2024 Indy 500-- Part 1: No Legion for Us This Year

This will be a short account of the days at the Speedway.  I will go into more detail later in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

I met Sue and Paul in Ingleside and they drove their RV to Indianapolis, where we had a spot about 7 miles from the IMS at the Raceview Family Campground (located across from Indianapolis' "other" race track, the Lucas Oil Raceway.

For the past ten Indy 500s we had been at the Speedway American Legion Post 500 RV campground right across the street from the Indy 500 but were unable to get our spot this year because they were rebuilding the place.

Drove to the Legion and were not happy to find that no construction had been done and our usual spot was empty.  We  had a talk with the people there and evidently it was a big old case of misunderstanding.  Hopefully we will be back there next year.

But, a friend who camps by there had an extra parking ticket so we didn't have to purchase one of them.  Had a couple drinks at the Legion and back to the RV park.

--RoadDog

Last Weekend at the Legion: Cheap Beer, Fish Fry and an Afternoon Entertainment

Last week I ended up at the American Legion in Fox Lake for three straight days.

FEBRUARY 29, Thursday (As in Leap Year)

After a movie in Fox Lake I stopped by the Legion to enjoy those $1.50 pints of Lite.  This is the special every Monday and Thursday.  My buddy Frank joined me.  I left when the bingo folks started coming in.

MARCH 1, Friday

Saw the last episode of "Band of Brothers" at Frank's.  This was a great series which unfortunately I didn't get to see when it was on as I didn't subscribe to HBO.  Glad I finally got to see it.

Then I went to the American Legion in Fox Lake again and met friends Glenn and Barb at the bar and enjoyed the Grant Township annual fish fry.  It was AUCE for $12 and, as always tasty.  And, as always the place was jammed tight with folks.

MARCH 2,   Saturday

Met Glenn and Barb again at the Legion and thoroughly enjoyed the show that New Odyssey Guy put on from 3 to 6 pm.  Where else you gonna get entertainment in the afternoon in March?

--RoadLegion

New Year's Weekend 2022-2023

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

Went to Sunnyside Tavern in the afternoon and met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Diner in Fox Lake for dinner before going to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022

Met Pam at the Windhill Pancake Parlor in McHenry, Illinois, and enjoyed the Christmas decorations.  They go overboard.  Later met Kevin and Kelly at the Fox Lake American Legion for the afternoon New Year's Eve Party with toasting at 4:30 pm.  That's my idea of "celebrating" the new year as it is hard to stay up past 11 pm for me anymore.  Enjoyed DJ Goldy, a real dj, not one of the new ones who do not interact with the crowd.

Watched the college playoffs at the Legion and at home in Margaritaville and was happy Texas Christian beat Michigan and especially happy about Georgia getting lucky and beating Ohio State.  (I went to UGA for a year, plus a whole lot of family went there.)

I actually managed to stay up to midnight.  Happy New Year!!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023

I drove over to Squaw Bar in Ingleside to see the Bears play their game.  We used to get together with the "Usual Suspects" to watch the games here.  But, I hadn't been back there for years.  It was like old times, a fun place to watch the game with lots of fans.  Unfortunately, it was the 9th straight loss.

Then went over to Saylor Mick's, a new place in Spring Grove and had their $1 taco special and enjoyed the $1 pints of Hamm's.  This place used to be Tommy's and had huge crowds, especially during the Blackhawk games back 2010-2015.

--RoadNewYear

The 2022 Indy 500

MAY 29, 2022, Sunday

We had two flyovers, one with Jim Cornelison singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" and then, of course "The Star-Spangled Banner."  Jim Cornelison has evidently inherited the honor of singing this song from the late Jim Nabors.  Of course, he is a Chicago Blackhawk favorite as he sings the National Anthem for home games.  

My favorite Indy racer is Alexander Rossi and he was all the way back in the 7th row, so, as they say, he had quite a road to hoe.  He ended up finishing fifth, 4.9 seconds behind first place winner Marcus Ericsson.  None of us had ever heard of Marcus Ericsson, but we know him now.

Congrats to Marcus Ericcson.

Stuck around to watch the award and victory lap as well as the kissing of the yard of bricks at the start/finish line and to let more of the people leave.

Went back to the RV, but when we went over to the Legion for cocktails, they had already closed so we were forced to have our drinks at the RV, bbq some meat and talk aout the race.

Paul and I tried to stay up and watch the replay of the race, but only made it half way through before we had to go to sleep.  We think it might be because we're getting old or sitting out in the sun that long.

I will be writing in a lot more detail about the Indy 500 in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog at some point in the future.

--RoadDog

Indy Here We Come: Indy 500, Speedway Main Street, Bars, Bands and Lots of Walking

FRIDAY, MAY 27

It was off to my 10th straight trip to the Indy 500 Race in Indianapolis (well, Speedway, Indiana).  Met Sue, Paul and Michelle in Ingleside and they drove their RV there.  

After setting up at the American Legion right across from the track, we walked over to Main Street of Speedway where they were having a street festival.  They went over to Daredevil Brewing and I had a coupla beers at Barbecue and Bourbon.

Back to the RV and our own little barbecue and then  had a great time with the band in the Legion.

*******************************

SATURDAY, MAY 28

A warmer and nicer day than yesterday.  No rain.  We went over to the Speedway for Legends Day where, for $10 entrance you get to walk the track, Gasoline Alley and go to the exhibitors.  And, of course, spend money on souvenirs.  I only bought a 2022 race license plate.

Back to the RV and listened as they practiced for tomorrow's show before the race.  Twice we had military jets fly over us.

Later, we went to the Legion and listened to the band before returning to the RV and sitting outside.

--RoadIndy

Just Got Back from Indy

The reason why there were no posts this past weekend was that I was out of town on another trip to the Indy 500.  This was my tenth straight trip (not counting 2020 when it was held without spectators and in August because of the you-know what.

Always a great time and we have as good of a spot to stay as you can ger.  My friends park their RV at the American Legion Post 500, right across Georgetown Avenue which is next to the race track.  Can't get much closer than that.

We had bands at the Legion, lots of craziness in the camp area, and, of course, one of the best races ever and the first time in two years where things seemed a little more normal.  Last year, many of the weekend events were cancelled and only 138,000 allowed inside.  I understand Sunday they were only a few thousand shy of a sell out.

I'll be writing more about it in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.

--RoadDog

Going Green for Paddy's Day: Stucky's for Fish Fry and Dublin Burger, Moose Lodge for CB&C and Back to Stucky's

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

We met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's in Johnsburg.  Everyone had a fish fry but me since they have one of my favorite hamburgers, the Dublin Burger for just the month of March, something about a St. Patrick's thing.

This burger consists of a half pound of beef on a marble rye bun along with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.  This is one of my all-time favorites.  But just once a year in March, so gotta eat 'em when I can.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Just found out that they will be tearing down my freshman dorm at NIU, Lincoln Hall.  A bit of history goes with it.  They already have torn down Liz's dorm, Douglas Hall.  Lincoln and Douglas Halls were built at the same time in the early 1960s.

This is the day many places are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, especially McHenry and Lake Villa.  McHenry has a parade, bar crawl, dying of the Fox River to green and a huge tent with bands all day and e into the evening.  But, today and yesterday are two of the coldest days I ever remember.  Temps were in the low 20s, but the wind really blew it through you.

As such, we didn't go to anything.  We did drive to McHenry to go to the Legion, but there were cars parked all over the place so decided not to try to get in.  Drove over to the McHenry Moose Lodge and had a corned beef & cabbage dinner and then to Stucky's for $1 drafts and karaoke.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

We went to Stucky's on the afternoon for their NASCAR party.

--RoadO'Dog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.

March Coming in Like a Gas Gouge: Gas Gouge!! Sunnyside, Legion, Band, Stuck's and Karaoke

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Gas prices are going nuts around here.  Yesterday I got gas for $3.60 in Wisconsin.  It was $4 at Rock Corner on Il-173 by the Wisconsin border.  Today, gas in Spring Grove and Johnsburg was $4.10.  And, we know the problem is the GRBs from Big Oil out to make a profit from the crisis.

We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

Well, the temps hit mid 60s.  Helps take the edge off the Gas Gouge.  I went to the Fox Lake American Legion in the afternoon and enjoyed watching the duo called the Hunnymooners from 3 to 6 p.m.  Then met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's in Johnsburg for dinner and karaoke, not to mention the $1 draft beer pints.  Who'd have figured gas would cost four times a gallon than beers?

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

We went to Stucky's for the NASCAR race.  We aren't NASCAR fans, especially with the Bubba, but, it is a fun party there and every time there is a caution flag that is good for somebody.

--RoadDog

Last Week of 2021: An Afternoon New Year's Eve Party at the Legion

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31

There goes yet another year, and boy did it go fast!!  Every year goes way too fast now.  They seem to last just 5 or 6 months.  Hey, and we have taxes coming up if all the tax preparation commercials haven't alerted you to that yet.

Still enjoying listening to the Drive's A to Z Classic Rock Countdown which started Christmas Eve Day and is still going.  They figure it will end sometime next week.

We went to the Fox Lake (Illinois) American Legion for our afternoon New Year's Eve party.  Being kind of old and having a hard time staying up past 11 pm anyway, this is a great way to get the experience without staying awake past bedtime.

The place was packed, of course.  Great to have it back after last year's didn't take place because of you-know-what.  Joe Kadlec put on his usual great job playing his guitar and singing.  The Legion provided Italian beef sandwiches and everybody brought a dish to pass, so there was plenty of food along with $2 draft beers and two really tasty jello shots and, of course, champagne.

Watched Alabama  and Georgia win the NCAA football semifinals and they will play Jan. 10th for the championship.  I went to Georgia for a year and have family members who attended so will be pulling Dawgs all the way.

We did not make it to midnight, of course.

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend: Two Legions, a Band, No Fireworks, Buck Drafts and Da Bears

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

We went to the Fox Lake (Illinois) American Legion and saw the 50s-60s band Tony & the Effects from 3 to 6 in the afternoon.

Then went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, figuring we'd watch the Johnsburg Family fireworks display from there while enjoying the $1 draft beers.   Unfortunately, we could not see those fireworks from there.  But, we did enjoy those drafts.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3

Watched then first half of the Bears game at home in Margaritaville, our downstairs bar and the second half at the McHenry (Illinois) American Legion and enjoyed the excellent brats that Dave had made.

It was a good thing that the Bears were playing the Lions, who are as bad as DaBears or we would have lost the game.  But, at least our new wonderkid qb, Justin Fields wasn't sacked nine times.

--RoadDog

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

JSIS: Stupid-Looking Hair Coming Out of Helmets-- Conference Championship Games-- NIU Football

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff

1.  STUPID-LOOKING HAIR COMING OUT OF HELMETS--  A couple weeks ago Liz and I saw the annual Army-Navy football game at the American Legion.  Sure was nice to see that no member of either team had hair coming out below their helmets.  I'm sorry, but that just looks stupid.  

Anytime you watch a college or NFL game it seems you see more and more of that long, funny-looking hair on both Blacks and whites.  I don't like it on any person.  Then, there is the guy on the Titans we all call Old Turd Hair.

2.  CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES--  Well, one thing nice about all the college conference championship games this year is the size of the crowds.  NIU is in the MAC and our championship games draw maybe 5,000 to 8,000 fans (but then again, who wants to go to Detroit).  Then the Power 5 games are standing room only.  This year, they are all essentially empty.  Wonder why?

3.  NIU FOOTBALL--  A sad year for Northern Illinois University football with an 0-6 record.  But, this really wasn't a real year anyway.  Too weird and strange with you-know-what.  But, the second year Joe Novak was our coach, we were 0-12 and then by the fourth year, it was all up from there as we were able to somehow keep him despite his success and the Big 10, 11,12,13,14 grabbing MAC coaches all the time.

Maybe This Is a Sign of Good Times to Come?  --RoadWin

In case you're wondering what the name of the group was that beat out the Beatles in their audition, scroll down to this months Music Deaths for David Munden.

Veterans Day, 2020

My U.S. flags are all out.  Hope yours are as well.

At 11 am I went over to the McHenry, Illinois, American Legion on Riverside Drive where there was a joint Legion/PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) ceremony honoring our veterans.  New commander Mark Hume opened with remarks and we had "Taps" played.  

The MIA/POW Table was explained and the history of Veterans Day was given.

All this was filmed for Zoom.

--RoadDog

Bob Stroud Is Doing a 'Red, White & Blue' Ten at Ten in Honor of Veterans Day Today

At 10 am (and 10 pm) CST today, Bob Stroud will be doing his Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive. on "Red, White & Blue" songs in honor of Veterans Day.

It streams so give it a listen.

I'll be going over to the McHenry American Legion (Illinois) for a ceremony.

Thank a veteran Today (and always).

You can see the ten tunes Bob played on my RoadDog's RoadLog blog of this date.

--RoadDog

Getting In the Yule Spirit-- Part 1: Army-Navy Football Game and "Guardians of the Galaxy"

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

We went to the McHenry (Illinois) American Legion where we watched the Army-Navy college football game in Philadelphia.  The place was nearly full of folks pulling for the Army or the Navy and lots of banter and boasting going on.

I had been pulling for the Army the last ten years because of Navy's domination.  I just have a tendency to pull for the underdogs.  But, since Army had won the last three games, I was pulling for my real favorite, Navy.  I won a Navy hat.

And the Army fans were having quite the good time early on, but eventually the better team won.

Went to Sunnyside, came home and watched my favorite superhero movie "Guardians of the Galaxy."

--RoadLord


DID YOU KNOW:  Dueling is legal in Peru as long as both parties are registered blood donors.

One Great Time Last Weekend-- Part 3: Parish Fest and Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

We went to Parish Fest at St. John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg, Illinois, something we have done for the last 13 years.  However this time it was the first time that the band New Odyssey had not played in it.  Their guitarist was one of Liz's elementary friends back in Chicago.  This year the band Cirrus Falcon played and did a great job.  They are well known in the Chicagoland area.

As usual, we availed ourselves of the brats, corn on the cob and beer.

Then we drove to McHenry, Illinois, and went to the American Legion on Riverside Drive where our friend Mark was bartending and the members were getting ready for the Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive commemoration where the members of the Greatest Generation are honored for their service in World War II and the Korean War.

That is always a moving ceremony complete with Bill's Little Big Band playing the music of the era, a radio program, speeches, introductions, 21-gun salute, rolling taps and the release of 21 white doves.

Quite A Fitting Honor.  Thanks Greatest Generation.  --RoadDog

Getting Our 4th of July On: Parades, Fireworks, Bars and Festivals

This is a two weekend 4th of July with the actual day today in the middle of the week.  Around here, some places celebrated it last weekend, others, like Spring Grove, Illinois, are celebrating today and still others are celebrating this weekend.

Last Saturday, we went to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for their parade and did a lot of bar hopping.  Yesterday, we had that all-American slab of ribs at the Fox Hole in McHenry, Illinois, then went to the McHenry American Legion.

Also, somebody near our house had a fireworks display last night that was worthy of a town's fireworks.  A whole lot of money must have been spent, and, best of all, we were able to watch them from inside.  So sorry mosquitoes.

In just a little bit I am going over to Spring Grove for the parade and festivities for awhile,  Later, we'll go to Sunnyside Tap and then watch the Spring Grove fireworks from out front porch.

Of course, I have my U.S. flags out as well as ribbons and swags.

Patriotic Again.  --RoadRedWhiteand Blue

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

2019 Route 66 Trip Lebanon-- Part 4: Lebanon Route 66 Festival

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Big storm this morning.  Encountered the big group of motorcyclists from Germany on the way out to California on Route 66 in the Munger-Moss lobby.  We had also seen them at the Motel 6 in Springfield, Illinois, Thursday morning.

At 10 a.m., we had a classic car parade go by the Munger-Moss with Ramona Lehman as the grand marshal and looking all spry with the tiara and spray of roses.  We then went to Bosley Park for the dedication of the Camp Joy tourist cabin and there was a ceremony.

Spent time talking with the good folks at the Missouri Route 66 Association's booth and also talked with Smokey of Smokey and the Bandit fame.  Enjoyed the music from the Bucket Band who played oldies.

Afterwards we went to the VFW for a barbecue, then to the American Legion and back to the Munger-Moss Motel.

--RoadDog

Just Got Back From Indy 500-- Part 3: May 25: Legends, Legion and Crazies

Today was Legends Day at the IMS.  Cost $10 to get inside.  Lots of racers from the old days giving autographs (for free) but, really long lines.  I have never stood in a Legend Day line to get an autograph and can't imagine ever doing that.

Walked around Gasoline Alley which is where the race cars are and most are in the garages, but you can see them.  Then walked  over to the museum and after that went to the Chevrolet exhibit.

Back to the RV

Went to the Legion and enjoyed the band, then watched the "crazies" walking Georgetown Road at 10 p.m..

--RoadDog

A PLETHORA OF TIDBITS:  JOE CHARBONNEAU, a Belvidere, Illinois, native, who played outfield for the Cleveland Indians in the early 1980s,used to open beer bottles with his eye socket and drink beer through a straw in his nose.  Yuck!!