No 'Dumb Ass Trivia', A Taste of Carolina, Elvis, a Band and $1.1 Billion?

WEDNESDAY  JULY 27

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and met Kevin and Kelly and played trivia with Uncle Jeffie and his "Smarty Pants Trivia."  Should be called "Dumb Ass Trivia."

Came home and heated up a Brookwood Farms pit cooked Carolina-style pork bbq which is as close to Wilber's as you can get.  A little taste of Carolina.

THURSDAY, JULY 28

Went to the Fox Lake Theatre and saw the movie "Elvis."  Great music.  

Went to Antioch and ate at the Burger King before going to the village's It's Thursday music festival and saw an excellent band called Pet Rocks.  On the way home, stopped at Liz's Spring Grove Liquor Store and bought a couple raffle tickets for Mega Lotto which was "only" $1.1 billion.  We don't usually play, but when it gets that high, oh well.  Who knows?

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Tell a man there are 400 billion stars and he will believe you.  Tell him a bench has wet paint, and he just has to touch it.

Thor, Corniciones, NTN and Stormy Monday

THURSDAY, JULY 21

I went to the Fox Lake Theatre and saw "Thor:  Love and Thunder."  I never figured I'd like the Marvel Comics movies, but I sure do.

Liz and I went to Corniciones in Antioch, Illinois, to play NTN and have dinner.  We haven't played NTN much since the virus hit and had a hard time remembering our sign ins.  Not likely we'll be back with their $4 draft pints.

We had planned on going to It's Thursday to see the concert, but it was too crowded.  Then thought to stop at Anastasia's, but it too was crowded.  

Ended up driving to Stormy Monday on Fox Lake to see what was happening there.  It wasn't crowded so stayed for one that ended up a whole lot more when we got in a talk with the owner.  This place used to be our main hangout back when it was Costello's in the 80s and 90s.  Always a great view of Fox Lake and especially those sunsets.

Way Too Much for a Beer.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  100 years ago, everyone had a horse, only the rich had a car.  Today, everyone has a car and only the rich have horses.

'Waiting for the Sun' & Aging Teen Idols

SUNDAY, JULY 17

Bob Stroud had a special treat on his Rock and Roots show today on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  Today was the 52nd anniversary of the release of the Doors album "Waiting for the Sun" and he played it in its entirety throughout his show and gave lots of interesting information about it in the process.

It has my all-time favorite Doors song "Hello, I Love You" which always reminds me of going out to Honey Hill Beach in Wauconda with my co-workers at the Palatine Burger King on Northwest Highway.  (Burger King was where Photo's is located now.)

In the afternoon, Liz and I drove over to Chopper's on Illinois Highway 173 in Antioch and sat out on their deck overlooking a channel to the Chain of Lakes and enjoyed our friend's band, Aging Teen Angels, playing all sorts of oldies and Beatles songs.  Also enjoyed the $2 draft and 65 cent wings.

Aging Teen Idols.  Isn't that a great name for an oldies band that also plays their own originals?

We were surprised when buddy Coz and girlfriend Eileen came by so enjoyed talking with them on an absolute prefect day to be outside.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Every time you clean, you make something else dirty.

Trivia, Dog N' Suds and American Pop Standards-- Part 1

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18th

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and played live trivia with Professor Jeffie and enjoyed the half price drinks.  Had a half-price burger at Bricks 'N Ivy in Spring Grove, Illinois.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19TH 

Because of the recent storms, I had to cut the grass for the first time in three weeks.  

Went to Dog 'N Suds on Ingleside, Illinois for their 2 for $4 Charcoburger special and washed it down with a large root beer.  There are only seven of these old eating places left in the United States and we have three of them within 25 miles of us.  The other two are in Richmond and Grayslake, Illinois.  They, of course, still have the gal come out to your car with the food and put the tray on your window.  

This is real old-school eating.

I then went to the last It's Thursday concert in Antioch, Illinois, and saw Peter Oprisko do his show of American Pop Standards by such folks as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin,  He had an eight piece Big Band backing him.

Stopped at McDonald's on the way home for a Coke Slushie.

A Real Fine Day Indeed.  --RoadDog

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (From the Dec. 15, 2016, Orange Peel:  Q.  Should I have a baby after 35?  A.  No, 35 children is enough.

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

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

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.

Last Week: Chipmunk Training, Trivia at Donovan's, Drought, No Wings for Me, Rosie & the Rivets and Classic Car Phobia

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4

The FP (Front Porch) chipmunk about has me trained to its expectations.  I get in big trouble if I don't give it something to eat every time it comes by.  We played trivia at Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and enjoyed happy hour with half price (+25 cents) drinks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5

Watering, watering and watering.  We could SURE use some rain.  We're in our second drought of the summer.  

I drove to Antioch, Illinois, for their It's Thursday party.  Along the way, I had in mind to stop at Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake for their 35 cent wings and 35 cent loaded potatoes.  No dice son, too crowded.  Then figured I'd stop at Bootlegger's on Grasslake Road, but they too were packed.

Ended up at Roost On 59 (on Illinois Highway 59) and had their great Chicago dog meal.

Then to Antioch for the 50s-60s band Rosie & the Rivets and the car show.  Watched an hour, but left early when we started getting some raindrops.  You should have seen those classic car guys scramble.  I think they think their cars will melt of they get wet.  (Heaven forbid if even a speck of dust gets on it.  Out comes the chamois and lightly move it off the exterior!!)

Why Go Elsewhere.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, LAW OF THE RESULT:  When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work it will.

Last Weekend Not Quite As Planned, But Good Anyway-- Part 1: Trivia, Beers, Bars, No Festival or Band, Fish Fry and a View

This past weekend did not go as I had originally planned, but I'm always ready to change with the flow as necessary.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14

As usual, met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and played Smartass Trivia with MC Jeff and enjoyed the half price drinks.

THURSDAY, JULY 15

Original plans were for a trip to Antioch, Illinois' Taste of Summer Festival and a band out by the stage, but a rain threat stopped that.

FRIDAY, JULY 16

Met Kevin, Kelly, Glenn and Barb at Kelly's Tap in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry.  Then went to Lake View on Grasslake and enjoyed the sweeping view and $1 Miller draft pints.

--RoadDog

JSS: Gas Prices-- Flower Sales Finally-- Buddy Denny's Massive RoadTrip-- A Fish Fry and View With a Brew

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  GAS PRICES--  After last year, when the prices were so low, but essentially nothing was open, we have been in for a massive gas gouge as things open up and people hit the road.  Gas around here in northeastern Illinois are anywhere from $3.00 to $3.50.  Go over the border to Wisconsin (inly about eight miles away) and the gas is $2.95.  Guess where I get my gas?

2.  FLOWER SALES FINALLY--  All last year, I waited for annual flowers to go on sale, but it never happened.  I was beginning to give up for this year as well.  The best I could find were clearance flowers at Wal-Mart which were near dying, but recoverable.

However, the last two days I was on a buying spree at Menard's as their six pack annuals and seed geraniums were 50 cents.  Six packs of wave petunias are $1.25.  Now, I just have to find someone to plant them.  Any volunteers?

3.  BUDDY DENNY'S MASSIVE ROAD TRIP--  In a few hours I will be driving over to Marengo, Illinois, to meet my buddy Denny, who, after chomping at the bit last year, finally got to go out on the road and what a trip he has been on.  He has driven the entire length of the old Yellowstone Trail which traverses the U.S. from Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound and is coming back from Oregon to Massachusetts on U.S. Highway 20.  Marengo is on US-20.

4.  A FISH FRY AND VIEW WITH A BREW--  Last night, we met up with friends at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch, Illinois, for their wonderful beer-battered fish fry, then adjourned to the nearby Lake View Bar on Grasslake and sat out on the deck, enjoying the view toward Blarney Island, the sunset and especially the $1 brews.

Great Times.  --RoadDog

Just Like Old Times Around Here-- Part 2: A Great Time at the Pistakee Lakehouse

THURSDAY, JUNE 24

This ended up as one of those decision days (well, not really).  I had planned on going to Antioch, Illinois,  for their It's Thursday concert out at the bandshell.  They always have great bands, plus food tents and lots of drinks.  The local restaurants all have stuff as well.  We especially like going to the Lodge, which is adjacent to the bandshell.

However, Liz informed me that the Pistakee Lakehouse, on Pistakee Lake, had a special guest performing with the New Odyssey Guy, Gary, and that was his former bandmate for 30+ years, Mike.  Mike went to elementary school with Liz in Chicago and was her boyfriend for part of that time.  Well, I didn't have much of a choice now, did I?

So, we went to the Lakehouse and got seat right next to the stage at the tiki bar and enjoyed a really good show.  Mike had retired when the band (New Odyssey) decided to call it quits a couple years ago and this was his first time back performing.  I think we'll be seeing a lot more of him.

--RoadDog

One Great Time Last Weekend-- Part 2: Choppers, Jon Polit On Deck, Sunnyside, Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

FP (Front Porch).  Yard work.

We went to Choppers Bar and Grill on Illinois Highway 173, west of Antioch and sat outside on their deck under the huge old oak trees on an absolutely gorgeous day.  A 16 ounce draft beer is just $2 all the time.  Plus, we had one of our favorite singers, Jon Polit,  performing and we sure had a great time.  he is very interactive with the crowd while playing a wide variety of songs.

And, even better, there was a crowd but not so many that it became difficult to do things.  For years most every Sunday afternoon on the Chain of Lakes, you could find us at the outside bar of Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake, listening to their great afternoon bands.  But the place has gotten way too popular with huge crowds so we don't often go there anymore.

Choppers has crowds, but not too big.  Plus, we have boats going by on a channel.  Probably the only drawback was that we had to go inside to get our drinks.  Oh well!

We went by Sunnyside in Johnsburg before returning home where I enjoyed FP again and then adjourned to the basement and Margaritaville where I sat at the bar and enjoyed my Ultimate Jukebox which has 300 CDs.

This Was a Really Good Day.  --RoadDog

One Great Time Last Weekend: Barhopping, Wings, $1 Drafts, Beach Bumz Band, Fish Fry and the Legion

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7

Barhopping at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois.  Two places where everybody knows your name.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

Met Kevin and Kelly, Glenn and Barb at Bootleggers on Grasslake Road in Antioch and enjoyed the 50 cent wings and $1 draft pints.  Then went to the It's Thursday in Antioch, the weekly party by the bandshell behind Main Street.  Every Thursday from mid-June to mid-August, they have a band playing there from 7:30 to 9 p.m..

Tonight the band was Johnny Russell & the Beach Bumz.  If you like Jimmy Buffett, reggae or country beach music, this music is for you.  We also met several good friends there.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

Enjoyed WDRV's Ten at Ten's American Road Trip songs.  Road tripping on old highways is one of our favorite things to do, especially on Route 66 or the Lincoln Highway.

We met Kelly and Kevin and Barb and Glenn at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for their beer-battered fish fry, auce for $9,99 and $2 craft beer pints.  Then went to the Fox Lake American Legion with them for the 50-50.

Why Go Anywhere Else?  --RoadDog

Two Funerals In Four Days: Jim Terryberry and Ken Reid

This has been a rough week for Liz and myself.

On Monday, we went to the funeral of a good friend, Jim Terryberry, 72,  in Antioch, Illinois,  at Strang Funeral Home.  He is a friend from back in Round Lake and he and his wife would come out to see me deejay at Tom's Cafe in Johnsburg, Illinois, pretty much every St. Patrick's Day.

Plus, we would run into them at various festivals in the area during the summer.

Thursday, we went to the funeral of Kenny Reid, 68,  at Justin Funeral Home in McHenry, Illinois.  Wherever you would find Kenny, you'd find fun.  That was just the way he was.  A graduate of McHenry High School, Class of '68, he was  instrumental in their yearly reunions which were real blowouts.

He also played NTN with us a  lot at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

Hard To Take.

A Dickens Christmas, Chili Cookoff and Top Christmas Movies

DECEMBER 13, THURSDAY--  Finished putting up Christmas decorations.  Movie "The Possession of Hannah Grace"  Subdivision decorations and "Miracle on 34th Street."

DECEMBER 14, FRIDAY--  Legion for 50-50.

DECEMBER 15, SATURDAY--  "It's a Wonderful Life" Antioch's Dickens Christmas with statues along the streets.    Stores and the Lodge.  Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

DECEMBER 16, Sunday--  Fox Lake American Legion for Bears game (Win). Also, chili cookoff.  I love chili cookoffs.

I now am missing just one of my top four Christmas movies and that is "A Christmas Story," but I know TNT and TBS will have their marathon Christmas Eve and Day so am not worried.

My Top 4 Christmas Movies:

#1 .  "A Christmas Story"
#2.   "Christmas Vacation"
#3.   "It's A Wonderful Life"
#4.   "Miracle On 34th Street"

--RoadDog

FOOD COMMENTS:  "I told my doctor I get very tired when I go on a diet, so he gave me some pep pills.   Know what happened?   I ate faster,"    Joe E. Lewis

A Drinking Day-- Part 2: 54-Cent 14 Oz.Drafts at Half-Times

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Kevin and Kelly went over to Bootleggers on Grasslake Road in Antioch where they had 50 cent winds and $1 draft pints.

We decided to go to Half-Times in Johnsburg for their specials.  First, we had $1 domestic pint drafts, then, from 7 to 9, they had 54 cent 14-ounce drafts in honor of Chicago Bear great, Brian Urlacher going into the Hall of Fame and the Bears were playing an exhibition game in Canton, Ohio, the Home of the NFL Hall of Fame.  Of course, 54 was Urlacher's jersey number.

They decided those 4 cents were too much hassle so we got the beers for 50 cents.  When is the last time you went to a bar and got 50 cent drafts?

Sure went down mighty good in these hottest of days we're having.

Go Urlacher!!  --RoadDog

HOW COME:  I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

Yesterday Was a Drinking Day As It Turned Out-- Part 1: $2 Draft Imports and Crafts

Yesterday, August 2, 2018, was one of those days with way too much going on and not enough time to be in two places at the same time at once as it were.

I had originally planned to go to Antioch for their It's Thursday where they had the band Class of 1968 playing, you guessed it, 60s songs and a classic car show as well.  I also had thoughts of the Thursday night concert in McHenry's veterans Park if that didn't pan out.

But, I had talked with friends Kevin and Kelly about going to Bulldog Ale House in McHenry on Illinois Highway 31 south of town.  On Thursdays, they have all of their draft beers at $2 a pint.  And, not just domestic, but all their import and craft beers.  And, they have 40 drafts on tap!!  I like import and craft beers, but don't like paying $4 to $6 for them, so this is a REAL GOOD deal.

I had four beers, including a sunset wheat, Modello, Pilsner Urquel and a Heinekin.  We also had 89 cent chicken tenders

--RoadDog

Nothing Like a Summer Around Here-- Part 1: No Cup, But It's Thursday

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11

Put up my English flag (I am of English ancestry) for the team in the World Cup semifinals.  Went to Donovan's and watched it.  Unfortunately, they lost to Croatia.  Then to Sunnyside Tap.

THURSDAY, JULY 12

Went to the doctor and then did some shopping in McHenry.  Trimmed bushes in the yard.

Then went to Antioch for It's Thursday where they had the band 1976 which played music from the 1970s.  We sure enjoyed the show as that was a prime college decade for us.  Ran into several friends.  Stopped at McDonald's for a chocolate sundae on the way home.

Not That Big of a Soccer Fan Anyway.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  There are seven blue tick hounds under the desk.

A Long 4th of July Celebration-- Part 2: More Bands, a Fry and Cheap Drinks

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

Still no good sales at the local stores:  Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Meijer.  Perhaps after the 4th.

Drove to Antioch, Illinois, for their weekly summer party called It's Thursday.  We saw an up-and-coming country performer named Jake Hill and his band.  He sounded real good, but until he gets  to be well-known, needs to do many more covers.

Afterwards, stopped at Bootleggers on Grasslake Road and enjoyed $1 pints and saw another band.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

We went to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and had the fish fry at Popeye's overlooking Geneva Lake.  They have one of the best fish fries we've ever eaten.

Then stopped at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and enjoyed their half-price drinks at happy hour.  Then home and enjoyed the basement bar, Margaritaville at Key North and, of course, the Ultimate Jukebox.

--RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S A REDNECK COMPUTER WHEN:  The printer goes real slow since Bubba Don't read so fast.

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

JSS: This Weekend-- Rain, Finally-- '85 Firebird At Mechanic-- Yesterday

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  THIS WEEKEND--  Busy weekend as always on the Chain.  Later tonight we go to Sunnyside and the Legion.  Saturday we go to Dueling Pianos at Cabana's on the Chain in the afternoon and then to the Spring Grove Fire Department Steak Fry.

Sunday, we will go to the Rally By the Lake old car show at the Fox Lake Lake Shore Park on Nippersink Lake, then we see New Odyssey playing music at the St. John's Parish Fest in Johnsburg and then the Keeping the Spirit of '45 Alive event honor our World War II G\"Greatest generation" at the McHenry, Illinois, Veterans Memorial Park.

2.  RAIN, FINALLY--  No boating or outside work today because of the much, much-needed rain we are having.  I am getting tired of watering.

3.  '85 FIREBIRD AT MECHANIC--  In July, I discovered that my '85 Firebird was leaking oil big time so today the mechanic came over and towed it to his place so they could find out what the problem was.  I am hoping it is not the end of it, but will see.

4.  YESTERDAY--  I did yardwork on the overgrown part of my west side of the house and then cut the weeds.  With this drought, the grass isn't growing, but the weeds and crab grass sure are.  IO then saw the new "Star Trek" movie.

I was planning to go out boating, but the skies were questionable so didn't.  We went to Grasslake Landing on Grasslake and had half price pizza and pitchers.  Sadly, they are closing this Sunday.  We also got our Chain Crawl passport book signed.

After that, we went to the final It's Thursday show in Antioch and saw an excellent country band named Hillbilly Rock Starz.

Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog

Good Times This Past Weekend: Sports, Bars and GI Joe

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH--  A stay-at-home day because of the cold.  Lots and lots of TV.  Catching up on "The Walking Dead" marathon.  Sadly, the Cubs lose in first NLDS game to St. Louis, 4-0.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH--  Still watching "The Walking Dead" marathon.  Went to Pug Mahone's in Fox Lake for the Joe Gliniewicz fundraiser.  (Won a pair of Bears tickets)  Watched part of the Cubs-Cards game there and then went to the American Legion and joined a whole bunch of fans watching the Cubs win to tie the series at one apiece.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11TH--  Planning on watching part of the Bears game at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road, but they were having a classic car show.  Drove over to the Lodge of Antioch and watched the first half of the game, then the third quarter at Limerick's and the last one at Lake View Place on Grasslake with Kevin and Kelly.  Bears won.  Enjoyed the panoramic view of the lake from the deck.  Ended up at Sunnyside Tap.

--RoadDog


COUNTER PROVERBS:  Many hands make light work. -or-  Too many cooks spoil the broth.