Somewhat Near Normal Last Saturday: Some of My Favorite Things

As another month hurries by.  And, I mean HURRIES BY!!  Why does time go so fast when you're having fun, and even here in the "V" fun.

People asked me in the past why I don't travel much during the summer.  Why travel when you've got a travel destination right here in the area.  I mean, Illinois' Chain of Lakes (or Chain 'o Lakes) is as much fun as you can have and we haven't had a boat since last year.  But there is always stiff going on with weekly concerts in many local towns, car shows, parades, holidays, bars and bands.

But, this year has been different with so many things canceled.

But, last Saturday, I came as close as you can to a return to the good old days. 

I went on my longest road trip since March 3, a whopping 20.4 miles to Algonquin, Illinois.  Usually by now, we would have been to Missouri on Route 66 at least once and out to the the Mississippi River at least once, but since we can't just have the fun we want because of you-know-what,  might as well just hang around here.

However, this past Saturday I got to do a whole bunch of my favorite things.  First, we had our first meeting of the MCCWRT discussion group outside at Panera Bread with facemasks on, then to my favorite store, Half-Price Books and then to one of my favorite fast-food places called White castle.

Last two stops were to check out plants at Meijer and Home Depot, something else I really enjoy.

That night, closer to home in Johnsburg, Illinois, we had fresh Stade corn on the cob and a band outside of Stucky's.

I Was Smilin'.  --RoadGrin

Just Got Back From Our 45th Anniversary Trip

Liz and I just got back from a seven day trip out to the Mississippi River and back for our 45th wedding anniversary.  The trip covered seven days, 401 miles and three states.

We were married in DeKalb, Illinois, on August 25, 1973, and went to Galena, Illinois, for our honeymoon.

This trip was out to Galena for four days and to Dubuque, Iowa, for two days.

And, by coincidence, this year August 25 fell on a Saturday, the same day we were married.

We went to a lot of bars in Galena and stayed at the Grant Hills Motel, a mom and pop place.  Enjoyed sitting outside the room and talking with other  travelers, something you can't do in the new motels.

I also did a lot of history at the Washburne and U.S. Grant homes and the LST-325 World War II ship in Dubuque.

A Real Good Time.  --RoadDog

Kicking Off Our Summer 2017-- Part 1: The Band At Captain's

Well, we regarded the summer as not "officially"  here until we get out to Captain's Quarters in Antioch on Fox Lake and we finally got there this past Saturday.  R Gang was playing outside on the deck from 7 to 11 p.m..

Now, if I can just get our boat in the water for our 33rd year of boating, we'll be seriously into the season.  Between the rainy and cool May weather and being gone for so many days the last two weeks, the boat has been sitting in the driveway since April 29.

Of course, with all the things going on around here June to September, why go anywhere else for vacation.

Actually, Summer 2017 would have kicked off two weeks ago, but I was at the Indy 500 from May 25-29 and June 2-7, we were along the Mississippi River in Clinton, Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa, and Galena, Illinois, so we haven't really been around here much.

Summer Is Here!!  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  The nurse needs a scientific calculator to take your pulse.

Cruisin' the Lincoln in Illinois-- Part 1

MAY 18TH

Met the group over at Der Immigrant Dutch Windmill in Fulton, Illinois, on the  Mississippi River.  Talked awhile with Kay Shelton, Illinois Lincoln Highway Director, who put together the tour and also is president of the Lincoln Highway Association.  Two real busy hats.  The last time we saw her was at the Orange Bowl January 1st when our NIU Huskies played those pesky 'Noles.

Got our goody bags and a nice door magnet and took off. 

Went through downtown Morrison (one way going west) and then drove around Sterling looking at all those murals.  Finally found a bar which had the Blackhawk game on.  I watched the first period and then joined the rest of the group at the Monahan-Lincoln Home in town. Liz stayed at the Precinct.   Abraham Lincoln stayed there in 1856 while campaigning for John C. Fremont, the Republican candidate for president.

The people whose efforts and elbow grease preserved this home gave a couple of talks and a walk through.  See my Cooter's History Thing Blog for the account.

Rejoined Liz afterwards at the Precinct.  Unfortunately, the Hawks lost 4-1 to tie up their playoff series with the Detroit Redwings.

Then, Hurried to Catch Up With the Rest of the Folks.  --RoadDog


TOO PUNNY:  Atheism is a non-prophet group.

Celebrating Liz's 57th Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Liz hits the big 5-7, 57 years old.

We're planning on getting together with Kora and Frank and driving up to Lake Geneva, Wi., and eating at Popeye's right on the lake.

Then we'll check out the damage to Gary's old house and see if the barn was hit, see entry below, if we can see it.

Then a stop for complimentary champagne at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, a true taste of Florida in the north woods, and a stop at Mar's Trading Post Inn, dating back to the 1840s, in Wilmot.

Also, thinking of going out to the Mississippi River to see the eagles if they're still around after all this warm weather we've had the last few days.

WE Have to Show the OLD Lady a Good Time, You Know. --RoadDog