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

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

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 13: Heading Home on Our Last Anniversary

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2022

There was a still a clown hanging around this morning outside our room, only now wearing a bathrobe and later tourist clothes (but still with clown face painted on)  Not something you'd expect to see outside your door in the morning.  And, actually, a little bit unsettling.

Went to the Grant Hills Motel office for coffee and today's Dubuque newspaper.  The manager asked if we were going to stay another day, but Liz had already told me she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go home.  I told her that we didn't want to stay and she said that was alright as they still didn't have any room cancellations.

Read the newspaper outside and we headed for home at 10:30.  I had considered driving the Stagecoach Road on the way home, but Liz said she wasn't feeling well, so took the usual US-20 route.

Instead of going on the US-20 bypass around Freeport, we took Business US-20, the original US-20 through town. It sure seemed like we went a long way on it.

When we got home after a 353 mile drive for our anniversary, I cut the grass and then we went to Sunnyside and the McHenry American Legion.

Little did I know at the time, but this was to be my last anniversary with Liz and that we only had less than a month before her death.  Today, December 23, is the third month since she died.

Sure Going to be a Strange Christmas This Year.  --RoadDog

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?

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.

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?

A Celebration of Life, Summer of '72 and a Legion

SATURDAY, JULY 9

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for the Celebration of Mike Barnhorst's Life.  A very appropriate place to hold it since he spent most all of his most recent years there living in a room in the motel.

He was well-known and well-liked by all and always personally greeted everyone who came in.  He was just called "Mikey."

His family has all sorts of quirky people in it.

SUNDAY, JULY 10

Did some planting and yardwork.  Recorded Bob Stroud's second Roots Salute to Summer 1972, fifty years ago.  He has four parts to summers fifty years ago where he plays the songs on our radios and in our record collections from that date.  I was going to summer school at the University of Georgia to get some classes I needed before transferring back to Northern Illinois University to finish my college career.

The first three songs he played were "Long Cool Woman" by the Hollies, "Hello Mary Lou" by CCR and "Brandy" by Looking Glass.  I listed all the songs he played in my Down Da Road I Go July blog.

We went to the American Legion in McHenry and I enjoyed their $2 every day rail drink special and Liz had the Hamm's beer Tall Boys for $2.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why is W pronounced "double U" instead of "double V?"

4th of July, 2022: A Reading, a Talk and Fireworks

JULY 4th

Another birthday for our country.

I drove to McHenry and stopped at Jewel after getting two Sausage McMuffins at McDonald's (two for $2).  Bought six 12-packs of Diet Coke at Jewel for $20.  That's just $3.33 a pack, a great price in these days of inflation.  Seems like everything in grocery stores is more expensive or downsizing.

I went to the 4th of July commemoration in Veterans Park, put on by the McHenry American Legion and Polish League of American Veterans (PLAV).  We keep two folding chairs (not those sling things) in the trunk of the Malibu all summer as you never know when you're going to need them.  I used one at the park and found a nice spot shaded by a tree.  

There was a reading of the entire Declaration of Independence,something that was often done in the early years of the celebration.  This was followed by a talk about formerly secret U.S. Army operations in Nicaragua and Central America back in the 1970s and 1980s.  It was a big secret and we lost quite a few military personnel in it.  

The wife of Jeffrey C. Schwab was there.  He was killed in a helicopter crash on January 11, 1984.

Afterwards, I went over to the McHenry Legion and a big crowd of people  came in from the ceremony.  I sat next to Mrs. Schwab and had a nice talk with her.

Watched the Spring Grove fireworks display from the foot of the driveway, the only place you can still see  them since all the neighborhood trees have grown so tall.  We used to be able to see them from the front porch.

Happy 246th Birthday U.S.A.  --RoadDog

4th of July Weekend: A Parade, Band, Sunnyside and a Legion

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?

No MCCWRT for Me, Yucky Sox, One Last Stucky's Saturday Party, a Legion and Stucky's Again

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

I wanted to go, but didn't go to the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group in Crystal Lake because of those ridiculous gas prices.  Curse you GRBs.  And talk about getting disgusted,  MAN THOSE SOX.  They should be running away with the AL Central Division, but they are stinking it up.  I am just not going to pay attention to them for awhile.

We met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's and used up the very last of our many gift cards.  Enjoyed those $1 Saturday domestic pints for the last time.  And, of course, the last Saturday night karaoke.  George and I sang a few songs.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Went to the McHenry Legion for good talk and those $2 rail drinks and Hamm's tall boys.  Stopped at Stucky's in Johnsburg for one last Sunday party.

Going to Miss Stucky's.  --RoadDog

Two Legions, a Band, Sunday Radio and Stucky's

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

Worked in the yard.  Met Barb, Glenn, Kelly and Kevin at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, for dinner and then went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.  Didn't win.

SATURDAY, JUNE, 4

Crummy day, overcast, cool and rain.  So we were forced to go to the Fox Lake Legion for entertainment in the afternoon.  I hate when that happens.  Cold outside, but a band inside.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

Listened to my usual Sunday morning radio: Acoustic Storm on WDRV, Breakfast With the Beatles on WXRT, Rock and Roll Roots on WDRV and Johnny Miller and Big John Ruth playing Beach Music in WFJA out of North Carolina (internet).

We went to the McHenry American Legion.  I went over to Miller Park to see a band, but there was no band today.  Forced to go back to the Legion and resume.  Stopped at Stucky's in Johnsburg on the way back home.

--RoadDog

Every Blooming THing, Mid June

The yard has been ablaze in purples and whites the last three weeks as the tall wild phlox and daisies have been blooming.  I must have several hundred of each.  I even have clumps of daisies growing in the yard in about 12 places.

In addition, the Japanese lilacs are now in bloom with those massive white flower bunches.  The peonies are also blooming.  Also, my Missouri primrose is blooming as is a perennial which has yellow flowers blooming on its spike (but I don't know the name of it).

I have started trimming bushes and will tell you sincerely that I planted way too many of the yews.  Plus, I have way too many burning bushes.  I have been and still am cutting down weed trees andother wild growth.

This past Sunday I talked with a friend at the McHenry Legion who has a landscaping service and will have him come over an do some serious tree trimming.  

When I started planting all this stuff in 1993, I was still a somewhat healthy 42-year-old and it never occurred to me that one day I might be getting too old to do all the work.  Well, it has now iccurred to me.  In addition, I spend way too much time on these blogs.

I am hoping that I will be able to continue cutting the grass what with gas prices around $5.80.

It's Getting Tougher, You Know.  --RoadDog

Mighty Cool and Rainy Spring: Granny's, Donovan's, Fox Lake Historical Society, Stucky's, Gas Over $5!!! and McHenry Legion

MAY 17, Tuesday

Met the Sunnyside crowd at Granny's Diner in Johnsburg for the weekly breakfast. Did some yardwork and cut the grass.  Saw two of my favorite movies on TV "Gran Torino" and "Guardians of the Galaxy."

MAY 18, Wednesday

Met the usual suspects at Donovan's in Twin Lakes.

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MAY 19, THURSDAY

I spent quite a lot of time cutting down weed trees by the back  deck

MAY 20, FRIDAY

Two more really good movies on TV:  "The Breakfast Club" and "Anchorman:  The Legend of Ron Burgundy."

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MAY 21, SATURDAY

Sad time at the Fox Lake Historical Society this Monday as our long-time president died Thursday.  

Gas above $5 in Fox Lake!!!  We need to do something about the GRBs!!

Liz and I went to Stucky's in Johnsburg for dinner and karaoke (and, of course, those wonderful $1draft pints.

MAY 22, SUNDAY

Man has it gotten cool.  The furnace was running this morning.  All in all, this has been a really crummy spring and with all this rain and wind, I was unable to burn the tree limbs and branches.  Today was the last day I could legally do this because I will be out of town next weekend.

Liz and I went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the $3 rail drinks ($1.50 during happy hour which really makes me happy.

--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.

Gas Gouge Getting Out of Control: Staying Ahead of the Grass in the Spring, the Titanic, Music in the Afternoon, the Derby, the Legion and Sunnyside

FRIDAY, MAY 6

Sure glad I cut the grass yesterday as we had rain all last night and into the morning.  Spring is not a good time to get behind in grass cutting.  I have been writing about what they ate and drank on the Titanic in my Cooter's History Thing blog and saw the movie "Titanic" on TV.  That was quite the movie.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

We went to the Fox Lake American Legion and watched one of our favorite performers, Joe Kadlec perform from 3 to 6 in the afternoon.  Where else are you going to get entertainment on a Saturday afternoon.  That Kentucky Derby, which came on after he finished his show, was really something.  That horse came out of nowhere.

SUNDAY, MAY 8

We went to the McHenry American Legion and the  to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg on the way home and enjoyed talking with Elvira, who so reminds us of Liz's Aunt Lee.

--RoadDog

To Moose Again: All That Rain, Sunnyside, Margaritaville, Stucky's, Goldfish Races, the Moose Again and McHenry Legion

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

We sure have had the monsoons this spring.  We made our way to Sunnyside in Johnsburg for rest and relaxation then came home where we enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

The rains finally stopped and I was able to enjoy OD a couple times and even got a little yardwork in for the first time this year.  Went to Stucky's and watched the Goldfish Races.  This is where you pick a goldfish and they race down two lengths of sealed gutters in double elimination.  Something we'd never seen before.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

I was even able to get some time FP for the first time in a long time this spring.  I went to the Moose Lodge in McHenry for the Moose Lodge Riders breakfast and met Mark who got me the forms to fill out and I rejoined the Moose for a third time.  A great organization.

In the afternoon, we went to the McHenry American Legion and stopped at Stucky's on the way home.

To Moose Again or Not to Moose Again, That Is the Question.   --RoadDog

The Gas Gouge Comes Back: The Sunnyside Shuffle, Margaritaville & the Ultimate Jukebox, Goldfish Racing and Joining the Moose

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

It rained all day.  Last year we had a drought, but that sure is not the case this year.

Went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.  We always laugh at folks doing what is called the Sunnyside Shuffle.  This is where you move from the tables are far reaches of the bar to the horseshoe, where all the fun and talking is.  We have done this on many occasions.

Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox in the basement.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Maybe spring has finally arrived,  A dry day and fairly warm in the 70s!!  I even got some yardwork done and sat out OD.

We went to Stucky's in Johnsburg and enjoyed those hard-to-beat $1 draft pints and they ran something we'd bever seen before:  goldfish races.  For $5 you pick a fish and they run heats down the length of a double gutter course to see who first crosses the finish line.  It was double elimination.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

I went to the McHenry Moose Riders breakfast and met Mark and finally got around to joining the Moose.

Later in the afternoon, Liz and I went to the McHenry American Legion and Stucky's on the way home.

Don't Look Now, But IT'S Back.  --RoadDog