Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
Donovan's Reef for trivia.
THURSDAY, MAY 9
Breakfast with retired Magee teachers at Bristol 45 Diner. Fox Lake Legion.
FRIDAY, MAY 10
Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake for fish fry. Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove for the band Peter & the Versatiles.
SUNDAY, MAY 12
McHenry Legion and Sunnyside in Johnsburg.
--RoadDog
MARCH 16, SATURDAY
Okay, so no cb&c at the VFW, but I remembered seeing a flyer at Sunnyside in Johnsburg offering a cb&c dinner (corned beef & cabbage) so went there. But, upon closer inspection of the sheet, I saw that this dinner was offered at Cullom Knoll, about seven miles away so decided to be disappointed.
So, came home and went online for awhile before driving over to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove which had cb&c dinners so FINALLY got one after two false starts. They also had a solo artist performing playing so got to enjoy that.
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MARCH 17TH-- SUNDAY
Bob Stroud featured the music of Van Morrison on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM. After all, the Van is Irish.
I drove over to the Fox Lake American Legion where they were having a St. Baldrick's head shaving event to raise money for diseases. I didn't have my head shaved but did donate. And, they had cb&c. Two in a row!! Plus, Matthew Holmes performed from 3 to 6 pm.
Sadly, I left my to-go box when I left.
Oh well, I had my fill of corned beef & cabbage finally.
--RoadCabbage
MARCH 16, SATURDAY
This was to be the big day of partying everywhere. I had lots of options, but many I canceled if they involved spending time outside. It was kind of cold and very windy. Plus there would be crowds. The older I get, the less I like any one of those things.
That meant a no go to McHenry to see the Fox River dyed green or the parade. That also ruled out the parade in Lake Villa. Sad, because I surely love parades. I decided instead to go to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society's meeting and see the Lake County Old Time Radio Players put on an old time radio show. They did "The Shadow." Quite a neat and enjoyable job.
I then went to Lake Villa and found myself in a long detour, but eventually got to the Lake Villa VFW which was having a corned beef and cabbage dinner. I was sad to find they had already given out of it by the time I arrived. Bummer.
However, I did luck into a seat at the very crowded bar and had a beer while enjoying the 50s-60s band, Accents. However, the power went out and I left.
Not Finished With the Day Yet. --RoadDog
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Saw a movie double header at Fox Lake Theatre: "80 for Brady" and "Plane." So good to be back at the movies again. Enjoyed both movies. Then met Kevin and Kelly at the Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, ate at Taco Bell in Fox Lake and went to the Fox Lake American Legion where they were having a Valentine's dance with the Lakes Area Swing Band.
They are 16 musicians who put on a great Swing/Big Band show. There was a good crowd and most everyone was dressed like people used to when they went out dancing. Most really could dance those style of dances.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Went to Culver's in Fox Lake for that great double butter burger meals and then the SAL (Sons of the American Legion) meeting at the Fox Lake Legion.
I then went to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, to Donovan's Reef where I had paid to have a seat at the Super Bowl party with AUCE and drink during the game. I also had a room at the motel behind the bar, so driving home was not a problem.
That was sure a great game.
--RoadBowl
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Went to Sunnyside on a really cold day. Thanks a lot Groundhog!! Willie and that six more weeks of winter!!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
First Saturday of the month means the Fox Lake American Legion was having their monthly music in the bar from 3 p, to 6 pm. Where else you gonna get entertainment on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of winter (thanks Groundhogs)? And today's group was the Three Aces who excell at 50s-60s and old country music. One of my favorite local bands. You should hear themk do "The Auctioneer."
And, the Fox Lake/Round Lake Rotary Club was having their annual chili cookoff, so I was forced to judge and sample the 20 different entries. Man, music, beer and chili in one day. Nothing could be finer.
An Eager Volunteer, Believe Me. --RoadChili
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6
.After finally getting the "Smart Phone" smart, we drove over to 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road and enjoyed their beer-batter fish fry. It is now AUCE for $12.99 and was $9.99 before the virus hit. Draft beer was $3 and had been $2 before. Things sure getting expensive. Gas it going up fast again as well. I paid $3.20 on the way over to 'Cuda's
We then went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50/50.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 7
Met Kevin and Kelly, Glenn and Barb at the Fox Lake American Legion for their first Saturday band. Where else you gonna go in the middle of winter on a Saturday afternoon and get some band entertainment. Performing today was Aging Teen Idols with out friend John Piet. They play a whole lot of oldies, originals and Beatles songs. Plus, draft beer is still just $2 a pint.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 8
Went to the McHenry American Legion and saw the Bears lose their tenth straight game to finish the season 3-14. Da Bears!! Were sure bad This Year!! Oh, well. At least we get the very first draft choice as a result of being the worst in the NFL.
--RoadBear
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
Went to the Car Show at the McHenry Moose Lodge which was featuring Pontiacs. Too bad I couldn't take my '85 Firebird because of a flat tire and I can't get it started. They had several GTOs and Trans Ams, but no regular Firebirds. A 1968 Pontiac Tempest brought back memories as we used to have a '67 Tempest, the poor man's GTO.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia with Uncle Jeffie.
THUSDAY, AUGUST 18
Went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois, and saw Alan Snyder do his show. Great music and trivia.
I Sure Miss Pontiacs. --RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Why do we ship by truck and send cargo by ship?
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
Liz and I met Glen and Barb at the Fox Lake Mayor's Fish Fry at Lake Front Park. A great deal for AUCE for $9 for seniors. Unfortunately, the line for refills was always too long so I didn't get seconds. Too bad as it was excellent fish.
Afterwards, we all went to the Fox Lake American Legion (across Nippersink Lake from the Lake Front Park) and played 50/50. They now have pull cards on Fridays where you either pay full price, half price or 50 cents for your drink. I had two full price ($2 pints), a half price and a 50 cents.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and eventually, doing what everyone calls the Sunnyside Shuffle, were able to move from a table to the edge of the bar and finally the horseshoe part, the primo seating and most fun with others.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
Liz and I went to Parish Fest in Johnsburg and enjoyed brats, beer, ice cream and the excellent oompah band Die Musikmeisters. Then, we went to McHenry for the annual Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive, a tribute to our World War II and Korean War veterans. Sadly their numbers are getting lower every year so now Vietnam War veterans have been added. Enjoyed the sounds of Bill's Little Big Band.
Afterwards, we went to the McHenry Legion.
Always Something Going On Around Here. --RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: If you rip a hole in a net, you have less holes than you started with.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9
Bob Stroud played Ten at Ten from that great college year for me, 1972, including "Ventura Highway" by America and "Sunshine" by Jonathan Edwards. Took me back.
Drove to Woodstock and saw the movie "Minions: the Rise of Gru." Gotta love those little yellow guys. Then met some Civil War buffs at 3 Brothers restaurant in Il. Highway 47 and then to The Woodstock Library for a presentation on the USS Merrimac(k)/ CSS Virginia. I especially like presentations on anything Civil War Navy.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
Trivia at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11
Went to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and had those great 50 cent wings and a good talk wih a Sox fan where we figured out that the Sox really have stunk up the place this season. Drove to Wisconsin and got gas just over the border for $3.87 ($3.86.9) which is 45 cents cheaper than in Illinois. A whole lot of Illinois folks near the border do this these days.
Then went to Antioch's It's Thursday concert featuring a good party band, 28 Days.
Why Go Anywhere Else? --RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: How can a SLIM CHANCE and a FAT CHANCE be the same, while a WISE GUY and a WISE MAN aren't.
FRIDAY, JULY 29
Met Kevin and Kelly at Diamond Deli in Fox Lake, Illinois, for the fish fry. Patti, who for so many years was our waitress at Dino's Den was our waitress. A great fish fry, but I was taken totally aback at the charge for Liz and my iced teas, $3.95!! Now, that is WAY too much.
Stopped at the new park in Fox Lake and sat outside for awhile and listened to the bands School of Rock and 176 Wide. I wasn't impressed with either group.
Went over to the Fox Lake Legion and played 50-50.
SATURDAY, JULY 30
Well, I didn't win the $1.1 billion+ in the MegaLotto, so reckon I'll just have to keep typing the blogs. Not that I earn a cent from them. Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.
SUNDAY, JULY 31
Went to the McHenry America Legion.
$3.95 for an Iced Tea? Ya Gotta Be Kiddin'.--RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Why is it that a writer writes, but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce, humdingers don't hum and hammers don't ham?
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.
MONDAY, JULY 18
We drove to McHenry, Illinois, and had Whopper dinners at Burger King. Still one of my favorite burgers after all these years. We then walked around the Green Street car show admiring the rides, especially ared '67 Firebird convertible, my favorite oldies car.
We saw the same band as yesterday, Aging Teen Idols, who were providing entertainment.
Afterwards went to Sunnyside and had a great time with the Stucky folks: Angie, Wayne and Carrie.
TUESDAY, JULY 19
Met the Sunnyside folks at Granny's Diner on the Fox River River in Johnsburg and had that excellent chopped steak, two eggs over easy, gash browns and bread.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20
National Hot Dog Day, One of my favorite foods. Didn't have one though. Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia and happy hour.
--RoadDog
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.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
Played trivia at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and, as usual, we had a smorgasboard to eat as folks brought food in.
THURSDAY, JULY 7
Drove to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and had their 50 cent wing special said hi to former neighbor Mel who used to live next to us and is an unbelievably good bartender there. Then drove to Antioch, Illinois, for the It's Thursday concert series, today featuring an all female group named Beatelles singing Beatles songs. That was sure a different way to hear the Beatles.
FRIDAY, JULY 8
Met Kelly and Kevin, Glen and Barb at Cuda's for their fish fry then went over to Lake View Place for their $1.50 draft beer and had never seen the place so crowded. Former neighbor Mel and a lot of the Captain's Quarters folks were there.
Fun and Games Around Here. --RoadDog
THINGS TO PONDER: Which letter in "Scent" is silent? Is it the "S" or "C?"
THURSDAY, JUNE 23
Entered posts in all eight blogs. Believe me, that is time consuming. Got some yardwork done and we went to Stucky's in Johnsburg to use up some of out $25 gift cards that we had won in their live trivia games. In a few days they will not be worth anything. Local entertainer Jim Seig had a long-standing open mic night at Stucky's on Thursdays but canceled for the last two times.
FRIDAY, JUNE 24
Breakfast on FP. Again, finished all eight blogs. Too hot to work outside. Normally we go to the Spring Grove Fish Boil every year to raise money for the old Spring Grove Fish Hatchery which has been turned into a village park, but today was the last day of Stucky's fish fry so we went there instead.
We sure are going to miss Stucky's It is always sad when one of your favorite hangouts closes. But, usually another one comes along.
Several years back three of our favorite places closed: Tommy's and Antonio's in Spring Grove and the Twisted Moose in McHenry, but we ended up getting Sunnyside and Stucky's in Johnsburg. And then there was Costello's in Fox Lake where we hung out for a really long time. And, there was also Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, when Jeff Stewart sold it, but we still hang out there.
Things Go On. --RoadDog
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
Celebrating the Chicago Tribune's 175th Year and I read their anniversary edition out FP (Front Porch). I have subscribed to this paper since 1973 (except about a year when I had a problem with its editorial process). In my mind it is the best newspaper in the country.
But sadly, my days of subscribing are about over because the price is now up to $130 for two months of Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sunday delivery. I'm sure going to miss it.
Met Kevin and Kelly at Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch. The other name for the place is "Iceboc" because ot is so cold in there, but the food really good so we dress for the ooccasion. They have a great Friday fish fry for $10.99, all you can eat.
Afterwards, we went to Lake View Place on Grasslake and enjoyed their Friday $1.50 draft beer. Came home and likewise enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox.
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
Went to Stucky's where we enjoyed the $1 draft pints and it was Angie's 50th birthday.
SUNDAY, JUNE 12
Bob Stroud played his Summerof 1972 special on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive. These were the songs on the radio and in your record collection fifty years ago on June 12, 1972. I have listed the songs elsewhere in this blog.
Drove over to Miller Park in McHenry (right on the Fox River) to hear the band, but it was too crowded. We went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the cocktails there. On the way home, we found Stucky's was closed, but Sunnyside wasn't, so went there before heading home.
--RoadDog
