Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
Donovan's Reef for trivia.
THURSDAY, MAY 9
Breakfast with retired Magee teachers at Bristol 45 Diner. Fox Lake Legion.
FRIDAY, MAY 10
Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake for fish fry. Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove for the band Peter & the Versatiles.
SUNDAY, MAY 12
McHenry Legion and Sunnyside in Johnsburg.
--RoadDog
MARCH 14, THURSDAY
I met seven other teachers I used to work with at Magee Middle School in Round Lake at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin, for breakfast. It is always good to get together with old friends. Stopped at my State Farm agent to see if I could get an adjustment on my vehicle insurance on the '05 Dodge Dakota and '85 Firebird since I don't drive either very much, but already was getting the lowest amount I could.
Bought an apple pie at Jewel for $3.14. I wonder why that price?
MARCH 15, FRIDAY
Drove to Arlington Heights, Illinois, to replace the flowers on my mother and father-in-laws' graves, stopping along the way in Lake Zurich to get the tax information on my Charles Schwab account. On the way back stopped at Sunnyside in Johnsburg and the Fox Lake American Legion.
Pi Is 3.14. --RoadO'Green
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
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Saw a movie double header at Fox Lake Theatre: "80 for Brady" and "Plane." So good to be back at the movies again. Enjoyed both movies. Then met Kevin and Kelly at the Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, ate at Taco Bell in Fox Lake and went to the Fox Lake American Legion where they were having a Valentine's dance with the Lakes Area Swing Band.
They are 16 musicians who put on a great Swing/Big Band show. There was a good crowd and most everyone was dressed like people used to when they went out dancing. Most really could dance those style of dances.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Went to Culver's in Fox Lake for that great double butter burger meals and then the SAL (Sons of the American Legion) meeting at the Fox Lake Legion.
I then went to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, to Donovan's Reef where I had paid to have a seat at the Super Bowl party with AUCE and drink during the game. I also had a room at the motel behind the bar, so driving home was not a problem.
That was sure a great game.
--RoadBowl
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Went to Sunnyside on a really cold day. Thanks a lot Groundhog!! Willie and that six more weeks of winter!!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
First Saturday of the month means the Fox Lake American Legion was having their monthly music in the bar from 3 p, to 6 pm. Where else you gonna get entertainment on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of winter (thanks Groundhogs)? And today's group was the Three Aces who excell at 50s-60s and old country music. One of my favorite local bands. You should hear themk do "The Auctioneer."
And, the Fox Lake/Round Lake Rotary Club was having their annual chili cookoff, so I was forced to judge and sample the 20 different entries. Man, music, beer and chili in one day. Nothing could be finer.
An Eager Volunteer, Believe Me. --RoadChili
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois. There are new owners there. But still good food at reasonable prices. Then went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50. We also have pull tabs for drink prices: 50 cents, half price and full price.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
Went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society meeting at the museum on Washington Street in Ingleside. Met Frank and Lian there. Today's topic was show and tell and a lot of the talk was about the old Pupper Bar/ Eagle Point Park, where I worked several yerars as house deejay until it closed. That was one really fun place. Imagine getting paid to have a good time.
Later, in the afternoon, I went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg to watch NFL playoff games and had a nice talk with Wayne and Angie who are now at the McHenry Moose Laodge, but for many years at Stucky's. Wayne sponsored me joining the Moose Lodge there.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
I went to the Polish Legion of American Vets in McHenry for the $2.75 Bloody Marys and had a good time talking with folks. Then to the McHenry American Legion which was packed. Watched NFL playoff games at both places, then went to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove and enjoyed half-price BLT pizza (this time with no sugar) and $1 Hamm's pints. Had a nice talk with Dan and Chuck who live in Spring Grove as well.
--RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?
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
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
Went to Sunnyside Tavern in the afternoon and met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Diner in Fox Lake for dinner before going to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022
Met Pam at the Windhill Pancake Parlor in McHenry, Illinois, and enjoyed the Christmas decorations. They go overboard. Later met Kevin and Kelly at the Fox Lake American Legion for the afternoon New Year's Eve Party with toasting at 4:30 pm. That's my idea of "celebrating" the new year as it is hard to stay up past 11 pm for me anymore. Enjoyed DJ Goldy, a real dj, not one of the new ones who do not interact with the crowd.
Watched the college playoffs at the Legion and at home in Margaritaville and was happy Texas Christian beat Michigan and especially happy about Georgia getting lucky and beating Ohio State. (I went to UGA for a year, plus a whole lot of family went there.)
I actually managed to stay up to midnight. Happy New Year!!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023
I drove over to Squaw Bar in Ingleside to see the Bears play their game. We used to get together with the "Usual Suspects" to watch the games here. But, I hadn't been back there for years. It was like old times, a fun place to watch the game with lots of fans. Unfortunately, it was the 9th straight loss.
Then went over to Saylor Mick's, a new place in Spring Grove and had their $1 taco special and enjoyed the $1 pints of Hamm's. This place used to be Tommy's and had huge crowds, especially during the Blackhawk games back 2010-2015.
--RoadNewYear
A day to thank our veterans for their service. It is too bad that so many don't.
I have or will write about veterans in all blogs today except one.
I was admiring the Ukrainian flag I have flying as I pulled out of the driveway and then remembered, "Hey, Veterans Day." Pulled back in and put the big U.S. flag on the garage and the smaller one out by the mailbox. I already had a U.S. flag flying from the gazebo.
Went to Fox Lake to participate in the Veterans Day ceremony, but was unable to find it. I sure wish the village and Legion would put out more information on these things. So, drove over to McHenry and also could not find it at Veterans Park, so then figured that perhaps the ceremony would be at 11:00. I had time to kill so went to Wendy's for breakfast.
Drove by Veterans Park, but no ceremony. Same with Miller Park. Then went to the VFW and caught the very end of it. Oh well.
Later tonight, I will be going to the Fox Lake Legion.
Thank You Veterans. --RoadThankful
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.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
Liz and I went to the Fox Lake Legion in the afternoon and saw the excellent 3 Aces Band play from 3 to 6. Always love entertainment in a Sunday afternoon, especially with $2 drafts.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
Bob Stroud played his third installment of his annual Ode to Summer fifty years ago (1972) and I recorded on cassette tapes. These were the songs on the radio and in our record collections and the first three songs: "Join Together" by the Who, "Immigration Man" by Crosby & Nash and "Back Stabbers" by the O'Jays.
We went over to McHenry for the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAC) street party. It was all you can drink and eat for $15 as well as a band. I sure got my money's worth. I know a lot of people at the PLAV and there were a lot of McHenry American Legion members there as well (many hold dual memberships).
Afterwards, went to the McHenry Legion.
--RoadDog
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4
Liz and I went to Round Lake for our dentist appointment and Liz's haircut. Drove around the old spots; we lived there for 17 years. We were hoping to stop for those delicious Charcoburgers at the Ingleside Dog 'N Suds, but it was way too hot to eat outside.
I saw the movie "Where the Crawdads Sing" at the Fox Lake Theatre. Later we went to the McHenry American Legion for drinks and karaoke.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, and then went to the Fox Lake American Legion.
--RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Why do you recite at a play, but you play at a recital.
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?
JULY 15, Friday
Met the usual suspects at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, and afterwards, adjourned to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.
JULY 16, SATURDAY
Went over to Ray Chevrolet (where we bought our last two Malibus) in Fox Lake for their cookout to raise money for the USO and met Glen and Barb. Outstanding brats for just $2 as well as a classic car show.
We then went over to where Pink Harrison's used to be on Pistakee Lake. The McHenry County Historical Association was plaquing one of the original vacation cabins and there was a huge crowd in attendance. Makes you think that History might just have a chance.
Oak Park Lounge is right next to it and is an original Chain O' Lakes bar and resort. Pictures of it on display show that it still looks much like it did in the 1930s. Had a couple brews there. It opened in the 1890s.
--RoadOld
SATURDAY, JULY 2
I was going to go to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for the 4th of July parade, but went to the parade in Fox Lake, Illinois, instead. Gas in Fox Lake was $5.46. GOSH!! Nothing like a parade for the 4th. They even had a marching band from Grant Township High School and lots and lots of politicians.
Went to the Fox Lake American Legion and saw a solo performer from 3 to 6 pm. Nothing like a band/performer in the afternoon as 9 pm is now too late for us.
Afterwards, went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and enjoyed the Cheers type crowd. Gas at the Mobil station was $5.20. (I won't be happy until it gets below $3, but doubt we'll ever see it that "low" again.)
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SUNDAY, JULY 3
Sat out FP as usual and finished Thursday's breakfast. I made posts to all eight blogs. Drove over to McHenry to see the band at Miller Park, but it was too crowded. Ended up at the McHenry American Legion enjoying $2 drafts and $2 rail drinks.
Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.
--RoadDog
THINGS TO PONDER: What if my dog only brings back the ball because he thinks I like throwing it?
FRIDAY, JULY 1
Went to Quality Tire in Spring Grove to check on the Malibu and then to McHenry to check out some garden centers at Wal Mart and Home Depot and then bought three 5-pack Maxell cassette bricks and a Sony Radio, Cassette and CD boombox player using a 30% off coupon. Nowadays a cassette brick costs $9.99 at Meijers which is the only place I know of to buy a brick. The boom box usually cost $69.99.
Gas on Illinois Highway 31 was $5.15 and $5.05. Getting better, but still way TOO expensive
Stopped at the Spring Grove Jewel on the way home and bought six 12-packs of Diet Coke for Liz at 3 for $10, a real good deal these days of inflation in pretty much everything. (Sale prices on these used to be 4 for $10.)
I see that USC and UCLA are going to join the Big 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. That will make it the Big 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. Time for a name change. Another case of the rich get richer among the so-called Power Conferences. I liked the old days where conferences were based on regional location, but not no more.
Picked up the Malibu which ended up with $460 in repairs.
Met the usual suspects at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake and then went to the Fox Lake American Legion.
But, I Like Cassettes, and, Even More Important, Know How toUse Them. -RoadDog
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Bought half price flowers at our Spring Grove Jewel. My kind of price. Gas at the Spring Grove Mobil station at $5.60. Well, at least it's not over $6. Big Oil GRBs.
Met Kevin, Kelly, Barb and Glen at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake for that great pasta bowl and fish frys and then to the Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Said goodbye to Sue and Paul over in Ingleside as they will be driving back to New Mexico in their RV. I had gone to the Indy 500 with them.
We then went over to Kevin and Kelly's for a party out by the lake. Came home and watched "The Godfather." Hard to believe that Paul McCartney is 80 years old today.
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
I took my U.S. flag down for the day. There was a reason for that.
Spent quite awhile planting geraniums and went back to Kevin and Kelly's for the Day After Party, always a favorite time.
--RoadDog
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.
