I Was Back in Woodstock... Again for 'Groundhog Day'

This past Sunday, I drove the eighteen miles from the house to Woodstock, Illinois, to partake in the last day of the town's annual Groundhog Days festuival which started on February 1.

I was too late for the pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge (where the dance/bachelor auction was held in the movie), but managed to get a seat to see the movie on the big screen at the Woodstock Theatre (where the scene with Bill Murray as Bronco Billy and his date went to see the movie "Heidi.")  I found out earlier that day that his date was the wife of Chicago Bear player Gary Fencik of the Super Bowl XX champs.

From the February 2, 2023,  WTAJ, Rochester, NY.  "Bill Murray's 'Groundhog Day' celebrates 30th anniversary" by Bill Shannon.

ANYWAY, SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MOVIE:

**  Bill Murray's character, Phil Connors, evolved into a much nicer human being during the film.  At times when  director Harold Ramis would explain a scene, Murray would ask him:  "Good Phil or bad Phil?" so he would know how to play the character.

--RoadHog

Things Sure Getting Expensive, A Saturday Afternoon Band and Da Bears Da Stink

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

It's Winter: Air Pressure, Stucky's, Ice, Bears

Continued from January 17th.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

I was able to put air in all the tires on the Malibu and the warning lights and indicators went off.  I am of the opinion that this continuing cold had something to do with it.

Went to Stucky's in Johnsburg and enjoyed the $1 draft pints.  How do you beat that these days?  Unfortunately, we had a light rain falling and it turned into ice, so had a real fun time walking out to the car and cleaning off the windows.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9

We didn't go to the McHenry Legion as they are closed for a few days because of a COVID outbreak. Listened to the Bears lose the last game to end the season 6-11.  Looks like changes are in store  for them.  So sad to see that Tarik Cohen didn't play at all this year.  I doubt he will ever play again.  Too bad, he was a lot of excitement carrying the ball.

Went to Sunnyside and there were a lot of sick people there.  Most said it was a cold and not you-know-what, but who can tell these days.

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend: Wind, the Chevy Malibu, Army-Navy Game, Chili Cookoff, Bears-Packers Game

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11

We sure had a very windy day today, but nothing compared to Kentucky and southern Illinois.  Those poor folks really got hit.  We actually had snow on the ground for a little bit this morning.

We discovered fluid on the garage floor by the Malibu, but weren't sure about it until we drove to Walgreens and saw a new puddle  where we parked and knew we had a problem,  Came back home and got the truck and I followed Liz to Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake and dropped off the car.  The leak reminded me of when we hit the limb blowing across the road in Johnsburg last November and spring a very expensive $3500 leak.

This would probably be from hitting the raccoon last night.

Drove to the McHenry American Legion for the Army-Navy game and a chili cookoff, two of my favorite things.  And, watching the game in a veterans place is great as you have lots of cheering.  And, of course, few things I like better than a chili cookoff.

And, even better, Navy won!!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

Worked on Christmas lights and went to Sunnyside where we watched the Tampa Bay game.  That Tom Brady sure is something else.  Sure wish the Bears had drafted him.

Came home an watched the Bears-Packers game which was a surprise in the first half with Da Bears even up by six points.  But, then, hey, it our Bears and those Packers.  They did not hold on.

RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  "I don't work here, I'm a consultant.

Last Week: NIU Wins MAC Championship, Sat. Afternoon Band, Stucky's, Karaoke, Bears Lose...Again, Another Legion

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4

Watched NIU defeat Kent State for the MAC Championship game, one of the rare times Northern actually dominated an opponent.  (And earlier this season Kent State had just barely beaten us.)  Sadly, I couldn't get it on the radio as I enjoy listening to Bill Baker call the Huskies as he's been doing it since the 1980s.  He IS the "Voice" of the Huskies.

Went to the Fox Lake American Legion for their monthly first Saturday afternoon band and saw an excellent two-piece group but can't remember their name.

Then to Stucky's in Johnsburg for dinner, $1 draft pints and karaoke.  A whole bunch of Sunnysiders came in.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5

Watched and listened to the Bears lose another game at home (now 4-8).  I always enjoy listening to the Bear announcers on the radio as they are real fans.

Then to the McHenry American Legion for the $2.50 Adequate Bloody Marys and $1 off Happy Hour prices.

--RoadDog

Thanksgiving Weekend: Sunnyside, NIU, Donovan's Reef, T-Giving, McTurkey, Da Bears, Da 'Vacation'

**  TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

We went to Sunnyside to watch the last NIU regular season football game since we don't get ESPNU.  Northern was blown out.  

**  WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes to have the pre-T party.

**  THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25   THANKSGIVING

We had thoughts of eating at the Grand Buffet Chinese place in McHenry, but they were closed so ended up having the McTurkey at McDonald's.  (Well, actually the McDouble Bundle of fries and sandwich for $3.)

Watched the Bears "beat up" on the winless Detroit Lions 16-14 to run up the record for the season to 4-7.  Well,, at least it was a win and snapped a 5 game losing streak.

Came home and enjoyed three of the "Vacation" movies, some of my favorites.  The only one I didn't see  was Christmas Vacation."

--RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  I'll try to be nicer if you try to be smarter.

Last Week: Fox Lake Yesterday and Today, McHenry Christmas Walk, Bears Lose

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

I went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society's meeting at the Grant Hall Museum in Ingleside, Illinois, after my mandatory stop at Thornton's for a large cappucinno coffee.  The museum has acquired the 24 historical signs that were up in Fox Lake in 2020 showing yesterday and today pictures of places around the community. Each one had an interesting story behind it.

In the afternoon, we went to the McHenry American Legion as our first stop on the McHenry annual Christmas Walk, where many stores, restaurants and bars have specials and Christmas-themed activities going on.

Later, we went to Grinder's, Old Bridge and ended up back at the Legion.

We were sorry to find out that Richmond-Burton had lost their game to Joliet Catholic, but no one was surprised.  That team should not have been in Class 4A.

Came home and watched "Ghostbusters" and "Ghostbusters II."

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Went to the McHenry American Legion and watched the Bears lose another game.  They have now lost six in a row.  People are calling to have Coach Nagy fired.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

Around Here: A Civil War Discussion, Karaoke, a Legion, Da Bears Blown Out and Stucky's

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting at Panera Bread.  Today's topic was the Battle of Perryville.  And, we actually somewhat stayed on topic much of the time.

Later, we went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois, for dinner and the $1 draft Pints.  Had a great time singing karaoke.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24

The usual morning on the internet, posting blogs and listening to the radio stations.

We went to the McHenry American Legion and watched one of the worst beat-downs ever on Da Bears at the hands of Da Brady and Da Buccaneers.  It was sad.  Very sad.

Then went to Stucky's to further drown our sorrows.

--RoadDog

No FP for Me, Fall Arrives, Donovan's, Trivia, Sunnyside, Craft Brews, Da Bears and a Fish Fry

WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 22

Fall has arrived and with it considerably cooler in the morning  I haven't sat out FP (Front Porch) for the last several days.  Went to Donovan's Reef as we do most every Wednesday to play live trivia with Jeff and enjoy the cheap beers.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

We went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and I enjoyed this month's Thursday special which was the craft beer called Beach Blonde for $2 a pint.  I really like craft beers (but definitely not IPAs), but do not like paying $5 to $7 for one.  I am what you call a cheap drinker.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Still no FP.  Fall has definitely arrived.  Lots of talk around here about the Bears moving to Arlington Heights since they have evidently bought Arlington Park Race Track.  Makes no difference to me.

Met Kevin, Kelly, Barb and Glen at Cuda's for their fish fry.

--RoadDog

JSS: Them Dandies-- Lightning Strike-- Cole Kmet-- Rain

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  THEM DANDIES--  It's spring now.  I know because my crop of home grown dandelions are in full bloom.  I should learn how to make dandelion wine.  I could make a real lot of that stuff.

2.  LIGHTNING STRIKE--  Last night we had some bad storms come through.  At one point there was a flash of lightning and at the same moment a resounding boom.  That was close.  I'm sure I felt the shock waves downstairs in the basement where I was watching TV.  If I wasn't awake wen it hit, I was afterwards.

3.  COLE KMET--  The Bears second round pick this strange draft picking.  I just hope they give him more of a chance that they did for NIU players they picked or invited to camp.  Tight ends are the most underused players in the NFL.  They should always be the automatic go to guy when plays fall apart.  Put him in, coach.

4.  RAIN--  Okay, we had that storm last night with the lightning strike then rain off and on (mostly on) all night and now all day.  The drainage basin behind us is about one third full.  I'm sure they're looking into closing the Chain because of flooding.  (But, wait, we don't have a boat anymore so doesn't really matter.)

I really need a few dry and seasonably warm days to get yard work done.  Plus, today is cold enough and wet enough to be prime time for you-know-what.  So, I stayed inside all day, mostly hunkered over this here 'pute a-typing away with my two little fingers.

That was a Real Loud One.  --RoadBang

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "She's Looking Better Every Beer."

Missing Sports These Days and What To Do About It: Run Those Old Games

I sure do miss sports on TV.  To me, a mighty fine time is sitting at my downstairs bar (Margaritaville) with others or by myself, drinking beer or cocktails, eating snacks and watching a sporting event on the corner of the bar TV.  That, of course, with the tunes playing on my Ultimate Jukebox  (300 of my absolute favorite CDs).  The sound will be just so that the game can just be heard a little above the music.

I can still do all that, all, that is, except watch a sporting event.  Now, if I can figure out how to hook up the VHS VCR to that corner TV,  I could watch the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX game, or all the Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series games (which I have recorded on VHS).  But, alas, I can't figure out how to do that.

But, what I can recommend to the broadcast TV stations is rerunning great games of the past.  Personally, I'd like to see the entire 1985 Bears season, the Blackhawk Stanley Cup Champion series of 2010, 2013 and 2015.  Also the Cubs 2016 World Series Champions.  Of course, the 90s Bulls and you-know-who.

Oh yes, then, any game where NIU beats Toledo in football as well as our great 2003 season when we beat Maryland, Iowa State and Alabama (that's right ALABAMA).   Two notable players from that team were Michael Turner and P.J. Fleck.  And, of course, the man who made that year possible, Coach Joe Novak.

I'd also like to see some games of the 1967 and 1983 White Sox, 1969 Cubs (or any 1965-1969 Cubs game for that matter) and some of Walter Payton's greatest games.

That Would Get Me Through My Sports Negativity.  Think About It.  --Roadog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":  If you truly believe God loved you, you would touch your face.

About This Super Bowl

Since neither of our two NFL teams are playing (Bears and Packers, Yep, that's right, Bears and Packers) Liz and I become free agents.  Especially since the hated New England Patriots are not in it.  Whenever that happens, we pull for the other team.  Thanks, Tennessee for knocking them out of the playoffs.

Normally, we pull for the NFC team, but not this time since Kansas City is in it.  They haven't been to the Super Bowl since IV, and it wasn't even called the Super Bowl back then.

However, San Francisco has two players of local interest on their team.  Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is from Arlington Heights, Illinois, played football at Rolling Meadows High School and college ball at Eastern Illinois.  Safety Jimmie Ward played college ball at Northern Illinois University, our alma mater.

Both played for non- Power 5 conferences which makes them playing in the NFL even more difficult.

So, we will be pulling for Kansas City to win, but Garoppolo and Ward to do well.

--RoadDog

TAX FACTS:  Nearly 300,000 trees are cut down yearly to produce the paper for all the IRS forms and instructions.

Getting in the Yule Spirit-- Part 2: Usual Suspects Get-Together

DECEMBER 15, SUNDAY

Rock and Roll Roots featured the Dave Clark 5 group today in honor of drummer Dave Clark's 80th birthday.  They were the first British Invasion Group to come over after the Beatles and since they were more rocking, I even liked them better than the Beatles.

As a matter of fact, the first 45 single I ever bought was either the Dave Clark 5's "Anyway You Want It" or the Hollies'"Look Through Any Window."  I can't remember which one I bought.

Went to the Squaw Bar in Ingleside, Illinois, for the Bears-Packers game with the Usual Suspects and because Sue and Paul were visiting from New Mexico, there was a full turnout, including Pete, Katrina, Pam, Glen and Barb, and Laura and Ed.

Sadly, Da Bears lost to Da Pack.

Oh Well.  --RoadDog

It's a Numbers Thing

Some Numbers of interest.

7-6     Record of the Chicago Bears as they prepare to play the Packers in Green Bay Sunday.

10-3    The Packer record.

14-0    The 2019 record of the Richmond-Burton High School Rockets.  They won the Illinois State Class 4A Championship!!

5    The number of Illinois State Championships won by Route 66, Lincoln Highway and US-12 high school football teams.

8    The number of days before we start adding daylight time to each day.  I'm really ready for it.

40   The number of new Christmas movies being shown on the Hallmark Channel.

$1,000   How much you win if you have the best WDRV 97.1 FM, the Drive logo in Christmas lights.

I'm Not a Twit.   And Don't Call Me Shirley.  --RoadDog

DID YOU KNOW:  That a pregnant goldfish is called a twit.

This Should Be Another Sports Axion: Don't Start Off Too Well

Case in Point, the 2018 Chicago Bears and the 2019 Bears.

We were all really, really happy last year when Da Bears had that 12-4 unbelievable turn-around season under first year coach Matt Nagy.  That sure got hopes up and excitement for this season.  But with that 3-3 record (and especially after Sunday's excuse for a game) things aren't too happy for the Monsters this year.  Now, the Bears are 4-5.

And, of course, because of that record and the excitement, the Bears have a whole lot of night and late afternoon games this year.

Well, if this season ends up tanking, at least we won't have so many late games next year.

On that note, first year Northern Illinois University coach Thomas Hammock is off to a poor start with NIU now at 2-5.  This brings to mind the greatest Northern coach, Joe Novak, who went 1-11, 0-12 and 2-10 his first three seasons before he turned the NIU program into the winner it is today.  Now the Huskies are 4-6.

So, there's hope, and if the axiom proves true.

To Coach Novak.  --RoadHuskie

JSS: Plants In-- Bears/Packers-- Halloween-- Burning

JSS-  Just Some Stuff

1.  PLANTS IN--  With the crashing temperatures and freeze warnings Friday and this weekend, I brought in the plants outside that I overwinter in the sunroom.

2.  BEARS/PACKERS--  This past weekend was one of those crummy times when neither the DaBears nor Packers were on TV Sunday.  In the past it was because they usually both had byes.  Da Bears had a bye this week, but the Packers played Monday night.  That left us with no football to watch since we only watch these two teams on TV unless we happen to be in a bar and another game is on.

3.  HALLOWEEN--  I've been putting up Halloween decorations outside and inside, because you-know-what is about here.  Of course, everybody knew about it as Halloween Creep set in early in September.

4.  BURNING--  We can only burn leaves on weekends in October and November and what I'd like to know is why we get the worst weather those two days most every month.  Last weekend was a prime example with it being too wet and windy on Saturday and way too windy, overcast and cold on Sunday.

Like, Boo.  --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

Well, Da Bears Is Over This Year, But What A Year!!!

We were at the Squaw Bar Sunday watching and cheering on Da Bears with a whole bunch of other Bear fans.  We did not leave overly happy.  It is always hard to lose a game like that in the final seconds.

Everyone is down on out field goal kicker, but he had already made three kicks earlier and made the first attempt at the end, but it didn't count because of time out.  And that second one, well, almost.  But no luck.

But, the Bears did not play a good game either.  The vaunted defense was there sometimes and not there at others.  It took an interception to stop two big Eagles drives and the Defense didn't keep Philadelphia from scoring at the end.

Yesterday we learned that an Eagles player had gotten a hand on the final field goal attempt, so that takes our kicker off the hot seat.

And, we sure have nothing to complain about with a 12-4 record in regular season.  The Bears have been the chipmunks the last five years.  They stunk in the Cutler-era, which thankfully is over.

THE FUTILITY OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE Records:

2017--  5-11
2016--  3-13
2015--  6-10
2014--  5-11
2013--  8-8

Sad.  But this year, Da Bears went from last to first in the division.  And, now, we don't have to make major preparations to see anymore NFL games like we would have had Da Bears still been in the run.

It was a good year.

Finally, the Cutler-Era Is Over!!!  --RoadDog

And, ABA, Anybody But Alabama.  Wasn't that some game last night!!

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