Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day: Two CB&C Dinners, St. Baldrick's and Two Performers

MARCH 16, SATURDAY

Okay, so no cb&c at the VFW, but I remembered seeing a flyer at Sunnyside in Johnsburg offering a cb&c dinner (corned beef & cabbage) so went there.  But, upon closer inspection of the sheet, I saw that this dinner was offered at Cullom Knoll, about seven miles away so decided to be disappointed.

So, came home and went online for awhile before driving over to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove which had cb&c dinners so FINALLY got one after two false starts.  They also had a solo artist performing playing so got to enjoy that.

*************************************

MARCH 17TH--  SUNDAY
Bob Stroud featured the music of Van Morrison on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  After all, the Van is Irish.

I drove over to the Fox Lake American Legion where they were having a St. Baldrick's head shaving event to raise money for diseases.  I didn't have my head shaved but did donate.  And, they had cb&c.  Two in a row!!  Plus, Matthew Holmes performed from 3 to 6 pm.  

Sadly, I left my to-go box when I left.

Oh well, I had my fill of corned beef & cabbage finally.

--RoadCabbage

Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day: No Dyed River, Parades or CB&C, But Old-Time Radio, A Beer and a Band

MARCH 16, SATURDAY

This was to be the big day of partying everywhere.  I had lots of options, but many I canceled if they involved spending time outside.  It was kind of cold and very windy.  Plus there would be crowds.  The older I get, the less I like any one of those things.

That meant a no go to McHenry to see the Fox River dyed green or the parade.  That also ruled out the parade in Lake Villa.  Sad, because I surely love parades.  I decided instead to go to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society's meeting and see the Lake County Old Time Radio Players put on an old time radio show.  They did "The Shadow."  Quite a neat and enjoyable job.

I then  went to Lake Villa and found myself in a long detour, but eventually got to the Lake Villa VFW which was having a corned beef and cabbage dinner.  I was sad to find they had already given out of it by the time I arrived.  Bummer.

However, I did luck into a seat at the very crowded bar and had a beer while enjoying the 50s-60s band, Accents.  However, the power went out and I left.

Not Finished With the Day Yet.  --RoadDog

Bob Stroud Salutes St. Patrick's Day: 'Give Ireland Back to the Irish'

Well, Sunday is that greenish day and Bob Stroud is saluting it with a special Ten at Ten today with songs that have to do with it.

GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER--  Al Green   (Get it?)

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN--  Thin Lizzie  (Irish band)

GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the M.G.'s

BEAUTIFUL DAY--  U2  (Irish band)

GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers

GLORIA--  Them  (Irish band)  And you thought the Shadows of Knight originally did it.  By the way, that's Van Morrison singing lead.

GREEN EARRINGS--  Steely Dan  (Never heard this one before.)

GREEN EYED LADY--  Sugarloaf

GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH--  Paul McCartney & Wings

********************************

The show will repeat at 10 pm tonight at WDRV, 97.1 FM, Chicago.  CDST.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "She Makes Me Feel So Good.  She Makes Me Feel Right."  Answer below.  --Road O'Dog

"Gloria"

Some Irish Music for an Irish Thing These Days

From Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten for March 17, 2013.  In other words, St. Patrick's Day.  Though we started celebrating it last weekend.

All these songs have something to do with the Irish.  See if you can figure out what.

1.  GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival  (color)

2.  DOMINO--  Van Morrison  (Irish)

3.  GOLDEN EARRINGS--  Steely Dan  (?)

4.  JAILBREAK--  Thin Lizzy  (Orish)

5.  GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers  (color)

6.  GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH--  Paul McCartney  (obviously)

7.  GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the MGs  (color)

8.  LET'S STAY TOGETHER--  Al Green  (his last name)

9.  DESIRE--  U2  (Irish)

10.  GREEN GRASS & HIGH TIDE--  Outlaws  (color)

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I'm, I'm So In  Love With You Whatever You Want Me To Do.'  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Let's Stay Together"

The Real St. Patrick's Day-- Part 1: Some Music To Get You in the Mood

THURSDAY MARCH 17

 A far cry from St. Patrick's Day 2020 when you-know-what hit.  And, a nice day as well.  I even got to sit out OD  (On Deck).

Bob Stroud did his Ten at Ten on St. Patrick's Day.  Lots of green songs as well as Irish bands, etc.

GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

WILD NIGHT--  Van Morrison

GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the MGs

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN--  Thin Lizzy

GREEN EYED LADY--  Sugarloaf

GREEN EARINGS--  Steely Dan

GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH--  Paul McCartney

SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY--  U2

GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers

LET'S STAY TOGETHER--  Al Green

Irish?  --RoadGreen

Even Greener Day-Before St. Patrick's Day: 1983, Irish Party Music, Donovan's Coronavirus Anniversary and Da Tournament

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV was on the year 1983.  A great year for music and my deejay business.  Ten great songs, but my pick was "I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis & the News.  I tuned in to You Tube and searched "Party Music: Irish Drinking Songs" and man was that a taste of the old country.  Give it a listen.  Kicks off with "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys.  Now, if that doesn't get you in the mood for green beer, Irish whisky or corned beef & cabbage, nothing will.  Well worth a listen.

We met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  We remembered it was two years ago tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day 2020 that the you-know-what closed down Wisconsin.  And, we were in Donovan's when it closed.  

Came home and watched the First Four NCAA Tournament game between Notre Dame and Rutgers.  And, what a game!!   Double overtime!!  Is this an indication of a good time forthcoming?

I didn't even pick a bracket for myself.  It is pretty much impossible to do with all the upsets.  

--RoadO'Dog

Going Green for Paddy's Day: Stucky's for Fish Fry and Dublin Burger, Moose Lodge for CB&C and Back to Stucky's

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

We met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's in Johnsburg.  Everyone had a fish fry but me since they have one of my favorite hamburgers, the Dublin Burger for just the month of March, something about a St. Patrick's thing.

This burger consists of a half pound of beef on a marble rye bun along with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.  This is one of my all-time favorites.  But just once a year in March, so gotta eat 'em when I can.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Just found out that they will be tearing down my freshman dorm at NIU, Lincoln Hall.  A bit of history goes with it.  They already have torn down Liz's dorm, Douglas Hall.  Lincoln and Douglas Halls were built at the same time in the early 1960s.

This is the day many places are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, especially McHenry and Lake Villa.  McHenry has a parade, bar crawl, dying of the Fox River to green and a huge tent with bands all day and e into the evening.  But, today and yesterday are two of the coldest days I ever remember.  Temps were in the low 20s, but the wind really blew it through you.

As such, we didn't go to anything.  We did drive to McHenry to go to the Legion, but there were cars parked all over the place so decided not to try to get in.  Drove over to the McHenry Moose Lodge and had a corned beef & cabbage dinner and then to Stucky's for $1 drafts and karaoke.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

We went to Stucky's on the afternoon for their NASCAR party.

--RoadO'Dog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.

It Was Two Years Ago Today That You-Know-What Began

When I used to write about the 1918-1920 Spanish Flu outbreak that killed so many people all around the world, I never ever thought I would have something like it happen to me.  But, I was sure wrong.  We most certainly did.

Yesterday, we were up north across the border at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, when Liz mentioned we were there when the COVID-19 officially hit two years earlier on St. Patrick's Day 2020.

Illinois had already closed down the previous day on March 16.  Since we live just eight miles from the Wisconsin border, and Wisconsin was still open, we decided we'd get our St. Patrick's celebration in up there.

We drove there to Donovan's Reef  in Twin Lakes.  A  friend, Jeff,  from Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois, had the same idea and was already there.    We were having our beer and think corned beef & cabbage, but Barb the bartender, was on the phone a lot calling around Kenosha County and said she was starting to hear that he state of Wisconsin was going to shut down at some point that day.

Finally, she learned that all bars and businesses had to close down by 5 p.m.  A real bad thing as she had a whole lot of corned beef & cabbage to sell. We had drinks until 4:30, and sadly said our goodbyes for whatever lay in store for us.

Two Years Ago.  Oh Well.  --RoadDog

One Year Anniversary of You-Know-What

Today and yesterday mark the one-year anniversary of the arrival of the virus here in the Midwest.  I could never imagine the impact just one year under this would have.  But, it sure has.

We were very aware of the virus the beginning of March 2020 and it just kept spreading and spreading.

We were at the McHenry, Illinois, American Legion on the Sunday, March 15, 2020, when we heard that all bars and restaurants in Illinois were going to be open just one day longer and close indefinitely after Monday, March 16.  There was a lot of grumbling to say the least.

On Monday, March 16, we went to our local hangout, Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois, for one last drink for however long this would be.  Again, the closure and virus were the topic of discussion.  With sad hearts we left Sunnyside and went home.

But, restaurants and bars were still open in Wisconsin, which is about eight miles from us, so we decided we would still have our St. Patrick's Day celebration as well as corned beef & cabbage at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes (another of our favorite hangouts).

So, about 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, we drove to Donovan's and found one other friend from Sunnyside there who had the same idea.  Again, discussion revolved around the Illinois closures and whether or not Wisconsin would follow suit.  At 3 p.m., Barb, our friendly bartender, received a phone call saying that all Wisconsin bars and restaurants were to close at 5 p.m.

There were a lot of upset folks, I tell you.  Barb, even more so because of all the corned beef and cabbage she had on hand for the day.

Anyway, that was our welcome to you-know-what.

--RoadDog

STUDENT TEST ANSWERS:  The law of gravity was enacted by the British Parliament.

Good Things Coming Out of the Coronavirus (or "V" As I Call It)

Whenever something bad happens to me or people in general, I always like to think of "Good" things that come out of it.  And, believe it or not,with all this weirdness, I can see some good things.

**  First is that the dastardly attacks on poor Confederacy seem to have stopped.  Even Virginia has found a bigger enemy.  As such, I have put my Civil War II blog on hiatus until the attacks begin again.

**  Also, the number of shootings and killings in Chicago has dropped as well.

**  Also, we are not having a zombie apocalypse either.

********************************

SOME PERSONAL GOOD THINGS

**  I am getting caught up on the piles of mail that have taken over the kitchen counters.

**  I have more time now that we aren't going out to the bars, which we do really too much anyway.  That takes a good 4-5 hours a day.

**  I haven't had alcohol (usually beer) since the day after St. Patrick's Day.  Never hurts to take a break.

And, There Are More Things As Well.  --RoadDog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V.":  "My habit of shooting finger guns as a greeting doesn't seem so dorky now, does it?"

By the way, these funnies are compliments of Eric Zorn's column in the March 25, 2020, Chicago Tribune  "Laughter is no vaccine, but in tough times it can be the best medicine."  Right, Eric!!

Still Got Our CB&C for St. Patrick's-- Part 4: Corned Beef & Beer

MONDAY, MARCH 16

This is the last day for Illinois restaurants and bars to be open.  Restaurants, however, can have take out or delivery (just no one other than workers inside).

We figured to take one last fling and in the afternoon went to Stucky's in Johnsburg to enjoy their $1.50 draft pints and we both ordered corned beef and cabbage (CB&C) meals ($11.99 each).  So, we finally got our Irish food.

The closings were  the big topic of conversation at the bar.  Stucky's will be offering take out as well as delivery the next two weeks.

We then went to Sunnyside where we also enjoyed the Monday $1.50 pint drafts.  Most of the regulars were in and out during the time we were there.  That something like this could be happening to us just is amazing and unexpected.

Sunnyside serves no food other than a few frozen items, so it will be completely closed for the next two weeks or longer.

We generally always say goodbye when people leave, but even more so and more emphatically today, as it will be awhile before we see each other again.

--RoadBye

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly"  Real song by Loretta Lynn.

Still Got Our CB&C, St. Patrick's Day-- Part 2: It's All Green to Me

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Bob Stroud got us in the mood with his Rock and Roll Roots show  from 9 to noon on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.

He saluted anything green.

Here are his green songs:

GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival
LITTLE GREEN BAG-- George Baker Selection
BIG BRIGHT GREEN PLEASURE MACHINE--  Simon & Garfunkel

GREEN EYED LADY--  Sugarloaf
GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers
THE VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY--  Kinks

GREEN EARRINGS--  Steely Dan
GREEN MANALISHI (WITHTHE TWO-PRONGED CROWN)--  Judas Priest
GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH--  Paul McCartney

GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the MGs
LEAVES THAT ARE GREEN--  Simon & Garfunkel
GREEN GRASS AND HIGH TIDES--  Outlaws

Hey, Anyone Want Some Green Beer Now?  --RoadO'Dog

Still Got Our CB&C, Even With Everything, St. Patrick's Day-- Part 1: Who Says You Need a Parade?

This will have to go down as the strangest St. Patrick's Day ever.  As a joke going around right now has it, this was the time a Chinese virus with a Mexican name wiped out an Green Celebration.  Even so, we got in as much as you can.

Now, we are spending the next bunch of days at home.  However:

THURSDAY--  Kick off with 50 cent wings and $1 pints at Bootleggers in Antioch.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13--  Had planned on going to the Legion for the Grant Township fish fry but that was cancelled.  Ended up at Sunnyside Tavern.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14--  We already weren't planning on going to the Chicago or McHenry St. Patrick's Day parades (Chicago because we don't go to Chicago and McHenry because it is way too crowded).  We had planned to go to the Lake Villa parade, but that got cancelled as well.

We decided to go to Stucky's in Johnsburg for their corned beef & cabbage  (CB&C), but they were way too crowded.  So, we went over to Sunnyside where a whole lot of friends were having their alternate party.  Who says you have to have a parade to get into the drinking o' the green?

--RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!!! March 15-17: St. Patrick's Day Sunday

**  I'd celebrate that.

MARCH 15

DUMBSTRUCK DAY--**    OK, so I look like that all the time.

IDES OF MARCH--   44 BCE    Julius Caesar was dumbstruck when he was assassinated by Brutus and others.  BCE??

NATIONAL PEANUT LOVERS DAY--**    One of life's little pleasures.  So glad I am not allergic to them.

WORLD SLEEP DAY-- **   (Observed the second Friday of March.)   And,  I sure wish I could sleep like I used to.


MARCH 16

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION DAY--  **  The basis of good government.

LIPS APPRECIATION DAY--  **  Steven Tyler and Mick Jagger's Day.


MARCH 17

CAMP FIRE GIRLS DAY--**  Any organization  for youth is good.  Incorporated March 17, 1912.

NATIONAL CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DAY--  **  You KNOW I'd celebrate this one.

SUBMARINE DAY--  **   March 17, 1898,  John Holland demonstrated his submarine for the Navy Department.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY--  **   You think I would celebrate this!!!

What's All This Green Stuff?  --RoadO'Dog

TOP TEN TRIVIA:  Blackbird, a chief of the Omaha Indians, was buried sitting on his favorite horse.

I'd Celebrate That!!! March 5: Mardi Gras 2019 Today and Cinco De Marcho

Theses are from the Checkiday site which has more fays to celebrate and information about them.  I just pick out the ones of most interest  to me.

**  I'd celebrate that.

MARCH 5

CINCO DE MARCHO--  **  Marks the beginning of the season to train your liver for St. Patrick's Day, which will soon be here.  I didn't know of this one before this.  But, I have already been training for today, March 5, 2019, which is Mardi Gras.

MARDI GRAS--**  This year coming mighty late.

FUN FACTS ABOUT NAMES DAY--**    Look up interesting things about your name and other names.  You don't want to be in the Stink Hole Corner in Cribbage.

NATIONAL CHEESE DOODLE DAY--  **  Who doesn't like a cheese doodle now and then?

REEL FILM DAY--  This is for those old reel films you had to thread through a projector.  I never quite mastered the art so  my kids rarely saw a film in class.

NATIONAL POTTY DANCE DAY--  **   That little dance kids do when they need to go to  the bathroom.  I've done a variation of it outside the local tavern bathroom at times.  Come on buddy.  HURRY UP!!!

Drinking With A Purpose.  Well, That's My Excuse Anyway.  --RoadDog

TOP TEN TRIVIA:  with Jack DeRue.   J.C. Penney's middle name was Cash.

I'd Celebrate That!!! Feb. 15-17: National Cabbage Day Today

Need a reason to toast or roast on any given day?  Here are some ideas.  (From Checkiday.)

FEBRUARY 15

NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY    They taste ok, but really get stick in the teeth.

NATIONAL I WANT BUTTERSCOTCH DAY--**  I really loves my butterscotch.

REMEMBER THE MAINE DAY--  Sunk in Havana Harbor this date in 1898.  Led to the Spanish-American War.


FEBRUARY 16

DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY--  **  Make him or her a nicer person.

NATIONAL ALMOND DAY--  **  One of my favorite nuts.  "Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut, Sometimes You Don't."

WORLD WHALE DAY--  **  Wonderful and impressive creatures.


FEBRUARY 17

NATIONAL CABBAGE DAY--  **  Hey, one of my favorite cabbage times is coming up, St. Patrick's Day.  Corned Beef and Cabbage.  YEAH BABY!!

NATIONAL  CHAMPION CRAB RACES DAY--

NATIONAL PTA FOUNDERS' DAY--  **  The Parent Teacher Association was formed on this date in 1897.  Anytime parents and teachers work together, that's good for the kids.

And, A Little Green Beer.  --RoadDog

Way Too Much Going On This Weekend: Getting Our Green On

It's gonna be a green time in the old area this weekend, but way too much.

Later today we are going to the St. Patrick's Day party at the Legion in Fox Lake with entertainment and cb&c  (corn beef & cabbage).

But then, it gets real busy Saturday since that is the actual day of St. Patrick's Day.  Other things going on Saturday are both the Richmond/Spring Grove Business Expos, the Fox Lake Historical Society has a meeting and talk about the Mineola Hotel.  The McHenry Binny's is having free glass etching if you buy Guinness Beer.

Then, McHenry is having their McHenry ShamrockFest.  They will be dyeing the Fox River green at 10 a.m., a parade at noon and then bands all afternoon in a heated tent at Miller Point Park.  Every downtown business and bar has St. Patrick's stuff going on.  More cb&c at the PLAV.

Lake Villa also has has a parade and big party at the VFW.

Sunday, the partying continues in McHenry.

Decisions, Decisions and All That Green.  --RoadO'Dog

I'd Celebrate That!!-- Mar. 11-19: Girl Scouts Day Today and St. Patrick's

Where Do They Come Up With Some of These?  **  I'd support that.

MARCH 11, SUNDAY--  Daylight Savings Time begins **   Can Summer Be Far Behind?

MARCH 12, MONDAY--  Girl Scouts Day.**  Gotta find me some cookies and support this great organization.

MARCH 13, TUESDAY--  K9 Vets Day.  **

MARCH 14, WEDNESDAY--  Pi Day  (Oh, 3-14, I get it)  No Smoking Day**  Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day

MARCH 15, THURSDAY--  Shoe the World Day**  I hate walking around barefoot.  Something about stepping on that pop top and cruisin' in back home.

MARCH 16, FRIDAY--  Artichoke Heart Day

MARCH 17, SATURDAY--  Something About Green.**   Get me some cb and c.  Definitely Gonna Celebrate This One.  Even If I'm Not Irish.

MARCH 18, SUNDAY--  Sloppy Joe Day **

Gettin' Me Irish On, Ye Know.  --RoadDog

OLD IS WHEN:  Your sweetie says, "Let's go upstairs and make love."  You answer, "Pick one; I can't do both."  (from the Wassup Magazine)

Got Our Green On This Past Weekend

FRIDAY, MARCH 10TH

We went to the American Legion in Fox Lake, Illinois, for the Grant Township Annual Fish Fry.  $10 auce.  The place was packed.  Then went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and saw the ladies giggle their way through a Sip & Paint activity.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH

We went to Lake Villa, Illinois, for their annual St. Patrick's parade, then adjourned to the VFW for corned beef & cabbage dinners, bagpiper, St. Patrick and the country band Xpress Lane.  Then to Sunnyside.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12TH

We went to McHenry, Illinois, for their St. Patrick's parade.  Went to the Gambler before and after the parade.  Saw the Blackhawks game there.  Then over to Corkscrew Pointe and had their sliders.  Then to the PLAV, Polish Legion of American Veterans and lastly back to Sunnyside.

Definitely Got Our Irish On.  --RoadDog

JSS: Cold-- Snow-- NIU Women's Basketball-- March Madness Begins

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  COLD--  After all that warmth we had here while we were gone, it sure turned cold this weekend.  Kind of took away from the enjoyment of the St. Patrick's Day parades this past weekend.  It is not supposed to get above freezing before Thursday.

2.  SNOW--  And, we had between 3-4 inches of snow to boot.  Again, why didn't they have this winter stuff here when we were in Florida.

3.  NIU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL--  Sadly, our ladies lost to Toledo in the MAC Conference championship so there will be no NCAA Tournament for them.  Boy, that Toledo sure takes the cake.

4.  MARCH MADNESS BEGINS--  And, speaking of sports.  The best sporting event of the year.  I have my favorites, but won't say who for fear of bad luck.  But, I can tell you that I ALWAYS pull for the underdogs (unless it is Toledo), even if they are playing one of "my" big time teams.

Squeak Those Floors.  --RoadDog