The 2022 Indy 500

MAY 29, 2022, Sunday

We had two flyovers, one with Jim Cornelison singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" and then, of course "The Star-Spangled Banner."  Jim Cornelison has evidently inherited the honor of singing this song from the late Jim Nabors.  Of course, he is a Chicago Blackhawk favorite as he sings the National Anthem for home games.  

My favorite Indy racer is Alexander Rossi and he was all the way back in the 7th row, so, as they say, he had quite a road to hoe.  He ended up finishing fifth, 4.9 seconds behind first place winner Marcus Ericsson.  None of us had ever heard of Marcus Ericsson, but we know him now.

Congrats to Marcus Ericcson.

Stuck around to watch the award and victory lap as well as the kissing of the yard of bricks at the start/finish line and to let more of the people leave.

Went back to the RV, but when we went over to the Legion for cocktails, they had already closed so we were forced to have our drinks at the RV, bbq some meat and talk aout the race.

Paul and I tried to stay up and watch the replay of the race, but only made it half way through before we had to go to sleep.  We think it might be because we're getting old or sitting out in the sun that long.

I will be writing in a lot more detail about the Indy 500 in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog at some point in the future.

--RoadDog

JSS: Ukraine Flag-- Come On Weather!! -- Inflation Gets Personal-- Sad Sox, Sad Hawks & Sad Bulls

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  UKRAINE FLAG

I saw a Ukraine flag in the Jewel parking lot earlier today.  Come on Ukraine.  It is amazing what they are accomplishing against such overwhelming odds.

2.  COME ON WEATHER!!

No breaks from the weather  After a wonderful weekend with temps in the lower 80s, we now have 44 degree weather with a strong wind blowing the cold on us.  Is there going to be a spring?  Freeze warnings for tonight!!  

3.  INFLATION GETS PERSONAL 

Today at our local breakfast spot, we were getting ready to order from the specials list when a waitress ran over and quickly gathered the specials pages and replaced them with another one.  We saw that the new one was $1 more for everything.  Ouch!!

4.  SAD SOX, SAD HAWKS & SAD BULLS

Rough time to be pulling for Chicago teams.  The Sox are in the middle of a seven game losing streak and the only thing happening more often is the loss of players to injury.  Seems like a new one every day.

The Blackhawks can't end the season soon enough.  And, I remember when they won their 3rd Stanley Cup in five years back in 2015 that they were talking about a Blackhawk Dynasty.  Little did we know we were seeing the end of it.

At least the Bulls showed the first improvement since those wonderful 1990s and made the playoffs this year, but will most likely be eliminated tomorrow.

--RoadDog

Getting Some of Those Old Chicago Teams on TV

Yesterday, I posted that with the dearth of sporting events these days, that it would be nice if some of the stations would dig into their archives and start showing some videos of the past.  I had written this one early this month, but not gotten around to posting it.

But in the last week, I have found some sites that are playing those old shows.

This past Saturday (or was it Sunday, these days seem to blend into one another), NBC ran the 2015 Chicago Blackhawk game which clinched the 2015 Stanley Cup for us and started our "Dynasty" which lasted until the end of the next season.

Then, our NBC Sports Chicago (old Comcast Sports) has been showing 2005 White Sox regular season games (they won the World Series) and 1998 Chicago Bulls NBA Championship games.  Plus,ESPN has that "The Last Dance" series about the 1997-1998 season when the Bulls won their sixth NBA Championship in eight years.

So, actually, I am getting some (but could sure use more) Chicago greatest hits videos.

Though, I'm Still Not Satisfied.  --RoadSports

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":   Breaking News:  Charmin Bears pass Jeff Bezos as wealthiest beings on earth.

A 2019 Route 66 Trip to Lebanon, Missouri-- Part 1: To Springfield, Illinois

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Drove the usual way on Illinois Highway 47 to Dwight.  Then drove Route 66 to Chenoa and then to I-55 for the rest of the day to Springfield, Illinois.  First time ever that we were unable to  get a room at the Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center which was booked for a horse show and golf tournament in town.  Also, no room at the nearby Comfort Inn.

We went south to Toronto Road and got the last room at the Motel 6 and then back for our Cozy Dog fix.  Watched the first part of the Stanley Cup Game 7 contest between the St, Louis Blues and Boston Bruins.  Springfield is 100 miles from St. Louis and about half and half St. Louis and Chicago fans.  We saw the rest of the game at Motorheads on Route 66 on Toronto Road.  The place was packed with Blues fans.

We pulled for the Blues (even though we are Blackhawk fans) because they Midwest and no one wants to see another Boston/New England team win anything.

--RoadDog

Just Got Back From Indy 500-- Part 5: "Lady and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines"

Everyone was keeping a weather eye out west, lest we have heavy rain and mess up the race.  This was talked about ever since we got there on Thursday, whether or not there would even be a race and what would happen if it was canceled Sunday.

As it turned out, it didn't rain.

This race is probably the biggest Memorial Day commemoration in the United States.  It is devoted to those veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country.  We had a four helicopter flyover and another flyover by two WW II planes and a jet and another plane while Kelly Clarkson was singing the "Star-Spangled Banner."  No ONE took a knee.

Blackhawk favorite, Jim Cornelison sang "Back Home Again in Indiana."  He sings the "Star-Spangled Banner" for home games.  This is his third year in a row doing it so I'd say he has now taken the place of Jim Nabors singing it.

"Lady and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines."  Pippa Mann was among the 33 who raced.

--RoadDog

A PLETHORA OF TIDBITS:  When actor Clint Eastwood ran for mayor of Carmel, California, in 1986, a major issue was ice cream.  Town leaders had banned the sale of ice cream cones, incensing Eastwood and his supporters.  They won and overturned the ordinance.

Will This Winter Ever Get Over?-- Part 2: Books, CDs, Sliders, Band and Da Hawks

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

After the meeting, I drove over to the nearby Illinois emission testing station and the Malibu passed.  Then drove south to Randall Road, one of the busiest and most congested roads in the Northwest Suburbs. Always hate driving it, but have to to get to my favorite store still remaining, Half-Price Books.

I mean, they have vinyl records, CDs and books, three of my most favorite things.  And, they are all fairly cheap, even better.  Bought a Civil War book and two CDs, one the Beatles "Hard Day's Night" and the other a compilation of Cajun music.

Then, a stop at White Castle for sliders and they now have those great crab cake sliders.

Later, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion and enjoyed listening to Mitch Edwards playing his great selection of songs.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

There was a real hard wind blowing today.  We wanted to watch the Chicago Blackhawks game since they were playing a rare afternoon game at 2 pm.  But, the first three places we went to were too crowded (and most were watching the NASCAR race).  We ended up back at Half-Times for the game, which, unfortunately, we lost.

--RoadDog

COME SAIL AWAY:  In the Bible, who hoped to flee from the presence of the Lord by sailing to Tarshish?

Jonah

The Groundhog Was Wrong

Our local groundhog, Woodstock Willie, an offspring of the groundhog in the famous movie about Groundhog Day, did not see his shadow, nor did Punxsutaney Phil in Pennsylvania,  This is supposed to mean that we were to have a warm winter and an early end.  Well, this is beginning to be one of our worst.

We have been chased home by sleet, snow and ice the last four days running.  But, we still manage to enjoy the frigid, icy northeast Illinois.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8

Saw two movies, "Cold Pursuit" and "A Dog's Way Home" at the Fox Lake Theatre.  Looks like those bad guys would eventually learn to leave Liam Neeson's family alone.  Then, we met up with Kevin and Kelly at the Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, FEB. 9

The 18-piece Lakes Area swing band played all that great Big Band and Swing music at the Fox Lake American Legion for the annual Valentine's Dance.  I imagine that is what it was like in the 1930s and 1940s.

SUNDAY, FEB. 10

Bob Stroud Root saluted Carole King and Gerry Goffin on his Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV, the Drive as Saturday was Carole's birthday and Monday was his birthday.  What an output of music.

We went to Johnsburg for the annual Boy Scouts Pig Roast and then to Stucky's and then Sunnyside where we watched the Chicago Blackhawks win their seventh game in a row.

--RoadHog

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:  1.  When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.

Sure Gonna Miss Stan and Aretha

This past week has been a hard one with deaths.  First, we had Chicago great hockey player Stan Mikita die last week.  I have been wearing a Mikita #21 tee-shirt and a #21 jersey around in his honor and am surprised at how many people come up to me to talk about Stan Mikita.

Then Tuesday we heard that Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul and one of my favorite performers was near death and this morning she died.  When I heard Bob Stroud say something about her on WDRV, I started listening to You Tube's mix of her songs.  Right now I am listening to my "Aretha's Best" CD.

I'll be listening to a lot of her music the next couple days.

--RoadDog

Fish Fry, Business Expo, Bars and a Chili Cookoff Last Weekend

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

Went to the Grant Township annual Fish Fry at the Fox Lake American Legion.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

Went to the McHenry Business Expo and ran into friend Pam who used to own the Puppet Var where I deejayed for so many years.  Then went to the Polish Legion in McHenry (Illinois) and watched the Blackhawks game, Half-Times in Johnsburg where we watched the Scotland-Ireland and part of the England-France rugby games.

We went to Sunnyside, but it was so crowded we left.  Ended up at Tommy's in Spring Grove and saw some more of the England-France rugby game.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

I went to the art show at Turtle Creek in Spring Grove.  Then we went to the Moose Lodge in McHenry for their chili cookoff where I judged.  Then to Sunnyside.

--RoadDog

All Our Losing Chicago Teams...And, We Sure "Got" A Lot of 'Em

It has sure been a long year for us Chicago fans.

The only bright spot was the Cubs who at least went to the National League Championship Series.  The rest of our main teams were pretty much all last place dwellers.

First the White Sox who embarked on that rebuilding program and had a full throttle on last place until the Tigers imploded.

Then, it was DaBears, another last place team who hopefully have been able to get over the last vestiges of the Cutler-era.  So sad.

Then, we had hope for the Bulls and Blackhawks.  The Bulls were rebuilding so we weren't sure about them.  After an absolutely horrible start to the season, they came back for awhile but are now again deep into losing.  Only seven of the thirty NBA teams have worse records.

Then, there were the Blackhawks.  Back when they won their third Stanley Cup in five years in 2015, there was talk of a dynasty.  Well, little did we know, 2015 marked the end of that dynasty.  Out of 31 NHL teams, only seven are worse.

Hurry Up Baseball Season.  --RoadDog

To DeKalb Last Weekend-- Part 1: A Scholarship and Pizza

DECEMBER 8--  Friday

We drove to DeKalb, Illinois, and got a room at the Red Roof Inn and met with out university person at Fatty's and discussed what is going on on campus.  We gave money for our education scholarship.

Took a ride through campus and it would appear that Lincoln Hall (where I lived freshman year at NIU) was closed.  We then went to Wal-Mart and then to Lord Stanley's, the place you want to be for Blackhawks games.  Lord Stanley's is named after the man who gave the Stanley Cup.  Watched the first two periods there and had their great pizza/beer deal, two pitchers and a 16-inch one topping pizza for $19.

Then, we went back to the hotel and walked across the street to Pizza Pros and watched the end of the game (and the Blackhawks actually won)!!  The bartender has a remarkable memory.  We don't get t DeKalb often, but she remembered us.

--RoadDog

ACCIDENT REPORTS:  "I thought my window was down; but found it was up when I put my hand through it.

A Trip Back For Us Last Weekend-- Part 2: The Old Stomping Grounds

APRIL 15, SATURDAY

We drove to Arlington Heights, Illinois, to put flowers and a U.S. flag on the graves of Liz's parents at Memory Gardens Cemetery.  We then cruised Northwest Highway from Arlington Heights to Palatine and ate at Photo's Hot Dogs.  This used to be the site of the Burger King I had my first job at and where we liked to hang out at during our high school days.

We then went by the old Palatine High School where we went and then the three houses our families lived in.

Stopped at J&D's in Wauconda and then watched the Blackhawks for as long as we could stand at Half-Times in Johnsburg.  They stunk again, losing 5-0.

APRIL 16, SUNDAY

Easter and we went to Grand Buffet in McHenry for their great meal.  Then to the PLAV and then to Sunnyside.

--RoadDog

The End of the "Blackhawk Dynasty"?

I remember back in 2015, when the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, their third time since 2010.  Everyone was going around with the word "Dynasty" on their lips.  After they were swept by the Nashville Predators last night, I have to wonder about it.

The Hawks logo, is "One Goal" with a Stanley Cup on it.  For most of these sad four games, I would have been more than happy to settle for just one goal.  Three goals in four games for a #1 seed, just isn't very impressive.

Hopefully the coach will learn the importance of going into the playoffs hot, something the Hawks were not, losing their last four games and going 2-6 in the last eight.  No resting players when you're losing.  Now, they will have five-six months to rest.

Well, one good thing to come of it, I now have a real lot of time freed up.  Those playoff games seem like they go on forever and ever.  I am a Blackhawk fan, but not really a big hockey fan for anyone else.  If a hockey game happens to be on in a bar I'm in, I'll watch it, but otherwise not.

Plus, there is the amount of money I spend for souvenirs when the Hawks win the Cup.

A Big Savings For Me.  --RoadDog

Why You Want to Go Into the Playoffs HOT

People are stunned around the Chicagoland area after the Blackhawks were shut out the first two games of the playoffs against the Nashville Predators.  Even before the series, I was worried about the horrible way the Hawks ended their regular season.  They lost the last four games and were 2-6 in the last eight.

This is no way to go into playoffs.

Other Hawks fans told of how the ones they lost were often just by one score and that players were being rested.

But, sports are a thing of streaks and mental prowess.  When you're winning, that plays on a continued win streak.

We watched the first game and the first two periods of the second one.  We left the bar after the end of the second period and didn't watch any more at home.  Glad we didn't as Nashville scored two more goals.

Maybe Coach Q Will Learn Something From This.  Hopefully.  --RoadSad

DeKalb and Woodstock This Weekend-- Part 2: 'Hawks, Pizza and Beer

FEBRUARY 4, SATURDAY

We then went over to Lord Stanley's on Lincoln Highway, on DeKalb's Main Street.  We got seats at the bar and watched the first two periods of the Blackhawks game.  Lord Stanley's (named after the Stanley Cup, is a big hockey bar, especially for the Blackhawks.

They also have a great special: one of their famous 16-inch pizzas with one topping and two pitchers of beer for $19.  A real hard deal to beat.

Drove back to the Red Roof Inn, parked and walked across Lincoln Highway to Pizza Pros and saw the end of the 'Hawk victory.

--RoadDog

DeKalb and Woodstock This Weekend-- Part 3: Pizza, Beer and a Hawks Win!

Continued from Tuesday, February 7.

February 4, Saturday

After the basketball victories, we drove downtown to Lord Stanley's, right on the Lincoln Highway.  This place gets its name for the Stanley Cup (which was given by Lord Stanley of Canada).  And, this is a big hockey place, especially when the Chicago Blackhawks are playing.  And, they were playing tonight.  We've always wanted to see a 'Hawks game there, so this was a chance.

The jukebox was turned off and all TVs were on the game and lots of cheering.

Also, they have a famous food and drink special: two pitchers of beer and a 16-inch, one topping pizza for $19.  We were always too full from football homecomings when we got there, but their pizza sure looked and smelled good.  It was.

We watched two periods and then drove back to the motel and walked across Lincoln Highway to Pizza Pros and watched the end of the Blackhawks victory.

A Really Fun Day.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  The taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.

Heading to DeKalb This Weekend: Huskies & 'Hawks

Tomorrow, we are going to DeKalb, Illinois, for our winter homecoming.

The women's Huskie team plays a game at 1 p.m., followed by the men at 3:30.

Then,we will go over to Lord Stanley's Bar on Lincoln Highway, yep, that Lincoln Highway which runs right through downtown DeKalb.  Lord Stanley's used to be the Shamrock when we were students and for many years afterwards.  This is when we used to do the Lincoln Crawl to see how many bars we could hit.

Lord Stanley's is named for the Stanley Cup and it is probably one of the biggest hockey bars anywhere around.  And, it is especially a Blackhawks bar.  And, the Blackhawks are playing tomorrow night.

We Should surely be getting our sports fix tomorrow.

Go Huskies!  Go Hawks!!  --RoadDog

About New Year's-- Part 2: Bowls, Parades and Da Hawks

Sunday, January 1st.

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes for the Bears game, but it was so sad watching them, we left at half time and went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and saw the rest of it. It didn't get any better with a 38-10 loss.  Bears ended up 3-13, one of the worst years ever.

We came home after that to drown our Bear Sorrows.

Monday, January 2

Strange having the Rose Bowl Parade and big bowl games on January 2nd instead of the 1st.

Watched the parade, then went to Sunnyside and watched Da Hawks play the NHL Winter Classic outside in St. Louis at Busch Stadium.  Sadly, the Blackhawks lost 4-1.

Also watched the Wisconsin-Western Michigan game at the Cotton Bowl.  Western Michigan gave them a good game, but lost.  Also sad for us MAC fans, I'm sure the Western Michigan coach, former NIU player P.J. Fleck, coached his last game for them.  He'll be out of there for sure.

Watched the Rose Bowl there for awhile and then at home in Margaritaville.  One of the best games I've ever seen, even if my team, Penn State, lost on a field goal in the final second.  Lots of action with a final 52-49 score.

--RoadDog

A Munger-Moss Motel Trip-- Part 7: Rich Henry and Springfield

APRIL 25TH, MONDAY

Drove past that ever-impressive Chain of Rocks Bridge on I-270 and on to I-55, getting off at Staunton and actually finding Rich Henry's Rabbit Ranch with no trouble.  Rich's was the first regular Route 66 stop we made on our first trip on the road and a big reason we ended up caught in the 66 fever.  Thanks a lot Rich.

Then Route 66 to Litchfield and I-55 to Springfield.  Checked into the Route 66 Hotel and then drove to a new place, Costelloe's.  This is owned by the the former members of Coz's, a famous Springfield restaurant.  Then to Curve Inn and to the Filling Station at the Route 6 Hotel where we watched the St. Louis Blues-Chicago Blackhawks playoff game.  It was game 7, winner goes on to the next round, loser goes home.

Sadly, we went home.

--RoadDog

Just Hangin' Around-- Part 3: Battle With the Squirrels, Final Four, Band and the Hawks

APRIL 1, FRIDAY--  Chased a cat away from the birdfeeders, but old Gray tail, now Reb the Squirrel made it up to the seed and was having a feast.  Just can't beat the squirrel.  He made it with a really high jump, I mean really high.Met Kevin and Kelly at the Legion and watched the Hawks win in overtime.

APRIL 2, SATURDAY--  Went to the Legion and enjoyed the 3 Aces playing all that old rock and roll and country.  Then went to Sunnyside and watched the Sooners get blown out by Villanova in the NCAA Tournament Final Four.  Watched the Syracuse-UNC game there and then home at Margaritaville.  It was close for awhile, then the Tarheels won easily.  Two very boring games.

APRIL 3, SUNDAY--  Met Kevin and Kelly at Sunnyside and watched a rare afternoon Hawks game as our guys won 6-4 after taking a 6-0 lead.  then went to Half-Time.

--RoadDog

From the Orange Peel Gazette.

BANK PROBLEMS:  When you make a deposit, tellers high-five each other.