Last Weekend Not As Planned-- Part 2: No 'Drunk in the Park' or 'Christmas in July', But the Legion and Stucky's. No Parade, But Legion and Sunnyside

Last Saturday offered an array of options.  Number one was a trip to "Drunk in the Park" in the afternoon at the McHenry Fiesta Days where they block off River Side Street and have bands and the bars offer beer which you can drink on the street.  Always a real fun time.  Then, we were going to go to Sunnyside in Johnsburg for their Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade, party and band outside.

Sunday was to be  the huge McHenry Fiesta Days parade at one, a band at the VFW at 3 and a stop at the McHenry American Legion afterwards for their "Adequate" $2.50 Bloody Marys.  Either this or the Antioch Taste of Summer festival and a band outside in the afternoon.

But, things sure didn't work out as planned.

STAURDAY, JULY 17

There was no "Drunk in the Park" in McHenry.  And, we weren't the only disappointed people there.  We ended up in the American Legion where we drowned our sorrows.  

We went over to Sunnyside Tavern, but there were no parking places to be had, so went to nearby Stucky's to wait and see if there were any openings at Sunnyside, but enjoyed the $1 pints and then went home.

SUNDAY, JULY 18

Sunday, the plan was to see the McHenry Fiesta Days parade, but we were too late to get to it.  Ended up back at the Legion, enjoyed the Bloody Marys and Happy Hour prices.  They had a karaoke guy there and had fun with that.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way back home.

--RoadFun

Last Weekend Not Quite As Planned, But Good Anyway-- Part 1: Trivia, Beers, Bars, No Festival or Band, Fish Fry and a View

This past weekend did not go as I had originally planned, but I'm always ready to change with the flow as necessary.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14

As usual, met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and played Smartass Trivia with MC Jeff and enjoyed the half price drinks.

THURSDAY, JULY 15

Original plans were for a trip to Antioch, Illinois' Taste of Summer Festival and a band out by the stage, but a rain threat stopped that.

FRIDAY, JULY 16

Met Kevin, Kelly, Glenn and Barb at Kelly's Tap in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry.  Then went to Lake View on Grasslake and enjoyed the sweeping view and $1 Miller draft pints.

--RoadDog

Yesterday Was a Drinking Day As It Turned Out-- Part 1: $2 Draft Imports and Crafts

Yesterday, August 2, 2018, was one of those days with way too much going on and not enough time to be in two places at the same time at once as it were.

I had originally planned to go to Antioch for their It's Thursday where they had the band Class of 1968 playing, you guessed it, 60s songs and a classic car show as well.  I also had thoughts of the Thursday night concert in McHenry's veterans Park if that didn't pan out.

But, I had talked with friends Kevin and Kelly about going to Bulldog Ale House in McHenry on Illinois Highway 31 south of town.  On Thursdays, they have all of their draft beers at $2 a pint.  And, not just domestic, but all their import and craft beers.  And, they have 40 drafts on tap!!  I like import and craft beers, but don't like paying $4 to $6 for them, so this is a REAL GOOD deal.

I had four beers, including a sunset wheat, Modello, Pilsner Urquel and a Heinekin.  We also had 89 cent chicken tenders

--RoadDog

Way Too Many Things To Do-- Part 3: Drunk In the Park in McHenry

SATURDAY, JULY 21

Well, we had rain the whole morning, but it finally cleared up and we drove to McHenry for the Art in the Park / Street Fair which is a part of McHenry's Fiesta Days.  (Unfortunately, Antioch was having their Taste of Summer with three bands I really like playing: The Neverly Brothers, Heartache Tonight (an Eagles tribute band) and Hi-Infidelity and I sure would have liked to have been there for those acts, buy had to choose.)

And, we REALLY have a good time at the Art in the Park which had crafters, but the fun is that Riverside Drive is blocked off and they have bands out in the street.  We call it Drunk In the Park as it is a whole lot of fun.

As usual, we made headquarters at the outside bar at the Town Club Bar.  Thoroughly enjoyed the band Mockingbyrds (from Sycamore, Illinois) playing lots of oldies that you don't usually hear.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

WHAT I THINK:  I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

Way Too Many Things To Do-- Part 2: Rain Washouts and Movies

THURSDAY, JULY 19

Watered the plants and dried out sections of the yard...right before it started a downpour.  We had planned to go to Antioch's Taste of Summer to see a band tonight, but the rain stopped us so just stayed home.  We later found out that it had not rained in Antioch.

FRIDAY, JULY 20

The rain continued all night and into the morning, so it became a movie afternoon for me.  I saw "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" and "The Incredibles 2."    Both great movies and "The Incredibles 2" was hilarious.  We had wanted to go to Antioch's Taste of Summer to see a band but threat of rain canceled that.  We ended up at the Legion in Fox Lake for 50-50.

--RoadDog

Way Too Many Things To Do-- Part 1: Four Major Festivals, One Weekend

This past weekend had a large number of things to do withing a thirty mile radius of Spring Grove, Illinois.

Kenosha, Wisconsin, turned Simmons Island on the Lake Michigan waterfront into Tribute Island and had fifty tribute bands playing.  Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, featured some of the biggest performers in country music like Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Little Texas, Mark Chesnutt, Sawyer Brown and many more.

Then, McHenry, Illinois, had their Fiesta Days and Antioch had their Taste of Summer.  All of these places had outside music.  And, of course, we had all the bands playing outside on the Chain of Lakes.

So much fun and not enough time to do it.

Oh Well.  --RoadDog

WHAT I THINK:  I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report.  And, I am sure I didn't make any changes.

JSS: Back-to-School Creep Here-- Top Color-- Decisions

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  BACK-TO-SCHOOL CREEP--  We are deep into.  Every store is advertising back-to-school specials and they all have big displays.  I sure used to hate this, but back when I was a student and a teacher, it didn't start until August.

I knew that school was around the corner and sure didn't need to be reminded.

But now it starts right after (and a little before) the 4th of July.

I also have a weakness for these back-to-school sales and buy stuff I don't need.

2.  TOP COLOR--  The yard is right at peak color right now.  I can't look at it enough.  Color here, color there.  Color all over the place.  Like I said, I try to have color all season long.  This is as good as it gets!!

3.  DECISIONS, DECISIONS--  As I wrote in my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog, these next several days will be ones of hard decisions to make between Antioch's Taste of Summer and McHenry's Fiesta Days.  Right now I am thinking Taste of Summer tonight and Fiesta Days Saturday and Sunday and Taste later Sunday afternoon.

But, We'll See.  --RoadDog

Chain Flood 2017-- Part 9: Another Rain Storm and Skeeters

We did get rain Wednesday night and all through Thursday morning to about 7 a.m..  Just what we needed.  More rain on top of all that we already have had and all the flooding.

Fortunately, the rain wasn't as hard and we had maybe 1-2 inches over eight hours.  Water levels went up a little, but has been slowly receding the last two days.

It is sad to see piles of ruined stuff and furniture in front of some lower homes.  Quite a few homes and businesses are sandbagged.

The boat is still floating as of yesterday afternoon.

But, we are already getting another "present" from all the rain and flooding.  Mosquitoes are all over the  place.  As a  result of their activity, we had to cut short our enjoyment of the Neverly Brothers last night at Antioch's Taste of Summer Festival.  Plus, they are becoming extremely annoying when I'm out in the yard.

I tell you, this flooding is the gift that just keeps on giving.

Plus, we have more storms forecast tonight and Saturday.  Sunday calls for sun and "NO Rain."

What was it they said at Woodstock in 1969?

"No Rain, No Rain, No Rain!!!"  Maybe If Ee Segue Into That Santana Song It Will Help.  --RoadDog

Another Good Weekend-- Part 2: The Shadows of Knight at Taste of Summer

JULY 16, SATURDAY

We went to Antioch, Illinois, for their Taste of Summer festival.  Jimmy Sohns and the Shadows of Knight were playing from noon to 2.  It was Jim's first time performing after suffering a bad stroke back in April.  Of course, they are best known for their 1966 song "Gloria" which went to #10 on Billboard.  It was a real trip back.

However, the hot sun and warm temperatures beat us down so bad, we decided not to go to The Grove for the Blues Jam right after it.

Later that evening, we went to Sunnyside.

JULY 17, SUNDAY

After listening to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots, we went to Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake for their great pizza and beer special.  Then, we went to Sunnyside.

Came home and I got to enjoy sitting out in the gazebo.

--RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  Success is when you look back at your life, and the memories make you smile.

Weather Keeps Getting in the Way

As we go through yet another hot and muggy day.  The last several days were the same and led to some pretty bad storms.

Thursday, we had rain for most of our downriver trip.  That caused us to miss a good concert in Antioch's Taste of Summer Festival.  Then, Friday, a storm came up really fast, cancelling a boating trip.

Then, yesterday I finished cutting the grass and we went over to McHenry for their Fiesta Days Summer Festival only to not only get rained on, but also we had Tornado Warnings which closed everything down.  We had also planned to go out to Antioch to see the Shadows of Knight (the ones that sang "Gloria") and Hi-Infidelity, but the warnings and torrential rains washed that out as well.

We ended up at Half-Times and Sunnyside Tavern instead.

I was really up for this weekend, but it got stormed out.

--RoadDog

And This Past Weekend: Boating, Bars, Beer, Bands and Festivals

THURSDAY, JULY 11TH

JABD (Just Another Boating Day)--

Boat Float in Fox Lake, Blueberry Hill and Aquarium on Nippersink Lake. Antioch for It's Thursday concert. Wings at Sequoit Lodge and then Mellancougar (John Mellancamp tribute). Thirsty Turtle on the way home.

FRIDAY, JULY 12TH-- JABD. Blarney Island and Grasslake Landing. Kelly and Kevin's place on Fox Lake. Legion.

SATURDAY, JULY 13TH-- Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT to 1969. Port Edwards in Algonquin, drinks and appetizers by the Fox River.

Rotary Ribfest in Lake In the Hills, Illinois. Great ribs and corn as well as tribute bands Fortunate Sons (CCR) and Heartache Tonight (Eagles). Woodstock Square on the way home.

SUNDAY, JULY 14TH-- Rock and Roll Roots. Gazebo. Chicago-style hot dogs (99 cents) at 59 Roost and the band Soda playing 3 to 7 at Captain's Quarters.

Not a Bad Weekend. --RoadDog

Enjoying the Summer, Finally

Last week, we went over to the Taste of Antioch on both Thursday and Friday. Lots of great food and entertainment all four days.

Thursday, we saw an old favorite, Mr. Myers, who we've been following since their earliest days at back in the 70s playing at Andy's in DeKalb. Their music can best be described as Caribbean/Jimmy Buffett music, complete with bongos, steel drums, and a flute. We met Steve, who owned Captain's Quarters for 20 years before selling it last winter. He said 20 years was enough. Also met Madeline, who used to own Whitetail. She works for a cleaning service now and husband Tony is in security at the Pottowatamie Indian Casino in Milwaukee.

Friday, it was a two piece acoustic band called Bar Stool Soldiers and then a horn band called World Class Noise which played their own material as well as Earth, Wind and Fire type stuff.

Thumb and All. --RoadDog

Oktoberfest- Day II BEARS WIN!!!!

Sunday, the 7th of October, I drove to Antioch, Illinois, where I enjoyed my second straight day of German style partying. In the past, both Fox Lake and Antioch had their Oktoberfest celebrations on the same day. But this year, Fox Lake was on Saturday and Antioch's the following day. So, I got to double my fun.

The Alpiners were there as well, and this time with all five members and playing on the beautiful outdoor stage just to the east of Main Street. Definitely a better show than yesterday's meanderings.

I met Cindy, who is in charge of Antioch's functions along this line. She also organized the "It's Thursday" music and food vendor lineup. I enjoyed several of these this past summer, as well as Taste of Antioch, which went over four days. She does a great job.

Ate my fill of German food from the various offerings.

Came home and watched the Bears defeat the much heralded Brett Favre and the Pack at Margaritaville in the basement. Well, I should say it was the Pack beating themselves more than the Bears beating them. Oh well, the way this season is going, I'll take any win I can get.

Oompah Music and a Bears Win. Now That's a Great Sunday!! --RoadDog

Ronnie Rice's Playlist- Part 2; Even More Songs

It's Best to Start Reading This Back at Ronnie Rice at "It's Thursday"

Playlist continued:

That's Alright
Stuck on You- Elvis
Burning Love- Elvis
Jailhouse Rock- Elvis
Teddy Bear- Elvis--These last four in honor of the anniversary of Elvis' death back in 1977
Ding-A-Ling- we had a good time with this one
Who Put the Bomp
Stagger-Lee
Personality- these last two by Lloyd Price
Tossing and Turning- It's 8:19 PM here, and he started at 7:30. That's a lot of songs
Happy Together
Runaround Sue
Forget Him- maybe this was the name
Meet Me at Midnight Mary
Just Like Romeo and Juliet
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter
I'm Henry the 8th- Well, you just knew he'd have to play this song after the last one. I wonder if anyone knew the words?
Willie and the Hand Jive
Mother-in-Law
Da Doo Ron Ron
Johnny B. Goode
Wild Thing
Game of Love
Mickey Mouse
Leader of the Pack- complete with motorcycle sounds
This is Dedicated to the One I Love
What's New Pussycat?
Simon Says- audience participation
C'Mon and Swim
The Twist Let's Twist Again

Stopped at 8:52. Audience standing O. "Just because of that, you'll have to sing some more."

Gloria
She Was Just 17


Great show. Note to Ronnie, and all other bands. Don't sell your CDs for more than $15, and try to keep it at $10. The more people who buy your songs, the more word will get out. Ronnie wanted $20. No sale here.

I'll Take a Little More of That Sixties Music, Please. --RoadDog

Lots Going On Here in the Chain of Lakes Area

Yesterday, Liz and I went to Taste of Antioch and enjoyed bbq sandwiches (I highly recommend Herm's BBQ by the train station. It isn't really Carolina BBQ, but pulled pork in a sweet sauce-mighty good eating.). Then we listened to a favorite band from DeKalb called Mr. Myers, which does what is called Caribbean Rock, complete with steel drums, lots of other percussion instruments. Obviously, they play a lot of Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley. Mighty fun group. We have followed them since when they began playing at Andy's in Dekalb back in the 1980s.

Today, after yardwork, I did some boating. Tomorrow, the choice is between McHenry's Fiesta Days, Fox Lake's Fireman's Days, or Taste of Antioch. McHenry will have bands playing out in the streets as well as at the gazebo in Veteran's Park. There will also be an Art in the Park and old wooden boat show on the river. Sunday, there will be the annual chicken bbq at the park and the famous, hour-long parade.

Antioch has bands, sidewalk sales, Little Nashville (a country band) and Od Tapo Imi, which bills itself as Jimmy Buffet meets the Blue Man Group. Then, Sunday, it's American English, one of the country's premier Beatles tribute bands. From a distance, you'd swear you were seeing the early Beatles, Sgt. Pepper's Beatles, and later Beatles.

Fireman's Days have the fire hose competition, Las Vegas-style gambling, and a band.

Decisions, Decisions, Where to Go, What to Do. --RoadDog