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

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 11: Drinkin' at the VFW

Back at our favorite drinking spot in Galena, the VFW on Main Street.  They have $2 drafts.  The cheaper we pay for beer,  the better in our book.  Plus, we almost always we find locals to talk with.  My idea of a great bar.  And, you don't see every other person in the bar deeply involved with their "Smart Phone."

Talked with one guy who had brought his own limes into the bar.  We just had to ask why?  He said that even though the bartenders wash their hands when they go to the bathroom, but they handle money and money is covered with germs.  Makes sense, but I don't think I'll be toting limes alon with me.

Sadly, just before we left, I found out that they have craft and import beers for $3.25.  I had a couple, but would have had more at that price had I known of the special.

Cheaper Beer Is Better Beer.  --RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 8: Toasting 49 Years and That Little Bottle of Blue Nun

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

We walked over to the VFW, about a block away and enjoyed their $2 drafts and especially enjoyed talking with the other folks there.  You can almost always strike up a conversation at this "Cheers" kind of a place.  Hopefully, the Gold Room will be better the next time we go there as it is a "Cheers" kind of place also.  Yesterday, we only had one and then done.

Returned to the motel and had our Riesling wine while we toasted 49 years of being wed and Amby and his little bottle of Blue Nun.

We didn't have anyone sitting outside their room last night, but tonight was different.  The people in the rooms next to us were outside and we had a great talk with them.  One couple were farmers from near Galesburg.

Sitting outside your room and talking with fellow travelers is one of our favorite things about staying in a mom and pop motel.

--RoadTalk

Veterans Day 2022

A day to thank our veterans for their service.  It is too bad that so many don't.  

I have or will write about veterans in all blogs today except one.

I was admiring the Ukrainian flag I have flying as I pulled out of the driveway and then remembered, "Hey, Veterans Day."  Pulled back in and put the big  U.S. flag on the garage and the smaller one out by the mailbox.  I already had a U.S. flag flying from the gazebo.

Went to Fox Lake to participate in the Veterans Day ceremony, but was unable to find it.  I sure wish the village and Legion would put out more information on these things.  So, drove over to McHenry and also could not find it at Veterans Park, so then figured that perhaps the ceremony would be at 11:00.  I had time to kill so went to Wendy's for breakfast.

Drove by Veterans Park, but no ceremony.  Same with Miller Park.  Then went to the VFW and caught the very end of it.  Oh well.

Later  tonight, I will be going to the Fox Lake Legion.

Thank You Veterans.  --RoadThankful

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 2: Galena's Gold Room, Paradise and VFW

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24

We then drove back to downtown Galena and began the long look to find a parking space somewhere.  It is a popular tourist spot, so always a lot of cars (especially on the weekends).  Of course, a new problem is that my depth perception has really gotten bad, so parallel parking would not be a good idea.  We saw several good parallel parking spaces of course.  

I dropped Liz of outside one of our favorite watering holes in Galena, the Gold Room and then spent another ten minutes looking for a spot and finally found one at a good distance from the Gold Room.  Walked back and we went inside.  Sadly, the place was dead so just had one beer and left.

We were planning to eat at Dirty Gurt's nearby, but they are closed on Wednesdays.  Continued walking and found a likely place called Paradise Pub & Grub and stopped in.  They had a spaghetti special so I got that and Liz had a pork loin sandwich.

Next stop was at our favorite drinking place in Galena, the VFW which still has their $2 Busch Light pints so thoroughly enjoyed them.

Went back to the Grant Hills Motel and sat outside.  Unfortunately, no one else did. so it was just Liz and me.  Folks need to know that when you have a motel like that, you should sit outside.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:   Why is QUITE A FEW the same as QUITE A LOT?

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

About Last Week-- Part 2: Fish Fry, $1 Pints, and a Wedding Anniversary

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13

Me Kevin, Kelly, Barb and Glen at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for the fish fry, then went to Lake View Place on Grasslake for that inspiring view of the lake and $1 pints sitting out on the deck.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

We went to the McHenry VFW to see Aging Teen Idols with John Piet, but it was too crowded outside so sat inside for awhile before going over to Stucky's for the $1 drafts.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15

We went to Cindy and Jerry's 15th wedding anniversary at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, DOCTOR'S LAW:  If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there, you will feel better.  But, don't make an appointment, and you will stay sick.

Good Times Around Here July 29-30: Trivia, Donovan's, Firebird Cruises, It's Thursday, Band, Fish Fry and Stucky's

As usual, Summer, where else do you want to be besides around here.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

Played trivia during the afternoon at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and enjoyed the half price Happy Hour.

THURSDAY, JULY 29 

I went for a cruise in the '85 Firebird while enjoying Summer Music from Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV on the cassette deck.  Then went to It's Thursday in Antioch, Illinois, where I saw the band Hillbilly Rock Stars who played country music.

FRIDAY, JULY 30

Took another Firebird Cruise and drove over to the VFW in McHenry to try their fish fry and watch the New Odyssey Guy perform his music show, but it was too crowded so ended up at Stucky's in Johnsburg and had their fish fry and a good time talking with friends.  Stucky's is one of our main hangouts.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, VARIATION LAW:  If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time.)

2019 Route 66 Trip Lebanon-- Part 4: Lebanon Route 66 Festival

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Big storm this morning.  Encountered the big group of motorcyclists from Germany on the way out to California on Route 66 in the Munger-Moss lobby.  We had also seen them at the Motel 6 in Springfield, Illinois, Thursday morning.

At 10 a.m., we had a classic car parade go by the Munger-Moss with Ramona Lehman as the grand marshal and looking all spry with the tiara and spray of roses.  We then went to Bosley Park for the dedication of the Camp Joy tourist cabin and there was a ceremony.

Spent time talking with the good folks at the Missouri Route 66 Association's booth and also talked with Smokey of Smokey and the Bandit fame.  Enjoyed the music from the Bucket Band who played oldies.

Afterwards we went to the VFW for a barbecue, then to the American Legion and back to the Munger-Moss Motel.

--RoadDog

2019 Route 66 to Lebanon-- Part 2: Hooker Cut, Elbow Inn and Munger-Moss Motel

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

We took I-55 to I-270 to Missouri and a traditional stop at the welcome center at the border.  Then 270 to I-44 to Sullivan and stop for lunch of those great tacos at Jack-In-the-Box, or Jack's as they're now called.  We really like those tacos.

Then Route 66 to Fanning Outpost, home of the giant rocker west of Cuba and gourmet popcorn.  I-44 around Rolla.  Then a drive by John's Modern Cabins and the Trail of Tears.

Of course, my favorite place on Route 66, Hooker Cut and a stop for a beer at the Elbow Inn and Devil's Elbow, Missouri.

Checked into the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri , and talked with Ramona.  We will sure be missing Bob this year as he died a few months ago.  We found that our usual liquor store was gone as was Senor Pepper's.  But the VFW was still there and we had a great time three.

--RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!! September 24-Sept 30: Friday Is Drink Beer Day!!!

**  I'd Celebrate That.

SEPTEMBER 24, MONDAY--  Cherries Jubilee Day**  I don't think I've ever had any, but sounds good.  Punctuation Day**  : or ;,

SEPTEMBER 25, TUESDAY--  COMIC BOOK DAY**  I sure loved my comics growing up, especially "Sgt. Rock and Easy Company."    I wasn't much into the superheroes though.  ONE HIT WONDER DAY**  They make fun of them, but they sure had one more song hit than I did.  VOTER REGISTRATION DAY**  You should be registered and vote every election.

SEPTEMBER 26, WEDNESDAY--  Pancake Day**  Women's Health & Fitness Day**

SEPTEMBER 27, THURSDAY--  Chocolate Milk Day**   Love my chocolate milk.

SEPTEMBER 28, FRIDAY--  Drink Beer Day****  Hey, they're playing my song.  Strawberry Cream Pie**

SEPTEMBER 29, SATURDAY--  Coffee Day**  As I sit here a-typin' away with my two fingers and drinking my cup of coffee.   VFW Day**  Great organization, and at the McHenry, Illinois, post you can get rich playing Queen of Hearts.  The lady who won last week will get $2.5 million after taxes.

SEPTEMBER 30, SUNDAY--  Chewing Gum Day

RoadDog

REPORTED IN THE PAPER:  A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas, Kwik Shop and demanded all the money in the cash drawer.  Apparently the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself until police showed up and grabbed him.

Vietnam Vets Remember-- Part 1: Operation Union II

Continuing with my honoring the veterans on Memorial Day 2017.

From the May 29, 2017, Indianapolis (Indiana) Star "Vietnam vets remember those from forgotten war" by Ron Wilkins.

"Memories remain, though bitterness has diminished.

"Pete Haley's eyes brighten as he laughs and recalls his youth, his days in the Marine Corps and the lighter moments in South Vietnam, while his friends sitting around the Veterans of Foreign Wars' bar wasted no time busting his chops -- you know, just for the fun of it.

"But the joy drained from the 70-year-old Battle Ground veteran's voice when asked about who he thinks about on Memorial Day.

" ' A lot of my buddies," Haley said as the smile briefly faded from his face.  'May (1967) was a bad month....We had several guys killed on Operation Union II.'"

Gettin' Our Green On This Weekend

It's going to be a busy time for us this weekend, even with this cold we're getting.  An early St. Patrick's if you will.

Today, we are going to the Grant Township Annual Fish Fry at the American Legion in Fox Lake.

Tomorrow is the annual St. Patrick's parade in Lake Villa, afterwards to the VFW for corned beef and cabbage and a country band.  On the way home, we'll stop at the Fox Lake FD for some more partying and more corned beef if still hungry.

Sunday, we go to McHenry for their St. Patrick's parade and then hit some local establishments.

Green for the Weekend.  --RoadIrish