Good Times in the Area: Last Weekend and This

Last weekend is a good example of why we like to stick around the area here in northeast Illinois during the summer.

The bars are open again and the bands are playing.  Spring Grove and the towns around us are in an area of Illinois known as the Chain of Lakes (or Chain o' Lakes).  There are about nine interconnected lakes and a long stretch of the Fox River.

And, boating is king.  As a matter of fact, we had three boats over a period of time ranging from 1985 to 2019.  The waterways go crazy on the weekend with hundreds of boaters out to have a good time.

An example of the fun we have took place last weekend.

On Saturday, our friends Kevin and Kelly had a party for their new granddaughter and a keg of beer and lots of food.  They have a house right on Mineola Bay on Fox Lake.  There is something about ice cold beer, the sun and watching the boats go by.

However, many folks brought their own libations and that keg wasn't empty, so we signed up for a Day After Party on Sunday with some other friends.  We worked as hard as we could, but we couldn't finish that keg.

So, it became necessary to have a Day After Party Part 2.  This time we succeeded.

Last night, we went out for one of those great Midwest fish fries at Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois.  In just a little bit, we're going to Rosie's on Grasslake where they will have a band out on the deck.

Oh, Well, Somebody's Got to Do It, and We're Just the Guys to Do It.  --RoadParty

Back to the Seventies on the Radio: 1972 and 1974 and a Beach Shot

Bill St. James is back to 1972 on his Time Warp Show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  Right now, he is playing Alice Cooper's "School's Out" which inspired the name of our last boat, "School's Out..." which then had "Forever" after we retired.

It goes to 10 am, CST and streams.

Then, at 9 am, WXRT is doing 1974 on their Saturday Morning Flashback.  It goes to noon CST and streams as well.

This has been an exceedingly crummy winter so far this new year with lots of snow with no chance of melting as we've only had a few days in the 30s since Jan 1 and since last Friday, Feb.5, no temps higher than the mid teens.  That's why giving WVCO, the Surf's Beach Music Countdown today from 9 to 11 am, EST will help get me in the proper beach mode.

Good Listenin' on the Radio.  --RoadBrrrr

STUDENT TEST ANSWERS:  Persian cats is the chief industry of Persia, hence the word "purr."

No More Boating For Us-- Part 4: The Boat Took A Beating

From August 17, 2019.

That poor first boat, the Imperial, took a beating, not only as we were learning how to drive it and tie up at piers, but also we had two rather bad storms that hit it hard.

We first kept it by Neptune's Cove on Fox Lake (where I deejayed) and when they sold the place, we moved to the nearby Golden Nugget (later Costello's).  We were in a sheltered channel at Neptune's, but out on the lake at the second place.

The first beating the boat took resulted in its sinking during a storm that had a F-1 category tornado that came across Nippersink Lake.  Liz had the boat out that day (I was deejaying at the Puppet Bar), but fortunately was tied  up at Leisure Point on that lake when it hit.  So they were inside.  As the storm passed the Puppet Bar the windows seemed to move inward and the wind did blow hard.

When it lightened up enough to see outside at Leisure Point (today it is El Puerto), Liz could only see the top of the windshield.  She plopped a hundred dollar bill on the bar and said that drinks were on her for anybody that would get the boat out of the water.  A bunch of guys jumped up, ran out to the water, got in and eventually got the boat up onto land.

Money Well Spent.  What Some Guyd Won't Do for Drinkin' Money.   --RoadDog

Somewhat Near Normal Last Saturday: Some of My Favorite Things

As another month hurries by.  And, I mean HURRIES BY!!  Why does time go so fast when you're having fun, and even here in the "V" fun.

People asked me in the past why I don't travel much during the summer.  Why travel when you've got a travel destination right here in the area.  I mean, Illinois' Chain of Lakes (or Chain 'o Lakes) is as much fun as you can have and we haven't had a boat since last year.  But there is always stiff going on with weekly concerts in many local towns, car shows, parades, holidays, bars and bands.

But, this year has been different with so many things canceled.

But, last Saturday, I came as close as you can to a return to the good old days. 

I went on my longest road trip since March 3, a whopping 20.4 miles to Algonquin, Illinois.  Usually by now, we would have been to Missouri on Route 66 at least once and out to the the Mississippi River at least once, but since we can't just have the fun we want because of you-know-what,  might as well just hang around here.

However, this past Saturday I got to do a whole bunch of my favorite things.  First, we had our first meeting of the MCCWRT discussion group outside at Panera Bread with facemasks on, then to my favorite store, Half-Price Books and then to one of my favorite fast-food places called White castle.

Last two stops were to check out plants at Meijer and Home Depot, something else I really enjoy.

That night, closer to home in Johnsburg, Illinois, we had fresh Stade corn on the cob and a band outside of Stucky's.

I Was Smilin'.  --RoadGrin

Uncertainty for Chain of Lakes Boating This Year-- Part 1

From the April 22, 2020, Chicago Tribune "Uncertainty for Lake County boating season" by Karie Angell Luc.

For the Lake County boating community, COVID-19 is having a ripple effect.

"We're all in the same boat, no pun intended," said Joseph S. Keller, executive director of the Fox Waterway Agency (FWA).  "There is certainly a lot of anxiety out there."

May and especially Memorial Day Weekend typically launch the boating season.  "People are itching to get outside to enjoy the system."

But,he warns:  "The Fox Waterway Agency has kept the waterways open during the state's stay-at-home order.  But that could change quickly if users don't abide by safe social distancing rules.  The FWA and law enforcement are keeping a close eye on the waterway."

Of course, April's weather so far has been a bust.  Way cold, overcast and lots of rain.  Not exactly prime boating weather.

--RoadDog

LAUGHTER TO DEAL WITH THE "V":  We have gone from Miles Per Gallon to Weeks Per Gallon.   But, sadly, now we also have the cheapest gas prices I've seen around here in a long time.  Most places are around $1.60.

Good Thing We Got Out of Boating Last Year

From the April 22, 2020, Chicago Tribune "Uncertainty for Lake County boating season" by Karie Angell Luc.

Looks like we times getting out of boating very well, having sold our third and last boat just this past June.  We were boating fanatics for many years, buying our first boat in 1985 because I was deejaying at Neptune's Cove and the Puppet Bar on the Chain of Lakes every weekend and those folks coming in off those boats were having just too much fun.  Thirty-three years of boating fun.

But, in the last eight years,it seemed like we were getting the boat our later and later each year and we weren't having as much fun as before.  Between fewer bars on the Chain of Lakes, bigger and faster boats and the water cop presence, the good times were waning.  And, of course we were getting older, so getting in and out of the boat and covering it up was becoming more of a problem.

And, then, the weather has been horrible the last several seasons.  The Chain was closed for much of 2017 and in 2018, we were late getting the boat out in July and then had one mechanical issue after another, so much in fact that we didn't get out at all.  That's when we decided the time for boating had passed us by.

Plus, it was funny to all watching me trying to back the boat up to launch it since I only did that once a year.  Once in the water, it stayed in the water.

So, we sold it.

Now this year, the weather has been absolutely horrible all spring with the exception of maybe there days.  Plus, now we have the "V" thing going on.  The few bars and restaurants left on the Chain can't open until the end of May, so the big Memorial Day weekend party is gone.  And, of course, boating is a social thing and this be the age of social you-know-whating.

So, Looking Like a less Than Fun Boating Season Coming.  --RoadDog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":  If you're having trouble with locating toilet paper, here's a life hack.  When you return a book to the library, they almost never count the pages.  (But, wait!!  libraries are all closed now, so where does that get you?)

JSS: rn Sure Looks Like an "M"-- Relief Money Coming April 15-- Good Weather-- No Boating For Us This Year

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  rn SURE LOOKS LIKE AN "M"--  While typing (with my own two little fingers) the last post, I can't but notice that when you put the letters "rn" together, that sure looks like the letter "m."

2.  RELIEF MONEY COMING APRIL 15--  Listening to Myrtle Beach's Surf, 94.9 FM this morning, I heard Jim Morgan say that money from the government to tide us over (somewhat) through this "V" thing will be coming April 15.  For some reason that date used to mean something else.

3.  GOOD WEATHER--  Since March, we have only had three days I'd consider good with fairly warm temperatures (never over 70 degrees though) and little or no wind.  That is good because crummy weather keeps folks inside in this "V" time.  However, today (Tuesday, April 7) looks like a good day here in northeast Illinois, so we'll see how many stay inside or refrain from traveling off their property.

4.  NO BOATING FOR US THIS YEAR--  This will be the first year since 1985, that Liz and I won't have a boat.  Two of our friends have already been out on their boats.  But, with all this crummy weather and you-know-what, I doubt that we'll miss boating all that much.

--RoadDog

JSS: No Baseball Playoffs for Chicago-- Hate Those Night Football Games-- Sometimes No Boat Is Good Thing

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  NO BASEBALL PLAYOFF GAMES FOR CHICAGO--  After this horrible weekend, the Cubs can start getting ready for next year.  We kept saying after they swept the Pirates a week ago by some huge scores, that they would start losing games by one run and they sure did.  They've lost the last six games in a row by one run each game.  Moral:  Don't use up all your runs in a game as that means you'll lose by one run  the next one (or more).

And that new hang-hand relief pitcher who has give up opponent go-ahead runs twice.  Hope to see you somewhere else next year.

2.  HATE THOSE NIGHT FOOTBALL GAMES--  Da Bears have another late night game tonight (and one of those crummy Monday Night Games where the Bears stink) at 7:30.  They opened with a Thursday night game and then there was a 3:30 game.  We have another 3:30 game after that before we get to a noon game.

Football should be played in the daylight.

3.  SOMETIMES NO BOAT IS A GOOD THING--  Well, since we decided to get rid of the boat, this was a good year to do it.  The Chain of Lakes has been closed for two weeks and will be for longer after the last rainfall over 36 hours.  Plus it was closed or no wake for another month or more.

We felt sorry for our friends who still go boating, but are so happy that is not a problem for us.

Now, we don't have to worry about cleaning the hull, winterizing or getting it to a place to keep it over the winter.

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadBoat

STATE OF THE JOKE:  NEBRASKA.  Just keep driving.  When something changes, you'll know you're out of Nebraska.

Guns, Oldies and DaBears Weekend-- Part 2

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Went to McDonald's for their 2 for $4 bacon, egg and cheese biscuits.  We like those a lot.  A perfect day weatherwise, even as the Chain was closing down because of the flooding.  Sure glad we got out of boating earlier this summer as the Chain has been closed or no wake for almost half the time this year.

Enjoyed WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback to 1982 and did some yard work.

We went to the SAL gun raffle at the Fox Lake American Legion and met Glenn and Barb and enjoyed Mitch Edwards until 6 and then the oldies band Looney Train.  Went over to Stucky's in Johnsburg where Uncle Will and the Wayback Machine were playing oldies.

Liz and I definitely love our oldies music.  Perhaps because we are OLD!!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Well, we had rain all night.  Just what we needed with all the flooding.  Listened to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show on the Drive from 7 to 10 a.m.and recorded Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles on WXRT.  I do this most Sunday mornings.  Sat out in the gazebo and read the Chicago Tribune.

The Bears played at 3:30 p.m. and we drove over to the Squaw Bar in Ingleside on Squaw Creek only to find the whole rear of the place flooded and the front parking lot full, so didn't go in.  Went to the Fox Lake American Legion on Nippersink Lake and all its piers were under water, but a dry parking lot so watched the first quarter of the Bears game.

Then went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and found seats at the bar and watched the rest of the Bears-Denver Broncos game.  That last 31 seconds was something else and the Bears kicked a field goal to win 16-14 as time expired.

We B Old.  --Old RoadDog

No More Boating For Us-- Part 3: Our First Boat in 1985

Only one problem remaining with getting a boat.  In order to go boating one must know hoe to tie knots.  I have never been good at knots-- ever.  I never got past Tenderfoot in Boy Scouts because to be Second Class, you had to pass a knots test.  That just never happened.

The owner of the Puppet Bar, Joe Gates, with great difficulty, taught me how to tie one knot which would suffice to tie the boat up at docks.  After about a month of practice I "mastered" it.  Now, we can get a boat.  I STILL know how to tie that knot.  Thanks, Joe.

And, get a boat we did.  It was used.1979 Imperial and we bought it in 1985.  I forget how much we paid for it.  It was a 17-foot gold flake on top and white modified tri-hull and did we ever use it and have a good time on it that year.  We went out every day, even on the weekends when the Chain of Lakes is really crowded.  That is, we went out during the summer when I wasn't deejaying, and I did that a lot.

We paid for it with deejay money (as we did for the lot where we're at now and to have the basement finished with our Margaritaville bar.

Had I not started deejaying, I doubt that we would ever have had a boat.

Anyway, that was the first boat.

--RoadDog

No More Boating for Us-- Part 2: Best Two Days In A Boater's Life

Continued from July 26, 2019.

They say that the two best days of a boater's life are the day he buys his first boat and the day they sell their boat.  Well, it should be said the day they sell their last boat.  In between, the first and last boat, when they sell, they buy another boat.

But, you get to the point where it is not as much fun as it was at first.  That is what happened to us.  When we got our first boat in 1985, we were out in it just about every day for the rest of the summer.  Being teachers, we had the summer off so got to enjoy it seven days a week and believe me, we did.  Even with all the boats out on the water on the weekends, though I was often deejaying then.

My parents never had a boat, nor did Liz's, so we were new to the game in 1985.  Even though we lived in Round Lake Beach, just a few miles from the Chain of Lakes (and had been since 1975) we never partied out on the lakes at all.

But, when I started deejaying, I got regular jobs at Neptune's Cove on Fox Lake and the Puppet Bar (Eagle Point Park) on Pistakee Lake.  Both are on the Chain of Lakes.  I saw all the boaters coming in and having such a good time, well, I got to thinking maybe I should get me a boat.

--RoadBoat

No More Boating for Us-- Part 1: Woe Is My Boat

This past week, Liz and I entered a new era.  We no longer have a boat.  That is after 33 years and three boats, two of which we bought new.

There were several reasons for this.  One is that we are just getting kinda old.  Climbing in and out of the boat (an open bow 19-footer) seems to be getting a bit harder.  Plus, bad boating weather with cold springs, flooding and way too hot on occasions has eaten into boating time in a big way.  Also, we didn't get the boat into the water until July the past seven years.

We found out about a local boat/car detailing place which sells boats on commission and take car of the whole selling of the boat, including making sure it is in good shape and going out on test runs.  This made the whole selling of the boat much easier.

We sold the 2003 Bayliner which we bought for $13,000 back then.  We had 15 years of great times on it.  We don't count last year as we never had it in the water, between a late start as usual and repairs.

A-Boating We Won't Be Doing Anymore.  --RoadShipless

TRIVIA TEASER:  What kind of an animal was Baby in the 1938 screwball comedy film "Bringing Up baby"?   Answer below.

Leopard

After 33 Years, the Boat's Probably Gone-- Part 1

Kind of a sad, but happy day for us yesterday as I took our 19.5 foot Bayliner Capri open bow, i/o over to a local place who will attempt to sell it for us.

We bought out first boat in 1985, an 17-foot Imperial modified tri-hull.  In 1900, we bought a 19-ft Four Winns and in 2013 the present boat.

I had always thought having a boat was ridiculous growing up.  Our family never had one.  However, when I started deejaying at the Puppet Bar on Pistakee Lake and Neptune's Cove on Fox Lake in the early 1980s there were a lot of boaters and they were having really big fun, so I decided we'd have to get one for ourselves.

I didn't get one right away as I knew that with a boat, I'd have to learn how to tie at least one knot.  Knots are something I am not good at and a reason I never got past being a Tenderfoot in the Boy Scouts as I had to know my knots.  That just wasn't going to happen.  No problem, though, as the main reason I was in Scouts was for the camp outs.  Now those were a whole lot of fun.

Anyhow, the owner of the Puppet Bar (Eagle Point Park), Joe Gates, showed me a simple knot and after about a month I had "mastered" it.

So, I could now get a boat.

A Boating We Go.  --RoadDog

A PLETHORA OF TIDBITS:  Before Sir Thomas More was beheaded in 1535, he moved his lengthy beard aside, saying it "had never committed any treason."   A Man and His Beard.

Final Boating?, Civil War, SNOW, Stucky's and Sunnyside

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Had my favorite breakfast meal at McDonald's, the steak, egg and cheese bagel.  And, they use real steak.  And those caramelized onions!!    Drove to Hebron and picked up the boat where we kept it in a barn over the winter.  Since we are planning on selling it this spring, this could be the last time.  We have been boaters since 1985, but that time is ending. Met the Usual Suspects at the Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Drove to Crystal Lake for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group, topic the Battle of Shiloh.  Then took the truck into the emission testing station where it passed.  All week the weather had predicted a snow storm.  The rain turned  to snow about 10:30, but didn't stick on the roads.  We ended up with three inches on the deck rails and a white covering on the grass.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Big meltdown of the snow.  None left by evening.  We went to Stucky's and watched NASCAR and the Chicago Cubs and White Sox games..  A couple we know came in with their two six-month-old huskie (NIU spelling) puppies so had to go out and play with them on the deck.  Also, a former student of mine came in and remembered "Demerit Points."  Something all my former students remember.

Snow At the End of April?  Don't Even Think About Calling It Warming!!  --RoadDog

A PLETHORA OF TIDBITS:  A cardigan worn by a man is sometimes called a mandigan.

JSS: Boat's Up For Winter-- Black Friday-- Ed Bearss

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  BOAT'S UP FOR WINTER--  This past Friday I took the boat over to the barn in Hebron where we keep the boat during the winter, thus ending a year of no boating for us as it turned out.  Well, we did have 33 years of good boating before this.

2.  BLACK FRIDAY--  It seems like we just got rid of all those politicians saying all those bad things about their opponents.  Now, we have all this "Black Friday" stuff to listen to.  Have you "Black Fridayed?"

3.  ED BEARSS--  I understand ge will be giving a talk to the Northern Illinois Civil War Round Table in Arlington Heights on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7.  I hope to be able to see this World War II Marine veteran.  He is unique.

--RoadDog

THAT TIME OF THE YEAR:  Id April showers bring May flowers, what do Mayflowers bring?   Answer:  Pilgrims.

JSS: Boat's Back-- More Snow

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  BOAT'S BACK--  Wednesday, our mechanic brought the boat back to us.  He had it since late July.  We had some major mechanical problems and trailer problems and we did not go out boating a single time this season.  That would be the first summer of no-boating since 1985.

Sadly, however, we have determined that we do not want to own the boat anymore, so if anyone of you knows somebody interested in getting into boating, let me know.

2.  MORE SNOW--  We had about two inches of it this past Thursday and it is snowing again today, Thursday.  So far I'm guessing we've gotten about two inches.

I even had to cancel taking the boat out to Hebron, Illinois, where we keep it during the winter.  I don't know, snowing and boating (even pulling one) just doesn't go together.

--RoadDog

IT'S ALL IN A NAME:  Homeopathic doctor's son named Herb.

Labor Day Weekend 2018-- Part 3: J's, BLT Pizza and NTN

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

More rain today.  We have had rain every day since Friday and lots of it.  How long before we have no wake or closed on the Chain of Lakes.  Beginning to look like we won't get out at all on the boat this year.  Plus, after 33 years, we are seriously considering selling it.

We went to J's in Ingleside, Illinois, and enjoyed their $1.50 draft pints and half price pizza.  Their BLT pizza is one of the best in the area.  That is bacon, lettuce and tomato to those of you who don't know and it is like getting a salad on top of your pizza.

We met Usual Suspects Kevin and Kelly there and played NTN trivia, something we used to do a lot, but rarely anymore.  We had several Top 20s as individuals and he bar.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

YOUR ENGLISH LESSON:  And that "eat" is the only word that if you take the first letter and move it to the last, it spells the past tense "ate"?

A Long 4th of July Celebration-- Part 1: A Boat, A Band and Bars

JUNE 27, WEDNESDAY

I always enjoy kicking back on the FP  (Front Porch) in the mornings, eating breakfast, having coffee and reading the Chicago Tribune.

Drove to Hebron, Illinois, and picked up the boat.  The Chain is still no wake, but after the 4th of July we'll get in the water.

Drove to Lindenhurst, Illinois and saw one of our favorite bands, Pirates Over 40, doing Jimmy Buffett songs.

Afterwards, we went to two places on the Chain Crawl for passport stamps:  Oasis and Steitz's.  We didn't know that the Oasis is now owned by the family who own Captain's Quarters, Electric Harbor and the Kross Inn.  Steitz's dates back to 1938.

--RoadDog

Kicked Off the Summer 2018 Yesterday

Yesterday was one of those busy, fun days we have so often around here in northeastern Illinois in the Chain O' Lakes area.

First, we went over to Rosie's Italian Eatery (the old Grasslake Landing) and picked up our Chain Crawl stuff including tee shirt and passport book.  met up with a lot of boating friends.

Then, we went to Taste of McHenry in McHenry, Illinois and hit five of the 15 places before we got full and ran out of time.  We went to After the Fox, Little Chef, Bimbo's, Fox Hole and Corkscrew Pointe (all on the Fox River) and tasted boiled shrimp, BLT pizza, brusschetta, loaded mini Bloody Marys, sangria and cranberry tuna fish croissant.

Later, we drove over to the Fox Lake American Legion on Nippersink Lake and watched a duo perform from 3 to 6 in the afternoon.

Like I Said, Lots of Fun Stuff Going On Around Here in the Summer.  --RoadDog

Getting My Vinyl On Today: Record Store Day

The day is here.  No downloading today (I have never downloaded anything and wouldn't know how).

Today is the day to go visit your local mom and pop independent record store, flip through some albums and buy something.

In a short time, I will be leaving for the Vinyl frontier records in McHenry, Illinopis, located at 1326 N. Riverside Drive.  After that I plan to go to Siren records at 3819 Main Street, also in McHenry.  Very lucky to have not just one, but two places for old records here in the area (and within 12 miles of home).

There is also a Reef Records in nearby Antioch, but won't get there today.

And, as something to get the mind off this horrendous April we've been having, besides Record Day, we have signup for the annual Chain Crawl for the Chain of Lakes at Squaw Bar and Hilltop Lounge.

Records and Boats.  Alright.  --RoadDog