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

Good Times Around Here: May 8 to 12: Trivia, Retired Teachers, Two Legions, Fish Fry and a Band

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

Good Times Around Here, May 1-5: Donovan's & Mick's, a $7 Breakfast, Patty Melt, Legion, Bart Alonzo Band and Steak & Eggs

We haven't even gotten to summer yet, but already lots to do around here.

So far this month:

MAY 1ST, WEDNESDAY

Donovan's for trivia and Saylor Mick's for $1 Hamms pints and 75 cent wings.

MAY 2ND, THURSDAY

Fox Lake Legion for $1.50 pints.

MAY 3RD, FRIDAY

Eggs over easy, hash browns and toast at Midwest Breakfast Company for $7.  A real good deal these days. K.C.'s Cabin for a patty melt and then Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.

MAY 4TH, SATURDAY

Fox Lake Legion and the Bart Alonzo Band from 3 to 6 pm.  Magic Moon and glad to see buddy Frank is back.

MAY 5TH, SUNDAY

Steak and eggs at Pink House in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois.

--RoadDog

Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day: Pizza, Beer, a Movie, a Presentation and Trivia

And, it was unseasonably warm around here until Saturday.

MARCH 11--  MONDAY

Went to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove for half price pizza and Bricks 'N Ivy for the $8 pitcher of Blue Moon.

MARCH 12-- TUESDAY

Drove to Woodstock, Illinois, for the movie "King Fu Panda: 4" at the theater, then spent some time in the library before meeting members of the Round Table at 3 Brothers restaurant for dinner.  Then we adjourned back to the library where the McHenry County Civil War Round Table has a presentation on Confederate Railroads during the war.

MARCH 13--  WEDNESDAY

Put up the spring flowers at Liz's grave and talked with the funeral director at the Spring Grover Funeral Home about a grave stone.  Then drove to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for snack day/trivia at Donovan's Reef.  We sure ate well.

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

Movies, Big Band Music and Da Bowl

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

Drinkin' and Eatin' on the Cheap

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6

I must remember to always put the checkbook in the same place.  Whenever I don't, it goes on the "lam" for awhile.  Like it is right now.  

Met Kevin and Kelly at Half-Times in Johnsburg, Illinois, and enjoyed the $1 Lite pints and the $11.50 (half price) slab of ribs, fried and garlic bread meal.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Hey, Half-Times has $1 Lite drafts and half price pizza, sandwiches and ribs Monday to Thursday until the end of February.  I have to take advantage of ths deal.  I was back again.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

I found the wayward checkbook and put it where I always do.  Let's see how long  remember to do this.  Went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and played live trivia with Kevin, Kelly and a host of others.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Met Kevin and Kelly at Bulldog Ale House in McHenry, Illinois.  They have their old special back.  Any of their draft beer pints for $2.  And, that includes domestic, import and craft beer.  That's talking my language.  Plus, 89 cent chicken tenders.

Too Good of Deals to Pass Up.  --RoadDog

The Civil War, Some Hot Dogs, CDs and a Big Snow

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion meeting at Panera Bread.  Today's topic was the "The End, February and March 1865."  I, of course, brought up the Wilmington Campaign, also called the Battle of Wilmington, in North Carolina.  That was the follow-up to Fort Fisher's fall. 

It started snowing about half way through the meeting and coming down quite hard.  I decided not to go to Algonquin and visit Barnes & Noble or Half-Price Books because of it. Driving home, road conditions were getting quite bad.  

Stopped at Happy Jack's in McHenry for their great hot dogs and then The Vinyl Frontier Record Store, a real Mom and Pop store featuring albims, 45s and CDs as well as toys and stereo equipment.  One of my most fun places to go.

Snow conditions continued to get worse and I went home and stayed.  We had our biggest snowfall of the winter with around 8 inches by Sunday morning.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

Way too much snow to shovel by hand, and sadly, stoll couldn't get the snowblower started.  Later, I heard a snowblower out in front of the house and saw that a new neighbor was clearing my driveway and sidewalk for me.  I tanked him and said I couldn't start my snowblower so he took it home to take a look at it.  What a great neighbor.

Later I drove to Sunnyside and actually got a seat at the bar, something very difficult to do in Sundays when it gets reallycrowded.  Watched the NFC Championship game and part of the AFC one.  Came home and watched the rest of it.

--RoadSnow

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?

Things Sure Getting Expensive, A Saturday Afternoon Band and Da Bears Da Stink

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

The Day of the 'Smart RoadDog' Arrives... with a Whimper

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Met the Magee teachers at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin.  I had found a list of Magee principals and administration from 1983 to 2001 and we had a quiz, Name That Administrator.  This could be a new show on the Game Network.  We sure had a lot of them.  Maxine was principal's secretary for most of that time.

Sorry to say that Big Oil's gas gouge is back.  Gas in Illinois is up to $3.10 to $3.40 since a week ago.  Gas in Wisconsin also went up and was $3.06 to $3.10.  By the way, when I say $3.10, that is actually $3.99.9.

Did some shopping at Wal-Mart and Menard's in Antioch.  Met Kevin and Kelly at Half-Times in Johnsburg, Illinois, for the half price pizza and those $1 pints of Lite.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

The big question this morning was, "Is this to be the day of the Smart RoadDog?"  Would I get the phone working, or, actually, would Kelly get the smart phone working.  This was way beyond my meager technological ability.  And, it challenged Kelly because switching from a flip phone to a smart one involved difficult steps and especially when the old flip AT&T account was in Liz's name and she had a secret password, which of course I didn't know.

I eventually had to drive over to the AT&T place in McHenry with her death certificate and they gave me a temporary code so I could switch over to Consumer Cellular.    After that, switching over was easy at Kelly's house and now "I are Smart."  Well, let's say I am in, but have no idea what to do.  This will take a lot of time.

Smart Ol' Me.  --RoadDog

The Old Dummy Goes Smart...Well, Maybe

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

Bob Stroud has been counting through the 1970s in his daily Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive.  Yesterday, he did 1970 with songs like "Teacher" by Jethro Tull and "The Rapper" by the Jaggerz.  Today, he did 1971 with songs like "Going Mobile" by the Who and "Everythings Coming Our Way" by Santana.  Those were two great college years for me at NIU.  He will continue this the rest of the month going to 1980.  It streams at 10 am and 10 pm.

Drove to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, to the Target store and bought a Consumer Cellular Smart Phone.  My friend Kelly is going to help me shed my old dumb ways.  It's going to be a long haul as when it comes to technology, I am severely challenged.

Met Kevin, Kelly, Pam and Laura at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and we had a good time with trivia.

We had no luck with our attempts to set up the phone.

It's Going to be a Long Road to Hoe with That "Smart" Phone.  --RoadDumb

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?

Oh, Those Pontiacs, Trivia at Donovans and Alan Snyder at Sunnyside

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

Went to the Car Show at the McHenry Moose Lodge which was featuring Pontiacs.  Too bad I couldn't take my '85 Firebird because of a flat tire and I can't get it started.  They had several GTOs and Trans Ams, but no regular Firebirds.  A 1968 Pontiac Tempest brought back memories as we used to have a '67 Tempest, the poor man's GTO.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia with Uncle Jeffie.

THUSDAY, AUGUST 18

Went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois, and saw Alan Snyder do his show.  Great music and trivia.

I Sure Miss Pontiacs.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do we ship by truck and send cargo by ship?

A Movie, Meal and the Civil War As Well as Wings and a Concert

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9

Bob Stroud played Ten at Ten from that great college year for me, 1972, including "Ventura Highway" by America and "Sunshine" by Jonathan Edwards.  Took me back.  

Drove to Woodstock and saw the movie "Minions:  the Rise of Gru."  Gotta love those little yellow guys.  Then met some Civil War buffs at 3 Brothers restaurant in Il. Highway 47 and then to The Woodstock Library for a presentation on the USS Merrimac(k)/ CSS Virginia.  I especially like presentations on anything Civil War Navy.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10

Trivia at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Went to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and had those great 50 cent wings and a good talk wih a Sox fan where we figured out that the Sox really have stunk up the place this season.  Drove to Wisconsin and got gas just over the border for $3.87 ($3.86.9) which is 45 cents cheaper than in Illinois.  A whole lot of Illinois folks near the border do this these days.

Then went to Antioch's It's Thursday concert featuring a good party band, 28 Days.

Why Go Anywhere Else?  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  How can a SLIM CHANCE and a FAT CHANCE  be the same, while a WISE GUY and a WISE MAN aren't.

Two Legions, a PLAV, 1972 and Two Bands

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

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?

No 'Dumb Ass Trivia', A Taste of Carolina, Elvis, a Band and $1.1 Billion?

WEDNESDAY  JULY 27

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and met Kevin and Kelly and played trivia with Uncle Jeffie and his "Smarty Pants Trivia."  Should be called "Dumb Ass Trivia."

Came home and heated up a Brookwood Farms pit cooked Carolina-style pork bbq which is as close to Wilber's as you can get.  A little taste of Carolina.

THURSDAY, JULY 28

Went to the Fox Lake Theatre and saw the movie "Elvis."  Great music.  

Went to Antioch and ate at the Burger King before going to the village's It's Thursday music festival and saw an excellent band called Pet Rocks.  On the way home, stopped at Liz's Spring Grove Liquor Store and bought a couple raffle tickets for Mega Lotto which was "only" $1.1 billion.  We don't usually play, but when it gets that high, oh well.  Who knows?

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Tell a man there are 400 billion stars and he will believe you.  Tell him a bench has wet paint, and he just has to touch it.

A Storm, Civil War Round Table, Oak Park Lounge, Sunnyside and Beatles

SATURDAY, JULY 23

We had quite the storm last night with plenty of lightning, thunder and some of the worst hail we've ever seen.  Beware all the roofing companies who'll be about now.

Went to Panera Bread in Cryustal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group on Lee and His Generals.  Stopped at Wendy's in McHenry on the way home and had one of their Biggie Bags for $5, a good deal in these days of no deals.

Stopped at the Pink Harrison cabin which was plaqued earlier this month.  Liz did not know it was there.  We had wanted to see the afternoon band at the Lakehouse on Pistakee (Lake), but it was too crowded, so ended up at Oak Park Lounge for a couple beers.  That is real old-time Chain of Lakes.  Then stopped at Sunnyside in Johnsburg on the way home.

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SUNDAY, JULY 25

Bob Stroud Root Saluted the Beatles' "Something New" album which was released this date in 1964 during the force of Beatlemania.  I realize the later Beatles songs were much better efforts, but to me the early ones were the real "FUN" ones.  Recorded the show on cassette.  Songs on the album:

I'll Cry Instead

Things We Said Today

Any Time At All

When I Get Home

Slow Down

Matchbox

Tell Me Why

And I Love Her

I'm Happy Just to Dance With You

If I Fell

Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand

Went to the McHenry American Legion and Sunnyside in the afternoon.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If you replace  the "W" with a "T" in "What, Where & When", you would have the answer to each one.