New Year's Weekend 2022-2023

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

Went to Sunnyside Tavern in the afternoon and met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Diner in Fox Lake for dinner before going to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022

Met Pam at the Windhill Pancake Parlor in McHenry, Illinois, and enjoyed the Christmas decorations.  They go overboard.  Later met Kevin and Kelly at the Fox Lake American Legion for the afternoon New Year's Eve Party with toasting at 4:30 pm.  That's my idea of "celebrating" the new year as it is hard to stay up past 11 pm for me anymore.  Enjoyed DJ Goldy, a real dj, not one of the new ones who do not interact with the crowd.

Watched the college playoffs at the Legion and at home in Margaritaville and was happy Texas Christian beat Michigan and especially happy about Georgia getting lucky and beating Ohio State.  (I went to UGA for a year, plus a whole lot of family went there.)

I actually managed to stay up to midnight.  Happy New Year!!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023

I drove over to Squaw Bar in Ingleside to see the Bears play their game.  We used to get together with the "Usual Suspects" to watch the games here.  But, I hadn't been back there for years.  It was like old times, a fun place to watch the game with lots of fans.  Unfortunately, it was the 9th straight loss.

Then went over to Saylor Mick's, a new place in Spring Grove and had their $1 taco special and enjoyed the $1 pints of Hamm's.  This place used to be Tommy's and had huge crowds, especially during the Blackhawk games back 2010-2015.

--RoadNewYear

Last Week of 2021: An Afternoon New Year's Eve Party at the Legion

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31

There goes yet another year, and boy did it go fast!!  Every year goes way too fast now.  They seem to last just 5 or 6 months.  Hey, and we have taxes coming up if all the tax preparation commercials haven't alerted you to that yet.

Still enjoying listening to the Drive's A to Z Classic Rock Countdown which started Christmas Eve Day and is still going.  They figure it will end sometime next week.

We went to the Fox Lake (Illinois) American Legion for our afternoon New Year's Eve party.  Being kind of old and having a hard time staying up past 11 pm anyway, this is a great way to get the experience without staying awake past bedtime.

The place was packed, of course.  Great to have it back after last year's didn't take place because of you-know-what.  Joe Kadlec put on his usual great job playing his guitar and singing.  The Legion provided Italian beef sandwiches and everybody brought a dish to pass, so there was plenty of food along with $2 draft beers and two really tasty jello shots and, of course, champagne.

Watched Alabama  and Georgia win the NCAA football semifinals and they will play Jan. 10th for the championship.  I went to Georgia for a year and have family members who attended so will be pulling Dawgs all the way.

We did not make it to midnight, of course.

--RoadDog

The Story Behind Dan Fogelberg's 'Same Old Lang Syne'

This morning I was listening to Jim Morgan who is a disk jockey at Myrtle Beach's WVCO, 94.9 FM, the Surf, which plays Carolina Beach Music as I often do on internet radio.

Every Monday to Friday, he has a segment I especially like called Music Spotlight where he takes a song and tells you the story behind it.  Usually the song has something to do about the date of its release, recording or the artist's date of birth or death.

Today is the anniversary of Dan Fogelberg's death in 2007.  The song Jim Morgan chose of Dan Fogelberg was "Same Old Lang Syne."  There is quite a story behind this song that Dan wrote.  It is based on an actual event in his life from 1975.

He was back in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois, visiting family for the holidays and on Christmas Eve, they needed something for dinner and he drove over to a local convenience store to get it since all the stores were closed.  While there, he met his old high school girlfriend.

You can go to You Tube and view  Bob Natale's video "The Story Behind Dan Fogelberg's 'Same Old Lang Syne' " to hear what Jim said.  After that, go to the Track X Track video "On Location: The True Story of Dan Fogelberg's 'Same Old Lang Syne' " and view that which takes you to the places mentioned in the story.

After that, go to the video Dan Fogelberg- Same Old Lang Syne (Lyrics).  The lyrics are shown as the song is sung.

This Is Quite the Story.  --RoadDog

About New Year's-- Part 1: Managed to Stay Up To Midnight This Year!!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30  Went to the Route 12 Bar and Grill on US-12, Rand Road, in Spring Grove/Fox Lake for those delicious burgers, then met up with Kevin and Kelly at the Legion where Liz won the 50-50.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

Another years comes and goes REAL FAST.  Went to the Legion for their New Year's Afternoon celebration, but it was already too crowded.  Met Kelly and Kevin and then drove over to Sunnyside and watched LSU defeat Louisville.  Then went to Hello Folks in Fox Lake, but it was too crowded also.

We then went to Kevin and Kelly's Place By the Lake and enjoyed some home brew.  We went back to the Legion in time for the 4:30 happy New year's toast.  Then went to Sunnyside to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Went home and even managed to stay up to midnight in our downstairs bar, Margaritaville, est. 1993.  Lots of fireworks in the subdivision.

And a Happy New One to You.  --RoadDog

JSS: Gas Gouge-- New Year's Afternoon-- NCAA Football Championship

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  GAS GOUGE--  Gas here in northeast Illinois jumped to $2.50 before Christmas, then back to $2.40 before going to $2.60 yesterday.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Big Oil GRBs!!

2.  NEW YEAR'S AFTERNOON--  As we have done the last several years, Liz and I are going to the Fox Lake American Legion for our New Year's celebration from 1 to 6 this afternoon.  Toast at 4 p.m..  Then home and a valiant, but probably vain attempt to stay up until midnight.

3.  NCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP--  Not watching as I don't really care about any of the teams in it.  Sure would like to see it extended to at least 16 teams.  Then make some of the toilet bowl games a bit more important.

Also, have won for the Power 5 GRBs and one for the Group of 5 (6).  Like they do with the lower levels of football.

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog

Welcoming in the New Year: Great Times and Rotten Bowl Games

All this definitely would have been better had not my cold or whatever come back.  That seems to be happening to a lot of people around here.

THURSDAY, DEC. 31, 2015--  We went to the American Legion Post 703 in Fox Lake, Illinois, for their early New Year's Eve party.  It is the same as a regular party with noise makers, toast and everything, except it went from 1 op.m. to 6 p.m..  We got together with with friends Kevin and Kelly and Sue and Paul.

Plenty of food, drinks and a DJ/Karaoke.  Watched the two Championship games where the teams I supported were blown out: Oklahoma and Michigan State.

Even managed to stay up until midnight here (something that usually doesn't happen) and saw the Chicago celebration with all the fireworks and the new "Rising Star."  Instead of dropping, it rises up the side of a building.

--RoadDog

Getting Ready for the New Year-- Part 2

DECEMBER 29TH, MONDAY--  McDonald's for breakfast.  Coach Trestman and general manager Emory of the Chicago Bears were fired, something much needed after this horrible season and their backing of Scary Jay.

Saw the movie "Unbroken."  I knew it was going to be an excellent movie.  It was.


DECEMBER 30TH, TUESDAY-- Went to Dr. Bennett and had my permanent crown put in, $850.  Went to stores in Round Lake Beach looking for sale Christmas items.  Met Sue and Paul at Half Times in Johnsburg for pizza and bowl games and came back to Margaritaville downstairs at the house to finish off the keg from Sunday's Bear party.

DECEMBER 31ST, WEDNESDAY--  Watched some great bowl games and had an early New Year's Eve party at the Legion from 1 p.m. to 6, with karaoke and toasts.  Great time and home by 7.

We were asleep by midnight.

Snoring Into the New Year.  --RoadDog

JSS: Cold-- Bears Party-- After Bears Party-- Early Legion New Year's

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  COLD--  Just went out to feed the little feathered friends and like to froze.  Temps are about 8 degrees here, but can't complain as there is no snow on the ground (sorry snowmobilers, and it has been unseasonably warm here, 30s-40s, until a couple days ago.  However, it was quite cloudy.  We almost forgot what the sun looked like.  Sure is a big difference from last year this time when it was nothing but vortex and snow.

2.  BEARS PARTY--  This past Sunday we had 20 friends over for the Bears game.  Sad as the game was, we still had a great time, with plenty of food, drinks and shotters.

3.  AFTER BEARS PARTY--  After the party, a lot stuck around for the Packer-Dirty Lions game.  A much better game, despite dirty player Suh.  Then we had a long Name That Tune contest on the ultimate jukebox.  Last night, we had another couple over to finish off the keg.

4.  EARLY LEGION NEW YEAR'S--  In a little while. we're going to the American Legion in Fox Lake for an early New Year's Eve party with food, karaoke from 1 to 5 p.m..  Toast is at 4 p.m..  Probably will be asleep at the stroke of midnight and 2015,

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog


YOU THINK ENGLISH IS EASY?  One goose, two geese.  One moose, two meese?  One index, two indices?

Toastin', Snowin' and Bowlin'

New Year's Eve, Liz and I went to the Fox Lake American Legion for the annual "Early New Year's Celebration" from 1 to 5 PM. Just great timing for old fogies like us. We had plenty of food, drinks and karaoke. Afterwards, we went to Antonio's for a couple before going home. Actually stayed up until 12:30 AM. //// New Year's Day was spent mostly shoveling snow (which started at 3 PM New Year's Eve and continued until this afternoon with probably a foot accumulation of fortunately light snow which I usually shoveled off instead of using the snowblower. I also watched the Rose Bowl Parade and then more bowl games than usual. I wasn't happy about Georgia's loss to Nebraska or the Wisconsin and Iowa losses, but was very happy with Michigan State winning the Rose Bowl. //// Spending the Eve and Day. --RoadDog

Celebrating New Year's a Bit Early: Happy New Year!!!!

In a few minutes we're heading over to the American Legion for their early New Year's Eve party. They're having a potluck and karaoke and it is always a good time for old folks like us.

After all, I'm usually to bed by 11 PM. We'll come home at 6 and try to stay up until midnight.

Happy New Year, You Know. --RoadDog

Pretty Good New Year's Celebration

Now, it can be said.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30TH--

One last get-together with the Usual Suspects at Route 66 Bar to toast good friends with PBR.


SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2011--

We were part of a group of First Nighters in more ways than the fact it was going to be the first night of the new year. Last February, the motel at favorite stomping ground, Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, caught fire and was partially gutted.

This past June, construction began on it and we figured it would be open by September. Of course, delays, and they finally opened for business today. Quite a few regulars got rooms as well.

Went to Main Street at 5, but they were too crowded (having an early New Year's celebration. So ended up at Laurin's Landing for a couple or three.

Lots of friends at Donovan's and grabbed spots at the bar. Buck pints!! No band, but open juke box and had a great time with it. Good food out at 9. Stayed up way too late, 2:30 am.


SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012--

Recorded Bob Stroud's Time Warp this morning back to January 1, 1971, forty years ago. That was a trip.

Then Ultimate Bloody Marys at Main Street and back to Donovan's for Da Bears and Da Packers, both wins!!

Home and Crash!! --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Pretty is as pretty does...(Your actions are more important than your looks.)

It's a New Year's Celebration

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30TH-- This was our trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin, playing NTN at Uncle Mike's the Brat Stop and Donovan's. The brats at the Brat Stop have to be the best I've ever had and that's saying a lot in Wisconsin, the Brat Capital of the US. The Brat Stop is one of the top tourist attractions in the area.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST-- We celebrated New Year's Eve at the Legion. It was everything you'd expect to have on this party, only earlier for us stay-up late challenged. Great food, friends and lots and lots of shots and beers.

Woke up before midnight, watched the Chicago fireworks and we sure had a lot around here.


SATURDAY, JANUARY 1ST-- Watched the Stooges and Tournament of Roses Parade. Went over to the Kellehers for a day of Bowl Games, food and drinking with them and the Clintons.

Definitely not a good day for the Big ten. Didn't mind Michigan losing, but the Northwestern and Wisconsin losses were hard to take.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2ND-- Listened to Bob Stroud's annual "Gone But Not Forgotten show on Rock and Roll Roots.

Went to After the Fox Bar on Fox River and watched the Bear-Packer game. Too bad we lost, but I do pull for the Packers unless they play the Bears so am happy they're going to the playoffs.

A Good Time. --RoadDog


YOU'RE A FLORIDIAN IF...You know what a snowbird is and when they'll leave.

New Years Eve 1979

Taking my monthly look-back.

We had a small New Year's Eve party for the neighbors that was kind of a flop. Two couples didn't show up because of sickness and no baby-sitter, but we still think it was because we had dropped out of bowling league with them.

Neighbor Pam had been drinking all day and gotten sick and gone home with Angelo and another couple, so just four of us left at midnight. Played bumper pool and watched TV.

At 3:15 AM, we went to breakfast at a local place. Quite a few drunks in there, but this was 1980 before all the DUI business, Today, there is absolutely NO WAY, I'd be drinking and go out for breakfast that late.

We ended up staying up until 6:30 AM. "Goodbye 70's. Welcome 80's."

Don't Do That "No" More. --RoadDog


Points to Ponder: Don't join dangerous cults. Practice safe sects.

First Day New Year, New Decade

Writing this right now at 7:39 while watching "Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" the first of the trilogy. Ring, ring. Who's got the ring. Why, it's a Baggins.

Spent New Year's Eve watching probably the worst band ever play at Donovan's last night, True Devotion. This band obviously had never played together more than a couple of times. They seem to be talented, but should never have taken an $800 paycheck for a New Year's Eve party.

Liz was loaded for Bear, and I'm not talking Chicago Bear. She even asked a couple members if they'd ever played together before.

For breakfast, I went to Country Kitchen and had a delicious gyro omelet for $5.75and talked with Trov, Cruz, Keith, Rich and others.

Then, I went back to Donovan's and Barb treated me to two of her fantastic Bloody Marys. We played NTN with Barb, Jeff and Marcia and had about 16 Top Twenty rankings in NTN-Buzztime. We had about the same number last night.

Way too bad about Northwestern's loss to Auburn which was fortunate to have injured the Wildcats' field goal kicker. At least Penn State won. Way to Go Papa Joe!!!

However, staying up past 11 PM is hard for me any more, so was quite worn out by the time we got back home. We had stayed up until 3:30 AM. Quite a battle to stay awake through TNT's Lord of the Rings. Missed a fair amount of it.

Kicking Off a New Year. --RoadDog