Good Times Around Here May 17 to 19: Two Legions, Fish Fry, TV, a Historical Society, Cicadas, Magic Moon, Book Sale and Mary's Hideaway

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Malcolm and Steve came over to work on the gutters, window seals and tuckpoint the chimney and several ledges.  Met Kevin and Kelly, Glenn and Barb at Saylor Mick's for fish fry then went to the Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.  

Came home and watched the last episode of "Blue Bloods" for the spring.  Sadly, it ends after a few more episodes this fall.  This is my favorite TV drama. Love those family meals on Sundays.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Stopped at Thornton's in Fox Lake for my usual cappucino and then to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society at Grant Museum in Ingleside for a very timely presentation on cicadas.  Afterwards did bush trimming, went to Sunnyside and watched the Preakness Race and then to Magic Moon in Spring Grove and was happy to see that my buddy Frank was back to tending bar on Saturday night.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Went to the Friends of McHenry Library semiannual book sale and then to my buddy Langer's visitation in McHenry.  We had some great times together and I sure will miss him. Stopped at the McHenry Legion.  Afterwards met J.C. and some other of his pals at Mary's Hideaway in Johnsburg to toast him.

--Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog

Last Weekend at the Legion: Cheap Beer, Fish Fry and an Afternoon Entertainment

Last week I ended up at the American Legion in Fox Lake for three straight days.

FEBRUARY 29, Thursday (As in Leap Year)

After a movie in Fox Lake I stopped by the Legion to enjoy those $1.50 pints of Lite.  This is the special every Monday and Thursday.  My buddy Frank joined me.  I left when the bingo folks started coming in.

MARCH 1, Friday

Saw the last episode of "Band of Brothers" at Frank's.  This was a great series which unfortunately I didn't get to see when it was on as I didn't subscribe to HBO.  Glad I finally got to see it.

Then I went to the American Legion in Fox Lake again and met friends Glenn and Barb at the bar and enjoyed the Grant Township annual fish fry.  It was AUCE for $12 and, as always tasty.  And, as always the place was jammed tight with folks.

MARCH 2,   Saturday

Met Glenn and Barb again at the Legion and thoroughly enjoyed the show that New Odyssey Guy put on from 3 to 6 pm.  Where else you gonna get entertainment in the afternoon in March?

--RoadLegion

Little Ol' Texting Me, A New Insurance Plan Costs Me and the Moose

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

Met Laura, Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and actually did my first real texts to Sue and Paul. A year ago I couldn't even imagine me texting anyone.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

I had to pay full price at Walgreens for a prescription as our insurance provider with TRS had changed.  I will make sure I get the new company in the files right away.  Expensive.

Went to Half-Times in Johnsburg for the $1 drafts.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

Met Kevin and Kelly and a whole bunch of Sunnysiders at the McHenry Moose for fish fry and karaoke.  George and I got the "band" back together and sang "It's Hard to Be Hunble" and "I Like Beer."  We used to sing those two songs and others at Stucky's during the Saturday night karaoke.  We were pretty good on those songs but really butchered other efforts.

Got the Old Band Back Together.  The George and Don Band.  --RoadDog

A Fish Fry, a Lake View, Steak Fry, Legion and Sunnyside

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

Met the usual folks at Kelly's in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry.  Afterwards, we went to Lake View on Grasslake and sat out on the deck and enjoyed the $1.50 drafts and the wonderful view.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

Went to the Spring Grove Fireman's Steak Fry at Horse Fair Park.  A delicious meal even after all those long lines to get it.  Enjoyed the band for awhile.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21

Went to the McHenry American Legion and later to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do feet smell and noses run?

Mayor's Fish Fry, Two Legions, Sunnyside Shuffle, Parish Fest and Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

Liz and I met Glen and Barb at the Fox Lake Mayor's Fish Fry at Lake Front Park.  A great deal for AUCE for $9 for seniors.  Unfortunately, the line for refills was always too long so I didn't get seconds.  Too bad as it was excellent fish.

Afterwards, we all went to the Fox Lake American Legion (across Nippersink Lake from the Lake Front Park) and played 50/50.  They now have pull cards on Fridays where you either pay full price, half price or 50 cents for your drink.  I had two full price ($2 pints), a half price and a 50 cents.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and eventually, doing what everyone calls the Sunnyside Shuffle, were able to move from a table to the edge of the bar and finally the horseshoe part, the primo seating and most fun with others.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 14

Liz and I went to Parish Fest in Johnsburg and enjoyed brats, beer, ice cream and the excellent oompah band Die Musikmeisters.  Then, we went to McHenry for the annual Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive, a tribute to our World War II and Korean War veterans.  Sadly their numbers are getting lower every year so now Vietnam War veterans have been added. Enjoyed the sounds of Bill's Little Big Band.

Afterwards, we went to the McHenry Legion.

Always Something Going On Around Here.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If you rip a hole in a net, you have less holes than you started with.

$3.95 for an Iced Tea!!?? Two Legions and No $1.1 Billion for Me

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Met Kevin and Kelly at Diamond Deli in Fox Lake, Illinois, for the fish fry.  Patti, who for so many years was our waitress at Dino's Den was our waitress.  A great fish fry, but I was taken totally aback at the charge for Liz and my iced teas, $3.95!!  Now, that is WAY too much.

Stopped at the new park in Fox Lake and sat outside for awhile and listened to the bands School of Rock and 176 Wide. I wasn't impressed with either group.

Went over to the Fox Lake Legion and played 50-50.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Well, I didn't win the $1.1 billion+ in the MegaLotto, so reckon I'll just have to keep typing the blogs. Not that I earn a cent from them. Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Went to the McHenry America Legion.

$3.95 for an Iced Tea?  Ya Gotta Be Kiddin'.--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why is it that a writer writes, but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce, humdingers don't hum and hammers don't ham?

Trivia, Food, Captain's, the Beatelles, a Fish Fry and Lake View

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

Played trivia at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and, as usual, we had a smorgasboard to eat as folks brought food in.

THURSDAY, JULY 7

Drove to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and had their 50 cent wing special said hi to former neighbor Mel who used to live next to us and is an unbelievably good bartender there.   Then drove to Antioch, Illinois, for the It's Thursday concert series, today featuring an all female group named  Beatelles singing Beatles songs.  That was sure a different way to hear the Beatles.

FRIDAY, JULY 8

Met Kelly and Kevin, Glen and Barb at Cuda's for their fish fry then went over to Lake View Place for their $1.50 draft beer and had never seen the place so crowded.  Former neighbor Mel and a lot of the Captain's Quarters folks were there.

Fun and Games Around Here.  --RoadDog

THINGS TO PONDER:  Which letter in "Scent" is silent?  Is it the "S" or "C?"

All These Blogs Ago, Stucky's, a Fish Fry and Those Old Bars of Ours

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

Entered posts in all eight blogs.  Believe me, that is time consuming.  Got some yardwork done and we went to Stucky's in Johnsburg to use up some of out $25 gift cards that we had won in their live trivia games.  In a few days they will not be worth anything.  Local entertainer Jim Seig had a long-standing open mic night at Stucky's on Thursdays but canceled for the last two times.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

Breakfast on FP.  Again, finished all eight blogs.  Too hot to work outside.  Normally we go to the Spring Grove Fish Boil every year to raise money for the old Spring Grove Fish Hatchery which has been turned into a village park, but today was the last day of Stucky's fish fry so we went there instead.

We sure are going to miss Stucky's  It is always sad when one of your favorite hangouts closes.  But, usually another one comes along.

Several years back three of our favorite places closed:  Tommy's and Antonio's in Spring Grove and the Twisted Moose in McHenry, but we ended up getting Sunnyside and Stucky's in Johnsburg.  And then there was Costello's in Fox Lake where we hung out for a really long time.  And, there was also Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, when Jeff Stewart sold it, but we still hang out there.

Things Go On.  --RoadDog

Celebrating the Chicago Tribune's 175th Year, A Fish Fry, Cheap Beer, 1972, McHenry and Johnsburg

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

Celebrating the Chicago Tribune's 175th Year and I read their anniversary edition out FP (Front Porch).  I have subscribed to this paper since 1973 (except about a year when I had a problem with its editorial process).  In my mind it is the best newspaper in the country.

But sadly, my days of subscribing are about over because the price is now up to $130 for two months of Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sunday delivery.  I'm sure going to miss it.

Met Kevin and Kelly at Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch.  The other name for the place is "Iceboc" because ot is so cold in there, but the food really good so we dress for the ooccasion.  They have a great Friday fish fry for $10.99, all you can eat.  

Afterwards, we went to Lake View Place on Grasslake and enjoyed their Friday $1.50 draft beer.  Came home and likewise enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

Went to Stucky's where we enjoyed the $1 draft pints and it was Angie's 50th birthday.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Bob Stroud played his Summerof 1972 special on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive.  These were the songs on the radio and in your record collection fifty years ago on June 12, 1972.  I have listed the songs elsewhere in this blog.

Drove over to Miller Park in McHenry (right on the Fox River) to hear the band, but it was too crowded.  We went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the cocktails there.  On the way home, we found Stucky's was closed, but Sunnyside wasn't, so went there before heading home.

--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.

Ending March: NCAA Tournament, Fish Fry, Legion, St. Peter's Wins

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

How could the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament games be any better.  Of the four games yesterday and four today, I counted seven close games and three major upsets, including two #1s knocked off!!  Looking forward to the Elite 8 games now.

Met Kevin and Kelly at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for their AUCE fish fry ($10.99) and then went to the Fox Lake American Legion.  Watched the NCAA games at both places.  Big crowd at the Legion watching and pulling for St. Peter's (#15) in their game against Purdue (#3).  Even though I am a Big 10, 11,12, 13, 14 fan (except Michigan and Ohio State and the two newest teams Maryland and Rutgers) I was pulling for St. Peter's.  I always pull for underdogs against any team.

And, St. Peters won a close one 67-64.

Attendance at the Friday 50-50 is climbing again after a big drop off back before the virus hit.

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend: Bristol 45 Diner, Donovan's Reef, Johnny's Cafe and the Legion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Met the Magee teachers at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin.  The two Bobs, Maxine and Karen were there.  I'm a big fan of the Mediterranean omelet which is $11.49.  It is huge (gone are the days o $5 to $6 breakfasts) and I get two more breakfasts at home.

The GRBs are at it again with gas in Wisconsin between $3.20 and $3.30, but gas in Illinois is $3.50 and higher.  Needless to say, everyone up here on the Illinois/Wisconsin border, goes north for gas.

At 2 pm, Liz and I met Kelly and Kevin at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia with Uncle Jeffie.  We had quite a few players.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11

We went to Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois.  For many years it was the Channel Inn and is on the same channel where we used to keep our boat.  Kevin and Kelly told us the portions are massive and they sure were.  I had the swai fish fry and there were two huge fillets along with potato pancakes, cole slaw, a roll and bowl of soup.  All for $9.95.  I'll sure be back.

Then we went to the Fox Lake American Legion for the fifty-fifty, bu, alas, won nothing.

--RoadDog

Last Weekend: Donovan's Reef, Lakeview Place and 'Cuda's

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4

It started snowing in the afternoon, but just maybe two inches, but enough to make me a bit nervous driving later.  

Met Kevin and Kelly at Lakeview Place on Grasslake for their $1 pints.  At times you couldn't even see the lake because of the snow coming down.

Then we went to 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road and enjoyed their beer battered fish fry (AUCE for $10.99) including some of the best fries around.

Love Those Fish Fries.  --RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.

Last Weekend: A Fish Fry and Lots and Lots of NFL Foorball

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21

Met Kevin and Kelly at Kelly's in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

Went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois, and watched the Packers lose to the 49ers.  This was not expected and Liz and I had all our Packer gear on.  Maybe dear old Aaron can be a happy man again.

Of course, I kind of like the 49ers as their qb Tony Garrafalo is from the Chicago suburbs and played for EIU, one of their defense starters is Jimmy Ward from NIU and their field goal kicker is Robbie Gould who was a long-time Chicago Bear.  Why they fired him is beyond me.  But the year after they traded him, the 49ers beat Da Bears 15-0 and every point came off a Robbie Gould field goal.  I usually don't like the Bears to lose, but this was a good one.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23

We had 3 inches of snow and our neighbors were nice enough to come over a clear it off.  Nice neighbors in this day and age.  We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg to watch the KC-Buffalo Divisional Playoff game and this was one of the best ever with the Chiefs winning at the very end.  All four playoff games this weekend were the best ever.  Every game decided at the end.

--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: Fort Fisher and Me, Donovan's Reef, Michael Nesmith, Lake View Place, Cuda's and the Raccoon

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

I will be sending the Friends of Fort Fisher a donation for rebuilding some of the mounds at the fort which were torn down to built a landing strip during World War II when the old fort served as a base for training anti-aircraft gunners.  Planes flown by the WASPs towed targets.  Fort Fisher was a famous Civil War fort in North Carolina and the biggest reason I'm such a history nut and ended up as a teacher.  You might say it had an impact on me.

Met Kevin and Kelly and some others at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia and those half price happy hour drinks.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10

Sure can't complain about temperatures this fall season as it is usually 40 to 50 degrees.   So sorry to hear Michael Nesmith of the Monkees and a solo artist died today.  I was a big Monkee fan.  

Met Kevin and Kelly at Lake View Place on Grasslake for their $1 draft pint special. They have a great view of the lake from there.  Then went to 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for their excellent fish fry.  On the way home, hit a big raccoon.  I didn't have a chance to avoid it.

--RoadDog

Last Week: Trivia at Donovan's Reef, Backing Our Richmond-Burton Rockets in the High School Football 4A Semi Final Playoff Game and a Fish Fry at the Rusty Nail

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 

First time with sun in a long time.  Sure peps everyone up.

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for live trivia with Uncle Jeffie and that great half-price Happy Hour.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19

I went to our local Walgreens in Spring Grove, Illinois, and bought my Richmond-Burton High School gear for Liz and myself. I bought a hat and hooded sweatshirt for myself and a tee shirt for Liz.  Tomorrow, we play probably one of the best schools in the state in the IHSA football playoffs, Joliet Catholic, ranked #4 in the state, despite having only 600 students.  But, they draft their players.

Figured we'd support our boys even if we're not going out to the game.  It is way too cold to sit outside at our age.

Met Kevin and Kelly at Rusty Nail in Ringwood, Illinois, for their fish fry which is considered one of the best in the area.  We can see why with the quality and amount of food you get AUCE for $14.  Neither one of us came anywhere close to finishing our first round.

--RoadDog

About Last Week: A Breakfast, Cheaper Gas, No Blue Nun, Snow Showers and a Shrimp Fry

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Met the Magee teachers at Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin.  It is on US Highway 45 and features some of the best breakfasts anywhere around.  I'm especially fond of the Mediterranean omelet loaded with gyro meat and feta cheese.  I end up with two breakfasts at home afterwards.  Always good to get together with friends I have known since the 1970s.

Got gas on Wisconsin Highway 83, just north of Antioch, Illinois, for $3.08 ($3.07.9) after quite a bit of maneuvering because of long lines of Illinois folks.  Gas in northern Illinois now goes for between $3.50 and $3,60, so this is quite a savings.

Went to Antioch Wine and Liquor store to look for Blue Nun wine.  The owner told me they no longer carry it because of lack of demand, but at one time they could hardly keep it in stock it sold so fast.  This is a special wine for Liz and me as her dad, Amby, a World War II vet, gave us a bottle of it on our wedding day back in August 1973, as we left the reception, in DeKalb, Illinois, and told us to have a drink on him when we got to Galena.  Ever after that, this was or "drink" on our anniversaries.

When soldiers returned from WW II, they started drinking Blue Nun wine from Germany and it became  very popular.

The store did have several other Riesling wines, so I bought one.  Blue Nun is a Riesling wine, so those will have to take the place.  Very close to the Blue Nun taste.

We had snow showers all day and kind of a blustery cold. No accumulation, though.

Met Kevin and Kelly at the Wilmot Riverside in Wilmot, Wisconsin, for a fish fry.  Well, actually a shrimp fry as we all got shrimp dinners.  I usually don't order shrimp because it is of the popcorn shrimp variety which means a really small shrimp covered with a WHOLE LOT of breading.  Their fried shrimp is medium-sized and with a Calabash, N.C., style of breading, which means lightly breaded.

--RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY (From the Orange Peel Gazette):  "I can see your point, but I still think you're strong."

Around Here: Twice to Windhill for Food and Halloween Decorations, Stucky's for Jim Sieg and the Legion

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28

Drove to McHenry, Illinois, and had the $5 half pound burger special at Windhill Pancake Parlor on Il-120 at the bridge.  It cost extra for additional toppings and I got the crumbled blue cheese and grilled onions for $1.50.  One great meal.  But the main reason for going there was the Halloween decorations.  They definitely go overboard decorating for Halloween.  Everywhere you look there is something to see.  I know of no other place that decorates this much for the occasion.

We then went to Stucky's in Johnsburg to see the return of local entertainer Jim Sieg who we've been following for years.  He came down with a bad case of the Covid and has recovered now.  He had his full band and he was having a great time.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29

We went back to Windhill Pancake Parlor again, this time with Kevin and Kelly and try their fish fry and fish boil.  I got the fish boil and Liz the fish fry for $14.25 each.  It was AUCE, but neither one of us could finish and we took plenty home.  Kevin and Kelly had not been there for the decorations and were impressed.

Afterwards, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion where Kelly pretty much drank for free answering the "Wheel of Fortune" questions.  We then had the fifty-fifty, but none of us won anything.  Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville in the basement and watched the World Series game,

--Why Go Anywhere Else?  --RoadDog

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:  Q:  My childbirth instructor said it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure.  Is she right?   A:  Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Around Here: Wisconsin Gas, Omelets, Old Friends, and the Blue Gill

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22

Drove across the border and met the former Magee teachers at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin.  It was also time to fill up the Dakota which was down to about an 8th of a tank.  It has a big gas tank and it takes a lot to fill it when it is that low.  Gas around northern Illinois is anywhere from $3.40 to $3.60 now.  Gas in Wisconsin is lower and along Highway C was $3.20.

We had a good turnout for our first get together since the coronavirus hit back in March 2020 with six:  Bob B., Maxine, Bob D., Karen and Cindy.  Great to catch up with old friends.  And, the Diner has really great omelets.  I usually get the Mediterranean one and have several meals off it at home.

On the way home, I got gas at a station on Wis. 83, just north of Antioch, Illinois, for $3.08.  A considerable savings for me as it took 18 gallons to fill up.

Later, we met Kevin and Kelly at Kelly's in Trevor, Wisconsin, for a fish fry.  I had some delicious blue gill.

--RoadDog

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:  Q   What is the most common craving for women during pregnancy?  A     For men to be the ones who get pregnant.