Good Times Around Here, May 1-5: Donovan's & Mick's, a $7 Breakfast, Patty Melt, Legion, Bart Alonzo Band and Steak & Eggs

We haven't even gotten to summer yet, but already lots to do around here.

So far this month:

MAY 1ST, WEDNESDAY

Donovan's for trivia and Saylor Mick's for $1 Hamms pints and 75 cent wings.

MAY 2ND, THURSDAY

Fox Lake Legion for $1.50 pints.

MAY 3RD, FRIDAY

Eggs over easy, hash browns and toast at Midwest Breakfast Company for $7.  A real good deal these days. K.C.'s Cabin for a patty melt and then Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.

MAY 4TH, SATURDAY

Fox Lake Legion and the Bart Alonzo Band from 3 to 6 pm.  Magic Moon and glad to see buddy Frank is back.

MAY 5TH, SUNDAY

Steak and eggs at Pink House in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois.

--RoadDog

Drinkin' and Eatin' on the Cheap

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6

I must remember to always put the checkbook in the same place.  Whenever I don't, it goes on the "lam" for awhile.  Like it is right now.  

Met Kevin and Kelly at Half-Times in Johnsburg, Illinois, and enjoyed the $1 Lite pints and the $11.50 (half price) slab of ribs, fried and garlic bread meal.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Hey, Half-Times has $1 Lite drafts and half price pizza, sandwiches and ribs Monday to Thursday until the end of February.  I have to take advantage of ths deal.  I was back again.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

I found the wayward checkbook and put it where I always do.  Let's see how long  remember to do this.  Went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and played live trivia with Kevin, Kelly and a host of others.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Met Kevin and Kelly at Bulldog Ale House in McHenry, Illinois.  They have their old special back.  Any of their draft beer pints for $2.  And, that includes domestic, import and craft beer.  That's talking my language.  Plus, 89 cent chicken tenders.

Too Good of Deals to Pass Up.  --RoadDog

Movies, Expensive and Cheaper Beer, Round Lake Beach and the Groundhogs

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31

Went to see the movie "Avatar:  The Way of Water" at the Fox Lake Theatre and to Half-Times in Johnsburg.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and got a room for the Super Bowl game.  Stopped at The Grove in Spring Grove and was shocked by having to pay $4 for a Miller Lite 16 ounce draft. Then to Saylor Mick's where I had the more reasonable $1 Hamm's pints.  Final stop was at Margaritaville at home.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Groundhog Day...Again.  Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania as well as Woodstock Willie in the much-closer Woodstock, Illinois, both saw their shadows, so six more weeks of winter weather.  Sigh.

Went to Round Lake Beach for a dentist appointment and then to Big Lots, a new grocery store called Tony's and Meijer.  I found that Meijer has half gallons of milk for $1.65.  At Jewel, a gallon of milk is $2.99 and a half gallon is $2.49.  I hate paying almost as much for half the amount.   Later met quite a few friends at Half-Times and had a beef sub and those $1 Miller Lite drafts.

Of course, watched the movie "Groundhog Day" on AMC.  So nice of them to have a 24-hour run of the movie.

Not Loving This Winter Thing.   --RoadHog

The Day of the 'Smart RoadDog' Arrives... with a Whimper

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Met the Magee teachers at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin.  I had found a list of Magee principals and administration from 1983 to 2001 and we had a quiz, Name That Administrator.  This could be a new show on the Game Network.  We sure had a lot of them.  Maxine was principal's secretary for most of that time.

Sorry to say that Big Oil's gas gouge is back.  Gas in Illinois is up to $3.10 to $3.40 since a week ago.  Gas in Wisconsin also went up and was $3.06 to $3.10.  By the way, when I say $3.10, that is actually $3.99.9.

Did some shopping at Wal-Mart and Menard's in Antioch.  Met Kevin and Kelly at Half-Times in Johnsburg, Illinois, for the half price pizza and those $1 pints of Lite.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

The big question this morning was, "Is this to be the day of the Smart RoadDog?"  Would I get the phone working, or, actually, would Kelly get the smart phone working.  This was way beyond my meager technological ability.  And, it challenged Kelly because switching from a flip phone to a smart one involved difficult steps and especially when the old flip AT&T account was in Liz's name and she had a secret password, which of course I didn't know.

I eventually had to drive over to the AT&T place in McHenry with her death certificate and they gave me a temporary code so I could switch over to Consumer Cellular.    After that, switching over was easy at Kelly's house and now "I are Smart."  Well, let's say I am in, but have no idea what to do.  This will take a lot of time.

Smart Ol' Me.  --RoadDog

Two Legions, a PLAV, 1972 and Two Bands

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

Liz and I went to the Fox Lake Legion in the afternoon and saw the excellent 3 Aces Band play from 3 to 6.  Always love entertainment in a Sunday afternoon, especially with $2 drafts.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

Bob Stroud played his third installment of his annual Ode to Summer fifty years ago (1972) and I recorded on cassette tapes.  These were the songs on the radio and in our record collections and the first three songs:  "Join Together" by the Who, "Immigration Man" by Crosby & Nash and "Back Stabbers" by the O'Jays.

We went over to McHenry for the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAC) street party.  It was all you can drink and eat for $15 as well as a band.  I sure got my money's worth.  I know a lot of people at the PLAV and there were a lot of McHenry American Legion members there as well (many hold dual memberships).

Afterwards, went to the McHenry Legion.

--RoadDog

4th of July Weekend: A Parade, Band, Sunnyside and a Legion

SATURDAY, JULY 2

I was going to go to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin,  for the 4th of July parade, but went to the parade in Fox Lake, Illinois, instead.  Gas in Fox Lake was $5.46.  GOSH!!  Nothing like a parade for  the 4th.  They even had a marching band from Grant Township High School and lots and lots of politicians.

Went to the Fox Lake American Legion and saw a solo performer from 3 to 6 pm.  Nothing like a band/performer in the afternoon as 9 pm is now too late for us.

Afterwards, went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and enjoyed the Cheers type crowd.  Gas at the Mobil station was $5.20.  (I won't be happy until it gets below $3, but doubt we'll ever see it that "low" again.)

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

SUNDAY, JULY 3

Sat out FP as usual and finished Thursday's breakfast.  I made posts to all eight blogs.  Drove over to McHenry to see the band at Miller Park, but it was too crowded.  Ended up at the McHenry American Legion enjoying $2 drafts and $2 rail drinks.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

THINGS TO PONDER: What if my dog only brings back the ball because he thinks I like throwing it?

No MCCWRT for Me, Yucky Sox, One Last Stucky's Saturday Party, a Legion and Stucky's Again

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

I wanted to go, but didn't go to the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group in Crystal Lake because of those ridiculous gas prices.  Curse you GRBs.  And talk about getting disgusted,  MAN THOSE SOX.  They should be running away with the AL Central Division, but they are stinking it up.  I am just not going to pay attention to them for awhile.

We met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's and used up the very last of our many gift cards.  Enjoyed those $1 Saturday domestic pints for the last time.  And, of course, the last Saturday night karaoke.  George and I sang a few songs.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Went to the McHenry Legion for good talk and those $2 rail drinks and Hamm's tall boys.  Stopped at Stucky's in Johnsburg for one last Sunday party.

Going to Miss Stucky's.  --RoadDog

Gas Gouge Continues, a Fish Fry, Bars and Yardwork

FRIDAY, MAY 13

Sitting FP for coffee and enjoying the colors of trees, tulips and perennials.  I aim to have color in the yard all the way from April to the end of October.  Went to McDonald's for their two for $2 sausage/cheese McMuffins and $1 pop.  I love those McMuffins (and for that price especially).

Saw the movie "Fantastic Beasts:  The Secrets of Dumbledore."  It is good to be back in the theaters after a two-year period because on you-know-what.  Gas in Fox Lake to $4.80 and $4.90.  Who'd have ever figured.  You finally get a chance to go places and can't afford to go places.  Curse you GRBs.

Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake for fish fry.  Then went to the Legion for 50-50, but too many people.  Same problem at Stucky's in Johnsburg, but finally got seats at the bar at Sunnyside.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

Got some yardwork done, primarily cutting down weed trees which are trying to take over the yard.  Went to Stucky's for burgers and sang karaoke with George.

SUNDAY, MAY 15

Went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed bourbon and Cokes for $3 (and especially $1.50 during happy hour).  Then Stucky's and home.

--RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TOSAY:  Yes.  I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.

About Last Week: Maxell Cassette Tapes, Alex's Gyros, The Vinyl Frontier Records and the Legion

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Went to McHenry, Illinois, and to Meijer and was all too happy to buy two more 5-pack bricks of Maxell cassette tapes for recording purposes.  Yep, I still record on cassettes.  This is one of the few places I know of where I can buy them.

We had plans to eat at our favorite Chinese buffet, the Grand Buffet, and got the door only to find they are closed on Tuesdays.  Disappointed, but I remembered I wanted to go to Alex's on 120 in town because I'd heard they had a great gyro sandwich.  They did.

Then, we went to The Vinyl Frontier on 120, a great mom and pop record store that had just moved in the fall from its long-time store on Riverside Drive.  I bought eight CDs.  

Then, we wanted to go to the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans), but they had too many people so went to the American Legion instead and had a really great time with the folks there and especially enjoyed the $1.50 rum and Cokes during happy hour.

I Was Very Happy.  --RoadDog

Around Here: Donovan's for Trivia, Riverside for $2 Cheeseburgers, $1 Drafts at Lake View Place and a Fish Fry at Cuda's

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13

Met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and played trivia.  Then went to Wilmot Riverside on Wilmot, Wisconsin, for their $2 Thursday cheeseburger special.  Lots of cheap drinking in Wisconsin, you know.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14

Met Kevin and Kelly again, this time at Lake View Place on Grasslake and enjoyed the Friday special with $1 pint drafts.  Met a former student.

We then went to 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for their most excellent fish fry.

--RoadFish

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

Keeping Busy-- Part 1: No Odyssey, PLAV, Half-Times, Yard, Legion and Margaritaville

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

We had rain threaten all day, but, unfortunately, didn't start until a couple hours before we were to see New Odyssey play their music at Veterans Park in McHenry, but the show was cancelled.  We did enjoy $1 miniburgers and $1.75 bottles at the PLAV  (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in McHenry and $1 pints at Half Times in Johnsburg.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

Still no boat, the latest that we have never had the boat out in a season.  Difficulties getting parts being the reason.  Still working in the yard.  I can never seem to catch up in the yard.  My fault though as I planted way TOO many plants, bushes and trees.

Went to the Legion for 50-50, but didn't win.  Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Julebox in the basement.

No Band, But Found Something Else To Do.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You have a monitor tan.\

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

Drinking and Eating On the Cheap So Far This Week

MONDAY-- Three Dollar hot dog, fries and drink combo at Bella Lukes in Fox Lake. Real great fries and dogs. Boating. $1 pints at Baja Benny's and 75 cent drafts at Squaw Bar (both by boat.)


TUESDAY-- Twenty-five cent tacos, $1.75 pints and half-price pizza at Rookies on Il-134. $1.25 pints and NTN at Pug Mahone's in Fox Lake.


WEDNESDAY-- $2 Deal at Taco Bell, $4 movie at Fox Lake Theatre (Adult matinee price on Wednesdays). 35 cent jumbo wings at Castaways on Pistakee Lake and $1 drafts. $1.50 pints at Oak Park, also on Pistakee. $1 bottles at Tommy's in Spring Grove.

TODAY-- Planning on the $1 Charcoburgers at Dog N' Suds in Ingleside, then boating, and then to Antioch for their "It's Thursday" entertainment out by the bandshell.

Enjoying Ourselves Here in Northeast Illinois. --RoadDog


REMEMBER WHEN boys at least got those great Fort Apache sets for Christmas. Or maybe the even better Blue and Gray ones?

Out Drinkin' Cheap-- $1 Beer

And cheap eating, too.

Few things in life that I like better than a deal when it comes to eating and drinking. This past week, Liz and I did our fair share of cheap eating and drinking.

**MONDAY-- Baja Benny's $1 pints; American Legion 50 cent 10-ouncers, 50 cents hot dogs

TUESDAY-- Donovan's-- $1.50 pint drafts during happy hour

**WEDNESDAY-- Castaways $1 10-ouncers, 35 cent huge wings; Blueberry Hill $1 10-ouncer drafts; Tommy's $1 bottles, $5.95 four-piece broasted chicken dinners.

THURSDAY-- Donovan's $1 pints (buy one, get one free)

**FRIDAY-- Gasoline Alley $1 bottles; Brown's Sip 'N Go $1.25 12-ouncers; Legion $1 10-ouncers and $1 hot dogs.

SATURDAY-- Got to take a day off now and then.

**SUNDAY-- Choppers $5 pitchers and 25 cent wings; Captain's Quarters $3.25 bottles (But, they had a great band).

** Boating days.

Sounds Like a Plan to Me. --RoadDog


REMEMBER WHEN you had that special smell off fresh-run mimeograph paper at school?