It Was Two Years Ago Today That You-Know-What Began

When I used to write about the 1918-1920 Spanish Flu outbreak that killed so many people all around the world, I never ever thought I would have something like it happen to me.  But, I was sure wrong.  We most certainly did.

Yesterday, we were up north across the border at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, when Liz mentioned we were there when the COVID-19 officially hit two years earlier on St. Patrick's Day 2020.

Illinois had already closed down the previous day on March 16.  Since we live just eight miles from the Wisconsin border, and Wisconsin was still open, we decided we'd get our St. Patrick's celebration in up there.

We drove there to Donovan's Reef  in Twin Lakes.  A  friend, Jeff,  from Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois, had the same idea and was already there.    We were having our beer and think corned beef & cabbage, but Barb the bartender, was on the phone a lot calling around Kenosha County and said she was starting to hear that he state of Wisconsin was going to shut down at some point that day.

Finally, she learned that all bars and businesses had to close down by 5 p.m.  A real bad thing as she had a whole lot of corned beef & cabbage to sell. We had drinks until 4:30, and sadly said our goodbyes for whatever lay in store for us.

Two Years Ago.  Oh Well.  --RoadDog

One Year Anniversary of You-Know-What

Today and yesterday mark the one-year anniversary of the arrival of the virus here in the Midwest.  I could never imagine the impact just one year under this would have.  But, it sure has.

We were very aware of the virus the beginning of March 2020 and it just kept spreading and spreading.

We were at the McHenry, Illinois, American Legion on the Sunday, March 15, 2020, when we heard that all bars and restaurants in Illinois were going to be open just one day longer and close indefinitely after Monday, March 16.  There was a lot of grumbling to say the least.

On Monday, March 16, we went to our local hangout, Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois, for one last drink for however long this would be.  Again, the closure and virus were the topic of discussion.  With sad hearts we left Sunnyside and went home.

But, restaurants and bars were still open in Wisconsin, which is about eight miles from us, so we decided we would still have our St. Patrick's Day celebration as well as corned beef & cabbage at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes (another of our favorite hangouts).

So, about 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, we drove to Donovan's and found one other friend from Sunnyside there who had the same idea.  Again, discussion revolved around the Illinois closures and whether or not Wisconsin would follow suit.  At 3 p.m., Barb, our friendly bartender, received a phone call saying that all Wisconsin bars and restaurants were to close at 5 p.m.

There were a lot of upset folks, I tell you.  Barb, even more so because of all the corned beef and cabbage she had on hand for the day.

Anyway, that was our welcome to you-know-what.

--RoadDog

STUDENT TEST ANSWERS:  The law of gravity was enacted by the British Parliament.

Past Movie Scratches: Museum-- Godfather-- Godfather-- Dark Knight-- Menace-- Return

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2020.

19.  NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:  BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN--  1-20--  Old Abe to the rescue and dear Amelia flies again.

20.  GODFATHER III--  1-20--  Every time he tries to go legit, he gets drawn back.  The loudest, longest scream ever.

21.  GODFATHER II--  1-21--  Fredo wants respect.  Sure doesn't get it.  Dad gets payback in Sicily.  Mikie wipes the slate clean again.

22.  DARK KNIGHT--  1-22--   "Let me get this straight."  "You complete me."  "I'm an agent of chaos."

23.  STAR WARS I:  PHANTOM MENACE-- 1-24--  Meet Jar Jar, R2D2, CP30 and Anakin Skywalker.  "How rude!"

24.  STAR WARS VI:  RETURN OF THE JEDI--  1-26--   "It is your destiny."  Right, Mr. Emperor?   "My young apprentice."  The attack of the Ewoks.

--RoadApprentice

STUDENT TEST ANSWERS:  A planet is a body of earth surrounded by sky.

2020 Movie Scratches: Dolittle-- Prey

Movie Scratches--  A Dog's Eye View of movies I saw at the theater in 2020.

Little did I know at the time, but when I saw Birds of Prey at the Fox Lake Theater in Fox Lake, Illinois, on February 28, that that would be the last movie I saw for 2020.  And, here in January 2021, I still haven't been back to the theater and there is a good reason for it.  Something spelled virus.

Hopefully this year I will be able to go back into a theater.  I'm chomping at the bit so hard to see one, I will even buy that super expensive popcorn as well.

I'm just hoping the virus doesn't (or didn't) put the local chain, Classic Cinema, out of business.

For 2020, them, I saw a total of 14 movies.  I usually see at least 40 a year and often 50-60 movies a year.

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13.  DOLITTLE--  2-18--  What an animal menagerie.  I especially liked the cowardly gorilla.  The dragon goes on an armor and bagpipe free diet.

14.  BIRDS OF PREY--  2-28--  Harley gets over her breakup with the Joker.  Dodges person wishing her ill health.  Does a lot of kicking.  Gotta love Harley.

So Much for 2020.  --RoadGottaSeeMoreMovies

Okay, Had to Put This One On: The REAL STORY Behind This Year's Leap Year

2020 Is a Unique Leap Year

It Had 29 Days in February

300 Days in March

And Five Years in April.

I don't get it.

Maybe I'll Figure It Out.  --Roaddog