Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 13: Heading Home on Our Last Anniversary

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2022

There was a still a clown hanging around this morning outside our room, only now wearing a bathrobe and later tourist clothes (but still with clown face painted on)  Not something you'd expect to see outside your door in the morning.  And, actually, a little bit unsettling.

Went to the Grant Hills Motel office for coffee and today's Dubuque newspaper.  The manager asked if we were going to stay another day, but Liz had already told me she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go home.  I told her that we didn't want to stay and she said that was alright as they still didn't have any room cancellations.

Read the newspaper outside and we headed for home at 10:30.  I had considered driving the Stagecoach Road on the way home, but Liz said she wasn't feeling well, so took the usual US-20 route.

Instead of going on the US-20 bypass around Freeport, we took Business US-20, the original US-20 through town. It sure seemed like we went a long way on it.

When we got home after a 353 mile drive for our anniversary, I cut the grass and then we went to Sunnyside and the McHenry American Legion.

Little did I know at the time, but this was to be my last anniversary with Liz and that we only had less than a month before her death.  Today, December 23, is the third month since she died.

Sure Going to be a Strange Christmas This Year.  --RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 12: Filming for a TV Pilot Show

AUGUST 26, 2022

Back to Grant Hills Motel and it was getting quite crowded with people walking all over the place.  There was even a movie crew there setting things up and testing a drone for aerial shots.  We knew that we couldn't get the room for tomorrow night because of a big wedding taking place nearby, so thought they must be there to film it.  With a twenty-person film crew, what kind of big deal wedding was that going to be?

We went inside, got our drinks and back outside to sit and watch the goings on.  Again, this is why we like mom and pop motels.  That sitting outside on a pleasant night is just the ticket.

We later learned that the film crew (and actors) were there to film a pilot for a new TV series or possibly a film about clowns.  There was one guy in a particularly striking (and a little scary) clown outfit.  They had already filmed some exterior shots around the motel.

And, they even filmed a segment in the room next to ours where a bad cop went in and killed two people.  The two people in the room were not actors but motel guests who had been asked to do the honors.  We had even talked to them a bit when we arrived back at the motel.

The cop had a fake gun (probably because of the accidental killing of a cast member in a big Hollywood film shoot earlier this year).

Watch Out for the Clowns and Cop.  --RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 11: Drinkin' at the VFW

Back at our favorite drinking spot in Galena, the VFW on Main Street.  They have $2 drafts.  The cheaper we pay for beer,  the better in our book.  Plus, we almost always we find locals to talk with.  My idea of a great bar.  And, you don't see every other person in the bar deeply involved with their "Smart Phone."

Talked with one guy who had brought his own limes into the bar.  We just had to ask why?  He said that even though the bartenders wash their hands when they go to the bathroom, but they handle money and money is covered with germs.  Makes sense, but I don't think I'll be toting limes alon with me.

Sadly, just before we left, I found out that they have craft and import beers for $3.25.  I had a couple, but would have had more at that price had I known of the special.

Cheaper Beer Is Better Beer.  --RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 10: Cajun Jack's and the VFW

FRIDAY,  AUGUST 26

I was sitting out by the Grant Hills Motel's pool at 12:45 pm.  It was nice when the clouds rolled by, but very hot when they were gone.  They are cutting the grass and I sure love the smell of fresh mown grass.  One of those great smells of summer.

I've seen a place in Elizabeth called Cajun Jack's advertised quite often and we drive by it every time we  go to Galena.  But, we'd never stopped in.  Any place with a name like that will be of interest.  So, today was the day we would check it out.

They have great decor outside and inside.  We ordered beers and got a half order of Cajun chips with steak and all sorts of fixins' for $9.  We could not finish it.  We just had one draft beer apiece and would have had more had we known that they were just $1.75.  That is a good price these days.

Back to the motel then downtown Galena and, like yesterday, almost unbelievably found a parking place right in front of the VFW where I wouldn't have to parallel park.  This is especially hard these days since I lost my depth perception.

--RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 9: A 'Great" Morning at a Mom and Pop Motel

Continued from November 13th.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Got my coffee from the office as well as a free copy of today's Dubuque (Iowa) Telegraph-Herald.  The price of it is now $1.50 Monday to Saturday.  A little bit higher but definitely better than the Chicago tribune which is now $4 daily.  I will be cancelling my subscription, sadly, soon.  I love having a print paper in my hand, but not at $140 every two months.

Sat outside the room, had my coffee and read the paper.  Now that's good living to me.

The neighbors in Room 14 left for breakfast and a boat ride  in Dubuque, but will not be coming back to the motel.  Too bad, we sure had a nice conversation with them last night.  Those old Mom and Pop motels are very conducive to sitting outside your room and talking with fellow travelers, something you can't do in newer motels.

I watched some of "South Park," a really funny adult cartoon show which unfortunately attracts a lot of kids to watch it.  It is hilarious, but things they talk about and cursing should not be for kids.

--RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 8: Toasting 49 Years and That Little Bottle of Blue Nun

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

We walked over to the VFW, about a block away and enjoyed their $2 drafts and especially enjoyed talking with the other folks there.  You can almost always strike up a conversation at this "Cheers" kind of a place.  Hopefully, the Gold Room will be better the next time we go there as it is a "Cheers" kind of place also.  Yesterday, we only had one and then done.

Returned to the motel and had our Riesling wine while we toasted 49 years of being wed and Amby and his little bottle of Blue Nun.

We didn't have anyone sitting outside their room last night, but tonight was different.  The people in the rooms next to us were outside and we had a great talk with them.  One couple were farmers from near Galesburg.

Sitting outside your room and talking with fellow travelers is one of our favorite things about staying in a mom and pop motel.

--RoadTalk

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 7: Galena's Log Cabin Restaurant

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

We then drove to downtown Galena and amazingly, found a parking space, one that I could pull into and not have to back into (again, my depth perception has faded).  It was right in front of where we were going to eat our anniversary dinner, The Log Cabin Steakhouse (with that great old sign hanging over the sidewalk).  This is where we ate our first meal together on our honeymoon.

As we walked up to the door, they opened it as they open at 4 p.m. and that was the time.  We were the first customers of the day.  I had thought of having one of their notable steak dinners, but they started at $38, a bit more than I wanted to pay.  Instead, I got my usual catfish dinner for $19.95, only this time I had it made up Greek style.  Liz ordered the cod dinner.

The place looks exactly as it did 49 years ago.   Another reason we like it so well.

As usual, we got a hot loaf of bread and a relish tray with some of the best cheese spread anywhere.  I also got a baked potato with the order.

We had plenty left over.  Thankfully, our room at Grant Hills Motel has a minifrig.

--RoadAnniversary

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 6: Some More on That Little Blue Nun and a 'Sharknado'

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

The actual date of  our 29th wedding anniversary.

Some more on that little bottle of Blue Nun Riesling wine.

At one time, Blue Nun Riesling wine was one of the biggest selling wines in the United States, especially from the 1940s to 1970s.  That was because our servicemen and women stationed overseas during World War II started drinking the wine and when they returned to the States, continued drinking it.  Sadly, as they died, their kids did not keep on drinking it.  That is why it is impossible to find it now.  Even Binny's in Chicago, a huge chain, does not carry it.

Oh well, regular Riesling wine will suffice for us.  And, overall, Riesling is making a comeback, so we can hope that Blue Nun will as well.

Back to the motel and put one bottle in the minifrig and watched what has to be one of the dumbest movies of all time "Sharknado 3."  So bad that it was good.

--RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 5: Those Crazy Iowa Gas Prices and the Little Blue Nun

If you want traffic, you got traffic on the Iowa side of that bridge.

I found a station advertising $3.70 a gallon and doubled back against a lot of that traffic to fill up.  However, as I was putting the gas in, I saw that I was paying $4.10 a gallon.  WHAT??  What gives here?  Have I been victimized again by crazy Iowa gas prices? You've got to keep an eye on gas prices here.  Often regular is more expensive than midgrade.

I then saw that there were two kinds of regular at the station:  Regular and Regular Supreme.  And, I had chosen poorly and been victimized by Iowa gas prices again.  I am going to have to talk to my buddy Mark about gas prices in "HIS" state.

After that expensive gas fill up, we drove back across the bridge and stopped at one of our favorite liquor stores, Van's in East Dubuque.  I bought two bottles of Barefoot Riesling wine to keep Liz's dad's tradition going.  Ambrose (Amby) gave us a small bottle of Blue Nun wine for our honeymoon.  He knew that we didn't like wine (well, Ripple and Annie something or other were acceptable in a pinch).  

Well, every year for the first 44 anniversaries we would get a bottle of Blue Nun to drink.  But, sadly, no one carries it anymore.  But, it is a Riseling wine and you can find them easily, so we drink as close to a Blue Nun thing as we can.

--RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 4: Hanging Out and Going to Dubuque

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

There were three motorcyclists who stayed at the Grant Hills Motel last night and we said hello as they passed by, but as cyclists often are, they only wanted to talk with each other.  Not with car folk like us.

I sat out by the pool and wrote in the journal.  The clouds were gone, sunshining and actually getting hot.  Cars, trucks, motorcycles and lots of SUVs going by on US-20 (the U.S. Grant Highway)  The U-Haul trucks are parked by the side of the pool.  The motel also rents them.

Liz and I drove to Dubuque, Iowa.  US-20 from Main Street in Galena all the way up the hill is really torn up with construction.  Galena High School is called the Pirates and they have the same dopey-looking logo as our Palatine High School Pirates.

Anyone who thinks Illinois is a flat state need only drive US-20 from Freeport to Dubuque to change their mind.  Passed the Swiss Inn in East Dubuque, Illinois.  We have stayed there often and like it especially because there is a bar attached to it.

We crossed the Mighty Mississippi on the bridge and were expecting to find cheaper gas prices in Iowa.  From the bridge there is quite a climb up a hill to get to the main store area of Dubuque on US-20.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do you fill out a form by filling it in?

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 3: Bringing It All Back

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

We were married on this date 49 years ago.  The ceremony took place at the Newman Center in DeKalb right by the campus of Northern Illinois University where we both graduated.  The reception also took place in DeKalb at what was the Holiday Inn on Lincoln Highway (that Lincoln Highway, America's first transcontinental paved highway).  It is now still there and is a Red Roof Inn.  It is right across the street from one of out favorite places, Pizza Pros.

We sat outside for awhile and I went to the office for coffee and a Dubuque newspaper.  Yep, they still give guests a newspaper.  How quaint.

Forty-nine years ago, I woke up in our apartment in Des Plaines and Liz woke up at her parents' house in Palatine.  Then, we drove to DeKalb.

I didn't know Dubuque had three colleges: the University of Dubuque, Clarke College and one other one.  Plus, one of their parks is named Comsikey Park.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  How does a building burn up as it burns down?

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24

This was the first time Liz and I had been farther than about twenty miles from the house since March 2020 because of the COVID thing.  I had driven as far away as 35 miles to Marengo a couple times (and even to the Indy 500, but friends drove).

We went to Galena, Illinois, where we went on our honeymoon in August 1973.  This was before it became such a popular place as it is today. 

We took Il-47 to Il-176 and then US-20 (US-20 is the U.S. Grant Highway in Illinois because of his living in Galena) the rest of the way.   We stayed at the Grant Hills Motel just south of Galena.  This is an old mom and pop kind of motel where you park right outside your room.  We especially like this place because you can sit outside at night and talk to other people staying there.

This was a 130 mile trip.  That is really not that far, but since this was way farther than I had driven since 2020, I was quite tired when I got there and had to take a nap. 

After that, we drove on US-20 past the that neat old downtown to Wal Mart to stock up on beer and a bottle of Jim Beam for that outside sitting at night.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If it was just a three-hour trip, why did Mrs. Howell have so many clothes?

The Real St. Patrick's Day-- Part 1: Some Music To Get You in the Mood

THURSDAY MARCH 17

 A far cry from St. Patrick's Day 2020 when you-know-what hit.  And, a nice day as well.  I even got to sit out OD  (On Deck).

Bob Stroud did his Ten at Ten on St. Patrick's Day.  Lots of green songs as well as Irish bands, etc.

GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

WILD NIGHT--  Van Morrison

GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the MGs

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN--  Thin Lizzy

GREEN EYED LADY--  Sugarloaf

GREEN EARINGS--  Steely Dan

GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH--  Paul McCartney

SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY--  U2

GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers

LET'S STAY TOGETHER--  Al Green

Irish?  --RoadGreen

Even Greener Day-Before St. Patrick's Day: 1983, Irish Party Music, Donovan's Coronavirus Anniversary and Da Tournament

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV was on the year 1983.  A great year for music and my deejay business.  Ten great songs, but my pick was "I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis & the News.  I tuned in to You Tube and searched "Party Music: Irish Drinking Songs" and man was that a taste of the old country.  Give it a listen.  Kicks off with "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys.  Now, if that doesn't get you in the mood for green beer, Irish whisky or corned beef & cabbage, nothing will.  Well worth a listen.

We met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  We remembered it was two years ago tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day 2020 that the you-know-what closed down Wisconsin.  And, we were in Donovan's when it closed.  

Came home and watched the First Four NCAA Tournament game between Notre Dame and Rutgers.  And, what a game!!   Double overtime!!  Is this an indication of a good time forthcoming?

I didn't even pick a bracket for myself.  It is pretty much impossible to do with all the upsets.  

--RoadO'Dog

Good Times Last Week-- Part 3: Newspapers, Cassette Tapes, Summer 1971, 80s A to Z, Band on a Deck, Beer and Wings and a Little Blue Nun

Continued from September 8, 2021.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Front Porch as usual for breakfast, coffee and read the Chicago Tribune.   Hard copy of course, there is just something I like about a newspaper in hand, but the price of paper copies is getting pretty dear so don't know how much longer I can continue to keep it coming. It is now $3 daily and $5.75 on Sunday.

I recorded Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Root Salute to Summer 1971, Part 4, on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  Really took me back those fifty years.  Back in 1971, I was recording on cassette tapes and I recorded this show on cassette tape as well.

Stuck with those old newspapers and cassette tapes, you know.

I also have been recording segments of the Drive's 80s A to Z which they have been running since Friday and will continue through Labor Day tomorrow.   They are also going to continue with it starting next Friday.  I figure these will be great Firebird Cruising songs since it is a 1985 and still has a cassette deck.

We went to Choppers where we met Glenn and Barb and enjoyed sitting out on the deck listening to John Piet and his pal entertain with lots of oldies.  The $2 draft beer and 45 cent wings didn't hurt either.  We were sitting out by a channel with plenty of Chain of Lakes boat traffic.

We came back home and sat out by the Flats on the east side of the house and finished off the last of our anniversary Blue Nun wine.

Still Stuck in the Old Days, I Reckon.  --RoadDog

New York City's NYFD Ladder 118, 9/11

Ladder 118 didn't return to its Brooklyn quarters that day.

Its crew were killed when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

Ordinarily, their replacements would erase the firehouse's assignment board and sign in themselves.

Instaed there, to this day, are the chalk-scrawled names of Ladder 118:

Lt. Robert Regan

Leon Smith

Vernon Cherry

Scott Davidson

Peter Vega

Joey Agnello

Last Week: Touring Galena on Our Honeymoon 48 Years Ago and the Bottle of Blue Nun

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26

48 years ago, Liz and I were in Galena, Illinois, on out honeymoon, shortened because I had to be at school on the 29th.  We went on a walk through Galena and this was before it became the tourist spot it is today.  We had dinner at the Log Cabin steakhouse, which we still go to today.

My lawn tractor congratulated us by breaking down.

We were going to go to Sunnyside, but it was too crowded, so ended up at nearby Stucky's where we enjoyed the open mic jam.  Later we went to Sunnyside.

Came home and opened the bottle of Blue Nun which Craig had given to us when he found out that you can't buy this Riesling wine anymore.  He remembered he had a bottle from 1995 in his wine stash and gave it to us.  What a guy.

This is our traditional anniversary drink/toast.  Liz's dad, Amby, gave us a small bottle as we got ready to leave the reception all those 48 years ago.

It was good.

Thanks, Craig!!  --RoadDog

Last Week: Our 48th Wedding Anniversary and Living High Off the Hog-- Part 1

TUESDAY. AUGUST 24

We were thinking  what was going on with ourselves 48 years ago.  I signed my contract to teach my first year in Round Lake, Illinois, and we had the rehearsal dinner for our wedding the next day.

We had planned to go to Galena, Illinois, this week (where we went on our honeymoon), but decided to stay home because of the return of the virus (even though we are both vaccinated).

I went to the McHenry Count Civil War Round Table Board of Directors meeting instead.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25   LIZ AND MY 48TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Forty-eight years ago, Liz and I got married at the Newman Center in DeKalb, Illinois (NIU) and had our reception at the Holiday Inn on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.

No expense was spared for our anniversary breakfast with a trip to McDonald's for their breakfast sandwiches.  (Buy one get another for $1.)

Met friends at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia and an anniversary toast.  Then to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois.

Lots of Memories.   --RoadDog

About Last Week-- Part 2: Fish Fry, $1 Pints, and a Wedding Anniversary

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13

Me Kevin, Kelly, Barb and Glen at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for the fish fry, then went to Lake View Place on Grasslake for that inspiring view of the lake and $1 pints sitting out on the deck.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

We went to the McHenry VFW to see Aging Teen Idols with John Piet, but it was too crowded outside so sat inside for awhile before going over to Stucky's for the $1 drafts.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15

We went to Cindy and Jerry's 15th wedding anniversary at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, DOCTOR'S LAW:  If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there, you will feel better.  But, don't make an appointment, and you will stay sick.

The Drive's 20th Anniversary Monday (Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, Classic Rock)

It's hard to believe in this day and age that a radio station has gone on the air and retained its format for 20 years, but that is exactly what WDRV, 97.1, simulcast on 69.9 FM  toward the Wisconsin border where we listen to it.  

It was a classic music station before that for many years (which also featured the late great Mr. A doing his Blues and R&B overnight show).  

This station is one of my three favorite radio stations in Chicago that I listen to most every day: WXRT and MeTV-FM are the other two.

I listen to the Sherman and Tingle Show every morning, then Bob Stroud at midday, especially his Ten at Ten at 10 AM and PM.  Plus, every weekend, they have the Time Warp with Bill St. James on Saturday mornings, the Acoustic Storm Sunday mornings and, best of all, Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots Show.

Never let it be said I don't like my Classic Rock.

Bob Stroud has been with the station the whole time.  I think he has found his Radio Home as he ages.

This Monday marks the 20th anniversary of their first day and they will be playing the songs they played that day in honor of it.

So, Happy 3/15 Ides of March, WDRV.  --RoadDrive