Good Times Around Here: May 8 to 12: Trivia, Retired Teachers, Two Legions, Fish Fry and a Band

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

Donovan's Reef for trivia.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

Breakfast with retired Magee teachers at Bristol 45 Diner.  Fox Lake Legion.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake for fish fry.  Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove for the band Peter & the Versatiles.

SUNDAY,  MAY 12

McHenry Legion and Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

--RoadDog

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.

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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: Teachers, Pi, a Cemetery and Some Bars

MARCH 14, THURSDAY

I met seven other teachers I used to work with at Magee Middle School in Round Lake at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin, for breakfast.  It is always good to get together with old friends.  Stopped at my State Farm agent to see if I could get an adjustment on my vehicle insurance on the '05 Dodge Dakota and '85 Firebird since I don't drive either very much, but already was getting the lowest amount I could.

Bought an apple pie at Jewel for $3.14.  I wonder why that price?

MARCH 15, FRIDAY

Drove to Arlington Heights, Illinois, to replace the flowers on my mother and father-in-laws' graves, stopping along the way in Lake Zurich to get the tax information on my Charles Schwab account.  On the way back stopped at Sunnyside in Johnsburg and the Fox Lake American Legion.

Pi Is 3.14.  --RoadO'Green

Thanks Groundhogs, Sunnyside, Legion, a Band and Chili!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Went to Sunnyside on a really cold day.  Thanks a lot Groundhog!!  Willie and that six more weeks of winter!!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

First Saturday of the month means the Fox Lake American Legion was having their monthly music in the bar from 3 p, to 6 pm.  Where else you gonna get entertainment on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of winter (thanks Groundhogs)?  And today's group was the Three Aces who excell at 50s-60s and old country music. One of my favorite local bands.  You should hear themk do "The Auctioneer."

And, the Fox Lake/Round Lake Rotary Club was having their annual chili cookoff, so I was forced to judge and sample the 20 different entries.  Man, music, beer and chili in one day.  Nothing could be finer.

An Eager Volunteer, Believe Me.  --RoadChili

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 13: Heading Home on Our Last Anniversary

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2022

There was a still a clown hanging around this morning outside our room, only now wearing a bathrobe and later tourist clothes (but still with clown face painted on)  Not something you'd expect to see outside your door in the morning.  And, actually, a little bit unsettling.

Went to the Grant Hills Motel office for coffee and today's Dubuque newspaper.  The manager asked if we were going to stay another day, but Liz had already told me she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go home.  I told her that we didn't want to stay and she said that was alright as they still didn't have any room cancellations.

Read the newspaper outside and we headed for home at 10:30.  I had considered driving the Stagecoach Road on the way home, but Liz said she wasn't feeling well, so took the usual US-20 route.

Instead of going on the US-20 bypass around Freeport, we took Business US-20, the original US-20 through town. It sure seemed like we went a long way on it.

When we got home after a 353 mile drive for our anniversary, I cut the grass and then we went to Sunnyside and the McHenry American Legion.

Little did I know at the time, but this was to be my last anniversary with Liz and that we only had less than a month before her death.  Today, December 23, is the third month since she died.

Sure Going to be a Strange Christmas This Year.  --RoadDog

A Fish Fry, a Lake View, Steak Fry, Legion and Sunnyside

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

Met the usual folks at Kelly's in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry.  Afterwards, we went to Lake View on Grasslake and sat out on the deck and enjoyed the $1.50 drafts and the wonderful view.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

Went to the Spring Grove Fireman's Steak Fry at Horse Fair Park.  A delicious meal even after all those long lines to get it.  Enjoyed the band for awhile.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21

Went to the McHenry American Legion and later to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do feet smell and noses run?

Oh, Those Pontiacs, Trivia at Donovans and Alan Snyder at Sunnyside

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

Went to the Car Show at the McHenry Moose Lodge which was featuring Pontiacs.  Too bad I couldn't take my '85 Firebird because of a flat tire and I can't get it started.  They had several GTOs and Trans Ams, but no regular Firebirds.  A 1968 Pontiac Tempest brought back memories as we used to have a '67 Tempest, the poor man's GTO.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia with Uncle Jeffie.

THUSDAY, AUGUST 18

Went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois, and saw Alan Snyder do his show.  Great music and trivia.

I Sure Miss Pontiacs.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do we ship by truck and send cargo by ship?

A Chain O' Lakes Oldie, a Long-Time Owner and Harley Wayne

MONDAY, AUGUST 1

We met Kevin and Kelly at Oak Park Lounge on Pistakee Lake where they were celebrating owner Tom Fuch's 46th year of owning the place.  That's a real long time to run a bar, especially considering that even though he grew up in the Johnsburg area, he had never gone there before buying it.  Talk about your on-the-job learning.

And, Oak Park Lounge is a Chain O' Lakes original, built in the 1890s and looking pretty much the same since then.  We had some drinks with Tom.

Afterwards, we went to Sunnyside Tavern for a couple or three more brews.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 2

A history day for me, and I love history.  I drove out to Marengo, Illinois, and had lunch at The Spot, home of the 3/4 pound cheeseburger for $7.99.  What a deal and what a meal.

Then, I went to the McHenry County History Museum in Union and met with Bob and Ellen, who are busy working on a book about McHenry County's Harley Wayne, a captain in the 15th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War who was killed at the Battle of Shiloh.

They let me peruse some primary source materials about him and I even put in a couple suggestions for the book.  Later, Bob and I took a walk by Harley Wayne's mansion which is just a couple blocks from the museum.

Congratulations Tom.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If you can make amends, can you just make one amend?

$3.95 for an Iced Tea!!?? Two Legions and No $1.1 Billion for Me

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Met Kevin and Kelly at Diamond Deli in Fox Lake, Illinois, for the fish fry.  Patti, who for so many years was our waitress at Dino's Den was our waitress.  A great fish fry, but I was taken totally aback at the charge for Liz and my iced teas, $3.95!!  Now, that is WAY too much.

Stopped at the new park in Fox Lake and sat outside for awhile and listened to the bands School of Rock and 176 Wide. I wasn't impressed with either group.

Went over to the Fox Lake Legion and played 50-50.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Well, I didn't win the $1.1 billion+ in the MegaLotto, so reckon I'll just have to keep typing the blogs. Not that I earn a cent from them. Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Went to the McHenry America Legion.

$3.95 for an Iced Tea?  Ya Gotta Be Kiddin'.--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why is it that a writer writes, but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce, humdingers don't hum and hammers don't ham?

Whoppers, Old Cars and Old Friends

MONDAY, JULY 18

We drove to McHenry, Illinois, and had Whopper dinners at Burger King.  Still one of my favorite burgers after all these years.  We then walked around the Green Street car show admiring the rides, especially ared '67 Firebird convertible, my favorite oldies car.

We saw the same band as yesterday, Aging Teen Idols, who were providing entertainment.

Afterwards went to Sunnyside and had a great time with the Stucky folks:  Angie, Wayne and Carrie.

TUESDAY, JULY 19

Met the Sunnyside folks at Granny's Diner on the Fox River River in Johnsburg and had that excellent chopped steak, two eggs over easy, gash browns and bread.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

National Hot Dog Day,  One of my favorite foods.  Didn't have one though.  Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia and happy hour.

--RoadDog

McHenry Fiesta Days and Christmas in July

SATURDAY, JULY 16

Between the Pink Harrison cabin and Oak Park Lounge, we paid our respects to the old Chain O' Lakes before it upscaled.  

Came home and then Liz and I drove over to McHenry for the annual Fiesta Day festival.  In the past they had Art in the Park where crafters had stands in Veterans Park and streets were closed off for bands, crafts and lots of partying.  

This was one of our favorite days of the year.  We used to call it "Drunk in the Park."  And it was quite the party.  There would be several bands playing in the street and every bar (and there are a lot of bars in McHenry) would be selling beer which you could drink in the street.

We usually hung out at the Tables for Ladies bar on the corner where they would have a portable bar set up outside, cooked brats and had a band as well.   

On the way home we stopped at Sunnyside where they were having the annual Christmas in July party.  They had already had a decorated golf cart parade and had tables and a bar set up outside and a band called The American Psychos playing some great tunes from the 1980s.

Sure Miss That "Drunk in the Park."  RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  What if oxygen was actually killing you and it takes  75 to 100 years to do it

Movies, the Civil War and Sliders

TUESDAY, JULY 12

Drove to Woodstock, Illinois, and saw the movie "Elvis," met the folks from the McHenry County Civil War Round Table at 3 Brothers for a pre-meeting meal and then went to the Woodstock Public Library for the meeting and had a presentation by Bruce Allardice on "The Mysteries of the Hunley."  

That really made my night as we rarely have presentations on anything naval.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13

We joined Kevin and Kelly and we had Sliders that Jeff had picked up at White Castle in Kenosha for "snack day."  Cindy and Jerry usually bring in the heavy snacks.  We bring in butter pretzels.

THURSDAY, JULY 14

Went to the Fox Lake (Illinois) Theatre and saw "Jurassic World Dominion."  I sure enjoyed the six "Jurassic" movies.  Later we went to Sunnyside.

--RoadDog

4th of July Weekend: A Parade, Band, Sunnyside and a Legion

SATURDAY, JULY 2

I was going to go to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin,  for the 4th of July parade, but went to the parade in Fox Lake, Illinois, instead.  Gas in Fox Lake was $5.46.  GOSH!!  Nothing like a parade for  the 4th.  They even had a marching band from Grant Township High School and lots and lots of politicians.

Went to the Fox Lake American Legion and saw a solo performer from 3 to 6 pm.  Nothing like a band/performer in the afternoon as 9 pm is now too late for us.

Afterwards, went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and enjoyed the Cheers type crowd.  Gas at the Mobil station was $5.20.  (I won't be happy until it gets below $3, but doubt we'll ever see it that "low" again.)

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SUNDAY, JULY 3

Sat out FP as usual and finished Thursday's breakfast.  I made posts to all eight blogs.  Drove over to McHenry to see the band at Miller Park, but it was too crowded.  Ended up at the McHenry American Legion enjoying $2 drafts and $2 rail drinks.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

THINGS TO PONDER: What if my dog only brings back the ball because he thinks I like throwing it?

All These Blogs Ago, Stucky's, a Fish Fry and Those Old Bars of Ours

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

Entered posts in all eight blogs.  Believe me, that is time consuming.  Got some yardwork done and we went to Stucky's in Johnsburg to use up some of out $25 gift cards that we had won in their live trivia games.  In a few days they will not be worth anything.  Local entertainer Jim Seig had a long-standing open mic night at Stucky's on Thursdays but canceled for the last two times.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

Breakfast on FP.  Again, finished all eight blogs.  Too hot to work outside.  Normally we go to the Spring Grove Fish Boil every year to raise money for the old Spring Grove Fish Hatchery which has been turned into a village park, but today was the last day of Stucky's fish fry so we went there instead.

We sure are going to miss Stucky's  It is always sad when one of your favorite hangouts closes.  But, usually another one comes along.

Several years back three of our favorite places closed:  Tommy's and Antonio's in Spring Grove and the Twisted Moose in McHenry, but we ended up getting Sunnyside and Stucky's in Johnsburg.  And then there was Costello's in Fox Lake where we hung out for a really long time.  And, there was also Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, when Jeff Stewart sold it, but we still hang out there.

Things Go On.  --RoadDog

Stucky's Is Closing, Granny's Diner, Gas Prices and 'Mikie' Dies

MONDAY, JUNE 20

We went to Sunnyside for the Monday $1.50 draft beer special and were not happy to find out that Stucky's was going to close June 30.  This is one of our main places to go in Johnsburg, Illinois.

So, we went over to Stucky's and found out it was true.  Deb, the owner, had just reached the point of no-return as far as the place goes.  That's too bad.  We'll have to see it out of business with a lot of trips these last few days.  We have a lot of people that we know from there.  (There was a general concensus that there were already some people interested in buying the place.)

We did have the $1 tacos, their Monday special.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Met the Sunnyside folks at Granny's Diner in Johnsburg for breakfast, then went to some flower places and grocery shopping.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

Gas in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, now "down" to $4.90.  Nice to see it going down, but man is that way too high.  Played trivia with Uncle Jeffie at Donovan's Reef.

We were saddened to learn that Mike Bornhorst, "Mikie," had died at Donovan's.  He lived in one of the motel rooms for many years and was quite a regular.  He was friends with everybody.  There will be a celebration of life in July for him at Donovan's.  We will be there.

--RoadDog

Celebrating the Chicago Tribune's 175th Year, A Fish Fry, Cheap Beer, 1972, McHenry and Johnsburg

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

Celebrating the Chicago Tribune's 175th Year and I read their anniversary edition out FP (Front Porch).  I have subscribed to this paper since 1973 (except about a year when I had a problem with its editorial process).  In my mind it is the best newspaper in the country.

But sadly, my days of subscribing are about over because the price is now up to $130 for two months of Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sunday delivery.  I'm sure going to miss it.

Met Kevin and Kelly at Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch.  The other name for the place is "Iceboc" because ot is so cold in there, but the food really good so we dress for the ooccasion.  They have a great Friday fish fry for $10.99, all you can eat.  

Afterwards, we went to Lake View Place on Grasslake and enjoyed their Friday $1.50 draft beer.  Came home and likewise enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

Went to Stucky's where we enjoyed the $1 draft pints and it was Angie's 50th birthday.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Bob Stroud played his Summerof 1972 special on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive.  These were the songs on the radio and in your record collection fifty years ago on June 12, 1972.  I have listed the songs elsewhere in this blog.

Drove over to Miller Park in McHenry (right on the Fox River) to hear the band, but it was too crowded.  We went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the cocktails there.  On the way home, we found Stucky's was closed, but Sunnyside wasn't, so went there before heading home.

--RoadDog

An Anniversary, Gas Gouge Continues, Pizza, Band and Bob Stroud Retires from Deejaying

MONDAY, JUNE 6

The anniversary of D-Day (June 6, 1944).

Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg for the Monday beer special.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7

Met the Sunnyside folks at Granny's Diner in Johnsburg (right on the Fox River) for breakfast and did some shopping in McHenry.  I was shocked at gas gouge prices again which are now as high as $5.86 and $5.90.  But one place had an even more "reasonable" price of $5.51.  Curse you Big Oil GRBs for making me thing $5.51 was a good price.

Later met Sue and Paul (who I went with to the Indy 500) and Pete and Gail at Half-Times in Johnsburg for pizza and catching up.

Afterwards, Liz and I went over to the classic car show at the McHenry Moose Lodge and enjoyed the Rosie & the Rivets band playing oldies.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

I was really sad to learn that one of my all-time favorite deejays, Bob Stroud was going to retire at the end of this month.  I've been listening to him a long time, the last 21 years of Chicago's WDRV, the Drive.  But, the good news is that it is only a semi-retirement as he will continue doing his Ten at Ten and One 45 at 1:45 shows Monday to Friday and his Rock and Roll Roots show on Sundays.

Gas in Twin Lakes was $5.20, so guess where I filled up?  Went to Donovan's Reef for trivia and then home.

--A Good Start to the Week.  --RoadDog

Getting Older By the Day, Those Tires, Old Friends, Half-Times, Sunnyside and Donovan's Reef

TUESDAY, MAY 24

My 71st birthday.  Who'd have figured?

Had the truck towed to Quality Tire for new tires.  Yesterday I had a flat tire and couldn't get the tire off because the lug nuts were rusted tight.  Did some yardwork and cut the grass.

Met friends Sue and Paul who are in from New Mexico and with whom I'll be going to the Indy 500 on Friday as well as Kevin and Kelly at Half-Times in Johnsburg for pizza and $1 beers.  Then went to Sunnyside.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

Met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

THURSDAY, MAY 26

Packed for tomorrow's trip and went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.

--RoadOld

Gas Gouge Getting Out of Control: Staying Ahead of the Grass in the Spring, the Titanic, Music in the Afternoon, the Derby, the Legion and Sunnyside

FRIDAY, MAY 6

Sure glad I cut the grass yesterday as we had rain all last night and into the morning.  Spring is not a good time to get behind in grass cutting.  I have been writing about what they ate and drank on the Titanic in my Cooter's History Thing blog and saw the movie "Titanic" on TV.  That was quite the movie.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

We went to the Fox Lake American Legion and watched one of our favorite performers, Joe Kadlec perform from 3 to 6 in the afternoon.  Where else are you going to get entertainment on a Saturday afternoon.  That Kentucky Derby, which came on after he finished his show, was really something.  That horse came out of nowhere.

SUNDAY, MAY 8

We went to the McHenry American Legion and the  to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg on the way home and enjoyed talking with Elvira, who so reminds us of Liz's Aunt Lee.

--RoadDog

To Moose Again: All That Rain, Sunnyside, Margaritaville, Stucky's, Goldfish Races, the Moose Again and McHenry Legion

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

We sure have had the monsoons this spring.  We made our way to Sunnyside in Johnsburg for rest and relaxation then came home where we enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

The rains finally stopped and I was able to enjoy OD a couple times and even got a little yardwork in for the first time this year.  Went to Stucky's and watched the Goldfish Races.  This is where you pick a goldfish and they race down two lengths of sealed gutters in double elimination.  Something we'd never seen before.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

I was even able to get some time FP for the first time in a long time this spring.  I went to the Moose Lodge in McHenry for the Moose Lodge Riders breakfast and met Mark who got me the forms to fill out and I rejoined the Moose for a third time.  A great organization.

In the afternoon, we went to the McHenry American Legion and stopped at Stucky's on the way home.

To Moose Again or Not to Moose Again, That Is the Question.   --RoadDog