Just Got Back From PCB-- Part 7: Mardi Gras All Over Again

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Threat of rain all day.  Barb, Glen and I walked over to Aaron Bessant Park west of Pier Park and saw the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Aaron Neville.  You don't get much more New Orleans ('Nawlins) than those two.  Huge crowd despite threat of rain which didn't come, fortunately.  All the better to get us into the Mardi Gras mood.

On the way back we listened to Waylon Thibideaux and his band playing zydeco and Cajun in Pier Park.  Unfortunately, a real heavy, moisture-laden fog rolled in before the PCB Mardis Gras parade.  At times you couldn't see any of the buildings, but the parade went off anyway.  We missed the fireworks because of the fog.

RoadGras

Just Got Back From PCB-- Part 8 Rain (But No Snow) Wings, Breakfast and Beer

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Glen and Barb got off in the morning.  We really had one heavy downpour most of the day.  Watched a couple movies on TV.  Then drove over to Salty Sue's for wings and, later, of course, Donovan's.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Still drizzling today.  Weather reports say the area has gotten anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of rain since Saturday.  Meanwhile, Chicago has gotten over a foot of snow.  I'll take the rain.  Had breakfast at the Sunnyside Grill.  They have a Sunnyside and we like to go to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.  We had sun finally and I finished reading the "Peshtigo Firestorm" out on deck.

Went to Shuckums and Donovan's.

--RoadDog

Just Got Back From PCB-- Part 1: On the Road Again

We went to Panama City Beach, Florida, in the early part of this month for our annual drive to the warm and Mardi Gras.  We covered 2,350 miles, and went through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida.

On the way down, we managed to catch a rush hour in Indy, the trucks from hell in Louisville the first day and, on the second day, with thoughts of making it to PCB , ended up spending a night in Enterprise, Alabama, when the front brakes on the car went out.

Fortunately, we found a Chevrolet place in Enterprise and they fixed it right away the next day to send us on our way.

Arrived at the Driftwood Lodge in PCB on Friday.

A Two-Day Trip Turned Into Three Days.  --RoadDog

SOME OBSERVATIONS (From the Wassup magazine)  Do twins ever realize that one of them was unplanned?

More Valentine's Day Killings in Florida

It is just so sad to find out the horrible thing that happened at that Florida high school on Wednesday.  Seventeen more innocents murdered by a  deranged psychokiller.  An, he didn't even have the decency to kill himself.  Instead, the coward sneaked out of the school.

Yesterday, we saw his public defender saying he felt sorry for doing it and that it was because of his mental illness.

I wish media would refuse to show his picture or mention his name.  Maybe he just did it to get his name and face out there.

First it was the five student murders at Northern Illinois University, now this.

It Is Too Bad He Was Taken Prisoner.  --RoadDog

The Tragedy in Orlando

That was certainly horrific news we got on Sunday, about what happened in Orlando.

However, there is no way to stop something like this from happening again.  We can make it more difficult, but we just can not stop it from happening.

About the only thing we can do is to make people who do this aware of the extremely horrible consequences that will happen afterwards.

Some statistics:

79. The percentage of Republicans who say the Orlando murders were more an example of Islamic terrorism than gun violence.

60.  The percentage of Democrats who say it was more about gun violence.

But one thing I would like to say is that media should stop mentioning his name.  Just say, "He whose name will not be mentioned."

Arriving at Panama City Beach

APRIL 29TH, WEDNESDAY

Had to do a hard scrubbing to get insect splashes off the front windshield and then drove that beautiful stretch of highway, US-98, through pine forests and right along the Gulf coast.  Stopped in Panama City to graze at Golden Corral and then to the Driftwood Lodge in Panama City Beach.

Motorcycles all over the place as it is the annual Thunder Beach biker rally.  Went to Reggae J's, which is now Pompano Joe's at Pier Park.  We met friends Sue and Paul there, then went to Dusty's and Whiskeys.

Ended up over at Donovan's Reef across the street from the motel.

--RoadDog

The Talk Here in Panama City Beach: Thunder, ZBT and Spring Break

THUNDER--  Thunder on the Beach, the annual motorcycle run to PCB.  It is over but I heard of no problems and every tourist employee said they sure like  all the money the bikers were spending.  Most bartenders and restaurant workers said they made a whole lot more in the past week with the bikers than they did the whole month the spring breakers were here.  We sure met a lot of great folks, but I sure don't miss the congestion.

ZBT--  Everywhere there is complete disgust for what the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity members did to the Wounded Warriors Beach Retreat a few weeks ago.  They were extremely disrespectful to the veterans, all of whom received injuries fighting for these ingrates.  These little ingrates (and i use a nice term) disgrace the fraternity system and their mommies and daddies.

SPRING BREAK--  And, of course, PCB received plenty of negative press during this past March's spring break by the college students.  Meetings are being held to determine what to do about restrictions for next year.  Some even want it banned.  Personally, we avoid PCB  during March.

--RoadDog

Florida Vacation Shot Down By the Weather

We were all set to leave today for Panama City Beach, Florida, where we hoped to arrive by Friday night and enjoy a respite from all this cold we've had so far this month.  It is less than one degrees right now and a high of 6 degrees forecast for tomorrow, but a veritable heat wave of 20 degree for Friday.

This cold did not stop us from leaving.  What stopped us was the winter storms hitting Tennessee and the mid south.  We go through Memphis and they have lots of ice with warming and freezing until Friday morning.

We might still have gone down as it is supposed to be sunny and in the 70s at PCB this weekend, but next weekend looks most like 50s and rain.

Yes, its going to be about 20-30 degrees warmer there, but that is a long drive for that little bit more warmth.

We had to cancel last year for the same reason.

One of these days.

Plenty of Reasons to Hate Winter.  --RoadDog


BEST NORM PETERSON QUOTES:  Hey Norm, how's the world treating you?  "Like a baby treats a diaper."

Huskies Get Rolled in Florida

We had thought to go to Florida for the inaugural Boca Raton Bowl between two conference champs, the Northern Illinois Huskies of the MAC and Marshall Thundering Herd of C-USA.  But, we didn't care to pay those big pre-January prices and this year our Huskies were good, but not as good as in the past,  We were 11-2, but a whole lot of those victories were by the skin of our teeth.

We also considered going to DeKalb, Illinois, to watch it, but again, I was figuring a definite loss and we have a really bad storm rolling in today.

Well, I'm glad we didn't go.  It was a blow out.  Marshall beat us up badly 52-23.  We actually scored first, but on the ensuing kickoff, they ran it back for a TD and it went down from there.

We watched it at home in Margaritaville.

Marshall had something to prove for not getting into one of the Big Bowls and they sure did.  That happened to the Huskies before in the Poinsettia Bowl when TCU also had something to prove and buried us.

I'd say Marshall is ready for the next level.  We sure aren't, but we are on our third coach in five years.

I did learn that Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is in Boca Raton.  We played in their huge stadium.

I was very impressed with Marshall's quarterback.  The Bears hopefully will be looking for a new quarterback.  Maybe?

--RoadDog


YOU THINK ENGLISH IS EASY?  English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France.

From the Snow to the Joe's: Mad Dog and Pat Dailey at Sloppy Joe's

I just got back in from another assault on this mean little snow storm we're having here in Northern Illinois.  I'm figuring at least 8 inches of the stuff on the ground, and worst of all on my driveway.  And the village snow truck was of no use, coming by and depositing all that heavy stiff at the foot of the driveway.  And, mind you, not one single snowmobiler came by to offer their services...again!!

Neighbor Dan came over and helped with the snow by the street.  Then we did two other neighbors driveways.

It made it all worthwhile when I came back in and Liz said that Mike "Mad Dog" Adams was playing on the stage at Sloppy Joe's down in Key West, Florida.  And they have a live cam so got to watch him for awhile.  We haven't seen him for quite some time.

Sloppy Joe's is having their annual Put-In-Bay Days and have several regular performers from that place on South Bass Island in Lake Erie.  Pat Dailey starts in thirty minutes, at 7 PM Eastern Time.  I'll be tuned in to that as well.

You can catch it yourselves at the Sloppy Joe's website.

"We're Down in Key West and Don't Care If You're (well, not happy about it!)--  RoadDog

Oh Well, Stuck At the Beach Again

Through no fault of our own, we are being forced to spend another day here at the beach.  The weather to our north is just not promising to our long drive home.  Plus, PCB is forecast to have another day of mid-70s weather and partly sunny.

All we would encounter is near-freezing rain and ice either way we could go.

Earlier this morning, I went to the Driftwood Lodge office and got another day.

Someone's Got to Bite the Bullet and We're Just the Guys to Do It.  --RoadDog

Heading for the Warmth: December 31st (Part 3)-- It Must Be New Year's Eve Somewhere

From Boozer's we went across A1A to a favorite of ours, Capone's Flicker Light, right on the intercoastal.  This is a Chicago bar with all sorts of Chicago items in it.  The last time the Bears were in the Super Bowl, the game was played in Miami and Capone's served as the de facto headquarters for Bears fans.

We got dinner here.  Great food and reasonable drink prices.

Went back to the room for awhile, then back on the Broadwalk and watched the people walk by and an occasional firework.  Hollywood was supposed to have a fireworks display, we thought, at 9 PM, but found out later it would be at midnight.

Walked by Nick's and Boozer's, but both were too  crowded so we then went to Le Tub, next to Capone's and on the intercoastal as well.  This was another favorite of ours from years past.  Unique is the word for this place.  Kind of dead, though, and we weren't too happy with the $3.75 beer cans (somewhat warm), so went to Capone's again.  While there, two former NIU football players from the '83 California Bowl team came in along with a former wrestler.  Last night they had had a reception for all the former football players and coaches.  I sure would have liked to be there.

Talked Huskie football, of course.  The stroke of midnight came, but nothing at all happened at Capone's.

Walked over to Joe's Tiki Bar on the intercoastal as well and they were having a huge party so stuck around there awhile.

Made It Through Another NYE.  --RoadDog

Heading for the Warmth; December. 31st (Part 2)-- Having a Good Time in Hollywood Beach

After trading good-natured barbs with the FSU fans, we went next door to the Sahara and got a pitcher of beer for $6.99 (watch out, some Florida places charge an additional tax on alcohol) and enjoyed watching the folks walking on the Broadwalk (not  Boardwalk like you'd think, but very appropriate).  Then, there was the Atlantic Ocean about fifty yards away.

Back when we used to come down to Hollywood, there were two neat bars on the south side of Johnson Street called Frenchie's and 12 O'Clock High.  But both moved because of the redevelopment of the beach.  Frenchie's moved into the traffic circle and 12 O'Clock High  moved across the street.  It too is now gone, and a place called Boozer's is now there.

Boozer's is a good follow-up to 12 O'Clock and has entertainers from the late afternoon into the night.  Of course, they sing about half French and half English songs.  The bartop has a regular beach under the glass.

Still Celebrating.  --RoadDog

Love Those Local Newspapers

We are in Panama City Beach, Florida, right now enjoying another day in the 70s with sun.

Every morning, I go out and get a copy of the Panama City News-Herald.  In it, they have a column called the Squall Line, where readers can call in or go online to make observations.

Some of them are great.  Here are a few from today:

Time to marginalize college football and focus on education.

Panama City drivers, if you're not going to use your turn indicators, please text me when you get ready to turn.

Southern colleges excel in football; northern colleges excel in education.

Why does the Callaway city manager deserve a raise after three months but the employees haven't had one in five years?

If we get anymore Wal-Marts here we might have to change our name to Wal-Mart City.

What's On Your Mind?  --RoadDog

Heading for the Warmth: I Think We Might Have Found It!!

We had the warmth, and sun, in South Florida December 31st to January 3rd, but sure have been missing it since then.

It was warm and sunny all the way across Alligator Alley on Jan. 3rd, and even north until we got to Tampa and the rainstorm hit.  Ever since, it has been pretty overcast and fairly cold.  Most times we went out, I wore a sweatshirt.

But today, finally, it warmed up to the lower 70s and we had sun all day.  We made the most of it.  I'm currently sitting in the shade by our room and typing away on the blogs.  I needed a break from it.

Sure a nice way to spend Liz's 62nd birthday.  She's now eligible for that National Park Service Senior Pass.

A Good Place to Be.  --RoadDog

Heading for the Warmth: December 31st-- Hollywood Beach Here We Come

December 31st, we took A1A south to Fort Matanzas, an old Spanish fort south of St. Augustine and then headed out on a mighty confusing road to I-95.  Stopped at a McDonald's for lunch.  You know, IT IS McRib time and I've got to have my fix. 

Lots of traffic and the great RVusBiggus Migration going on still,today.  By the time we hit Palm Beach, it was so heavy that it was starting to really bug me, so got off at Ft. Lauderdale and took US-1, the Federal Highway, to A1A and The Caroline in Hollywood Beach.

Got our room and then went out to the Broadwalk, as they call it, to have somelibations to relax.  They have put millions into the Broadwalk and it is quite impressive now with all the landscaping and paver bricks (it used to be just asphalt).

Had a drink at Nick's and talked with some Florida State fans.

More to Come.  --RoadDog

Heading for the Warmth: Lower 40s Back Home, Upper 60s Here

After two cold days here in southwest Florida, it's getting considerably warmer today.  Sitting out by the Gulf right now at 11:07 AM, sure good to be back in the Central Time Zone.  High today supposed to be 68 degrees and then into the 70s the rest of the week.  I can live with that.

Unfortunately, there was no wi-fi at the Buccaneer Inn on St. George Island, Florida, so no posting Sunday and yesterday.

Staying put here in Panama City Beach for a week.  Unfortunately the Mardi Gras season doesn't begin for a couple weeks.  Thought it was very nice of the Driftwood Lodge to send a letter this morning welcoming us back and giving us a 55th anniversary tee shirt.  That's a good way to keep folks coming back, as well as the Lodge being an old mom-pop operation kept up immaculately.

We stopped in PC yesterday at a Golden Corral and there is a Cici's here in PCB which we will be checking out.

We'll Take the Warmer.  --RoadDog

Heading for the Warmth: December 30,2012 "WhaddaYaHave?"

Very cold this morning for the sunny and warm South, if you ask me.

Back on I-24 and past all those familiar Civil War names to Atlanta, which now has not one, but two bypasses, but we were going straight through downtown as I had visions of the Varsity in mind.  Calling themselves the World's Largest Drive-In, it is right by the Georgia Tech campus, and evidently near the Georgia Dome, judging by the all the Atlanta Falcon fans assembled.

Of course, had to get some hot dogs and a big orange drink as Andy would say.  Denny may have missed it a couple days ago, but we didn't.  Always love their employees and you'd best know what you're ordering when you get to the head of the line.  "WhattaYaHave!!!  WhattaYaWant!!!" very loudly and earnestly.

Then, onto I-75 where we joined the Great RVusBigus Migration south to Florida for a really long way.  I always suggest stopping at any and all Florida Welcome Centers Along the interstates.  You find the usual, plus your choice of fresh squeezed orange juice or grapefruit juice.  Small cups, but mighty fine way to say, "You're here."

Took I-10 east to Jacksonville, then a bypass to St. Augustine and got a room at the Super 8, next to Panama Hattie's where we unwound and watched the Cowboy-Redskin game with a lot of rabid fans.

I'llaHaveTwoSlawDogs!!  --RoadDog

Heading for the Warmth: Heading West Today

I haven't been on the ol'  'pute since the 31st.  Been sort of busy.

Besides a New Year's Eve celebration, then there was New Year's Day and Night, taken up with this lil' bowl thing here in South Florida. Sure had a good time except for the final score.  One local paper called it a blowout and the score would seem to indicate it.

However, the score was 17-10 at the start of the 4th quarter.  Right before that, a Huskie drive had been  stopped when one of the Florida State players intercepted the ball on their 10 yard line.  Had we scored, the end might have been different.

Yesterday was relaxing, the first time since the trip began where we didn't have anything to do.

In a bit, we'll be on the road to Clearwater Beach on the gulf.

It's a Far, Far Better Beach I Do Today Than E'er Before.  --RoadDog

To Fort Walton Beach: Grazing, Bar Hoppin' and the Bathroom Incident

JANUARY 16TH-- MONDAY

Drove to Destin and grazed lunch at Golden Corral. Played NTN at Harry T's, right on the inlet, checked into the FEB Best Western. Enjoyed the gulf view from our 5th floor balcony. More NTN at Angler's, then Fudpucker's and some interesting characters at Swizzle Stick Lounge at hotel.


JANUARY 17TH-- TUESDAY

A day to relax on balcony and enjoy view. Grazing at the Golden Corral for supper No NTN at the Oasis, bathroom incident at McGuire's (read about it on my RoadLog blog). Good party at Swizzle Stick with Michael Stone singing.

Watch Them McGuire Bathroom Doors! --RoadDog