While on the subject of Herry Hairston breaking up that perfect game 30 years ago, I suspected that Jerry Hairston Jr, playing for the Dodgers and Scott Hairston playing for the Cubs might be his sons. They are. But, I didn't know his father also played in the majors
Sam Hairston spent most of his baseball days in the old Negro League playing for the Birmingham Black Barons and the Indianapolis Clowns before playing for the White Sox in 1951. Sadly, it was his only year in the majors and he didn't play much, but he broke the color barrier on the White Sox.
This is something I didn't know as I always thought Minnie Minoso was the first black player on the Sox. This hits home with all the hoopla about that excellent Jackie Robinson movie "42."
The Hairstons three generations of players at the major league level ties them with the Boone and Bell families.
Then, Johnny Hairston, Jerry's brother played three games for the Cubs in that infamous 1969 season at catcher/left field. Johnny and Jerry were the second generation of black players in the majors.
Quite the Family (And With a SOX CONNECTION). --RoadDog
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Every Blooming THing: Late May 2013
We finally got some warm, and, NO RAIN, weather and hopefully spring has sprung. The grass has greened up big time and I even had to cut it yesterday. I have been busy the last several days working on the flower beds, mostly cutting back dead plants, weeding and thinning out perennials. And, I have the scratches and sore muscles to prove it.
I also have been trimming the burning bushes in the front as they have gotten way too tall.
The trees are budding out, the forsythia about to bloom and the daffodils are sure putting on a show. (And, I have a whole lot of them.)
Finally, SPRING!! --RoadDog
I also have been trimming the burning bushes in the front as they have gotten way too tall.
The trees are budding out, the forsythia about to bloom and the daffodils are sure putting on a show. (And, I have a whole lot of them.)
Finally, SPRING!! --RoadDog
Jerry Hairston: The Guy Who Broke Up the Perfect Game All Those Years Ago
Closing out that perfect game for 26 outs that Milt Wilcox of the Detroit Tigers was pitching back 30 years ago, April 15, 1983 with some information on the guy who messed it all up, Jerry Hairston.
I went into his history and then found that he is a member of a Major League Baseball family, with two of his sons playing with the Cubs and Dodgers this year. And, his father also played one year at the major league level.
Jerry Hairston was born in 1952 and spent 14 years in the majors playing mostly for the Chicago White Sox. From 1978-1980, he played in the Mexican League, where he met his wife. His lifetime batting average was .258 and he hit 30 homers, used primarily as a pinch hitter.
His best year was 1983, when he appeared in 101 games, had 126 at bats, 5 home runs and 37 hits for a .294 batting average.
He was pinch hitter excellent for the White Sox and manager Tony LaRussa made great use of that ability in that year when the Sox went to their first post season since the World Series in 1959.
Quite the Pinch Hitter, But WHY Did He Have to Get THAT HIT!!!?? --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: What does a clock do when it's hungry? It goes back four seconds. (These are getting bad.)
I went into his history and then found that he is a member of a Major League Baseball family, with two of his sons playing with the Cubs and Dodgers this year. And, his father also played one year at the major league level.
Jerry Hairston was born in 1952 and spent 14 years in the majors playing mostly for the Chicago White Sox. From 1978-1980, he played in the Mexican League, where he met his wife. His lifetime batting average was .258 and he hit 30 homers, used primarily as a pinch hitter.
His best year was 1983, when he appeared in 101 games, had 126 at bats, 5 home runs and 37 hits for a .294 batting average.
He was pinch hitter excellent for the White Sox and manager Tony LaRussa made great use of that ability in that year when the Sox went to their first post season since the World Series in 1959.
Quite the Pinch Hitter, But WHY Did He Have to Get THAT HIT!!!?? --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: What does a clock do when it's hungry? It goes back four seconds. (These are getting bad.)
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Deaths: The Possum
GEORGE JONES, 81
Died April 26, 2013.
I was listening the 94.9, the Surf, out of North Myrtle Beach, SC, yesterday, when I heard Ted Bell say that George Jones had died and he then played what has to one of the greatest sad country songs ever recorded, Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today." A fitting tribute.
He was known as "The Voice" along with several other names in his career. What he could do with that voice was amazing "Rich and deep, strong enough to crack like a whip, but supple enough to bring tears."
His personal problems were as legendary as his songs. Alcoholism, drug addiction, brawls and accidents were regular and he earned the name "No Show Jones " for not showing up at concerts.
He was able to chart number one songs in every decade from the 1950s to 1980s.
Of course, my favorite George Jones song is "The Corvette Song" where he pulls up into a convenience store parking lot with a beautiful girl in the car, goes inside, and the clerk starts talking about what at first you think is a Corvette he used to have, but turns out to be the girl. "Hotter than a $2 pistol, she was the fastest thing around. Long and lean, every young man's dream..."
Give it a listen at You Tube.
We were fortunate to get to see him once at the the Walworth County Fair in Wisconsin.
Goodbye, Possum.
Died April 26, 2013.
I was listening the 94.9, the Surf, out of North Myrtle Beach, SC, yesterday, when I heard Ted Bell say that George Jones had died and he then played what has to one of the greatest sad country songs ever recorded, Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today." A fitting tribute.
He was known as "The Voice" along with several other names in his career. What he could do with that voice was amazing "Rich and deep, strong enough to crack like a whip, but supple enough to bring tears."
His personal problems were as legendary as his songs. Alcoholism, drug addiction, brawls and accidents were regular and he earned the name "No Show Jones " for not showing up at concerts.
He was able to chart number one songs in every decade from the 1950s to 1980s.
Of course, my favorite George Jones song is "The Corvette Song" where he pulls up into a convenience store parking lot with a beautiful girl in the car, goes inside, and the clerk starts talking about what at first you think is a Corvette he used to have, but turns out to be the girl. "Hotter than a $2 pistol, she was the fastest thing around. Long and lean, every young man's dream..."
Give it a listen at You Tube.
We were fortunate to get to see him once at the the Walworth County Fair in Wisconsin.
Goodbye, Possum.
It Was, Still Is, a Flooding Situation Around Here
Sounds a bit like what would have been a great George Jones song.
That really big rain we had April 17th is still hanging around the Chain of Lakes area. Even with rain all day this past Tuesday, most of the problem comes from the Fox River in Wisconsin which comes through the Chain of Lakes.
The water has gone down a little, but still in flood stage.
Of course, we had quite a bit of flooding on our way south to Springfield last Friday. The Illinois, Vermillion and Sangamon rivers were especially flooding.
Fox Lake still has roads blocked off bcause of flooding. Going on Grand Avenue, requires a detour. Plus, the Taco Bell, McDonald's parking lots are mostly underwater. At one time there was a shallow Dollar Lake where Rollins Road intersects Grave Avenue, but it was filled in to make the shopping plaza. Well, folks, the lake is back on that parking lot. I had a problem finding a place to park Wednesday when I went there for the movies.
Several marinas have boats that formerly were on dry land, sitting in the water as they are flooded. A friend said he and folks at Munsen Marine of Il-59 spent this last week building a sand-bag, gravel levee to keep the water out.
The parking lot and sand volleyball court at Stormy Monday were under water and you can still see the different stages of the flood.
The Chain is closed to boating, obviously and will be for quite some time. Even when it does open to boating, great care will have to be given to floating objects in the water.
Water, Water, Everywhere. --RoadDog
That really big rain we had April 17th is still hanging around the Chain of Lakes area. Even with rain all day this past Tuesday, most of the problem comes from the Fox River in Wisconsin which comes through the Chain of Lakes.
The water has gone down a little, but still in flood stage.
Of course, we had quite a bit of flooding on our way south to Springfield last Friday. The Illinois, Vermillion and Sangamon rivers were especially flooding.
Fox Lake still has roads blocked off bcause of flooding. Going on Grand Avenue, requires a detour. Plus, the Taco Bell, McDonald's parking lots are mostly underwater. At one time there was a shallow Dollar Lake where Rollins Road intersects Grave Avenue, but it was filled in to make the shopping plaza. Well, folks, the lake is back on that parking lot. I had a problem finding a place to park Wednesday when I went there for the movies.
Several marinas have boats that formerly were on dry land, sitting in the water as they are flooded. A friend said he and folks at Munsen Marine of Il-59 spent this last week building a sand-bag, gravel levee to keep the water out.
The parking lot and sand volleyball court at Stormy Monday were under water and you can still see the different stages of the flood.
The Chain is closed to boating, obviously and will be for quite some time. Even when it does open to boating, great care will have to be given to floating objects in the water.
Water, Water, Everywhere. --RoadDog
Did We Really Get Spring?
This has to go down as the year we didn't have a spring...that is until yesterday when we finally got a much coveted 60 degree+ day with NO RAIN or cold in the air. One thing about living here in the Midwest, when it FINALLY gets here, we sure enjoy it.
I got some yardwork in yesterday, plus navigated around flooded areas to get to Stormy Monday and later the Legion. We sat out on the deck at Stormy Monday and enjoyed the warm air, sun and a nice sunset. Plus, we saw the effects of the flooding that still has the Chain in its grips, more on that later.
Even caught some rays a short time ago OD, and will do some trimming, burning and maybe cut the grass today.
Warm temps are going through midweek.
About TIME!!! --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.
I got some yardwork in yesterday, plus navigated around flooded areas to get to Stormy Monday and later the Legion. We sat out on the deck at Stormy Monday and enjoyed the warm air, sun and a nice sunset. Plus, we saw the effects of the flooding that still has the Chain in its grips, more on that later.
Even caught some rays a short time ago OD, and will do some trimming, burning and maybe cut the grass today.
Warm temps are going through midweek.
About TIME!!! --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Milt Wilcox and That Near Perfect Baseball Game
I wrote a lot about that near-perfect baseball game between the Tigers and White Sox that took place back on April 15, 1983. I sure would have liked to see that perfect game as that is a rare opportunity, despite the joy some Sox fans had when Jerry Hairston got that hit.
Here is some more information about Detroit pitcher Milt Wilcox. He was born in 1950 (a year before me) and made his Major League Baseball debut September 5, 1970 with the Cincinnati Reds, beginning a career that went to 1986 and closed with him playing for the Seattle Mariners.
Overall career record 119-113 with a 4.07 ERA and 1,137 strikeouts (I would have liked to have had that strike out number one higher with a Jerry Hairston striking out that night back in 1983).
Reds-- 1970-1971
Indians-- 1972-1974
Cubs-- 1975 (I never knew he played for the Cubs)
Tigers-- 1977-1985
Mariners-- 1986
Today, he runs an outfit called Ultimate Air Dogs in California. It holds competitions to see how far a dog can jump off a dock into the water.
And, I really came up with some interesting stuff on Jerry Hairston and his family.
Sure Would Have Liked a Perfect Game. --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus!!
Here is some more information about Detroit pitcher Milt Wilcox. He was born in 1950 (a year before me) and made his Major League Baseball debut September 5, 1970 with the Cincinnati Reds, beginning a career that went to 1986 and closed with him playing for the Seattle Mariners.
Overall career record 119-113 with a 4.07 ERA and 1,137 strikeouts (I would have liked to have had that strike out number one higher with a Jerry Hairston striking out that night back in 1983).
Reds-- 1970-1971
Indians-- 1972-1974
Cubs-- 1975 (I never knew he played for the Cubs)
Tigers-- 1977-1985
Mariners-- 1986
Today, he runs an outfit called Ultimate Air Dogs in California. It holds competitions to see how far a dog can jump off a dock into the water.
And, I really came up with some interesting stuff on Jerry Hairston and his family.
Sure Would Have Liked a Perfect Game. --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus!!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Leading Last? The Trials of Chicago Baseball
Yesterday, we went to Antonio's and Tommy's here in Spring Grove.
While getting out $10 sixteen-inch pizza at Tommy's, we got into a discussion with some of the bartenders. We all agreed our two Chicago baseball teams were playing mighty poorly, with both occupying last place in their respective Central Divisions.
Chris said our teams were "Leading Last." Kenny said we were "First in Last." I think they have it.
1984 CUBS PLAYOFF/WORLD SERIES TICKETS
While at Antonio's (enjoying $1 bottles), we saw Tim looking at a picture frame. We asked what it was and he showed us a full set of Chicago Cubs (Leading Last this year) 1984 playoff and World Series tickets.
Tony, the owner had bought them from somebody for $100 and had been offered $500 for them. Cub fans? Who could figure?
These were box seats and what we really found interesting was the cost. The box seats for the Playoffs cost $20 (just shy of the cost of a beer these days) and the price of that box seat for the World Series was.............$30.
You couldn't even get bleacher seats for that price today, even on the rare "Regular" game price days.
Loving My "Leading Last" Teams. --RoadDog
While getting out $10 sixteen-inch pizza at Tommy's, we got into a discussion with some of the bartenders. We all agreed our two Chicago baseball teams were playing mighty poorly, with both occupying last place in their respective Central Divisions.
Chris said our teams were "Leading Last." Kenny said we were "First in Last." I think they have it.
1984 CUBS PLAYOFF/WORLD SERIES TICKETS
While at Antonio's (enjoying $1 bottles), we saw Tim looking at a picture frame. We asked what it was and he showed us a full set of Chicago Cubs (Leading Last this year) 1984 playoff and World Series tickets.
Tony, the owner had bought them from somebody for $100 and had been offered $500 for them. Cub fans? Who could figure?
These were box seats and what we really found interesting was the cost. The box seats for the Playoffs cost $20 (just shy of the cost of a beer these days) and the price of that box seat for the World Series was.............$30.
You couldn't even get bleacher seats for that price today, even on the rare "Regular" game price days.
Loving My "Leading Last" Teams. --RoadDog
Top 40 in South Carolina August 25, 1967-- Part 1
From the Dancing on the Edge Magazine #30, February 15, 2013, by Professor John Hook.
These would be the top songs on WKYB, the Big KY Country in Hemingway, SC.
Top Tens in the south would have a lot of soul music and also some Beach Music.
1. ODE TO BILLY JOE-- Bobby Gentry
2. BABY, I LOVE YOU-- Aretha Franklin
3. GIMME LITTLE SIGN-- Brenton Wood
4. COLD SWEAT-- James Brown
5. WORDS/PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY-- Monkees
6. EVERLASTING LOVE-- Robert Knight
7. REFLECTIONS-- Supremes
8. HEROES AND VILLAINS-- Beach Boys
9. TURN ON THE MUSIC-- Swinging Medallions (Beach Music)
10. THE LETTER-- Box Tops
What Did My Baby Write Me? --RoadDog
These would be the top songs on WKYB, the Big KY Country in Hemingway, SC.
Top Tens in the south would have a lot of soul music and also some Beach Music.
1. ODE TO BILLY JOE-- Bobby Gentry
2. BABY, I LOVE YOU-- Aretha Franklin
3. GIMME LITTLE SIGN-- Brenton Wood
4. COLD SWEAT-- James Brown
5. WORDS/PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY-- Monkees
6. EVERLASTING LOVE-- Robert Knight
7. REFLECTIONS-- Supremes
8. HEROES AND VILLAINS-- Beach Boys
9. TURN ON THE MUSIC-- Swinging Medallions (Beach Music)
10. THE LETTER-- Box Tops
What Did My Baby Write Me? --RoadDog
Deaths: Woodstock and the Toucher
RICHIE HAVENS, 72
Died April 22nd. Noted guitarist and cover-song interpreter. First on stage at Woodstock and played extra long as other artists having trouble getting there. Played extra-long as well.
Who can forget that great song he sang "Freedom" shown in the movie, that robe and those tapping sandals.
Whenever I heard him afterward, I thought about this song.
CHRISSY AMPHETT, 53
Lead singer of Australian band Divinyls with their one big hit "I Touch Myself" back in the 90s. Has it been that long ago? Definitely a provocative song.
Sometimes I feel Like a Motherless Child. --RoadDog
Died April 22nd. Noted guitarist and cover-song interpreter. First on stage at Woodstock and played extra long as other artists having trouble getting there. Played extra-long as well.
Who can forget that great song he sang "Freedom" shown in the movie, that robe and those tapping sandals.
Whenever I heard him afterward, I thought about this song.
CHRISSY AMPHETT, 53
Lead singer of Australian band Divinyls with their one big hit "I Touch Myself" back in the 90s. Has it been that long ago? Definitely a provocative song.
Sometimes I feel Like a Motherless Child. --RoadDog
Digging Those Old Movie Scratches-- CIA-- Apes-- Cars2-- Hulk-- Dirt-- Eli
These are some movies I watch on TV:
I WAS A TEENAGE CIA AGENT-- That Arnold (Wonder Years) really kicks.
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES-- Caesar came, he saw, he spoke.
CARS 2-- Mater goes international. Mater saves the day.
THE HULK-- Whatever you do, don't get this dude mad.
JOE DIRT-- Guy and his ultimate 'hawk.
BOOK OF ELI-- Bible-toting after the apocalypse.
You Get Those Pesky Commercials First at the Movies. --RoadDog
I WAS A TEENAGE CIA AGENT-- That Arnold (Wonder Years) really kicks.
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES-- Caesar came, he saw, he spoke.
CARS 2-- Mater goes international. Mater saves the day.
THE HULK-- Whatever you do, don't get this dude mad.
JOE DIRT-- Guy and his ultimate 'hawk.
BOOK OF ELI-- Bible-toting after the apocalypse.
You Get Those Pesky Commercials First at the Movies. --RoadDog
Movie Scratches: Effects-- Skies-- Die-- Slayer
A dog's-eye view of today's movies.
9. SIDE EFFECTS--2-20-- FOX LAKE $4-- Using pills to cover murder.
10. DARK SKIES-- 3-6-- FOX LAKE $4.50-- Alien Invasion? Too late, they're already amongst us. Watch out for the Grays.
11. A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD-- 3-6-- FOX LAKE $4.50-- Father-son bonding movie with all the smart-aleck Bruce Willis comments you can bear.
12. JACK THE GIANT SLAYER-- 3-7-- FOX LAKE $6-- Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the castle. Gives a whole new meaning to "Spill the Beans."
What's This No Senior Discount With Sony Movies? --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: How do you make holy water? Boil the hell out of it.
9. SIDE EFFECTS--2-20-- FOX LAKE $4-- Using pills to cover murder.
10. DARK SKIES-- 3-6-- FOX LAKE $4.50-- Alien Invasion? Too late, they're already amongst us. Watch out for the Grays.
11. A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD-- 3-6-- FOX LAKE $4.50-- Father-son bonding movie with all the smart-aleck Bruce Willis comments you can bear.
12. JACK THE GIANT SLAYER-- 3-7-- FOX LAKE $6-- Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the castle. Gives a whole new meaning to "Spill the Beans."
What's This No Senior Discount With Sony Movies? --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: How do you make holy water? Boil the hell out of it.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Back Home Again
After eating at Charlie Parker's yesterday, we drove home along Route 66 to Dwight, Illinois, and then Il-47 to Woodstock and then home.
It rained the whole way and the trucks were really throwing up the spray. Not my favorite kind of driving.
We were shocked at the gas gouge we saw along the way. Most every gas station was 20-30 cents higher, but some still at Friday prices. And I thought Big Oil's annual pre-pre-pre Summer Driving price spike was over after they started the one in January. Monday, gas in Springfield was $3.54. Tuesday it was $3.80!! Gas in McHenry County was anywhere from $4 to $4.16.
And, they thought they caught the terrorists last Friday. Well, some of them evidently got away and "hit" yesterday.
Still no reason for the gas gouge and we'll probably not get one. OK, I understand whatever the excuse they give is a lie, but it is always worth a laugh as we cry.
We did do a pit stop at the Dixie Truckers Home in McLean.
Good to be Home. --RoadDog
It rained the whole way and the trucks were really throwing up the spray. Not my favorite kind of driving.
We were shocked at the gas gouge we saw along the way. Most every gas station was 20-30 cents higher, but some still at Friday prices. And I thought Big Oil's annual pre-pre-pre Summer Driving price spike was over after they started the one in January. Monday, gas in Springfield was $3.54. Tuesday it was $3.80!! Gas in McHenry County was anywhere from $4 to $4.16.
And, they thought they caught the terrorists last Friday. Well, some of them evidently got away and "hit" yesterday.
Still no reason for the gas gouge and we'll probably not get one. OK, I understand whatever the excuse they give is a lie, but it is always worth a laugh as we cry.
We did do a pit stop at the Dixie Truckers Home in McLean.
Good to be Home. --RoadDog
TV Guide's Bubble Shows
I came across a photo gallery of shows which are believed to be in trouble and might receive the axe for next fall. There were some that I have never watched, but these I do and would like to see come back. I voted to keep all these, the percentage of "for" votes appear behind network. My comments.
Community-- NBC 56%. Even though they do get a little far-fetched, almost "too Glee" I imagine, though I've never watched that show.
CSI: NY-- CBS 67%. I can't help it, I like those ensemble cop shows.
Law & Order: SVU-- NBC 68%. Having a rough time recovering from Stabler's departure, but still good.
Parks and Recreation-- NBC 59% I would REALLY hate to see this one go. That is one zany group of folks.
Suburgatory-- ABC 62%. Seems to have lost its way when the two New Yorkers went over to the "other side."
Vegas-- CBS 67% Of all these listed, I'd miss this the most. Besides the excellent characters, I love the music, cars and old Vegas.
Bring Back Vegas!! --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: I didn't like my beard at first. Then, it grew on me.
Community-- NBC 56%. Even though they do get a little far-fetched, almost "too Glee" I imagine, though I've never watched that show.
CSI: NY-- CBS 67%. I can't help it, I like those ensemble cop shows.
Law & Order: SVU-- NBC 68%. Having a rough time recovering from Stabler's departure, but still good.
Parks and Recreation-- NBC 59% I would REALLY hate to see this one go. That is one zany group of folks.
Suburgatory-- ABC 62%. Seems to have lost its way when the two New Yorkers went over to the "other side."
Vegas-- CBS 67% Of all these listed, I'd miss this the most. Besides the excellent characters, I love the music, cars and old Vegas.
Bring Back Vegas!! --RoadDog
TOO PUNNY: I didn't like my beard at first. Then, it grew on me.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Local Dealer, the Cozy, Double J and the Curve
APRIL 22ND
We ended up taking the '03 Malibu over to the local Chevrolet. Not that we wanted to, but because the check engine light came on the day before. Don't want to have problems on the road going home.
Friendly Chevrolet, on the southwest side of town took it in right away and had to wait for a part, but had us out of there in a little over two hours and a little over $200 lighter. Something about something with emissions. Very friendly place and great popcorn, coffee and pop while you wait, Sure like the looks of the '13 Malibus.
We were way too late for breakfast at Charlie Parker's so went to Cozy Dog for the Cozy Dog special (4 Cozy dogs and a large fries for $9.50). You can't go to Springfield without eating at Route 66's Cozy Dog. While we were there a tour bus came in with people from welcome centers around Illinois` who were finishing a five-day excursion around the state to experience some of the sites and places.
Hung around the motel and enjoyed the first bit of springlike weather and then went to Capital City and played NTN with JJ, Rusty and Peaches and then to the Curve Inn for 25 cent wings. Lastly back to the motel's Southside Pub and watched the Bulls win their playoff game against the Nets.
The Day Got Better. --RoadDog
We ended up taking the '03 Malibu over to the local Chevrolet. Not that we wanted to, but because the check engine light came on the day before. Don't want to have problems on the road going home.
Friendly Chevrolet, on the southwest side of town took it in right away and had to wait for a part, but had us out of there in a little over two hours and a little over $200 lighter. Something about something with emissions. Very friendly place and great popcorn, coffee and pop while you wait, Sure like the looks of the '13 Malibus.
We were way too late for breakfast at Charlie Parker's so went to Cozy Dog for the Cozy Dog special (4 Cozy dogs and a large fries for $9.50). You can't go to Springfield without eating at Route 66's Cozy Dog. While we were there a tour bus came in with people from welcome centers around Illinois` who were finishing a five-day excursion around the state to experience some of the sites and places.
Hung around the motel and enjoyed the first bit of springlike weather and then went to Capital City and played NTN with JJ, Rusty and Peaches and then to the Curve Inn for 25 cent wings. Lastly back to the motel's Southside Pub and watched the Bulls win their playoff game against the Nets.
The Day Got Better. --RoadDog
Monday, April 22, 2013
Shopping and Eating Here in Springfield
APRIL 21ST
A day to just hang out around town.
I went over to the Wal-Mart across from the motel and bought the CCR CD Cosmo's Factory and was really happy to find two DVDs I had been looking for in the $5 bin: "Grumpy Old Men" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" two of the all-time funniest movies. As an added bonus, the "Grumpy Old Men" DVD also included "Grumpier Old Men." Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau, now there was one funny duo.
Then, we drove west to Veterans Parkway and the Best Buy and Barnes and Nobles. The Best Buy has one of the best collections of CDs remaining in any of those stores, even though it continues to dwindle. I even found several CDs by North Carolina's Avett Brothers that I've been looking for.
I still miss my Borders Bookstore in McHenry, so am always happy to find a Barnes and Noble store, even if they no longer carry CDs.
Then, we went to Golden Corral and enjoyed that magnificent spread of offerings.
Last stop was the Curve Inn for another sad Cubs effort (and loss). One bad thing about the new juke boxes is that some of the songs that are played are rather ridiculous, including one we heard with more "F." "M-F." and "N" words than anyone should ever have to listen to, which is never.
RoadDog
A day to just hang out around town.
I went over to the Wal-Mart across from the motel and bought the CCR CD Cosmo's Factory and was really happy to find two DVDs I had been looking for in the $5 bin: "Grumpy Old Men" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" two of the all-time funniest movies. As an added bonus, the "Grumpy Old Men" DVD also included "Grumpier Old Men." Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau, now there was one funny duo.
Then, we drove west to Veterans Parkway and the Best Buy and Barnes and Nobles. The Best Buy has one of the best collections of CDs remaining in any of those stores, even though it continues to dwindle. I even found several CDs by North Carolina's Avett Brothers that I've been looking for.
I still miss my Borders Bookstore in McHenry, so am always happy to find a Barnes and Noble store, even if they no longer carry CDs.
Then, we went to Golden Corral and enjoyed that magnificent spread of offerings.
Last stop was the Curve Inn for another sad Cubs effort (and loss). One bad thing about the new juke boxes is that some of the songs that are played are rather ridiculous, including one we heard with more "F." "M-F." and "N" words than anyone should ever have to listen to, which is never.
RoadDog
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Springfield Spring 2013: April 20th-- In and Around the Capital City
Stopped at the Rock and Roll Hardee's on the way to the Crowne Plaza for a breakfast bite. Liz dropped me off and I went to the SCV meeting. We had 25 people there from four camps around Illinois. I'll write more about this in my Civil War blog.
In the afternoon we had lunch and then a talk by a councilman from the Army of Tennessee.
Liz picked me up and we then went to Recycled Records and then the the new Camp Butler Civil War exhibit at the Elijah Iles House, Springfield's oldest home.
Stopped at Norb Andy's Taberin and George Ranks for drinks and baseball games. Norb Andy's dates from the 1840s and George Ranks from the 1940s.
Later to Curve Inn (1932) and Southside Pub (1960s) at the hotel.
Busy Day. --RoadDog
In the afternoon we had lunch and then a talk by a councilman from the Army of Tennessee.
Liz picked me up and we then went to Recycled Records and then the the new Camp Butler Civil War exhibit at the Elijah Iles House, Springfield's oldest home.
Stopped at Norb Andy's Taberin and George Ranks for drinks and baseball games. Norb Andy's dates from the 1840s and George Ranks from the 1940s.
Later to Curve Inn (1932) and Southside Pub (1960s) at the hotel.
Busy Day. --RoadDog
Supported My Local (Well Sorta) Record Store Yesterday
After the SCV meeting at the Crown Plaza Hotel, we drove over to Recycled Records in downtown Springfield, Illinois, and, after negotiating all those many, many, many one-way streets downtown, found a parking space (parallel) right by the place. After some checking on whether the parking meters were in effect today (they weren't) we went in.
Talk about your really narrow aisles. Meeting someone coming the other way requires some negotiating, especially if someone is looking through the DVDs or CDs.
I overheard one employee saying that there were about fifty people waiting for them to open today and that he store was packed the first two hours, then had tapered off to a steady stream. Great to see the Record Store Day effort paying off.
I ended up buying CDs by the Human Beinz "Nobody But Me" and "Lemon Pipers "Green Tambourine" and three DVDs.
I Did My Part. --RoadDog
Talk about your really narrow aisles. Meeting someone coming the other way requires some negotiating, especially if someone is looking through the DVDs or CDs.
I overheard one employee saying that there were about fifty people waiting for them to open today and that he store was packed the first two hours, then had tapered off to a steady stream. Great to see the Record Store Day effort paying off.
I ended up buying CDs by the Human Beinz "Nobody But Me" and "Lemon Pipers "Green Tambourine" and three DVDs.
I Did My Part. --RoadDog
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