JSS: Fillin' Up Over the Border-- So Sad About Kenosha-- $9.39 for a McRib Meal?-- 'The Kind of Boy You Can't Forget'-- Raindrops

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  FILLIN' UP OVER THE BORDER--  Around here, folks have been taking to filling up their gas tanks just over the border in Wisconsin.  Why, you might ask?  Because gas in Wisconsin is anywhere from 40 cents to fifty cents less than Illinois.  It sure helps to be living just eight miles from the Illinois-Wisconsin border.  $3.10 sure beast $3.50 to $3.60.

2.  SO SAD ABOUT KENOSHA--  That well-publicized trial is coming to an end in Kenisha, Wisconsin, where the teenager killed those two people during the riots there in August 2020.  And there is a big fear that certain people will start rioting, burning and looting again if they are not happy with the verdict.

That is a sad thing to have to worry about.

3.  $9.39 FOR A McRIB MEAL?--   I went to my local McDonald's the other day to buy a McRib meal and didn't.  I wanted to, but not at the $9.39 they wanted for a McRib meal.  Gosh.  Inflation give me a break.  I could buy almost three gallons of gas for that price.

4.  THE KIND OF BOY YOU CAN'T FORGET"-- RAINDROPS--  I was listening to Jim Morgan on the Surf, 94.9 FM in North Myrtle Beach (SC) the other day and heard this song again for the first time in a long time.  Give it a listen on You Tube.  And, it has a very interesting story to how it was made.

Listen Up.  --RoadDog

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:  Q:  Our baby was born last week.  When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again.  A:  When the kids are in college.

About Last Weekend-- Part 1: Hello McRib, Windstorm & Craft Beer

FRIDAY, NOV. 18:  Rain off and on all day but temps remained unseasonably warm, but started dropping in the afternoon as winds picked up..  Took the '03 Malibu to Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake, Illinois, to fix a radiator leak and get an oil change.  I had my first McRib of the season at McDonald's!!!  Oh Boy!!  I paid $5 for the McRib meal which also came with fries and drink.

The wind was really blowing by 4 p.m. and the Bradford pear tree by the deck was really doing some bending.   Bradford pear trees are notorious for weak wood and several years back ion a November windstorm I had lost another one.  These trees also are among the last to lose their leaves and have brilliant color.  All the weight and mass of the leaves don't help things either.

We went to 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for their $2 draft craft pints and then to the Legion with friends Kevin and Kelly.

--RoadDog

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT OKRA  (From the Orange Peel Gazette):  Iy is a well-known fact that common garden insects will NOT eat okra.  Neither will uncommon garden insects.  That should tell you something.

Some More About the McRib Sandwich

In 1972, Roger Mandingo, a University of Nebraska professor, got a grant from the National Pork Producers to develop a technology that bound small "unmarketable parts of the animal" into something that looked more appetizing.

this gave birth to the McRib almost a decade later.

Oh Well, I'll Keep Eating 'Em Anyway.  --RoadDog

Why Does McDonald's Keep Bringing Back the McRib Sandwich

Nov. 10, 2011, Shine from Yahoo  "Why Does McDonald's Keep Bringing McRib Back?  Blogger Has Theory" by Piper Weiss.

The McRib sandwich was introduced in 1981 and has been brought back at least eight times since then.  Each time it becomes more popular.  The question arises, "Why isn't it a permanent offering?"

Willy Staley of the Awl Theory has a possible answer.  It has to do with pork prices.  Each McRib release has happened when pork prices drop.

--RoadDog

MEMORY LANE:  Remember automobile "emergency brakes?"  Now they are just "parking brakes."

Cold Ahead, 2014 N.C. T-Giving Trip: Day 1

NOVEMBER 20TH:  Actually left early at 7 a.m..  Took Il-49 south to Mahomet, Illinois, stopping at Gibson City for a McRib meal (that season, you know).  Gas was $2.65 in Mahomet, the lowest I've seen in years.

Picked up I-74 southeast to Indianapolis in no problems going through the city on I-70.  East to Ohio and a stop at Englewood, Ohio, for my Skyline Chili fix (gotta have my Cincy Chili every chance I get.  I got to Columbus, Ohio, near the end of rush hour, but no traffic jams and got a room east of town at a Knight's Inn.

Drove around the surrounding area and found one of my favorite stores anywhere, Half Price Books.  Books and music, that's my game.  I almost thought I was going to set a record and get out of there without buying anything, but then found two Civil War Navy books, a CD by Buck Owens and two historical calendars.

The reason I'm calling this Cold Ahead is that it is mighty cold for November.  The temp in Spring Grove was 12 degrees when I left and it finally got into the upper 20s by the time I got to Ohio.  At least there wasn't as much road work as there was in the summer trip.

--RoadDog

JSS: Boat's Up-- McRib's Back-- Gettin' Cold

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  BOAT'S UP--  I towed the boat over to the barn in Hebron and put it up for the winter today.

2.  McRIB'S BACK--  Well, that just really makes my day!!  I had my first one Wednesday.

3.  GETTIN' COLD--  We did have a real nice day Wednesday with temps in the 60s and sun.  By Thursdayhe winds were ripping and temps dropping.  It was in the nd sunny today, but the winds picked up again and temps dropped significantly so I have decided not to see the Johnsburg High School playoff game tonight.

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog

JSS: The Pre-Pre-Pre-Pre Summer Driving Gouge Strikes-- BK's New Rib Sandwich-- Rough Driving Ahead

JSS-- Just Some Stuff. //// 1. THE PRE-PRE-PRE-PRE SUMMER DRIVING GOUGE STRIKES-- I see it hit us here in northeast Illinois big-time yesterday when gas jumped from $3.24 to $3.47. That's 23 cents in a minute. I suspect Big Oil needs a profits infusion as usual. //// 2. BK'S BEW RIB SANDWICH-- Now that McRibs are gone, we still have that just-as-good Burger King Rib sandwich for a buck. I like these every bit as much as McRibs. A real hit for BK. Makes up for the new fries and that uber-dry Johnsonville brat sandwich. I didn't think you possible could make a bad Johnsonville, but, not so. //// 3. ROUGH DRIVING AHEAD-- Ever since that "V" thing hit us a couple weeks ago, I notice a huge increase in potholes and pavement buckling which happens every time we get that cold. //// --RoadDog

Oh Boy: McRibs Are Back!!!

Just in time to help my diet, McDonald's released their ever-popular and personal favorite of mine, that delicious McRib sandwich, this year selling for $2.99. I'm having to wonder how it will pan out now that we have a McDonald's here in Spring Grove, Illinois, a little over a mile from home.

I must stay away. I must stay away.

Nothin' much finer than eating one with an order of fries (and ketchup for the fries, of course) and washing it down with Coke Zero (Well, something needs to be healthy.)

Maybe Today. --RoadDog

Say Goodbye to the McRib-- Part 3

Some interesting things about my fav. thing to eat, well, one of them.

7.  INDIVIDUAL McDonald's restaurants can actually order and sell McRibs at anytime.  Hear that Fox Lake!!

8.  KEEPING IT RARE  because the entire brand depends upon it.  (OK, I go to McD's a whole lot more when you-know-what is out.)

9.  It would be INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT for McDonald's to create more McRib-type products because of the cult following.

10.  There is SPECULATION that the McRib is just a big commodity deal by McDonald's.  Some point out that the McRib sandwich comes out when hog prices are down.

11.  ANIMAL RIGHTS GROUPS have sued the McRib supplier, Smithfield Foods, for inhumane treatment to pigs.

Can't Wait Until Next Time They're Back.  --RoadDog


OVERHEARD IN 1955:  Ever since Clark Gable said "Damn" in that movie, it seems like every movie has to have "hell" or "damn" in it.

Say Goodbye to the McRib-- Part 2: Well for Another Year, Anyway

3.  McRIB IS THE PRODUCT OF RESTRUCTURALMENT TECHNOLOGY-- A professor in Nebraska came up with what binds the sandwich pork together.  It's a bit gross though: tripe, heart and scalded stomach mixed with salt.  Wish I hadn't seen this, but oh well, it tastes so GOOD.

4.  45 MINUTES--  The whole process from fresh pork to frozen McRib takes about 45 minutes.  The pork meat is chopped, seasoned, then formed.

5.  A McRIB--  The entire McRib sandwich consists of 70 ingredients and five basic components: pork patty, bbq sauce, pickle slices, onions and sesame seed bun.

It has 500 calories, 26 grams of fat,  44 grams of carbs and 980 milligrams of sodium

6.  DEBUTED IN 1981--  And disappeared in 1985, resurfaced time-to-time since 1994.  Its fleeting nature has produced a cult following. 

OK, So I Now Belong to a Cult.  --RoadDog

Say Goodbye to the McRib-- Part 1

From the Dec. 17, 2012, Business Insider: Eleven Amazing Facts About McDonald's McRib."

I haven't been by a McDonald's in the last week, but imagine those mouthwatering McRibs are gone for another ten months or so.  Always sad to see them go because I sure love 'em.

As the article says, "the legendary boneless pork beef sandwich, famously moulded to resemble a rack of ribs" and, ever so good.  Hey, even licking your fingers is a treat after eating one.  And then, there's that satisfying later belch bringing back fond memories.

This year they were supposed to come out in October, but were pushed back to help year-end sales...and they sure got some from me.

Anyway, my friend Lulu sent me this list and I felt obliged to include it here.

1.  IT CAME ABOUT BECAUSE OF A CHICKEN SHORTAGE--  The chicken McNuggets proved so popular in 1979, that they were running out of chicken.  So, bring something else out.

2.  IT WAS INSPIRED BY SOUTHERN BBQ--  They were modeled after Charleston, SC, ribs.

Nine More Reasons to Love 'E,.  --RoadDog

OVERHEARD IN 1944:  They might raise the minimum wage to $1.  (Hey, that is what I got paid at my first job at Burger King in 1967.)

Walked into a McRib

Now, if that just doesn't flat out make my day!!

We spent yesterday driving across the state of Mississippi, even got gas for less than $3.20...twice.

But one definite high point was a bathroom break in Canton at a McDonald's. Whenever we stop at a place of business to use their facilities, we buy something, usually in the $1 range, so I was at the counter looking to buy a McDouble when, what did my eyes espy, but a big ad for McRibs.

No question what I was going to order. One McRib Value Meal coming right up. Even though there was a considerable delay for change and then very slow service, I waited.

There are few food choices I'll wait for, and you-know-what is one of them.

And, now, I'll have to make the call, Lambert's in Sikeston, Mo., later today, or the McDonald's to see if they ave you-know what.

Decisions, Decisions. --RoadDog

JSIS: B53 Bomb-- McRib

While on vacation, I catch up on the vast backlog of magazines I accumulate at home.

These two things are from the Nov. 7, 2011, Time Magazine.


1. B53 BOMB-- The last B-53 bomb, the most powerful bomb in our arsenal was dismantled. It was hundreds of times stronger than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

You have to wonder how you dismantle an item of destruction like that. I'd have to think VERY CAREFULLY. None of Bill Cosby's "Oops" here.


3. McRIB-- Anyone who knows me knows that I am a worthy McRib nut of the highest order. And we had them out back in November. McDonald's played us a bit though, saying they were ending sales of them Nov. 14th, a date I had carefully marked down. They kept selling them until almost Christmas, though.

The Time article said, however, they are on sale year-round in Germany.

Eating my McRib in my Liederhosen, Hat and Huge Stein of Beer. --RoadDog

A Good Time Over the Weekend (Other Than the Bears)

FRIDAY, the 9th

Helped serve the annual Christmas dinner to the North Chicago VA Hospital folks at the Fox Lake American Legion in the afternoon.

Met the usual suspects at the Route 12 Bar


SATURDAY, the 10th

Saw my favorite Christmas movie, "A Christmas Story" on the big screen at the Woodstock, Illinois, Theatre for $1. An almost full theatre, about half and half kids and adults. Adults did more laughing than kids.

Then a McRib at the local McDonald's.

Lastly, the annual Army-Navy football party at the Fox Lake American Legion. I was pulling for Army to win after nine straight losses, but it was not to be. Obama there for first time. Must be coming up on election time.


SUNDAY, the 11th

Christmas party at Captain's Quarters. First half of Bears game. Route 12 Bar and second half. Overtime at friends' house.

Other Than Da Bears, Da Good. --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN: Barking at a knot...meaning that your efforts were as useless as a dog barking at a knot on a tree.

A McRib Reprieve

Was I ever happy to espy a sign on the McDonald's at Wis-50 and I-94, by the world famous Brat Stop, that said McRibs. I like to scared Liz to death as my very quick turn in to the place. This was while returning home from Thanksgiving in North Carolina.

This is definitely a pleasant surprise to sink my teeth once again into that absolutely wonderful tasting treat. I thought they were gone for another year back in November.

I wrote about it on the Fun on the Fox website and a couple replies came in saying McRibs were also available at some other McDonald's in the area.

I called the Fox Lake McD's and they said they had them, so I had another one this past Wednesday.

Can You see My Smile Right Now? --RoadDog

JSS: McRib Me-- Puss in Boots-- Not On It, But...-- Where's My Watch?

JSS-- Just Some Stuff.


1. McRIB ME-- Last day for McRibs. I had one yesterday and am going back for one last one today. I'll sure miss them.


2. PUSS IN BOOTS-- Finally got to see it after there being too many school age kids seeing it before. I go in the early afternoons during the week. Don't these kids have school.

Perhaps they are home schooled. If that is the case, I would have liked to be home schooled. Let's see. What do I want to do? Work on my math or see a movie? That's a hard one.

Great movie as I expected.


3. NOT ON IT, BUT...-- Wednesday, while at Dill Pickle in Spring Grove, we met a couple who had been high school sweethearts back in the 1960s and had lost touch with each other, but met through that Facebook thing. My friend Mark, also met his high school sweetheart through that Facebook thing.

I am not on it, but reckon it's a good thing if for no other reason than this.


4. WHERE'S MY WATCH?-- I was absolutely miserable at the Dog House grand opening and the Big Band Dance at the Legion Saturday because I had forgotten to put my watch back on after my shower earlier. I kept looking at my left wrist and it kept reading a hair past three hairs.

Liz suggested I look at my cell phone. After she showed me how to get the time up on it, I think I'll have to stay with the wrist watch.

Wondering If We Can Find a Way to Strap My Cell Phone to My Left Wrist? --RoadDog

Time for McRibs Is Running Short

I have heard we've only got 'em until Nov. 14th. That's Monday!! I've had five of them so far and still need to get at least one or two more in. Got to have my McRib fix. I'm hooked.

Man, when that sweet meat hits your mouth, wow...heaven on earth.

Of course, I might get lucky and perhaps the McDonald's in Fox Lake, Illinois, might have ordered more than they sold and have some left past Monday. That HAS HAPPENED before. The sign was down, but I asked if they had any left. They said they had a few. I ordered. Then most every other person in the place did as well.

Then, sadly, there was no more.

Love Dem McRibs!! --RoadDog

JSS: 50-- Paranormal Activity 3-- The Day After-- To McRib or Whopper?

JSS-- Just Some Stuff

1. 50-- That's how many Trick-or-Treaters we had yesterday. Best costume was a little kid dressed as Tow Tater from the movie "Cars."


2. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3--Yesterday, I saw the movie "Paranormal Activity 3" on Halloween Day. I figured what better thing to do on Oct. 31st than watch a scary movie.

The only really scary thing was when the wife jumped out of the closet. I don't know who jumped farther, her film husband or me. The scariest part of the rest was waiting for something scary to happen.


3. THE DAY AFTER-- Taking down Halloween decorations today. I already was out scrounging through Walgreen's and Jewel for half-price candy and Halloween stuff for next year.


4. TO McRIB OR WHOPPER?-- Quite the quandary for me yesterday. After the movie, I had a choice of going to McDonald's for a McRib or using an Entertainment Book coupon (which was about to expire) for buy one Whopper from Burger King, get one free. I thought about it all during the movie (probably why it didn't scare me).

In the end, I opted for the Whopper, cheap old me.

I'll Have a McRib Tomorrow. --RoadDog

Hey, Hey...McRib's Back!!

Today, we planned on going to a local Mexican restaurant in Fox Lake, Illinois, only to find it was closed for repairs.

Disappointed, we opted for the local McDonald's.

And, much to my joy, there on the menu board...McRibs!!!

Well, that instantly decided my dining choice.

Oh Boy, Oh Boy. --RoadDog

Carolina for Thanksgiving 2010-- Part 1

Again, it was a late start so I didn't get as far as I thought I would. Had I left at 6 am, I probably could have made it to Muncie, Indiana, so I could catch some of the NIU-Ball State football game, but when I didn't ;eave until 9 am.

Took 47 down to I-74, stopping in Yorkville, Illinois, at the McDonald's for a McRib meal. Love those McRibs!!

Listened to the Northern game and am happy to report a win and a clinching of the MAC West Division so a game at Ford Field in Detroit for the conference championship.

Gas in Crawfordsville, Indiana, was a low for the trip, $2.60 a gallon.

Stopped at Richmond, Indiana, for the night at the Days Inn and played NTN at Buffalo Wings & Rings and had their excellent gyros dinner.

Tomorrow, Ohio, West Virgina and Virginia. --RoadDog