Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day: No Dyed River, Parades or CB&C, But Old-Time Radio, A Beer and a Band

MARCH 16, SATURDAY

This was to be the big day of partying everywhere.  I had lots of options, but many I canceled if they involved spending time outside.  It was kind of cold and very windy.  Plus there would be crowds.  The older I get, the less I like any one of those things.

That meant a no go to McHenry to see the Fox River dyed green or the parade.  That also ruled out the parade in Lake Villa.  Sad, because I surely love parades.  I decided instead to go to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society's meeting and see the Lake County Old Time Radio Players put on an old time radio show.  They did "The Shadow."  Quite a neat and enjoyable job.

I then  went to Lake Villa and found myself in a long detour, but eventually got to the Lake Villa VFW which was having a corned beef and cabbage dinner.  I was sad to find they had already given out of it by the time I arrived.  Bummer.

However, I did luck into a seat at the very crowded bar and had a beer while enjoying the 50s-60s band, Accents.  However, the power went out and I left.

Not Finished With the Day Yet.  --RoadDog

Legions, Historical Society, NFL Playoffs, Bloody Marys and Beer

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?

New Year's Weekend 2022-2023

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

Veterans Day 2022

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

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.

Round Lake, Crawdads, Johnny's and Two Legions

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.

$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?

Johnny's Cafe, Legion, Ray Chevrolet, USO, BBQ, Plaquing a Cabin

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

Johnny's Cafe, Kevin and Kelly's Party and Day After Party

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

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.

The Gas Gouge Comes Back!: Donovan's, Sox, Bulls and a Movie

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

Went to Donovan's and watched the Sox get blown out.  The Coz Man was not a happy lad.  But, the Bulls actually beat the Bucks in their playoff game, and beat them good to even up the series at one apiece.  That will probably be the last Bull victory, though.  But, this was a fun year to watch them, the best since the 90s.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

Temps in the 60s.  Has spring finally arrived?  Drove to Fox Lake, Illinois, where gas has once again climbed to $4.40, the GRBs!!  

I saw then movie "Ambulance" which had a warning about the seemingly flashing lights of the way it was filmed and, I was pretty worn out by the time it was over.  That was some chase.

--RoadDog

Ending March: Gas, Trivia, Donovan's, First Theater Movie in Two Years 'The Godfather' and the Tournament

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

Gas at $3.90 ($3.89.9) in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and $4.40 in Illinois.  Went to Donovan's and played trivia.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

My first movie in a theater since February 28, 2020, (and, you-know-why).  Since this is the 50th anniversary of the release of the movie "The Godfather" and the Fox Lake Theatre was showing it, this seemed like a perfect time to go.  They're still charging $6 for matinees (and seniors) and I bought a large container of popcorn (still at $8, but at least you get free refills) to welcome me back and help support them.

These last two years have been quite hard on theaters.   I was expecting there to be a big crowd to see "The Godfather" but I was the only one there.  You might say I had my own personal showing.  That is one magnificent movie.  And, to have the opportunity to see it on the big screen.  Wow!!

Went home and enjoyed Margaritaville, the Ultimate Jukebox and four of the best basketball games in the Tournament that you can imagine.

Sure Good to be Back at the Movies.  --RoadDog

Last of February: Johnny's Cafe, Legion, MCCWRT, Half-Price Books, Sliders, Chili Cookoff, Band and Stucky's

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Went to Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, for their pasta special and then the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26

I can't imagine doing more of the things I like to do around home as I did today.

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting at Panera Bread (about Sherman's March to the Sea and Through the Carolinas).  Then, on to Algonquin for Half-Price Books where I bought eight CDs and then to White Castle for a ten-pack of Sliders.  Ate two on the way home.

In the afternoon, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion for their chili cookoff and they had entertainment in the bar.  Came home and watched some movies on TV.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27

We were going to go to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, but the parking lot was too full.  Ended up at Stucky's and had a great time there.

--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

About Last Weekend: USMC Birthday and Toys for Tots, SOS and Still a Marine, Harry Potter, IHSA 4A Football Playoffs, Richmond-Burton High School and Da Pack

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER  13

I went to the Fox Lake American Legion for the USMC Birthday Breakfast and Toys for Tots event.  One great tradition is when the birthday cake is cut with a ceremonial sword and the oldest Marine there gives the first piece to the youngest Marine to show the passing of traditions from one generation to the next.

Instead of the usual SOS and scrambled eggs, we had biscuits and gravy and scrambled eggs.  Talked with a Vietnam vet and we both agreed that the United States should have been fighting that war to win and do it as quickly as possible regardless of what anyone thinks about your methods.

He had one of the best tee shirts I've ever seen which read:  "Not as Lean, Not as Mean, But Still a Marine."

Posted to all my blogs (which isn't easy) and watched two of the Harry Potter movies.  I am a big Harry Potter fan.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Yesterday, Richmond-Burton (R-B) went to Chicago to play one of the better teams in the state, Phillips, for a trip to the Class 4A Semifinals next Saturday and I figured it would be close, and it was.  The Richmond-Burton Rockets won 27-26.  We never sent kids to R-B, but we sure send a lot of tax money, so I am a big fan.

Next week R-B has to play arguably the best team in the state at ANY LEVEL, Joliet Catholic.  I'm not feeling too good about this one.

We went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg and watched the Packers win

--RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  "I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce."

A Salute to Our Veterans Today

A well-deserved thank you to all those who have, are and will serve the United States as members of our Armed Forces.  This is your day.

I have written about veterans in seven of my blogs and even went over to Fox Lake, Illinois, for the annual ceremony by the train station on Grand Avenue as I usually do, but, alas it wasn't there this year.  I don't know what happened to it.

Today, Bob Stroud did his own salute to veterans on his Ten at Ten show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive, which was a bout the "Red, White & Blue."  This will repeat at 10 pm and it streams.

Here are the songs he played:

RED RAIN--  Peter Gabriel

REV ON THE RED LINE--  Foreigner

RED RED WINE--  UB 40

WHITE ROOM--  Cream

WHITE WEDDING--  Billy Idol

WHITER SHADE OF PALE--  Procul Harum

BLUE ON BLACK--  Kenny Wayne Shepherd

BABY BLUE--  Badfinger

BULLET  THE BLUE SKY--  U2

BLUE MONEY--  Van Morrison

Thank You Vets!!  

Around Here: 2021 High School Football: Skyhawks, Rockets, Bull Dogs, Panthers, Pirates, Vikings

SATURDAY. OCTOBER 23

Well, Illinois high school football season ended and it was the second straight year that I didn't get to see any games.  I sure hope to start seeing them next year. 

Anyway, here are the final records of the teams I back:

Johnsburg:   3-6

Richmond-Burton:    9-0

Grant (Fox Lake):   2-7

Round Lake:  2-7

Palatine:  6-3

Fremd (Palatine):  1-8

Mt. Carmel (Chicago):  6-3

Goldsboro (North Carolina):  4-5

Some Good, Some Bad.  --RoadHigh

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:  Q:  How long is the average woman in labor?  A:  Whatever she says divided by two.

JSS: Classic Cinemas Reopens-- Lawn Tractor Comes Home (Hopefully)-- Dandelions Anyone

JSS:  Just Some Stuff

1.  CLASSIC CINEMAS REOPENS--  Well, some good news today.  I received an e-mail from my main movie theater chain, Classic Cinemas, that all locations are reopen today, Thursday, April 15.  With the exception f one restart back last summer that was short-lived, they've been closed since March 2020.

I most often go to the theater in Fox Lake, Illinois, but also the one in Woodstock.  Most years I see between 40 and 80 movies at the theater and sure do miss it.  

The last one I saw was "Birds of Prey" back on February 28, 2020.

2.  LAWN TRACTOR COMES HOME (Hopefully)--  Hopefully my John Deere tractor/mower comes back home on Friday.  It is at the John Deere place getting summerized.  That grass is REALLY, REALLY growing fast.  Sure can't get behind on the grass in the spring growing season.

3.  DANDELIONS ANYONE--  Of course, along with the grass greening up, certain yellow objects have begun making their appearance.  The annual dandelion attack is underway.  Oh well, think of it this way, it is flowers in the yard.  I don't mind the yellow part of their lives, but don't particularly like the dried, tall, parachute phase.

Spring Has Sprung and Theaters Are Opening.  --RoadLion

TEENAGERS AND CATS:  No matter what you do for them, it is not enough.  Indeed. all human efforts are barely adequate to compensate for the privilege of waiting on them hand and foot.

2020 Movie Scratches: Dolittle-- Prey

Movie Scratches--  A Dog's Eye View of movies I saw at the theater in 2020.

Little did I know at the time, but when I saw Birds of Prey at the Fox Lake Theater in Fox Lake, Illinois, on February 28, that that would be the last movie I saw for 2020.  And, here in January 2021, I still haven't been back to the theater and there is a good reason for it.  Something spelled virus.

Hopefully this year I will be able to go back into a theater.  I'm chomping at the bit so hard to see one, I will even buy that super expensive popcorn as well.

I'm just hoping the virus doesn't (or didn't) put the local chain, Classic Cinema, out of business.

For 2020, them, I saw a total of 14 movies.  I usually see at least 40 a year and often 50-60 movies a year.

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13.  DOLITTLE--  2-18--  What an animal menagerie.  I especially liked the cowardly gorilla.  The dragon goes on an armor and bagpipe free diet.

14.  BIRDS OF PREY--  2-28--  Harley gets over her breakup with the Joker.  Dodges person wishing her ill health.  Does a lot of kicking.  Gotta love Harley.

So Much for 2020.  --RoadGottaSeeMoreMovies

JSS: Last Week for Lin Brehmer's WXRT Morning Show-- "1917" and "Star Wars IX"-- Jo Jo Rabbit"

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  LAST WEEK FOR LIN BREHMER'S WXRT MORNING SHOW--  After a real long time, WXRT's Morning Show host, Lin Brehmer is leaving the show, but not going too far as he switches from his 5:30 to 10 am slot for the afternoon slot from 10 am to 2 pm.

Most every morning, I listen to him (and former co-host Mary Dixon) if I am not listening over the internet to Jim Morgan at the Surf 94.9 FM out of Myrtle Beach, S.C.).

I'll sure miss him in the morning, even though he had that really bad case of Cubitis,  a huge love of the Cubbies.  Bit, at least now he will be able to stay up to watch his favorite team when they have night games.

2.  "1917" AND "STAR WARS IX"--  Yesterday, I went to the Fox Lake Theatres and saw these two movies for the second time.  Movies like this need to be seen on the Big Screen and in that wonderful surround sound.  And, not just seen once, but twice.

A 70-inch screen is good, but no comparison to the Big Screen.

3.  "JO JO RABBIT"--  I went to see this because it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, along with Scarlet Johansson for Best Supporting Actress.  This was an outstanding movie with humor, sadness and the horrors of Nazi Germany.  Well worth seeing.

--RoadDog

TAX FACTS:  Even the easiest form, the 1040E has 33 pages of instructions, and all of it is in FINE PRINT!!