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?

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

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

The Second St. Patrick's Weekend: That Great Tournament!! Margaritaville, Ultimate Jukebox, CB&C, Stucky's and the PLAV

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

Yesterday was a great day for college basketball, especially with that St. Peter's (#15) upset of Kentucky (#2).  I had to loon up to find it where this college was.  It turns out to be in Jersey City, New Jersey, two miles from New York City. I don't like Kentucky at all.  

Anyway, it was just one upset or close game after another on Friday.  That's the way I like my NCAA Tournament games.  We didn't even go anywhere.  I just enjoyed my Margaritaville Bar in the basement.  I've got a fully stocked refrigerator, a TV in the corner of the bar and the Ultimate Jukebox (300 discs).

Why go anywhere else?

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

Again, saw a bunch of games in Margaritaville before going to Stucky's in Johnsburg where we had the corned beef & cabbage (cb&c) dinners.  I sure wish we had cb&c dinners more often during the year besides just around this time.

Now, a perfect cb&c bite consists of equal parts corned beef and cabbage, heavily peppered and with a dash of horseradish and/or mustard.  But, I hate when I run out of corned beef or cabbage before the other.  Not cool man.

Had a great time watching the tournament games and singing karaoke.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

We were hoping to check out the newly remodeled McHenry American Legion, but there were too many cars parked outside it.  So ended up at the Polish Legion of American Veterans around the corner and had a great time as we know a lot of people there as well.

Afterwards, we found Stucky's was closed so went home and watched some more great Tournament games at Margaritaville.

--RoadDog

About Last Week: Maxell Cassette Tapes, Alex's Gyros, The Vinyl Frontier Records and the Legion

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Went to McHenry, Illinois, and to Meijer and was all too happy to buy two more 5-pack bricks of Maxell cassette tapes for recording purposes.  Yep, I still record on cassettes.  This is one of the few places I know of where I can buy them.

We had plans to eat at our favorite Chinese buffet, the Grand Buffet, and got the door only to find they are closed on Tuesdays.  Disappointed, but I remembered I wanted to go to Alex's on 120 in town because I'd heard they had a great gyro sandwich.  They did.

Then, we went to The Vinyl Frontier on 120, a great mom and pop record store that had just moved in the fall from its long-time store on Riverside Drive.  I bought eight CDs.  

Then, we wanted to go to the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans), but they had too many people so went to the American Legion instead and had a really great time with the folks there and especially enjoyed the $1.50 rum and Cokes during happy hour.

I Was Very Happy.  --RoadDog

Last Week: A Garbage Pizza, Cheap Beer, Ricky's 73rd Birthday, McHenry VFW and PLAV and NIU Football Watch Party

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Went to Bricks 'N Ivy in Spring Grove, Illinois, and had that great Harry Caray pizza featuring four meats and four veggie, a real garbage pizza.  And, best of all, it was half price.  Also, $6 draft pitchers. Then to Sunnyside for the $1.50 draft pints.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Met a bunch of Sunnyside folks at the McHenry VFW to celebrate Rocky's73rd birthday.  Absolutely great BLT sandwich.  Then to the Polish Legion of American Veterans for cocktails and back to Sunnyside.  Rocky somehow survived.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Temps in the upper 50s today, so did some yardwork to prepare for the winter.  

Went to Half-Times in Johnsburg where they were having a NIU Watch Party for the televised Huskie football game.  We had about 15 people there and the Huskies had a close game against Buffalo and finally won in overtime.

--RoadDog

Good Times Around Here, August 1-- Part 3: Summer of 1971, PLAV's Street Party, Brats, Burgers, Beer and a Band

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1

The usual Sunday morning stuff.  Bob Stroud played part 3 of his annual Rock and Roll Roots to the Summer of 1971, fifty years ago.  Of course, I had to record it.  You can see what he played in the last several posts.  He'll have a part 4 on Sunday, September 5 from 9 am to noon CDST on WDRV. This was a fun college year for me, spent between NIU and UGA.

Watered and watered and watered.  We could sure use some rain.

I had planned to go to the McHenry VFW to watch their afternoon band and then go to the McHenry American Legion.  But Liz said she thought she had seen something from the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in McHenry about their annual summer street party.

There was no question where I wanted to go when  I got that bit of information.  Get me to the PLAV ASAP.

She was right.  Of course, we didn't have it last year because of you-know-what, so I was really looking forward to it and would not have been very happy to miss it.  I'm so glad Liz told me about it.

For $15, I got auce and aycd brats, burgers, side salads, corn on the cob and draft beer.  Now, that is what I call a deal.  Plus, we had a great country band playing and karaoke in between.  And the weather was hot, but breezy and felt fine under the tent.

Afterwards, to the McHenry Legion for an adequate $2.50 Bloody Mary.

A Real Good Time.  Thanks PLAV.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, WARM WATER THEOREM:  When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.  And, I have an ADDENDUM:  Just as soon as you fall asleep for your nap, the phone doth ring.

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

Veterans Day, 2020

My U.S. flags are all out.  Hope yours are as well.

At 11 am I went over to the McHenry, Illinois, American Legion on Riverside Drive where there was a joint Legion/PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) ceremony honoring our veterans.  New commander Mark Hume opened with remarks and we had "Taps" played.  

The MIA/POW Table was explained and the history of Veterans Day was given.

All this was filmed for Zoom.

--RoadDog

Keeping Busy-- Part 1: No Odyssey, PLAV, Half-Times, Yard, Legion and Margaritaville

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

We had rain threaten all day, but, unfortunately, didn't start until a couple hours before we were to see New Odyssey play their music at Veterans Park in McHenry, but the show was cancelled.  We did enjoy $1 miniburgers and $1.75 bottles at the PLAV  (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in McHenry and $1 pints at Half Times in Johnsburg.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

Still no boat, the latest that we have never had the boat out in a season.  Difficulties getting parts being the reason.  Still working in the yard.  I can never seem to catch up in the yard.  My fault though as I planted way TOO many plants, bushes and trees.

Went to the Legion for 50-50, but didn't win.  Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Julebox in the basement.

No Band, But Found Something Else To Do.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You have a monitor tan.\

Fish Fry, Business Expo, Bars and a Chili Cookoff Last Weekend

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

Went to the Grant Township annual Fish Fry at the Fox Lake American Legion.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

Went to the McHenry Business Expo and ran into friend Pam who used to own the Puppet Var where I deejayed for so many years.  Then went to the Polish Legion in McHenry (Illinois) and watched the Blackhawks game, Half-Times in Johnsburg where we watched the Scotland-Ireland and part of the England-France rugby games.

We went to Sunnyside, but it was so crowded we left.  Ended up at Tommy's in Spring Grove and saw some more of the England-France rugby game.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

I went to the art show at Turtle Creek in Spring Grove.  Then we went to the Moose Lodge in McHenry for their chili cookoff where I judged.  Then to Sunnyside.

--RoadDog

A Trip Back Kind of Weekend-- Part 1: Boating, Dog 'B Suds and Concert in the Park

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Took the boat out for a slow cruise around Mineola Bay in Fox Lake, then the west shore of Fox lake,through Kamikaze Alley and along the south shore of Nippersink Lake to Beer Can Bridge and then back.

Drove over to Dog 'N Suds in Ingleside and had those great Charcoburgers (2 for $3 and washed it down with a frosted glass mug of their great root beer and bought a couple Charcoburgers home to Liz.  Dog 'N Suds still has curb service, a real trip back.

We then drove into McHenry and went to the PLAV for a couple cocktails before walking over to Veterans Park to see the band Miles Over Mountains (bluegrass/folk music).  A really fine band to end the Concerts in the Park summer season.

Then back to the PLAV for a drink and then over to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg for the Bears-Packers party (Thursday Night Football).  The place was packed and the Bears were very very sad, and completely outclassed.  We came home.

--Roaddog

About Last Weekend-- Part 2: Yardwork, Hornets, Bars, bands, and Enjying the House

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4
Crummy weather all day.  Did not sit out on the front porch because it was so chilly.  But, cooler weather is a good time to work in the yard.  A whole lot less sweating, so did a lot of yard work today.

Went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg and then the American Legion in Fox Lake where we met up with the "Usual Suspects."

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

It would seem that someone or somebody has declared war on Confederate monuments.  I am not a happy camper about this.

Did some yardwork until I came across a ground nest of hornets or wasps and beat a hasty retreat.

We went to the Legion in the afternoon and saw Mark Heller perform.  Where else are you going to get entertainment from 3 to 6 in the afternoon?

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

Enjoyed the FP (Front Porch), OD (OD) and gazebo over the course of the day.  I had a big bonfire and got rid of a lot of branches from the downed part of the Bradford pear tree.

Enjoyed the street party at the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in McHenry from 1 to 6.  It was all-you-can-eat and drink for $10 a person.  Plus a deejay/karaoke.  Now that is a real hard deal to beat.

Why Go Away for Vacation When You Have It Right Here?  --RoadDog

CUBS-SOX CROSSTOWN RIVALRY, PUT-DOWNS:  Cub fan to Sox fan--  "I've heard that for the White Sox, 'DH' stands for 'Don't Have Talent.'"  Sox fan comeback--  "'Have Talent' is one word?  Cub fan--  "Yes It is."

Closing Out July-- Part 1: New Odyssey at McHenry's Veterans Park

JULY 27, THURSDAY

As usual, FP and yardwork.

We went to McHenry and had the $1 mini burgers at the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) and then walked over to Veterans Park to watch the band New Odyssey (Three Guys, Thirty instruments) put on a show at the gazebo.  As usual, we had  the famous "Drumcoat" and "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" Blue Man Group impression.  They sure had the crowd going.  We'll be seeing them again on August 13 at Parish Fest in Johnsburg.

Sad, but the Cubs took three of the four games against my White Sox in Chicago's Crosstown Classic.  But, with all the players the Sox have traded for future prospects, if we win any games that's pretty amazing.

--RoadDog

We Raised Some Money for Veterans to Go to D.C. on Veterans Day 2016

And, we sure had a good time doing it.  The McHenry Polish League of American Veterans held their fundraiser at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois, over the weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

It was hot, extremely hot with temps in the nineties both days, but everyone had a good time.  There were plenty of brats (this was being called "Brat Fest" but, sadly, there was no sauerkraut and everyone knows a properly "dressed" brat has to have sauerkraut) as well as pints of beer.

Saturday, we had four bands and we stayed for two of them:  Wildwood Drive and we really liked Blindspot, a band we hope to see more often."  I know of no other band that plays Cream songs like "Badge" and "Sunshine of Your Love."

There were silent auctions and raffles as well as 50-50 all day.

Sunday kicked off with a leisure motorcycle ride to four area bars after a breakfast and then we had the band Practice in Public playing outside.

A Good Time for a Good Cause.  RoadDog

SILLY PUNS:  They told me I had type A blood, but it was a type O.

Good Times Around Here This Weekend

Most of it will be taken up with the two day fundraiser Saturday and Sunday at Sunnyside Tavern in Joghnsburg which will be hosting the McHenry Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) as they raise money to send veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials.  There will be five bands over the two days as well as food and beer tents.  Sunday there will be a motorcycle ride.

Also Saturday, there is a band at Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and one Sunday afternoon.  Plus, the New Invaders (British Invasion) will be playing at Fox Lake's Lakefront Park.

There is a blues jam at The Grove in Spring Grove on Saturday afternoon.

Too Many Places to Be.  Not Enough Time.  --RoadDog

SILLY PUNS:  I did a theatrical performance about puns.  It was a play on words.