenry's Fiesta Days this afternoon.  Plus, our local Dog 'N Suds is having a band and classic car show in the parking lot from 6 to 9 pm.  Also, Antioch is having three bands in its Taste of Summer and 125th birthday party.

Like the Song Said, "Rain, Rain, Go Away.  Come Again Another Day."

Chain Flood 2017-- Part 9: Another Rain Storm and Skeeters

We did get rain Wednesday night and all through Thursday morning to about 7 a.m..  Just what we needed.  More rain on top of all that we already have had and all the flooding.

Fortunately, the rain wasn't as hard and we had maybe 1-2 inches over eight hours.  Water levels went up a little, but has been slowly receding the last two days.

It is sad to see piles of ruined stuff and furniture in front of some lower homes.  Quite a few homes and businesses are sandbagged.

The boat is still floating as of yesterday afternoon.

But, we are already getting another "present" from all the rain and flooding.  Mosquitoes are all over the  place.  As a  result of their activity, we had to cut short our enjoyment of the Neverly Brothers last night at Antioch's Taste of Summer Festival.  Plus, they are becoming extremely annoying when I'm out in the yard.

I tell you, this flooding is the gift that just keeps on giving.

Plus, we have more storms forecast tonight and Saturday.  Sunday calls for sun and "NO Rain."

What was it they said at Woodstock in 1969?

"No Rain, No Rain, No Rain!!!"  Maybe If Ee Segue Into That Santana Song It Will Help.  --RoadDog

Chain Flood of 2017-- Part 8: Thunderstorm's A-Coming and We Sure Don't Need Them

We just got back from Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and The Grove in Spring Grove and I sat out in the gazebo and then the front porch.

Judging from the amount of thunder and lightning, and the 75 mph windstorm cast, we're in for a really bad thunderstorm.  Sadly, that  will at least be the end of us.  Rick's pier will never be able to stand up to it.

It is 9:15 pm and it is pouring rain as hard as that Wednesday morning storm.  And we sure do not need more rain.

--RoadDog

About That Storm Wednesday Morning-- Part 3: Flooding, But Boat Is OK

After the rain stopped, I took advantage and went out to the car.  On my way back to the house, a little over a mile away, I found that there was a lot of flooding and even standing water in the culverts, something with our hilly subdivision doesn't happen often.

Our power was still out.and after awhile I decided to go to see a movie at 11:20 a.m..  I saw a huge flooded area in the low area by East Applewood Drive.  (The drainage basin behind our house was about 2/3 full as well.)

Once I turned onto Sunset, I saw why our electricity was out.  The electric company was working on power lines from a downed tree.  There was also a backup on US-12 due to a fallen tree.  Lights were out at US-12 and Fox Lake Road.

I stopped by Rick's to check on the boat.  It was ok, but the channel was flooding and we were several feet higher.  Rick's basement had flooded, but he found his sump pump wasn't on, so turned it on and soon had the several inches drained.

The movie I wanted to see "Cars 3" wasn't on, so went to Menard's and bought some flowers which are on big-time sale right now.  All this rain is good for the flowers, except in my containers with no drainage at the bottom, and those poor flowers went for a swim.

--RoadDog

Sure Rained On Our Parade Yesterday-- Part 2: Near Continuous Storms and Flooding

We lost electricity around 3 a.m..  Another problem when we lost electricity, being on a well, we also lose our water.  That also means no flushing toilets.  These are things I did not know about when we bought the lot.

There wasn't a lot to do because of no power, and even though the sun was up, there were full clouds obscuring it so even to dark to read on the front porch.  And, of course, no coffee.  I like my coffee in the morning.

I decided to go to our local McDonald's for coffee and a bite to eat, but before going I took a walk around the yard to check on things.  It wasn't raining at the time, but sure looked like it was getting ready to do so and soon.  Especially dark to the north of us.

I saw a lot of flooding in subdivision culverts and streets and in the farm fields on Sunset and Spring Grove Road on my way to McDonald's.

While eating at McDonald's, I saw a line of really dark clouds coming from the north.  Eventually, it was as dark as it is at 1 a.m..  And we had high winds and pelting rain.  I was starting to think tornadoes and figured I was not in a good place with all those big windows around.  I continued with my sandwich, but kept a weather eye out for funnels.

Too Bad the Boat Wasn't Still in the Drive-Way, We Might Have Needed It.  --RoadDog

Sure Rained On Our Parade Yesterday-- Part 1: Why We Lose Electricity During Storms

There was a reason I was only able to do two of my seven blogs yesterday and that was  because we had no electricity until a little after 11 a.m. yesterday morning.  The reason for that was a tree taking out the lines coming into the subdivision.  The reason for that being we were having some really bad storms with high winds and lots and lots and lots of rain.

I usually do these blogs in the morning.  No electricity, no computer or internet connection of the old PC.

Before going to bed Tuesday night, I noticed we were having a lot of thunder and lightning with rainstorms forecast.  We sure did have them.  At one point, there was so much lightning that for about ten minutes we had flickering light.  And the thunder was a constant roar.  Rain was pelting the windows hard.

Storms like this usually mean we will lose power.  Well, any storm for that matter, although we had also had a similar storm in the wee hours of Monday morning and kept electricity.

When we bought the lot for the house back in 1992, the builders boasted that storms would not be a problem as all power and phone lines would be buried.  And, they were.   In the subdivision.  But the problem was (and is) that the lines coming into the subdivision are above ground.  And, trees keep falling on them.

And, then we have no power.

Not Finished Yet.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You're so wired, you pick up AM radio.

Wow! Back on the Internet for First Time Since Thursday Night's Storm

The tornadoes that caused a mass of destruction across northern Illinois on Thursday, knocked out our cable TV and internet which finally restored a few hours ago.  Our provider in MediaCom which is based out of Iowa and has our town as well as the counties out west of DeKalb, Illinois, that were hit.  We had tornado warnings and storms here in northeast McHenry County, but  because those areas to the west were hit, we lost service here as well.

Then, when I went back o n this old 'puter, I found I had been banished out to Siberia or some other foreign place as I had never seen the home page before.  Thankfully, Liz was able to get me squared away, so here I am.

Computers Dealing With a Fairly Backwards Guy here.  Best Just Leave Me Be.  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  The fathest south you've ever been is the perfume counter at Neiman Marcus.

Trying to Reason with "Storm Season": Another Tornado Warning

To paraphrase an old Jimmy Buffett song about hurricanes.

I don't think we've had a 24-hour stretch where we haven't had a pretty bad storm in the last two weeks.

After a fine, sunny day yesterday, I was awakened by lots of thunder and lightning this morning about 2 AM and the, in the distance, I heard sirens.  We were under a tornado warning as a funnel had been spotted in Marengo, heading northeast toward Spring Grove.

We went downstairs to the basement.  We have always taken shelter during tornado warnings, but especially since we saw what happened to Joplin, Missouri four months after that monster tornado hit.  You don't have to tell us twice.

While downstairs, we tuned to Weather Channel and watched the repeating loop at the bottom of the show they had on.  By then, it became apparent that the funnel cloud/storm cell had shifted to heading straight east and wasn't coming our way.

The station was showing the United States' ten worst-ever tornadoes of all time.  Not the thing you really want to be watching during a tornado warning.  (The Joplin tornado was ranked #4.)

--RoadDog

JSS: Storm Season-- Let the Good Times Begin

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  STORM SEASON--  Counting this morning's downpour, we have had one to two storms every day since Sunday.  I did get out on the boat Monday and Tuesday during brief intervals of storm activity.


2.  LET THE GOOD TIMES BEGIN:  This being the first official day of summer, the good times have kicked off around here.  Yesterday we had the annual Spring Grove Fish Hatchery Fish Boil at Horse Fair Park.  Great fish boil, fried chicken and ribs for a good cause as the village has done a great job with the hatchery.

We also had entertainment and a great talk with fellow Round Lake teacher retirees.

And, despite predictions, no rain.

Tonight, Fox Lake is having their first of several lakefront music festivals with the Beach Bums band.

A great Place to Be When There Is no Polar Vortex.  --RoadDog

A Summer Thunder Shower

Not much better than sitting out on the front porch and enjoying the smells and cool of a summer thunderstorm (well, a mild one).  The smell...wow.

I was just outside and enjoying it.

--RoadDog


RETIRED Q&A:  Q.  How many days in a week.  A. 6 Saturdays, 1 Sinday.

This Past Weekend: Part 3: One Real Hard Storm and Da Bears Win

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH: Listened to Rock and Roll Roots on WDRV and recorded Breakfast With the Beatles in the morning, as usual.

We started getting storm warnings and a tornado watch by 9 AM. With it being as warm as it has been around here in November, that usually signals "Watch Out! Something bad is on its way!!" Getting quite windy. Liz said that she heard someone say the last time we had barometric readings and storms like were on their way was 1975 when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank.

Drove to Squaw Bar and met up with the Usual Suspects for Da Bears game. Weather continued to worsen and, about six minutes into the game with Da Bears down 10-0, the game went into rain delay and fans were ordered to go below the stands for the approaching storm. That ended up with a two-hour delay.

CBS, which was carrying the game, went to two hours of weather reports. And, the news was grim. The little town of Washington, Illinois, near Peoria, had been clobbered and we had reports that Coal City and Diamond near Chicago had been hit by tornadoes.

We had big winds and heavy rains off and on at the Squaw Bar and once, a really strong breeze blew through the place. I had to move the car to another spot as I was near some trees that had lost a lot of smaller limbs during the windburst as there was fear bigger ones would fall or perhaps the tree itself.

The game started again and the field quickly became a quagmire after all that rain, but Da Bears were able to tie it up and won in overtime in a game that started at noon but didn't end until about 5:30.

When we got home, I looked out back to see if there was any damage, but it was too dark to see. The next morning I found that the Bradbury pear tree on Frances' Back 40 had blown down.

Quite the Day! --RoadDog

Every Blooming THing: Dumb Old Me and the Storm

I wasn't planning on doing it, but what I did last night caused that storm that went through here six hours ago and shut everything down.

I have been hand watering the septic field lines the last several days as the grass is really brown over them, as in dormancy. Several years ago, we had a bad drought and I only water the flowers, bushes and trees at such times. The yard has to take care of itself.

However, I learned that does not apply to the septic field. When it finally did rain, the rest of the yard greened up in a week. But that area over the septic field did not come back. I had to work on it for two years to get the grass back and I sure don't want to do that gain.

I guess that grass doesn't go dormant and turn brown, it really dies.


DUMB OLD DOG

Last night, I set the sprinkler out and turned it on, figuring a good three hour soaking would save it. Three hours later, I went to sleep.

This morning when I woke up, it occurred to me. I didn't think I had turned the sprinkler off. I went outside, and, sure enough, there it rotated. But, the grass had greened up nicely.

Sure glad we are on well and not city water as we'd have to take a second mortgage out to pay for the water.

Anyway, watering your grass during a drought (about three weeks now after a very, very rainy spring) is a lot like washing your car. It brings on the rain,

So, for those of you who had damage, my apologies.

Dumb Old RoadDog. --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE FROM CHICAGO IF...You know why they call Chicago the "Windy City."