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.

A Good Christmas Eve

Yesterday, I took the empty key back to the liquor store and got my $40 deposit back.  Then I went to Menard's and Home Depot and bought some 50% off lights.  I came home and put two strands up and then found I had to replace an outdoor timer on the deck.

We drove over to McHenry Savings Bank to see the miniature train display, but they had already closed.  We then went to Windhill Pancake Parlor in McHenry for lunch and were the last ones in there as they were closing early for Christmas Eve.  Great pot roast and, of course, these folks really go above and beyond when it comes to Christmas lights and decorations.

We also drove by the PLAV building (Polish Legion of American Veterans) and were happy to see the outside bar lights on.  The place had caught fire Mother's Day 2014.  Talked with Jerry and were given a tour of the place.  They've only been open since Monday.

Last stop was at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg.

We drove around a couple neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights, including ours.  Even if I do say so, our house is right up there with the best.  Came inside and just had to watch one whole complete showing of my all-time favorite Christmas movie, "A Christmas Story."  I love the marathon on TNT.  I've been watching parts of it off and on today and will watch it one more time.

A Good Christmas Eve.  --RoadDog

JSS: Christmas Decorations-- Coast-to-Coast Super Bowl-- Bald Eagles

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS--  I took advantage of the 40 degree temps and took down the outside Christmas lights, garland and wreaths on Saturday. Always better to do it when it is a little bit warmer.  Five degrees and blustery wind make for a very unpleasant chore.

2.  COAST-TO-COAST SUPER BOWL--  We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes yesterday and watched the Seahawk-Packer NFC Championship game.  The place was packed and we even had an obnoxious Seattle fan.  But, the Pack was playing well all game until those last horrible five and a half minutes.  What in the world happened?

The Seahawk fan got so noisy we were considering getting the duct tape out.

It was an exciting game , though, and a WHOLE lot more than that Patriot-Colt game.

I had hoped it would be a Midwest Super Bowl with Indianapolis playing Green Bay.  But now it will be a Coast-to-Coast one.  Go Seahawks!!

3.  BALD EAGLES--  We've been enjoying watching the eaglets in southwest Florida and now, the eggs at Berry College in Georgia.  The eagles in Decorah, Iowa, are working on their nest.  We're hoping to get out to Decorah soon to see them.

--RoadDog

JSS: Christmas Lights-- Low Gas Prices-- Why So Few Sports-- Great Radio

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  CHRISTMAS LIGHTS--  I've been working on the outside lights whenever I get the chance because of really cold weather and have most of them up.  I have found a whole lot of the light strands where half of them don't work, way more than usual.  Perhaps it was the extreme cold from last winter which stopped me from taking them down for so long.

I also helped Liz put up the two inside trees, something I normally don't do.

2.  LOW GAS PRICES--  Gas prices in northeast Illinois are around $2.60 to $2.70.  Yesterday, gas in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, was $2.56.  But, the best news is in McHenry along Illinois Highway 31, where a Murphy USA station opened and has sparked a gas war.  Wow, gas war.  How long has it been since you've heard that?  Gas is "down" to $2.27!!

Enjoy it now, because come spring, Big Oil and their friends will have gas back up to $4+ and that will be really hard to take now that we're starting to get used to gas below $3.

3.  WHY SO FEW SPORTS--  Even though I don't mention it often, I am a real big sports fan.  I don't mention it, especially where success is concerned because that is the "Kiss of Death."  I mention it and my teams lose.

4.  GREAT RADIO--  Tune into WXRT, 93.1 FM tomorrow morning from 8 to noo, CST to listen to Saturday Morning Flashback which goes back 30 years to 1984.  It streams at www.wxrt.com.

Also over the internet, check out Fessa John Hook's Beach Class Reunion which this week is to 1955.  He will play the Top Forty Beach Songs from that year and give you lots of background.  Some of the songs he played: "No More Alcohol" by Jimmy Liggins, "Can't Do 60 No More" by the Dominos, "Fujiyama Mama" by Aniston Alla, "Hearts of Stone" by the Jewels and "Tweddly Twiddly Dee" by LaVern Baker.  This is Rock and Roll before it became Rock and Roll.  Streams at www.beachshag.com.

--RoadDog

JSS: Christmas Lights, "I Love Lucy"-- Pigskins and Pucks

JSS-- Just Some Stuff. //// 1. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- With this crummy winter going on, I haven't been able to do anything as far as getting the Christmas lights down on the outside of the house. Way too cold, way too much snow to go through and quite a few strands completely buried. //// However, yesterday I was able to get most of the front stuff down and inside because of the "heat wave" with temps up to 35 degrees. Hope to get the deck and gazebo today as it is supposed to snow again tonight. Just something you have to deal with when living here. //// 2. "I LOVE LUCY"-- Up at 4 AM this morning and watched several great episodes on Hallmark Channel for this show from 1954-1955. This is when Ricky got his contract out in Los Angeles and they decided to drive out there with Ethel and Fred. //// The names of the episodes: Ricky's Contract, Getting Ready, Lucy Learns to Drive, California Here We Come, First Stop and Tennessee Bound. Great Road trippin' for you Roadies. Tomorrow, they make it to L.A. where Lucy found lots of trouble. 3. PIGSKINS AND PUCKS-- We spent this weekend watching the NFL playoffs and Blackhawks (and a fair amount of college b-ball and some Bulls). Saturday it was the college basketball games in Margaritaville, then to Twisted Moose in McHenry for the Blackhawks game and parts of the two NFL games. The Twisted Moose is where you want to go if you're a Hawks fan as almost everyone wears jerseys or team stuff and when the Hawks score or win, we get the flashing red lights, air horn and "Chelsea Dagger." //// Sunday, it was the last two playoff games at Main Street and Donovan's in Twin Lakes and Antonio's in Spring Grove. //// Pulling for the SeaHawks and Broncos Now. --RoadDog

Just Got In From Christmas Lights and Is It Ever Cold Out There

Inside and trying to get the feeling back in my fingers. It is COLD out there, about 20 degrees and a strong breeze making it worse. It was just like that yesterday so froze as well. That is a major problem around these parts along the Illinois/Wisconsin border.

But, I have them all up except for the icycles from the garage eaves and along the front porch.

Fortunately, I got all of the ones on the gazebo (inside and outside), the deck and sunroom up before I left for Thanksgiving in North Carolina.

Thawing out for that big game tonight at 7 PM CST on ESPN2 for the MAC Championship.

Deck the Lights With Frozen Fingers. --RoadDog

Finally Taking Down the Christmas Decorations

Well, I do have a good excuse.  We were gone for the last three weeks.  Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.  Liz is getting ready to accuse me of reverting to my red neck roots since no one else in our subdivision has theirs still up.

She worked like a fiend taking down everything upstairs before we left.  Of course, working inside is not the same as doing it outside this time of the year in this part of the country, the Midwest.  It is not much fun when the wind whips through you blowing all that cold and colder Siberian Express stuff.  I have to pick the right days to get out there.

Yesterday, it was almost 40 degrees, but strong wind and I still managed to get most of the front down.  I'll have to finish by today as the weather gets a WHOLE LOT COLDER starting tomorrow and Monday's high predicted at a balmy 7 degrees.

Fortunately, over the years, I have developed a plan that lets me put up the outside lights a, garland and wreaths in 5-6 hours, depending upon what I can remember from the year before.  I can take it down in about three hours, maybe less.

Time to Get Out There.  --RoadDog

JSS: Christmas Lights-- Warm Weather-- Firebird

JSS--  Just Some Stuff


1.  CHRISTMAS LIGHTS--  I had put up the outside Christmas lights before I went to North Carolina and turned them on this past Sunday.  Some worked alright, others took some work on them again, but now all are hooked up to come on automatically at dusk and run four hours.  Looks good as usual, especially with the inside lights and Christmas trees Liz put up.


2.  WARM WEATHER--   I was a bit worried to find that I had gone off to NC without a heavy coat.  hey, you expect cold weather in late November, early December, but as it turned out, I didn't need it.  Sunday, we enjoyed sitting out on the deck at the Squaw Bar during breaks in the defenseless Bears game.  Then, Monday, it was actually shorts and tee shirt day.  Had it not been so cloudy, I would have sat out OD and caught some rays.  Wow, shots and tee on December 3rd!!!

Temps are more like what is to be expected today.


3.  FIREBIRD-  Monday, I took the '85 Firebird out for one last run for the year.  I drove it about 350 miles, just around the area.  Runs great, but looks rough and does have a leak of something.  I'm figuring on just keeping it until it stops running.  Then, I'm thinking of one of those new Camaros or a Mustang.  Late Middle Age Crisis I suppose.

Send More Warm Weather.  --RoadDog


WHAT SHE SAYS, WHAT SHE MEANS:  We need = I need

White vs. Multi: How Does Your Family Stand?-- Part 2

Electric lights replaced dangerous candles in the early 1900s and the popularity of Christmas lights exploded after World War II.

I have had outside lights since we moved to Spring Grove in 1992. While in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, I had a problem because we didn't have outside outlets and I don't know if there were already outside timers even if I had the outlets.

Those outside timers are by far the key for me to have outside lights. If there were none, I wouldn't have outside lights. Few things in life are less enjoyable than going outside into sub-freezing weather at 10 or 11 pm from a nice warm house to turn off lights. It just wouldn't happen.

Plus, when we had our house built, I got four outside outlets.

Then, Emproprise brings up another distinct question, blinking or non-blinking lights? He says non-blinking.

Most of mine are non-blinking, but I do have a few strands of chasers at either end of the display as well as one of those blinking spiral trees. And I do have a cascading strand in the gazebo.

Enough Christmas Talk for Eleven More Months. --RoadDog


QUOTES: I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not at all pleased to read the description in the catalogue:- "No good in bed, but does fine against a wall."-- Eleanor Roosevelt.

White vs. Multi: How Does Your Family Stand?

And, we're talking Christmas lights here. It's an age old question that has divided neighbors and even families.

Do you put up strings of multi-colored lights or white (clear) lights?

I came across an article in the Dec. 23, 2010, New York Times "A Tug of War, With Strings of Lights" by Cara Buckley.

A lot of it details the trials and tribulations of the McCarthy family, who, in 2005, after their first child was born, , the husband began decorating their Bronx home. Over the years, claiming that it was "for the kids," he began decorating more and more until "every surface became his canvas." OK, he went overboard ala Clark Griswald in the movie "Christmas Vacation."

Only problem was he liked multi-colored lights while his wife was prone toward the all-white. After some arguments, they reached an agreement and alternate years.

Problem solves, but I wonder if Mr. McCarthy has his wife put up "her" lights or if he does it.

How About You? --RoadDog


QUOTES: Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. --Mark Twain

Oh, Those Christmas Lights

Well, they're down here at the house, both in and outside. Liz said we ended up paying another $60 beyond what we normally pay in a month because of our lights. They're worth it though. I just hate putting up and taking them down outside when it's too cold or when there is too much snow on the ground and bushes.

Liz is in charge of the upstairs inside with the wall decorations, window lights, two trees and all the put-around stuff, especially the many-many Santa Clauses. Most of this is my fault as I have a hard time going into stores over the holidays, which begin in September, and not buying something that catches my eye. Lots of stuff catch my eye. Liz is always hesitant when she sees me toting a bag in the house during this period and thinking, now where am I going to put that.

I handle the sun room, outside and Margataville (the downstairs bar) and basement. Liz puts the railroad track around the main tree, but the village inside the track is my responsibility.

Liz gets mad because it takes me much less time to do my decorating. I have a system in place and put everything up in the order I need them for the following year. Plus, I have reduced the number of outside lights by about half over the years.

How many Days Until next Christmas? Liz Doesn't Want to Know. --RoadDog


The Last YOU'RE A FLORIDIAN IF...you recognize Miami-Dade as North Cuba.

JSS: "Miracle on 34th Street"-- Still Cold-- Homebound Two Days-- Bars and Movies and Christmas Lights-- Homemade Irish Cream-- Christmas Music

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. MIRACLE ON 34th STREET-- Last night, I saw the Christmas movie "Miracle on 34th Street." I had forgotten how good it was. I'll have to move it onto and up to #4 on my Christmas Movie favorites list. (See a couple days ago.)


2. STILL COLD-- We've now had below freezing temperatures for seven days. But, i do have to admit that the last several 20 degree days were "balmy."


3. HOMEBOUND TWO DAYS-- We ended up staying home all day last Sunday and Monday because of crummy weather. That is rare for me, not so much for Liz.

4. BARS AND MOVIES AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- Tuesday, I had an excellent Mexican omelet at Dill Pickle in Spring grove ($5 special). The hash browns were so good I didn't even have to put on A-1 like usual. In the afternoon, Liz and I went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and had eight Top 20 Rankings in NTN.

Wednesday, it was Taco Bell and the movies "Unstoppable" and "Love and Drugs" in Fox Lake and 35 cent jumbo wings at the Dill Pickle.

WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY Liz and I drove around and looked at Christmas lights. Again, the business on Johnsburg Road between Spring Grove and Johnsburg has an unbelievable display, always a highlight for viewing.

YESTERDAY, it was recording songs for Larry Logan's memorial service today and a trip to Donovan's for more NTN (another 8 Top Twenties).


5. HOMEMADE IRISH CREAM-- Thursday, we went over to friend Pam's house to make her annual homemade Irish Cream drinks which we bottled. She gives them to friends. had a great time making and drinking them. They had SOME kick.


6. CHRISTMAS MUSIC-- While typing away at this with my two busy little fingers, I am listening to Christmas tapes I made over the years. I have about fifty of them and have been listening to them over the last couple weeks while posting and researching.

Enough. --RoadDog


SIXTIES HOTS REVISED-- Bee Gees "How Can You Mend a Broken Hip."

JSS: Ron Santo-- Outside Christmas Lights-- Inside Christmas Lights-- NIU Game

JSS: Just Some Stuff.


1. RON SANTO-- In honor of Ron Santo, today I am going to do something I said I'd never do until the Cubs play in a World Series...and that is wear my Cubs hat. I make it a rule not to wear Cub stuff because of their Yuppie fans, and besides I am a Sox fan (but back the Cubs unless they play the Sox).

One time, I broke down and bought the hat, but have never worn it.

However, today, I will don it in honor of Number 10.


2. OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- I put them up before I left for North Carolina, but noticed some of them didn't come on before I left. After some exploration this morning, I found the offending strand and will replace it.

Plus, I think I might have plugged too many strands into the outlet so will take care of that as well.


3. INSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- As if I didn't have enough Christmas decorations in NC, I also have to decorate Margaritaville in the basement and set up the village under the tree. But, I enjoy do that stuff so will probably survive.


4. NIU GAME-- I put up the Huskie banner in the yard with difficulty because of the frozen ground. We plan on watching part of it at Tommy's and the rest at Margaritaville.

Just Some Stuff and Good to Be Home. --RoadDog

Thanks for these, Uncle Bo.

FUNNY SIGNS: In a gynecologist's office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix."

Doing Our Wassailing, Er, Irish Creaming

Last Friday, we went over to friend Pam's and joined Ed and Sue for a good old time making batches of Irish Cream from scratch. For years, we have been getting a bottle of Pam's famous Irish Cream and for years I've been asking if we could help her make it. We finally got the opportunity.

I'm not sure if we liked the making or testing/tasting better. Plus, we had plenty of snacks and later pizza and home made split pea soup. Good drinkin' and good eatin'.

To make Pam's Famous Irish Cream (I can't reveal amounts which are a closely guarded secret), you start with Seagram's 7, then add eggs, light and heavy cream, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk.

That evaporated milk is nasty stuff and I'm not volunteering to open or pour those cans anymore. Talk about sticky. Another "fun" job is corking the bottle. Those corks were mostly too big. We'll need to get more easy twist offs next year.

We ended up making thirty batches and drinking a batch or two or three.

On the way home, we went out looking at Christmas lights, another fun thing to do. Saw some mighty impressive displays.

A Very Pleasant Way to Spend an Evening. --RoadDog


Military Humor: You might be a Taliban if you have more wives than teeth.

VA Hospital-- Chicago-- Barhopping in Wisconsin-- Part 2

Continued from Dec. 15th.

SATURDAY-- Chicago--

Folks in Chicagoland are still angry about Macy's changing the name of the icon Marshall Field's. There is still even a boycott going on by the group Fields Fans Chicago. As a matter of fact, I was given a flyer while walking by them. They will be happy to know that I didn't buy anything, but did walk around that magnificent store will still retains all the Field's grandeur.

Went up seven escalators to the Walnut Room, a Chi-town tradition for a Christmas meal. All the shoppers and people I didn't see earlier at Sears and on State Street were here. There was even a line waiting to get pagers. Got a glimpse of the beautiful Christmas tree that is so much a part of the whole thing.

Went to the Christmas Village a block away and that was crowded and expensive as usual. This is also where Chicago's official Christmas Tree is located.

Played NTN at the Snuggery and Metro Deli in the magnificent Union Station and drank the $3.25 pint drafts. Talked with a guy passing through on Amtrack heading for the warmer climes of San Diego at the Snuggery. Don't miss the Great Room at the station.

Once home, I watched my third favorite Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." Just love those old town shots, Clarence, and that end always gets me.

To Be Continued. --RoadDog

JSS: John Lennon-- Bears Party-- Bye Bye Boston Legal-- Cold and Snow, Rain Snow and Cold

JSS-- Just Some Stuff

1. JOHN LENNON-- Sorry to say that Beatle John Lennon was murdered this date in 1980. Was it THAT long ago? The Beatles sure had an impact on me. They were the ones that got me interested in music. Without that, I never would have been a deejay.

2. BEARS PARTY-- Sunday, we had about 15 friends over for the Bears party. The earlier one last month against the Packers was rather dismal. At least Da Bears won this one against the Jaguars.

3. BYE BYE BOSTON LEGAL-- Sad to see that tonight will be the last episode of Boston Legal. I sure will miss it and always look forward to seeing what Denny Crane will do. I'll also miss Alan Shore's escapades in the courtroom.

4. COLD AND SNOW AND THEN RAIN-- Come on and give us a break. This is all we get these days. If it's not snowing, it's very cold. Today, I had to work on some strands of lights at the gazebo and what started as a perfect day for it, started raining by the time I got back home. Not much fun playing with electricity in the rain, but fortunately it had slowed down by the time I got out to it.

No More Denny and Alan. Sigh!! --RoadDog

Outside Christmas Decorations are Down

Finally stopped raining yesterday and after the garland and wreaths dried out, I was able to get all the outside decorations and lights down.

Sometimes I have to wait until February and one year even to early March until we had a day with decent enough weather to do this. That, and sometimes I couldn't do it on decent days because of other commitments.

I have everything in carefully labeled boxes to avoid confusion the following season. One box is for garland on the deck, gazebo, and the front of the house. Another box is for lights on the deck and gazebo. Another is for lights on the front of the house.

One Less Thing to Worry About. --RoadDog

Christmas Decorations Down and Coming Down

We always keep the Christmas decorations up until New Years Day. Liz went on a cleaning frenzy and took all the upstairs inside decorations down Wednesday and Thursday. This is a major effort as we have lots and lots and lots of Christmas stuff.

I've been trying not to buy new stuff, but that is hard. I get to looking at Christmas decorations like Ralphie looked at his bb gun. However, with me, it's not "You'll put your eye out," but "Where'm I gonna put it?" I did break down and buy a few things, but kept the new stuff under five items. Rather proud of it, but Liz still thinks I've bought too much.

I rather feel like the expectant father as his wife is delivering and she yells, "YOU. You did this to me," in a demonic trance, when Liz is taking down or putting up the stuff.

The only thing I can say about Liz's cleaning frenzies is to stay out of her way, less you find yourself packed away until next December. When we had the old mutt back in the 70s and 80s, we'd manage to stay one room ahead of Liz.

She did a great job though, and even did a major cleaning afterwards.

Meanwhile, the old procrastinator managed to get a few things down in Margaritaville (in the basement) last night during the New Hampshire presidential debates. Now that most of the snow has melted, I hope to get the outside decorations down once they dry out. Many of them had had snow on them until recently.

Until the Stores Put Up Their Christmas Stuff in September. --RoadDog

Took a Drive to Lake Geneva, Wi.-- Part 2

After playing NTN, we took a ride west to the town of Lake Geneva. It looked like a town right out of the early 1900s with all its pine garland, ribbons, and lights. We were a bit disappointed with the lack of home decorations in the residential section by the downtown. Those old homes would have looked great with decorations, but only a few homes had them.

A highlight was a drive through Grand Geneva Resort, which had its usual massive decorations up. The entry way was great with the barn outlined with lights and a giant wreath. Then there were lights all over the small evergreens and the three beautiful poinsettias over the entry arch.

The drive was lines with the Twelve Days of Christmas, a Garfield Goose castle, and various lighted animal;s and Santas. Always enjoy Santa playing golf.

The buildings at the resort were outlined in lights, plus the trees were completely wrapped in white bulbs.

We normally like to take a walk through the resort, which is also majorly decorated, but both of us are having foot, leg, and knee problems so just stayed in the car.

Stopped at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes to wish everybody a merry Christmas.

On the way home, we stopped at Wilmot Farms subdivision to look at the lights. I give my award for best-decorated subdivision to this place. Three of the homes have to be on my all-time list of sights. A majority of the others had also gone all out. Well worth a visit to this area.

The subdivision across the road was not very good.

Lastly, we drove through our home subdivision. It was average, but still have to say our street was the least decorated.

Bah-Humbug, Pine Street. --RoadDog

JSS-- Ice Gone--Windstorm Yesterday-- Bears Party-- Grape Crush

Just Some Stuff:

1. All that ice on the driveway and sidewalk is finally gone thanks to the warm weather Thursday to Saturday. I helped it along with a LOT of chopping, chopping, and chopping. Boy, are my wrists and hands ever sore.

2. Yesterday, we had ten friends over for a Bears-Packers party. And DaBears won!!! As horrible as this season is going, if you beat DaPack, things are good again. However, I'll be backing the Pack in the playoffs. I would like to point out to Kip that the Bears beat the Pack both games this year!!!!

3. We had major wind yesterday, with gusts up to 55 mph around Spring Grove, Il. We were lucky not to lose electricity as we usually do in any sort of inclement weather. It blew down my spiral Christmas tree, lost a red ribbon, and put out one strand of lights.

4. Grape Crush--Earlier last week, I bought a six pack each of Orange and Grape Crush in 12 ounce bottles. Getting a pop in a bottle anymore is rare, but I haven't had Grape Crush in a long, long time. It was as Good as I remembered it Being.  Wasn't that what Radar drank on "MASH?"

Life Just Goes On. --RoadDog