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

A Long 4th of July Celebration-- Part 2: More Bands, a Fry and Cheap Drinks

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

Still no good sales at the local stores:  Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Meijer.  Perhaps after the 4th.

Drove to Antioch, Illinois, for their weekly summer party called It's Thursday.  We saw an up-and-coming country performer named Jake Hill and his band.  He sounded real good, but until he gets  to be well-known, needs to do many more covers.

Afterwards, stopped at Bootleggers on Grasslake Road and enjoyed $1 pints and saw another band.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

We went to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and had the fish fry at Popeye's overlooking Geneva Lake.  They have one of the best fish fries we've ever eaten.

Then stopped at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and enjoyed their half-price drinks at happy hour.  Then home and enjoyed the basement bar, Margaritaville at Key North and, of course, the Ultimate Jukebox.

--RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S A REDNECK COMPUTER WHEN:  The printer goes real slow since Bubba Don't read so fast.

This Week, Or, How to Survive the COLD!!-- Part 2

This has been some serious c-o-l-d this past week.

JANUARY 4, THURSDAY--  Fed the birdies for first time in weeks.  between the extreme cold outside and the flu or whatever I had, better to just stay inside.  Found out the truck battery bit the dust in the severe cold as it is outside.

Went over to Kevin and Kelly's bar at their house  Kelly makes her own beer.  I love craft beer.

JANUARY 5, FRIDAY--  Did some shopping and then went to Lake Geneva where Liz and I had the fish fry at Popeye's (not the fried chicken place).  Popeye's is located right across the street from frozen Geneva Lake and the Riviera.  We used Liz's $20 off birthday coupon.  They have one of the best fish fries anywhere.

Later, we went to the Legion, met the Usual Suspects, and had the 50-50.

When we got home, we found that we couldn't open the garage with the opener and then realized that the electricity to the house was off.  That really made our night.  Fortunately, the gas company had it fixed thirty minutes later.  You don't want to be without electricity on a cold night like this.

Could've Been a Really Cold Night Inside.  --RoadDog

About Last Weekend-- Part 1: A Blackhawk Celebration, It's Thursday and a Fish Fry

THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH:  Went to McHenry looking at the store nurseries and for Blackhawk Stanley Cup stuff.  I only bought Hawk merchandise at Wal-Mart: pint and shot glass and tee shirt for Liz.  Had breakfast at Steak 'N Shale.  Came home and watched the Blackhawks parade and rally at Soldier Field.  The three jets that passed over while Jim Corneliuson was sing the Star-Spangled Banner passed over our house on their way to Chicago.

Worked in the yard some and then went to Antioch and had pizza at The Lodge and watched Alex and the All-Stars at the bandshell for the weekly It's Thursday party.  Stopped at the Lake Marie Lodge on the way home.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH:  Bob Stroud played his annual Ten at Ten Summer Songs show what with summer officially starting Sunday.  I did yardwork, then we met Frank, Liane and Taylor at Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their fantastic fish fry.  Great view of Geneva Lake from the windows.

Stopped at Wal-Mart in Lake Geneva, but no Hawks stuff.  Those Cheeseheads.  Then went to Donovan's Reef and the Legion.

Looking for the Blackhawk Stuff.  --RoadDog

Around Here

THURSDAY DEC. 11TH:

Drove to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and had lunch at the Lake-Aire Restaurant and then went to Donovan's Reef in Twin lakes, Never Sink Inn in Spring Grove and Tommy's.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12TH:  I went to McHenry and paid $2.22 for gas as the "GAS WAR" continues.  Went to Target, Aldi's and on the way home, Angelo's Super Market in Johnsburg.  Gas there at $2.50.

Later, met the Usual Suspects at The Tank in Ingleside for $1 bottles and stopped at the Legion on the way back home.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13TH:  Met the president if out teacher union during the strike, Terri, for breakfast at the Iron Horse Grill in Round Lake.  This was my way of thanking her for the outstanding job she had done 20 years ago during the 38-school day strike we had to endure while the school board did all in its power to break the union.

In just a little while, we are going to the Legion for the Army-Navy game and then a later, a fundraiser for a lady with cancer.

--RoadDog


YOU THINK ENGLISH IS EASY?  The buck does funny things when the does are present.  (Well, the buck passed the buck.)

A Perfect Fall Weekday on Monday

Monday, October 20th was something we don't get around here much this fall, a perfect day for enjoying autumn as winter is preparing to rear its ugly head.

We went out in the late morning for a cruise around Fox Lake on our boat.  Then we drove to Geneva Lake in Wisconsin for our annual Fall Color Blast Tour around the lake.  Judging by our trees here in the neighborhood, we figured that the color must be at its peak there and it was.

We started on the south shore of the lake, driving along South Shore Drive and hit our two side trips to the shore with some remarkable tree color.  Then, we caught North Shore Drive to Williams Bay, then Wis-50 to Lake Como and a drive along those shores.

Best trip, of course was on Wisconsin Rustic Road, Snake Road.  Almost three miles of the biggest and prettiest color you'll ever see.

We then had lunch at Popeye's (not the fried chicken chain) on Geneva Lake and overlooking the Riviera Docks in downtown Lake Geneva.

Can't Beat the Old Local Color.  --RoadDog

Super Bowl Wasn't So Super

We just got back from Wisconsin, where we watched last night's Super Bowl and spent the night. We got a room at Donovan's Reef Motel and went to the party at the bar with plenty of food and drinks, all covered in the price. One night you don't want to be driving is Super Bowl with all the police out there. //// Huge crowd on hand for what I expected to be a really close game. Since neither the Bears or Packers were in it, it really didn't matter, but I was kind of backing the Broncos because of Peyton Manning, a favorite of mine ever since he played at Tennessee. However, Da Bears are NFC and Seattle had never even been to a Super Bowl, so I backed them as well. //// That safety on the first play from scrimmage set the tone. //// Today, I drove over to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and viewed the snow sculptures which is a major part of the town's Winetrfest. //// Congrats Russell Wilson and teh Seahawks. --RoadDog

It's Official: White Christmas Here in the Midwest

Now that it's getting light, I see that we did indeed have a White Christmas as it snowed maybe an inch last night. It snowed an inch the previous night and overall, I guess we've had around 12 inches so far this year, most of which is still on the ground as it's been quite cold. //// Last night, Christmas Eve, we drove around the subdivision looking at Christmas lights and then south on Johnsburg Road and took a ride through the really decorated landscaping company's grounds (always a Christmas highlight) and around various subdivisions in Johnsburg, Illinois. //// Folks are in a festive mood. We saw quite a few homes with lots of cars in the driveway so a lot of family get-togethers. Then stopped at Route 12 Bar and Grill and watched the first showing of "A Christmas Story" on TBS on their 70-inch HDTV. Came home and saw the last part of "It's a Wonderful Life." I recorded it so will watch the first part sometime today. //// This past Saturday, we had a Christmas party at Captain's Quarters and last week Wednesday had a rotisserie chicken dinner at the heavily decorated Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, overlooking Geneva Lake. Then, we took a ride through the heavily-decorated grounds of the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva and also walked through the building. If that doesn't put you in a Christmas mood, nothing will. //// Getting My Christmas Spirit On. --RoadDog

Homecoming Wins Out

I had several things I would have liked to do today. The McHenry Historical Society has a meeting and presentation this morning; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has their annual Oktoberfest and Marengo, Illinois, their annual Settlers' Days festival.

But, Northern Illinois has its homecoming against the Akron Zips (who came with a minute of defeating Michigan earlier this season. We already have tickets, anyway.

Plus, the DeKalb Footstompers play afterwards at Lord Stanley's in downtown DeKalb, right on the old Lincoln Highway.

There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town. --RoadDog

Enjoying This Last Gasp of Summer

Warm, sunny and enjoying it. Especially after the crummy weather we had Thursday to Sunday. Hoping to hit our 40th time out on the boat by Friday. We were out both Monday and yesterday (37th) and plan on going out today. (We always shoot for 40 times boating every season and had some doubts we would get it this year because of all the bad weather and flooding. We didn't even get the boat into the water until mid-July.)

Yesterday, we did a fast cruise on Fox Lake and then a slow cruise along the shore from Fox Lake to McDonald's on Pistakee Lake. (Well, except for Kamikaze Alley where Grasslake, Nippersink Lake and Fox Lake come together, where the Waterway management Agency had taken down the no-wake buoys and I just had to take that at speed once.)

Then, we went for a drive around Geneva Lake in Wisconsin to see if the "Color" had arrived. It hadn't for the most part. We'll try again next week. We tried out their new Burger King Johnsonville brat sandwich and new lower calory fires at Flatiron Park along the lake in Lake Geneva (home of the famous Andy Gump statue) and enjoyed that great view. Can't say the same for the brat or fries, though. Way too dry.

Enjoying It While We Can. --RoadDog

Weekend Recap-- August 15th-19th: Bands, a Fish Fry and Drive Around a Lake

I worked in the yard every day but Saturday and had breakfast out on the front porch every day. Out on the boat every day except Sunday.

THURSDAY, 15TH: Chicago Tribute Anthology Band (music of the band Chicago) concert at It's Thursday in Antioch.

FRIDAY, 16TH: Fish fry at Granny's Diner in Antioch and karaoke at the Legion in Fox Lake.

SATURDAY, 17TH: Dan Deaver Memorial at Never Sink Inn in Spring Grove. Mitch performing on stage.

SUNDAY, 18TH: Cruise around Geneva Lake, 'Cue and Blues at the Abbey in Fontana, NTN at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes.

MONDAY, 19TH: Tacos at Dawg House and a new place called 50 K in Fox Lake.

Can't Beat Fun Around Here. --RoadDog

JSS: No Parade for Us-- Boat in Water?-- Fish Fry at Popeye's

JSS--  Just Some Stuff


1.  NO PARADE FOR US--  As much as I'd like to go there, we are not going to the big parade and celebration in downtown Chicago for the Hawks' Stanley Cup.  Some of our Usual Suspects are going,  and I thought about it until they showed video of the one in 2010, the last time the Hawks won it.  Way, way TOO many people.

We'll watch it at home.


2.  BOAT IN WATER?--  Liz cleaned out the boat yesterday while I was out gallavanting on the Lincoln Highway.  It's ready to go so am thinking of launching it at the Legion in Fox Lake this afternoon and taking our first cruise on the Chain of Lakes,


3.  FISH FRY AT POPEYE'S--  And, later we plan to go to Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for my birthday fish fry, overlooking the lake and the Riviera Docks.  In my opinion, the best fish fry anywhere, and we have a lot of really good ones here in Illinois and Wisconsin.

For some reason, Popeye's is under the mistaken idea that my birthday is in June.  It isn't.

Starting That Extended Fourth of July Celebration.  --RoadDog

Cousin Joe Comes for a Visit-- Part 1

I was delighted to hear that my cousin Joe from Virginia was going to be passing through this past weekend on his way to Aberdeen, South Dakota, for a job interview.  I very rarely have family come to visit all the way "up North" as we are.

He arrive about midnight Friday-Saturday. 

Saturday morning, we went for a ride.  Aberdeen is located on US-12, which has always been an important road to me.  Even more so, Aberdeen is located on the same road.  We had breakfast at the Depot in Richmond which is in the old railroad station of Solon Mills (moved to present location).

Then, we drove US-12 to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and around town, looking at the fall color (especially great on Snake Road west of town).  They were setting up for Oktoberfest.

Then, back to Spring Grove, also on US-12, and looked at the Fred Hatch plaque at the park.  Fred Hatch was the man who invented the farm silos we see today back around 1900.  We were going to see his grave, but the road was closed for construction.  We also went to the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery Park which was just dedicated last month.  At one time, most all game fish in the state of Illinois got their start there.

That Night We Had Some Music.  --RoadDog

An Unseasonably Warm Friday

OK, what do you do on a Friday so warm and fair? Yesterday was a day to savor. We're still waiting for our usual lousy weather to catch up with us. Bob Stroud went back to 1968 for his Ten at Ten show on the Drive, 97.1 FM in Chicago. Sat out on the deck (OD) enjoying the sun and warmth while he played: HOOKED ON A FEELING-- BJ Thomas RIDE MY SEE-SAW-- Moody Blues ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER-- Jimi Hendrix STREET FIGHTIN' MAN-- Rolling Stones WONDERFUL WORLD-- Louis Armstrong WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS-- Joe Cocker DANCE TO THE MUSIC-- Sly and the Family Stone FIVE TO ONE-- Doors MONY MONY-- Tommy James & the Shondells THE CONTINUING STORY OF BUNGALOW BILL-- Beatles Then, Frank and Canadian Al came by and we went up to Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their great fish fry (made even better with Frank's 60th birthday coupon). We drove up there along the original alignment of US-12 from Richmond, Illinois and Genoa City, Wi. in Frank's convertible. Later, went out to El Puerto Mexican Restaurant and Bar on Nippersink Lake and watched a beautiful sunset with the Usual Suspects. Everyone has spring fever and were out in force. Was it ever crowded. Then, there were some really fine NCAA games at Margaritaville in my basement. A Good Day. --RoadDog

JSS: Snow-- Bears-- Popeye's

JSS-- Just Some Stuff.


1. SNOW-- We got our first real snow of the season, about an inch, Friday night, after everyone was going around boasting that we hadn't had any yet. Guess we opened our mouths too soon.

Guess I'll have to go out and fire up the old snow blower. Sure hope it starts.


2. BEARS-- Another horrible game yesterday, crushing our hopes after a 14-7 lead at half. The Seahawks sure took advantage of three intercepted passes to score three TDs. That's 21 points when the Bears lost 38-14.

Playoff hopes are gone, but have to win the Christmas Day game against you-know-who. That will make the season a success.


3. POPEYE'S-- Friday, we drove to Lake Geneva and had the most-excellent fish fry at Popeye's overlooking the Riviera Docks and Geneva Lake. For December, they dropped the price from $12,49 to $9.99. Real fine fried and broiled fish as well as coleslaw (w/pineapple and beans) and some of the best potato pancakes ever.

Never Get a Two-Stage Snow blower. I Hate Mixing the Oil with the Gas. --RoadDog

Fall Color Patrol: Geneva Lake, Wisconsin

Hit the road over the last four days as we are getting some fall color, finally. It's been a strange fall for tree color. No mass color explosion, just gradual. Some trees already have lost all leaves, others are now changing and some haven't started losing them yet. Not sure if I like it or not. I like having color over a long period, but also like that big "blast" of fall foliage.


FRIDAY, October 28th

Drove to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Patches of color in residential section by the downtown. Snake Road was absolutely brilliant!! Couldn't have hit it at a better time. Drove it three times.

Had the fish fry at Daddy Maxwell's in Williams Bay. Never had lemon pepper haddock. Great stuff.

Drove North Lake Shore Drive to Delavan and then took South Lake Shore Drive to our two favorite side roads on the South Shore. We had a lot of color. Had a close encounter with a deer and stopped for a brew at the Owl Tavern, dating to 1908.

Stopped at Donovan's Reef on the way home for NTN and Happy Hour.

That Snake Road Was Really Worth the Whole Trip. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

Boating and Lake Geneva

October 11th.

Out boating in the morning on Fox Lake. Liz will be starting her second job as boat mechanic as she got the running lights to come on again. Floated and took a run up by the old bald eagle nest on Ackerman Island, by the Grasslake Bridge. No eagles, but we'd heard they had been seen at other places on the island sotook a run up the channel to Port 'O Blarney and then continued up to Captain's Quarters but didn't see any.

Later, we drove to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and took a ride around the whole lake looking for fall foliage. There was some, but it looks like most of it will be next week.

Had a great shrimp and chips meal at Popeye's (not the chicken chain) overlooking the Riviera Boat Docks and Geneva Lake in Lake Geneva.

Planning on going back next week and might try to take a boat cruise around the lake.

Loving This Fall Now. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE (I now can spell it without looking, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?): To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is called research.

Good Times in the Area: Going Retro, Lake Geneva, Yardwork and the Chain of Lakes

Striving to make the most of my retirement.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20TH

Busy doing yardwork in the morning when Liz told me she had an eye appointment in McHenry that I had forgotten about. She is going to have cataract surgery and can't see with the tests.


GOING RETRO

While she was at the appointment, I went to the Salvation Army (at least I understand their electronics) and found a small cassette dubbing boombox which I bought for $6.

Then, I went to Vinyl Frontier, an old mom and pop-type record store on Water Street. They sell old 45s, albums and used CDs. I bought a special 5 CDs for $10. Listened to and talked about Frank Zappa and the new band Dead Confederate. Try doing that in a Best Buy.


WISCONSIN

Afterwards, we drove to Lake Geneva where they were getting ready for a venetian Night celebration weekend. Had one of the best pizzas ever at Gino's East at the Best Western overlooking beautiful Geneva Lake.

Then, went to Donovan's Reef for happy hour ($1.50 pints) and NTN.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 21ST

Ended up staying home all day. Hey, you've got to take stay home sometimes. Enjoyed the Front Porch and did a lot of yardwork and watering. Also, fought off many, many real-determined skeeters.

Topped off the night with shrimp and left-over pizza from yesterday.


SUNDAY, AUGUST 22ND

Went to Castaways on Pistakee Lake and had their buffet out on the deck overlooking the water. Then took the boat out on the busiest day we've ever seen on the Chain of Lakes. There were boats everywhere.

After we'd had our fill of rockin' and rollin', we put the boat up and drove over to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and spent the afternoon sitting outside and enjoying one of the best bands in the Chicagoland area, Soda, play from 3 to 7 in the afternoon.

A Great Way to Spend an Afternoon. --RoadDog

A Trip to the Land of the Cheeseheads

Monday was an exceedingly rare day of decent weather here in northern Illinois, so we took a trip to Wisconsin to view some fall color.

First stop was Lake Geneva where we did see color near the downtown. Then, it was a drive around the lake. There were some areas of color but mostly not. We figure peak color is a week away, so will get back next week.

Took the drive along Snake Road (drive it and you'll understand the name) west of Lake Geneva off Wi-50. This is classified as a Wisconsin Rustic Road. If there is a prettier drive anywhere, I'd like to know. Color was so-so, but the drive, as always, was fantastic.

Took I-43 from Elkhorn to Mukwanago and went to three new (to us) NTN sites: Boneyard Pub, Half Time and Double Ds. The first two were of the sports bar variety, but Double D's was very unique and a place we'd go back to visit next time in the area.

The Color That Got Away. --RoadDog

Took Another Drive Around Geneva Lake in Wisconsin

This past Wednesday, my buddy Frank, Liz, and I took a drive north to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and ate at Popeye's overlooking the Riviera Docks and Geneva Lake. Gage Marine has done a great job of preserving some of those old early 1900s steam launches and boats.

We had a 50% off coupon and splurges on Oktoberfest meals and Frank fot that great half rotisserie chicken, started off with one of their signature broccoli and Wisconsin cheese soups.

We then walked around downtown a little. Sad to see the old arcade Game World was closed after all those years and quarters. Zebra mussels have been in Geneva Lake for several years now according to one guy working on one of the Gage Marine boats, the 1890 launch Polaris. He said that after a fast growth, their population is leveling off and the problems are not as bad. The lake has never been cleaner though.

As great as the color was the week before, it was even more peak today. And the sun was shining brightly

Drove along the south shore, through Fontana, and along the north shore of the lake. George Williams College in Williams Bay was particularly beautiful.

Then, we went along the south shore of Lake Como and the drive along Snake Road was just about indescribable. Still a lot of color in the residential area to the west of downtown Lake Geneva.

A Great Bonus Day for Us. --RoadDog