Around Here: No More Firebird Cruises This Year, MCCWRT Meeting, Donovan's Reef and Trivia

TUESDAY, OCTONER 26

Unfortunately, I couldn't get the '85 Firebird to start, so that's it for my Firebird Cruises until next spring.  Hopefully I can get the problem with starting it worked out then.  Well, actually I wasn't going to get much more in cruising as my Extended Antique license plates only go to the end of October.

I went to McHenry and bought two cassette bricks at Meijer and had a Wendy's four for $5 special, then a McHenry County Civil War Round Table Board of Directors meeting at Sandy's house.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27

We had quite the spread of snacks at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes.  No live trivia today, but we did enjoy playing along with the "Beast,"  "America Says" and Jeopardy on TV.

--RoadDog

Good Times Last Week-- Part 3: Newspapers, Cassette Tapes, Summer 1971, 80s A to Z, Band on a Deck, Beer and Wings and a Little Blue Nun

Continued from September 8, 2021.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Front Porch as usual for breakfast, coffee and read the Chicago Tribune.   Hard copy of course, there is just something I like about a newspaper in hand, but the price of paper copies is getting pretty dear so don't know how much longer I can continue to keep it coming. It is now $3 daily and $5.75 on Sunday.

I recorded Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Root Salute to Summer 1971, Part 4, on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  Really took me back those fifty years.  Back in 1971, I was recording on cassette tapes and I recorded this show on cassette tape as well.

Stuck with those old newspapers and cassette tapes, you know.

I also have been recording segments of the Drive's 80s A to Z which they have been running since Friday and will continue through Labor Day tomorrow.   They are also going to continue with it starting next Friday.  I figure these will be great Firebird Cruising songs since it is a 1985 and still has a cassette deck.

We went to Choppers where we met Glenn and Barb and enjoyed sitting out on the deck listening to John Piet and his pal entertain with lots of oldies.  The $2 draft beer and 45 cent wings didn't hurt either.  We were sitting out by a channel with plenty of Chain of Lakes boat traffic.

We came back home and sat out by the Flats on the east side of the house and finished off the last of our anniversary Blue Nun wine.

Still Stuck in the Old Days, I Reckon.  --RoadDog

Last Week: Eatin' and Drinkin' Cheap in the Neighborhood, Firebird Cruise, Car Show and Slow Tacos

MONDAY, AUGUST 2

We went to Bricks 'N Ivy in Spring Grove, Illinois, for their half price pizza special on Monday.  We got a 16-inch Harry Caray pizza which is a real garbage pizza with four veggies and four meats.  It cost $13.50.  We also enjoyed a $5 pitcher of Miller Lite.  Then went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg where we had $1.50 pints.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

Went on a short Firebird Cruise and went from  end to end on Pioneer Road.  It is one of McHenry County's Scenic Roads and well-earned at that.  I had taken it often from Illinois Highway 31 and that is a pretty stretch, but didn't know it continued on to West Solon Road to the north.

The McHenry Scenic Roads site describes it as 4 miles long in McHenry and Richmond townships.

I went to the McHenry Moose Lodge Classic Car Show on Il.-31 later and saw the most beautiful 1967 Firebird ever.  I am a big Firebird fan and at one time had a 1967 Firebird convertible along with my 1985 one which I still have and take on those Firebird Cruises.

But, if you want the Moose Tuesday special tacos, 3 for $5, I discovered you'd best go inside, place your order and then look at the cars.  It generally takes at least 30 minutes to get served.  Tonight it was a new record, 45 minutes.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, LAW OF CLOSE ENCOUNTERS:  The probability of meeting somebody you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

Good Times Around Here July 31-- Part 2: Front Porch, Radio, Two State Parks and Stucky's

SATURDAY, JULY 31

The usual morning stuff, FP, internet and radio (Bill St. James' Time Warp, WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback 1992-1993 and the Surf's Beach Music Top 25 Countdown)

Took a nice Firebird Cruise south of here to the Moraine Hills State Park and the McHenry Dam State Park.  These are two of the most beautiful parks you can imagine.  Lots of walking trails and views.

I went to the McHenry Dam Park first and you get a view of the dam on the Fox River which regulates the depth of the Chain of Lakes.  The other side of it you can see the Stratton Locks which boaters use to get up and down the river.

The Moraine Hills Park takes its name from the geologic form known as a moraine, which is an accumulation of boulders and rocks and other debris deposited by a glacier when it melts.

There were a lot of people taking advantage of the two parks with picnics, walking and fishing at the dam.

We went to Stucky's that evening for the $1 draft pints and I had the chicken Kiev special.

--RoadDog

Good Times Around Here July 29-30: Trivia, Donovan's, Firebird Cruises, It's Thursday, Band, Fish Fry and Stucky's

As usual, Summer, where else do you want to be besides around here.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

Played trivia during the afternoon at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and enjoyed the half price Happy Hour.

THURSDAY, JULY 29 

I went for a cruise in the '85 Firebird while enjoying Summer Music from Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV on the cassette deck.  Then went to It's Thursday in Antioch, Illinois, where I saw the band Hillbilly Rock Stars who played country music.

FRIDAY, JULY 30

Took another Firebird Cruise and drove over to the VFW in McHenry to try their fish fry and watch the New Odyssey Guy perform his music show, but it was too crowded so ended up at Stucky's in Johnsburg and had their fish fry and a good time talking with friends.  Stucky's is one of our main hangouts.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, VARIATION LAW:  If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time.)

Fish Fry, '85 Firebird, Out on the Chain, Stucky's & the Legion

This past weekend was another one of those great times out here in northeast Illinois in the famed Chain of Lakes.

FRIDAY, June 18

We finally had some much-needed rain all morning.  We met a group of friends at Stucky's in Johnsburg for their great Fish Fry.  I just love a good Friday night fish fry.

SATURDAY, June 19

The big news is that Vince came over and installed a new starter in my '85 Firebird and it now runs!!!  He had it all winter and it is fixed up as good as new, so there will be some good times in it this summer.  We've had it since it was new.

During the afternoon, we went over to Rosie's Italian Eatery on Grasslake, one of the Chain of Lakes, to see a band that was playing on their deck.  Unfortunately, the place was packed so we didn't even go in.  Since we were already over in that area, we decided to check out the Sunset Grille where we found a duo playing outside and a place to sit so ended up there.

Nothing like ice cold beer, the sun, a band and sitting outside here in the Chain of Lakes, especially with everything opening up again after you-know-what.

Afterwards, a group of us went back to Stucky's to get a bite to eat and enjoy their $1 draft beers.

SUNDAY, June 20

Bob Stroud hosted his annual Rock and Roll Roots Salute to Summer, so that was a good way to welcome the season.

In the afternoon, we went over to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed their "adequate" $2.50 Bloody Marys and an assortment of beer.

Like I Said, Good Times in the Area.  It's Good to be Back!!  --RoadFun

Back to the Good Ol' Days Last Weekend

This past weekend was more like any summer weekend prior to 2020 around here.  

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

Met friends at Cuda's on Grasslake Road and had their wonderful fish fry.  Love those Midwest fish fries.  All-you-can-eat for $9.99.

Then we decided to check out a bar we hadn't been to in a long time, Lake View on the west shore of Grasslake.  It was Jackson Bay for a long time (I even deejayed there quite often).  It was still open and great timing as they had $1 draft pints.  I don't believe there is a better place to view the Chain of Lakes than from their deck.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Dennis and Vince came over to get my '85 Firebird running.  What was to be a simple choke replacement proved to be more than that.  This past winter, I had them redo the interior and exterior of it.  It looks great right now, just doesn't run.

We went to Stucky's in Johnsburg to play live trivia, but they didn't have it, but, just the same, we enjoyed the $1 draft beers.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6 

Of course, in the morning, I recorded Bob Stroud's Salute to the Summer of 1971 where he played the songs on the radio and in our record collections on June 6, 1971.  This is an annual summer event for me.  Then we went to the McHenry American Legion for Bloody Marys and then to the Polish Legion (PLAV) for their street party honoring a past commander who died over this past winter.

For $10 we got all we could eat and drink along with a band and karaoke.

As I used to say, Good Times in the Area.

Like the Old Days Again.  --RoadDog

That Was Some Sneaky Storm On Sunday

Sunday, November 25

We'd been hearing warnings about this storm for several days, but didn't expect what we got.  We get snow in November here in Northeastern Illinois, but usually nothing too bad.  We've already had two snowfalls of two and three inches this month.  No problem at all.

But what we got Sunday was rather jawdropping.

All morning Sunday, they kept talking about it, but nothing came of it.  After listening to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots, I drove over to Jewel then came back and put the '85 Firebird out in the driveway as some buddies were coming by to look at it as I would like to have body and interior work done on it.  It is in bad need of it.

They came at 12:30.  As they were leaving, the storm hit, but nothing too bad at first, but with ice on the driveway, we decided not to go over to the PLAV or Sunnyside and we were sure glad we stayed home.

This was serious snowfall.  And the biggest snowflakes I've ever seen.  Some were fist size.  And, they were coming down fast.

McHenry County got hit the worst of all of the Chicagoland area.  Bull valley had 13.5 inches.  Woodstock 12 inches.  I am figuring we had 11-12 inches here.

That Is Sure A Lot For November.  --RoadDog

THAT TIME OF THE YEAR:  What does a Pilgrim call his friends?  Pal-grims.

Every Blooming THing-- Late April

Believe it or not, it seems that Spring has finally arrived after one of the coldest Aprils in Chicago area history.

The grass has greened up and it won't be long before it will have to be cut.  I finally was able to get the flat tire off the '85 Firebird and then get the battery jumped so now I will be able to get the lawn tractor out (it was blocked in by the Firebird).  I was so glad when it started.

Quite a few branches were blown down over the winter and of late, so will have to pick those up.

The daffodils are blooming as are the hyacinths.  I have some other small bulb flowers that I don't know the name that are also blooming.

Oh, yes.  I should also mention that the dear old dandelions are doing their yellow thing.  What would spring be without those little fellers?

Good to Have Spring Finally Arrive.  --RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  Old age is coming at a really bad time.  When i was a child I thought "Nap Time" was a punishment.  Now, as a grownup (and an old one at that), it feels like a small vacation.

Shouldn't Have Gone to That Car Show: A '67 Firebird for Sale!!

Yesterday, Monday, September 25, I went over to the final Green Street Car Show in downtown McHenry, Illinois, as the featured cars were Pontiacs, which remains my all-time favorite vehicle.  I have had a '67 Tempest, '67 Firebird convertible, '85 Firebird and two Grand Ams.

My all-time favorite car remains the Firebird, but since Firebirds were phased out and later the whole Pontiac line, I was thinking of getting a Corvette for my next middle (older) age crisis car, until they came out with the new Camaros.  Everyone called the 1967 Firebird a middle age crisis car back in 1987 when I bought it.

But, yesterday, I came across a '67 Firebird that was for sale.  It is not in perfect shape, but definitely good enough for me and a whole lot better shape than the '85 Firebird which we (well, I) still have.  It has a 400 engine and the price is right at $10,000.  Though, it had an 8-track player and I would have to do something to get a cassette/CD player and FM radio.

We have four vehicles right now: '85 Firebird, 2003 Malibu, 2005 Dodge Dakota and 2011 Malibu.  I don't need another vehicle so would have to sell one, maybe two.  All of these we've had since brand new.  We paid cash for all of them as well.

But, I am seriously considering it, but trying to come up with reasons not to buy it.

Somebody Help Me.  --RoadDog

JSS: The Happy Bill Murray-- 3 of 4 Great NCAA Games-- Yardwork-- Cassette Tapes

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.
1.  THE HAPPY BILL MURRAY--  First, his Cubs won it all last fall, now his Xavier is having quite the NCAA run.

2.  3 OF 4 GREAT NCAA GAMES--  Wow, three of the NCAA Tournament games last night were in the great category, meaning close and/or upset.  #1 Gonzaga just barely held off #4 West Virginia 61-58.  #3 Oregon just edged #7 Michigan by one point, 69-68 and, of course, that #11 Xavier win over #2 Arizona late last night.

3.  YARDWORK--  In a few minutes I'll be out in the garage to see if I can start the '85 Firebird after it's sat all winter.  Kind of doubt it.  I also need to get the lawn tractor running as grass-cutting season fast approaches.

4.  CASSETTE TAPES--  I was happy to find our local Meijer store in McHenry still was selling 5-pack bricks of audio cassette tapes for $4.69.  I had cleared them out back in February, thinking that was it for my cassettes in stores, but they evidently had some more.  Good news.  The only other place I know that still has them is our local Walgreen's here n Spring grove, but their five pack is $9.49, way too expensive.

Sad Day When I Lose My Cassettes.  --RoadDog

JSS: This Weekend-- Rain, Finally-- '85 Firebird At Mechanic-- Yesterday

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  THIS WEEKEND--  Busy weekend as always on the Chain.  Later tonight we go to Sunnyside and the Legion.  Saturday we go to Dueling Pianos at Cabana's on the Chain in the afternoon and then to the Spring Grove Fire Department Steak Fry.

Sunday, we will go to the Rally By the Lake old car show at the Fox Lake Lake Shore Park on Nippersink Lake, then we see New Odyssey playing music at the St. John's Parish Fest in Johnsburg and then the Keeping the Spirit of '45 Alive event honor our World War II G\"Greatest generation" at the McHenry, Illinois, Veterans Memorial Park.

2.  RAIN, FINALLY--  No boating or outside work today because of the much, much-needed rain we are having.  I am getting tired of watering.

3.  '85 FIREBIRD AT MECHANIC--  In July, I discovered that my '85 Firebird was leaking oil big time so today the mechanic came over and towed it to his place so they could find out what the problem was.  I am hoping it is not the end of it, but will see.

4.  YESTERDAY--  I did yardwork on the overgrown part of my west side of the house and then cut the weeds.  With this drought, the grass isn't growing, but the weeds and crab grass sure are.  IO then saw the new "Star Trek" movie.

I was planning to go out boating, but the skies were questionable so didn't.  We went to Grasslake Landing on Grasslake and had half price pizza and pitchers.  Sadly, they are closing this Sunday.  We also got our Chain Crawl passport book signed.

After that, we went to the final It's Thursday show in Antioch and saw an excellent country band named Hillbilly Rock Starz.

Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog

The '85 Firebird Got Hit By a Foul Ball

I figured I was lucky to get a parking spot right next to the gate at this evening's American Legion Baseball game between our Fox Lake Bulldogs and Lake Villa.  I soon found out why I was so lucky.  A  Lake Villa player hit a towering foul ball that went over the huge screen and out into the parking lot where everyone heard a thud when it hit a vehicle.

This was about where I parked the Firebird, but I didn't go to see as a kid said it hit some Honda. Plus, the Firebird is in bad shape both exterior and interior and there is a problem with the engine.  Right now I am figuring on driving it until it quits on me.  A dent from a baseball would be no real big deal.

Later the same kid came back and said that someone had looked all over the car but couldn't find anywhere a baseball had hit.  He then described it as a real ugly Corvette.  Of course, an '85 Firebird did closely resemble a Corvette, but, how dare he refer to my car as ugly!!  Well, it is.

When I left, I looked at the exterior and found the same rust and dents as I had when I arrived, so no harm done.

Ugly!!  Ugly!!  How Dare the Kid!!  --  RoadUglyDog

Just Hangin' Around-- Part 4: Basketball, SAL. the '85 Firebird and Officially Old

APRIL 4, MONDAY--  Went to J's with Kevin and Kelly and played quite well at NTN with two #2s and a #5 nationwide.  had their great BLT pizza.  SAL (Sons of the American Legion) meeting and I will be working on Legion Day at our American Legion baseball team.

That NCAA Championship game was one for the ages and made up for those two boring Final Four games Saturday.  Congratulations Villanova.  I was pulling for Carolina, but, WOW!!  I rank it right up there with the Duke-Kentucky game all those years ago when Christian Laettner nailed the winning bucket as time expired.

APRIL 5, TUESDAY--  Liz had a doctor appointment in Mchenry and we ate at IHOP on the way back.  I received my Medicare card.  Guess that means I'm old now.  Officially.  I took the '85 Firebird out for its first run of the year.  Hey, and Meijer had restocked several new bricks of audio cassettes so had to buy some.

APRIL 6, WEDNESDAY--  Rain and overcast all day.  Where is spring?  Went to Donovan's and The grove.

APRIL  7, THURSDAY--  Another really cold day with a little snow, but no accumulation.  Everyone is wondering where spring is.  Ate at Steak 'N Shake in McHenry, one of my favorite places.    Bought three tables to replace the outside and sunroom glass top tables that somehow all three managed to self destruct last fall.  The sunroom one just exploded into thousands of tempered glass shards.

--RoadDog

Getting That Old Boating Fever

What with all the warm weather, well 50s, everyone around here is getting a real big dose of Spring Fever, and in our case, that means looking forward to getting our boat, "School's Out...Forever" out of that barn in Hebron and in the water.

Talked with "Mineola Pete" last night at Antonio's and he says that won't be too soon as there is still a lot of ice on Fox Lake.  He runs the Mineola Marine and still owns the Mineola Hotel, which has been in his family since 1943.

Yesterday, taking advantage of the warmer weather, I charged and jumped the battery of the '85 Firebird and got it started.  I took a ride around the subdivision.  A sure sign of spring.  I also started the John Deere lawn tractor and ran the mower.

Now, I need to get some gas before they raise the prices.

Can't Stand It.  --RoadDog

It Was a Busy and Spooky Oct. 31st

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31ST-- Drove the boat to Hebron, Illinois, and put it up in the barn to close out the 2013 boating season.

Then did some shopping in Richmond on the way home and research at the Nippersink Library on the War of 1812 McHenry County burials. There were a lot more than I expected.

Came home and cleared out the third garage bay which had been used for gardening equipment this past summer. Winter's fast a-coming as you know. I put the '85 Firebird up for the winter in it. I have an EA license, Extended Antique, and can't drive it except to get gas from November 1st to March 1st.

Due to heavy rain, we only had some 45 trick-or-treaters. The best part was when the neighbor kids from across the street came by with their young ones all dressed up for the night. We remember when they used to come trick-or-treating when they were kids. A guess that is what happens when you live somewhere for twenty years.

A Busy Day. --RoadDog

JSS: Boating 30th-- Kim Kearby-- '85 Buffed Out-- Dos Equis Beer

JSS-- Just Some Stuff.

1. BOATING 30TH-- Yesterday, we went out for a boat float for the 30th time of the season. We like to shoot for 40 times a year so are 3/4 the way there. Normally, we like to have 40 times by now, but this has not been a great boating season.

2. KIM KEARBY-- We were saddened to learn that fellow teacher and teachers union leader Kim Kearby died. We will be attending his funeral. He lead the Education Association Round Lake for most of the time it was in existence.

3. '85 BUFFED OUT--- Wednesday, I took the '85 Firebird over to a guy in Johnsburg and had it buffed out. I had forgotten we had metallic flake on it.

4. DOS EQUIS BEER-- Anybody else besides me find the Dos Equis Beer commercials annoying?

Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog

The "F" Word and Boat is Out

Yesterday was one of those days where you knew it was coming, but sad nonetheless.

Woke up in the morning and we had frost on the windows of the Dakota and Firebird. Sure glad I moved the deck plants in this past Thursday when a frost was forecast.

Also, yesterday, my buddy Frank helped me get the boat out of the water. Also, something I knew was coming, but still a sad thing. Despite the two vacations, closing of the Chain of Lakes for a couple weeks, and thumb problems, I was able to get out a total of 36 times for the season.

Only six more months until boating again. Same with the outside.

Miserably Cold Day Today, Where's My Injun' Summer? --RoadDog