A Day with the Groundhog in Woodstock then the Bars of McHenry and Johnsburg

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Drove to Woodstock, Illinois, for the last day of their Groundhog Days Festival.  I saw the movie "Groundhog Day" in the big screen at the Woodstock Theatre which was in the movie as the Alpine Theatre where Bronco Billy Murray and date went.  I didn't know the date was Mrs. Gary Fencik, Chicago Bears player from Super Bowl XX.

The place was packed and everyone was laughing at the comments.

Then took a walk around the Woodstock Square past the Top Top Cafe (now a Mexican restaurant) and Bill's Puddle, where Ned accosted Bill, the Pennsylvanian Hotel (Woodstock Opera House) and the bar where they drank to world peace.

Of course, the entire square itself was the site of Gobbler's Knob where the groundhog was pulled out of his burrow.   It also was where they danced in the gazebo, where Bill did his ice sculpture and the snowball fight.

Stopped at Wayne's Lanes which was the bowling alley in the movie where Bill saw his glass as half enpty and where the drunks got in the car and led the cops on a chase.  They now have a cut out of Bill Murray at the spot he was sitting at.

Drove to McHenry and had Bloody Marys at the Polish Legion  ($2.75), mixed drinks at the McHenry American Legion (rail drinks $3) and beers at Sunnyside  ($2).

Busy Day.  That Darn Goundhog's Got To Be Stopped.  --RoadHog

Thanks Groundhogs, Sunnyside, Legion, a Band and Chili!

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

I Was Back in Woodstock... Again-- Part 2: The Groundhog Bit Murray

More Fun Facts:

**  Murray was bitten twice by the groundhog while filming and even had to get rabies shots just in case.

**  The film was not shot in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, but rather Woodstock, Illinois.   During a scene with Ned Ryerson, Phil's old classmate,  a sign for Woodstock Jewelers can be seen in the background.

**  Ramis, Murray and  Stephen Tobolowski (Ned Ryerson) have been honorary  Grand Marshals  in Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day.

**  Other famous actors were considered for the role of Phil Connors that director Ramis considered "too nice: were  Chevy Chase, Steve Martin,  Robin Williams and Michael Keaton.  Keaton reportedly turned down the role because he thought it was too confusing.

** Even though the movie was filmed in Punxsutawney, it had a big impact on the town.  Celebrations went from about 5,000 to 35,000 after the movie came out.

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How long was Phil stuck in deja vu?  No one really knows, but a whole lot.  The movie shows him reliving it 38 times.

--RoadPhil

I Was Back in Woodstock... Again for 'Groundhog Day'

This past Sunday, I drove the eighteen miles from the house to Woodstock, Illinois, to partake in the last day of the town's annual Groundhog Days festuival which started on February 1.

I was too late for the pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge (where the dance/bachelor auction was held in the movie), but managed to get a seat to see the movie on the big screen at the Woodstock Theatre (where the scene with Bill Murray as Bronco Billy and his date went to see the movie "Heidi.")  I found out earlier that day that his date was the wife of Chicago Bear player Gary Fencik of the Super Bowl XX champs.

From the February 2, 2023,  WTAJ, Rochester, NY.  "Bill Murray's 'Groundhog Day' celebrates 30th anniversary" by Bill Shannon.

ANYWAY, SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MOVIE:

**  Bill Murray's character, Phil Connors, evolved into a much nicer human being during the film.  At times when  director Harold Ramis would explain a scene, Murray would ask him:  "Good Phil or bad Phil?" so he would know how to play the character.

--RoadHog

Even in Winter: From Cold to Warm, Woodstock Willie, Sunnyside, Stucky's, Karaoke, the the McHenry Legion

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Well, it's winter here in the Midwest, so no surprise of about an inch of new snow on the ground this morning, high of 12 degrees and the wind just blew that cold through you.  Come on Woodstock Willie (our local groundhog prognosticator) who said it was going to be an early spring back on Feb. 2.

We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Still cold, but at least the wind died down.  

Went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, ate dinner and did some karaoke.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Hey, temp in the upper 40s!!  Has spring arrived?  We were going to go to Cullom Knoll by McHenry, but it was way too crowded.  Went to the McHenry American Legion and watched the Daytona 500.  Enjoyed talking with folks as this is a "Cheers" kind of place.  Unfortunately they will be closing for a week or so while they do a whole lot of renovating.  One thing they'll do is make the  bar bigger as it only seats ten right now.

--RoadDog

This Being Groundhog Day and All: Some of the 'Hogs

Well, the predictions are in.  Punxsutawney Phil says six more week s of winter out in Pennsylvania.  More locally to here in northeast Illinois, Woodstock Willie says it will be an early winter.

From the February 1, 2022, ListVerse "10 Weather-Forecasting rodents not named Punxsutawney Phil" by Jaycee Miller.  I am just listing and telling the location.  For more information, go to the site.

Here are the names of other furry weather prognosticators who are having their day today:

10.  Buckeye Chuck--  Marion, Ohio

9.  Chattanooga Chuck

8.  Concord Charlie--  West Virginia

7.  General Beauregard Lee--  Jackson, Georgia     Reckon this name will have to be changed as it might offend certain folks.

6.  Jimmy the Groundhog--  San Prairie, Wisconsin

5.  Mount Joy Millie--  Central Pennsylvania

4.  Octararo Orphie--  Quarryville, Pennsylvania

3.  Shubenacadie Sam--  Nova Scotia, Canada

2.  Unadilla Bill--  Nebraska

1.  Wiarton Willie--  Canada

What?  No Woodstock Willie?  --RoadHog

Okay, It's Groundhog Day, Again. Did Our Local Varmint, Woodstock Willie, See His Shadow?

It is now 7:36 am on February 2, 2021.  As the old tale goes, if a groundhog sees his (or her) shadow at sunrise, there will be six more weeks of mean old winter.

Sunrise here in Spring Grove, Illinois, was at 7:06.  I am looking at the window here deep in the basement of Key North and, there can be no shadows for Woodstock Willie if they have the same clouds we have (and Woodstock, where the famous movie was filmed) is just 18 miles away.

So, it is going to be an easy winter from here on out, or so they say.

And, it needs to be.  After a fairly easy November and December, January was a real bear.  We received a lot of snow on several different occasions and very little of it has melted because of cold temperatures and a lack of sunlight.  That snow is really piled up.  Just this past week, we received about 5 inches on Tuesday and another 9 inches Saturday-Sunday.

And, starting this Friday and going through to Thursday, Feb. 11 our forecasts call for cold, real cold.  Highs for those days:  15, 12, 3, 8, 10, 12, 14.  Lows for those days:  1, -5, -6, -1, -4, -2 and 1.

It is time for those Canadians to quit sending us their weather!!!!!  Build that northern border wall!!!

By the way, that "other" original groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did see his shadow.  But that's Pennsylvania.

Are You Sure Woodstock Willie Didn't See His Shadow?   --RoadCold

Woodstock Willie "The Groundhog" Arrested for Making A False Forecast

From 13 WREX Rockford, Illinois,  NBC " 'Woodstock Willie'  questioned by police after predicting  early Spring"

Make sure you view the video for pictures of the arrest and booking.

They said it better than I could so this is the text of the message:

"Woodstock (where the famous movie was filmed), Illinois.   After three days  of searching, Woodstock police  finally have a suspect in custody, but released him without charges.

"Woodstock Willie was taken in for questioning on Thursday.  He is suspected in a false forecast.

"Willie predicted  an early Spring on Groundhog Day on February 2.  (I saw him wandering around the Woodstock Square on several occasions that day, but didn't suspect anything.)

Police said a sergeant spotted him today, he was cooperative but was released until police see what the weather  will be like on the first day of Spring."

Temperature here in Spring Grove is at a high of 17 degrees right now with a strong wind.  It is COLD!!

This morning the temperature was 4 degrees.  Right now at 1 pm, it is a "balmy 26 degrees.  We forget what it is like to be above freezing.

Was He Just Being Mean?  Not Funny, Oversized Rodent!!!  --RoadDog

Surviving the Cold Last Weekend: Teachers, Legion, Groundhog Day in Woodstock, Legion, Super Bowl

Last week was somewhat chilly here in the Chicagoland area as some of you might know.  But we sure had a nice warmup in the weekend and it sure felt like spring had arrived, despite temps in the 40s.

FRIDAY, FEB. 1   Met the retired Magee teachers at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin.  Good  to get together with old friends.  Went to the 50-50 at the Legion at night.

SATURDAY, FEB. 2    Went to Woodstock for their Groundhog Day festival.  This is where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed.  Enjoyed it despite the bigger crowds.  Then Liz and I went to the American Legion in Fox Lake in the afternoon and enjoyed the duo Twice As Nice.

SUNDAY, FEB. 3  Bob Stroud Root Saluted Buddy Holly on his Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV 97.1 FM on the 60th anniversary of his death in Iowa.  Watched the first three quarters of the Super Bowl game at Stucky's in Johnsburg.  Too bad you know who won.

--RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!!! February 1-3: Groundhog Day Saturday

FEBRUARY 1--  Bubble Gum Day   As I teacher I fought a losing war against it.   Change Your Password Day**  If I remember.    G.I. Joe Day     Never got into him that much.  I was too old.   Hula In the Coola Day**   Never heard of it, but the idea of putting on a hula skirt and coconut bra might be just thing.

FEBRUARY 2--   Crepe Day**   I like a good crepe every now and then.    Groundhog Day**  Of course,  Must watch the movie and get over to Woodstock, Illinois, where it was filmed.  Sorry Punx..     Heavenly Hash Day**  Will warm your insides.   Hedgehog Day**   Well, why not.  Kind of a distant cousin.   Tater Tot Day**  What would Homer say?   MMMMMMnnn, Tater Tots.

FEBRUARY 3--   American Painters Day**  Especially Rockwell and Kinkaide.    National Carrot Cake Day**   Few things I like better than carrot cake.   Super Chicken Wing Day*8   Always on Super Bowl Sunday.  Always my favorite part of the chicken, even before they got popular.

--RoadDog

JSS: BBBBrrrrr!!!!-- Cold Or Hurricanes and Floods?--- Groundhog Day Festival

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.    BBBBBRRRRR!!!  Yep, mighty cold here in Spring Grove, Illinois, of late.  Never got over -10 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday at 9 a.m., it was -23 degrees.  But, today, predicted high of 22 degrees.   Then Saturday our first day over freezing in weeks at 41 degrees and possibly 50 degrees by Monday.

When it hits 41 degrees on Saturday, folks will regard that as almost shorts and tee shirt weather.  We didn't go out at all Wednesday, but I'm imagining that even the dumb high school and college boys weren't out in their winter tee shirts and shorts.

2.  COLD OR HURRICANES & FLOODS--  Listening to the Surf in North Myrtle Beach, SC, on Thursday and  it was 27 degrees going to the mid 40s.  DJ Jim Morgan was talking about how much better it was living there than in Chicago.  But I just have to think of their hurricanes and floods.

Even when they don't get hit by these, they have to worry about pretty much any tropical storm out in the Atlantic.  If I have a choice between hurricanes and cold, I'll go with the cold.

3.  GROUNDHOG DAY FESTIVAL--  In Woodstock, Illinois, where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed.  It started Thursday and goes to this Sunday.  For the events, go to my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.  And, this year, Steve Tobolowski, who played Ned the insurance salesman will be there.

And, Lake Geneva, Illinois, has their annual winter festival with snow sculpturing and all sorts of other stiff this weekend.

--RoadDog

Groundhog Days in Woodstock, Illinois Yesterday

Yesterday, February 2nd, of course, was Groundhog Day and Woodstock, Illinois, had their annual celebration with a prognostication by resident groundhog Woodstock Willie (unfortunately, he saw his shadow, so, six more weeks of  winter weather for us).

I missed that part as it was too cold.

But I did see a free showing of the movie "Groundhog Day" in the Woodstock Theatre's Harold Ramis Auditorium (in the movie for the "Bronco Billy" segment and I ate at the Tagueria La Placinto Mexican restaurant on the site of the Tip-Top Cafe from the movie.  I ate in the very spot that Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell sat at.

I then went over to the Woodstock Public Library and saw scrapbooks, photos and artifacts from the filming of the movie.

Got My Hog On.  --RoadDog

Three-For-Free on WXRT FM, Chicago: Groundhog Day

I was listening to WXRT, 93.1 FM, and they had their daily Three-for-Free contest where they played snippets of three songs pr three movies dealing with something pertaining to the day.

Today was Groundhog Day.  The three songs all had to do with the theme of the "Groundhog Day" movie, being stuck repeating things.

Their three songs today"

HERE IT GOES AGAIN--  OK Go

DO IT AGAIN--  Steely Dan

DEJA-VU--  Crosby, Nash, Stills & Young

"Do It Again"--  Beach Boys.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You can jump-start your car without cables.

The Groundhog Speaketh: Early Spring (I'm So Happy)

Great news from the animal world, two resident groundhogs have made their prognostications.  Punxsutawney Phil in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, did not see his shadow, nor did more local Woodstock Willie, about 17 miles from here in Spring Grove, Illinois.

Winter is a season to hurry up and get through once we get past Christmas and New Year's.

This one hasn't been too bad so far.  A whole lot better than five years ago when we had the Groundhog Day Blizzard, one of the worst I ever experienced.  We have some snow nut friends who were caught yesterday in the blizzard that hit Utah and points east.  Fortunately, they were able to get to a truck stop in their RV.  You love the snow, pay the price.

We did have a sneak 11-inch November snow and an extremely heavy and wet rain/snow event that deposited anywhere from 4 inches to as much as 12 where it drifts across my driveway the Monday after Christmas.  I was finally able to get the Christmas decorations sitting on the ground out of the ice on Sunday.

I'll be watching some of the 24-hours of "Groundhog Day" movie marathon on Comedy Central today.

Little Furry friends.  --RoadDog

Good Times Last Weekend

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29  Went to Popeye's (not the fried chicken chain) in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their most excellent fish fry overlooking the famous Riviera Docks on Geneva Lake.  Great view and plenty of nautical effects as well as some of the best broiled and fried fish, potato pancakes and seasoned fries, cole slaw and hush puppies you're going to get anywhere.

Stopped at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on the way home.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30--  The whole weekend I spent a lot of time chopping back the ice/snow from the sides of the driveway as we had temps into the 40s.

Drove to Woodstock, Illinois, for their annual Groundhog Days Festival.  This is where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray was filmed.  Listened to Bob Hudgins, movie site manager, for a bit as he led a large group to the many movie sites around the famed Woodstock Square and downtown.

I walked over to Wayne's Lanes, featured in the movie and watched part of te movie.  Outside of the bowling alley was where they got into the car before going on the chase where they ended up on the railroad tracks.

Last stop was at the Public House by the old courthouse, where the "Drink to World Peace" scenes were filmed, but it was too crowded so came home.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31--  Celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX Championship at the Squaw Bar in Ingleside, Illinois, by watching the "Super Bowl Shuffle" and the game.  Huge , loud and appreciative crowd cheering the whole way.

Good Times For All.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  Hot water comes out of both taps.

Homecoming Weekend at NIU

OCTOBER 24, SATURDAY--  Drove to DeKalb enjoying the fall color.  Parked at the Baymont Hotel and walked over to the alumni tent area and enjoyed a porkchop sandwich and the swag.  Heard the university president and athletic director speak and the Huskie Marching band.

Decided not to buy tickets for the game because of the crummy weather, but watched part of it from outside Huskie Stadium.

Went back to the hotel and drove Lincoln Highway downtown and went to Lord Stanley's where we saw the game and enjoyed the DeKalb Footstompers, a homecoming tradition since 1973.  Ended up at Pizza Pros.

OCTOBER 25, SUNDAY--  Drove around campus, Greek Row and did some shopping for NIU stuff.  Had lunch of sliders at White Castle and then intended to see the Pumpkin festival parade in Sycamore, but couldn't find a parking place so drove to Woodstock and walked around the Square.  Stopped at Benton Street Tap and Wayne's Lanes, which was the bowling alley in the movie "Groundhog Day."  This is also from where Bill Murray and friends took their race around town and on the railroad tracks.

Last stop was Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg.

A Good Weekend.  --RoadDog

MORE TO PONDER:  In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism it's your county who votes.

Groundhog Day Festival in Woodstock on Saturday

I went to Woodstock, but was too late for the free showing of the famous movie at the Woodstock Theatre which was the Alpine Theater in the movie.  Instead, I went to the Square Mall and went to the Defenders' Book Store which sells donated books and CDs.  I did my part to support them.

I walked by the site of the Top Cafe, where Bill stuffed his face and knew everyone, but it was too crowded.  Walked by the theater and saw on the marque that they had "The Imitation Game" which I have been wanting to see, so saw it and missed the chili cookoff.

I did go by Wayne's Lanes, the bowling alley where Bill had his glass half full discussion with the two townies.  Afterwards, they got into the car and went for their wild ride.

Had a couple brews and watched part of the movie.  It was neat to see the scene and be sitting right there.

A Fun day.  --RoadDog

A Lot Going On Around Here This Weekend: "Groundhog Days" and "Winterfest"

In a little while, I am going to Woodstock, Illinois, about 18 miles from home, for their annual "Groundhog Days Festival."  Woodstock (and especially in the 1850s Woodstock Square) is where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed.

Last night, they had the Groundhog Dance at the Moose Lodge where the movie's dance and bachelor auction took place.  Today, the movie will be shown at the theater where Bill Murray and date went on their date.  Then, there will be a chili cookoff at the Woodstock Opera House which was the Hotel Pennsylvanian in the movie and where Bill Murray committed "suicide" by falling out of the bell tower.

Then, a member of the movie's production team will take a group around town to various sites used in the movie and give a lot of interesting background.

Yesterday, we met friends at Popeye's (not the chicken chain) in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin,  and watched the international snow sculpture competitors work on their art pieces.  Winterfest judging will be today.

Then, of course, Sunday is Super You-Know-What.

Good Times In the Area.  --RoadDog


WITTY OBSERVATIONS:  The guy who invented the wheel was okay.  But the guy who invented the other three...he was real genius.  From the Orange Peel Gazette (always a fun read).

JSS: Decent Winter So Far-- Groundhog Days-- Cubs Hat

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  DECENT WINTER SO FAR--  After that horror that was last winter, this one has been much better, despite all the scary predictions of it being worse.  I can live with that.

2.  GROUNDHOG DAYS--  The annual Woodstock, Illinois, Groundhog Days kicked off last night with the lighting of the Groundhog and continues tonight with the Groundhog Day Ball at the Moose Lodge in Woodstock, where the dance and auction was filmed in the movie.  They have a buffet and a band.

3.  CUBS HAT--  I have been getting a lot of comments about my Cubs hat that I have been wearing this past week.  Everyone knows I like the Cubs, but won't wear any of their gear.  But, I am wearing my Cubs hat in honor of the late-great Ernie Banks.

We'll miss you, Ernie.  Especially that ever-present smile.

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog


WITTY OBSERVATIONS:  Everyone has the right to be stupid.  SOME just abuse the privilege.

No Groundhog for Me Today

I had been planning on going to Woodstock, Illinois, for the Groundhog Day Festival today, but didn't because we received snow all day. I've been outside twice to clear it off the driveway and sidewalk. I figure we got 5 inches or maybe a little more and it is STILL SNOWING. //// Getting Real Tired of That. --RoadDog