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

Ending March: No Sliders for Me, Boring Elite 8, Stucky's, Cullom Knoll and Legion

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

I then drove over to White Castle to buy some Sliders, but there must have been 12 cars in line at the drive-thru.  I tried the front door, but it was still locked.  Come on guys, you can open up now.  So, no Sliders for me.

Disappointed, I got back in the car and drove home, stopping along the way at the new Popeye's in McHenry and bought the shrimp box which was quite good (but not Sliders).

We went to Stucky's and enjoyed the $1 pints and watched two very boring games in the Elite 8.  I guess we got spoiled in the NCAA Tournament up to now with all those upsets and close games.  Those Sweet Sixteen ones Thursday and Friday were eight of the best-ever Tournament games.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27

We went to Cullom Knoll in McCullom Lake near McHenry for their $6 pizza special and $6 pitchers.  Then checked out the newly redone inside of the McHenry American Legion before going to Stucky's on the way home for the NASCAR party.  I actually was watching the NASCAR race more than the NCAA Tournament games as they were again blowouts.

Here's hoping that the Final Four will be better than the Elite 8.

--RoadDog

Last of February: Johnny's Cafe, Legion, MCCWRT, Half-Price Books, Sliders, Chili Cookoff, Band and Stucky's

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Went to Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, for their pasta special and then the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26

I can't imagine doing more of the things I like to do around home as I did today.

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting at Panera Bread (about Sherman's March to the Sea and Through the Carolinas).  Then, on to Algonquin for Half-Price Books where I bought eight CDs and then to White Castle for a ten-pack of Sliders.  Ate two on the way home.

In the afternoon, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion for their chili cookoff and they had entertainment in the bar.  Came home and watched some movies on TV.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27

We were going to go to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, but the parking lot was too full.  Ended up at Stucky's and had a great time there.

--RoadDog

Ending January: Warms Up, Donovan's, Round Table, CDs, Sliders, Stucky's & NFL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27

Felt good to get outside after not even venturing out at all the last two days because of highs in the single digits without wind chill figured.

Picked up newspapers and mail from the driveway and mailbox (Like I said, I didn't even go outside the past two days).  Went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and played trivia with Uncle Jeffie.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28

Drove to Crystal Lake and Algonquin (the farthest I've driven since the virus arrived in 2020, about 35 miles).  Met with other board members of the Civil War Round Table I belong to in order to discuss what's happening at Panera..  This virus thing has sure been rough on us.

Then, drove to two of my favorite places and made purchases.  I bought nine CDs at Half-Price Books and a ten-pack of Sliders at White Castle.

Went to Sunnyside.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 29

Went to Ron's 61st birthday at Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois.  Ron and his wife Deb own the place.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30

Went to Stucky's and watched the Kansas City-Cincinnati AFC Championship game and then home to Margaritaville for the Rams-49er game.  Between the Division Playoff games last weekend and the two games today, we sure saw some great football.

I'll be backing the Bengals in the Super Bowl since they have never won it.

--RoadFoot

Civil War, Half-Price Books, Sliders, Stucky's, Radio, Margaritaville, Da Bears, Legion and Concert

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Drove to Panera Bread Co. in Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group,    This month's topic was Lee's First Invasion, 1862.  Nothing like getting together with a bunch of like-minded folks to talk about history, drink some coffee and today I had a Bear Claw.  That was good as I hadn't had one in a long time.

Afterwards, I drove to Algonquin, and even got through the Algonquin Road-Randall Road intersection without having to wait.  That is a first for me.  I drive the extra six miles to Algonquin because they have two of my favorite places, Half-Price Books and White Castle.  Love those cheap books and CDs at the first place, and, of course, a ten-pack of those beloved Sliders.

Cut the grass and later went to Stucky's in Johnsburg for their $1 pints.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

The usual morning stuff of internet and Breakfast with the Beatles and Rock and Roll Roots on the radio and then watched the first part of the Bears game in Margaritaville, our downstairs bar, then the second half at the McHenry American Legion.  Enjoyed one of their Adequate Bloody Marys for $2.50.  

I left in the 4th quarter when it became apparent Da Bears were completely outclassed and going to lose (poor Justin Fields in his first start at qb was sacked NINE times) and went over to the nearby Miller Park on the Fox River where I met friend Pam and saw a set by a local performer who put on quite a show.  This was the final concert of the summer season there and what a perfect day for it.

Afterwards went back to the Legion for awhile and then home.

Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog

Last Week: A Fish Fry, Back to the Legion, Civil War, CDs, Sliders, Stucky's, Band, Another Legion

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

We met Kevin and Kelly at Wilmot Riverside in Wilmot, Wisconsin, for their great fish fry and $2 drafts.  Afterwards, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion for the first time in many months.  We used to be there most every Friday for 50-50 and lots of fun, but certain things in their leadership happened which we did not like and we stopped going.

We used to be there a whole lot for other things, and I am hoping to start going back again.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting where we talked about and looked at Civil War-era newspapers.  Two members brought in the real newspapers from then.

Afterwards, I went to my favorite two stores these days: Half-Price Books and White Castle. Half-Price Books has, of course, used books, but also albums and CDs.  Three of my favorite things.  And, White Castle has those delicious Sliders.

Went to Stucky's at night.  Thanked Craig and his wife for the bottle if Blue Nun.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

Went to McHenry, Illinois, got the $1 bacon cheeseburger special at Burger King and ate them at the band concert in Miller Park.  Went to the McHenry American Legion for the Bloody Marys and found out that buddy Mark was in the hospital.

Satisfied My Slider Attack.  --RoadDog

Somewhat Near Normal Last Saturday: Some of My Favorite Things

As another month hurries by.  And, I mean HURRIES BY!!  Why does time go so fast when you're having fun, and even here in the "V" fun.

People asked me in the past why I don't travel much during the summer.  Why travel when you've got a travel destination right here in the area.  I mean, Illinois' Chain of Lakes (or Chain 'o Lakes) is as much fun as you can have and we haven't had a boat since last year.  But there is always stiff going on with weekly concerts in many local towns, car shows, parades, holidays, bars and bands.

But, this year has been different with so many things canceled.

But, last Saturday, I came as close as you can to a return to the good old days. 

I went on my longest road trip since March 3, a whopping 20.4 miles to Algonquin, Illinois.  Usually by now, we would have been to Missouri on Route 66 at least once and out to the the Mississippi River at least once, but since we can't just have the fun we want because of you-know-what,  might as well just hang around here.

However, this past Saturday I got to do a whole bunch of my favorite things.  First, we had our first meeting of the MCCWRT discussion group outside at Panera Bread with facemasks on, then to my favorite store, Half-Price Books and then to one of my favorite fast-food places called White castle.

Last two stops were to check out plants at Meijer and Home Depot, something else I really enjoy.

That night, closer to home in Johnsburg, Illinois, we had fresh Stade corn on the cob and a band outside of Stucky's.

I Was Smilin'.  --RoadGrin

Just Got Back From the Indy 500-- Part 1: On Arrival

Monday, May 27, I came back from the 103rd Running of the Indy 500.  I went in Sue and Paul's RV, leaving from their place in Round lake, Illinois, on Thursday, May 23.

This will be a shortened version of what we did while there.  I'll write a much more detailed one in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog later this year.

THURSDAY, MAY 23

Stopped at the White Castle in Gurnee, Illinois, for our slider fix and then the Tri-State through Illinois to I-65 in Indiana and to Indianapolis on it.  We have a spot at the American Legion Post 500 in Speedway, right across from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which makes coming and going very handy.

Lots of evidence of rain  the past few days and threat of rain for the whole time we were there.  Quite muddy.

After getting the site arranged and as mudproofed as possible, we had a welcome cocktail then walked over to Speedway's Main Street and did our flight of beer at the Daredevil Brewing Company and all chose Negra for our beer of choice and had another coupla drinks at the Irish bar.

Back to the RV for bbq, cocktails, then the American Legion post for drinks in their bar.

Indy, We Have Arrived.  --RoadDog

Will This Winter Ever Get Over?-- Part 2: Books, CDs, Sliders, Band and Da Hawks

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

After the meeting, I drove over to the nearby Illinois emission testing station and the Malibu passed.  Then drove south to Randall Road, one of the busiest and most congested roads in the Northwest Suburbs. Always hate driving it, but have to to get to my favorite store still remaining, Half-Price Books.

I mean, they have vinyl records, CDs and books, three of my most favorite things.  And, they are all fairly cheap, even better.  Bought a Civil War book and two CDs, one the Beatles "Hard Day's Night" and the other a compilation of Cajun music.

Then, a stop at White Castle for sliders and they now have those great crab cake sliders.

Later, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion and enjoyed listening to Mitch Edwards playing his great selection of songs.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

There was a real hard wind blowing today.  We wanted to watch the Chicago Blackhawks game since they were playing a rare afternoon game at 2 pm.  But, the first three places we went to were too crowded (and most were watching the NASCAR race).  We ended up back at Half-Times for the game, which, unfortunately, we lost.

--RoadDog

COME SAIL AWAY:  In the Bible, who hoped to flee from the presence of the Lord by sailing to Tarshish?

Jonah

A Busy Weekend-- Part 1: President George H.W. Bush, Memories and Movies

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

Wrote about yesterday's funeral for our 41st President, George H.W. Bush, in all of my blogs.

Bob Stroud went to 1971 for his Ten at Ten.  A great year of music for me as I was at UGA for the first half and NIU the second half.  My high school and college years are still my favorite for music  That would be 1965 to 1973.    I always pick a favorite song of the ten, usually ones that bring back a memory.

However, today, I had to pick two.  "Reeling In the Years" by Steely Dan always reminds me of driving the famous "Ramblin' Wreck," my 1963 puke green Rambler station wagon back and forth between Palatine and Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois, during my student teaching.  The other song is Pure Prairie League's "Amy."  However, Bob  pointed out that it was released in 1972 but didn't get popular until 1975, when I really liked it.

Drove to Round Lake Beach and saw two movies at Regal Cinemas:  "Widows" and "Overlord."  I am trying to reach my yearly goal of 52 movies seen in theaters and have a bunch to go and running out of time.  Both great movies.  And, Regal Cinemas has $6 tickets, a free mall bag of popcorn ($2 for a large tub), $2 drinks and best of all, $2 Nathan's hot dogs all day Monday to Thursday..

Ate at Hardee's in RLB.  We don't have many Hardee's here in northern Illinois.  Try their double sliders.  Sorry White Castle.

--RoadDog

POLITICALLY INCORRECT CHRISTMAS SONGS:  "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"    Bullying.

DeKalb and Woodstock This Weekend-- Part 1: Huskie B-Ball

Liz and I took a mini one-night vacation this past weekend and drove the 60 miles out to DeKalb, Illinois.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

We stopped for our Slider fix at the DeKalb White Castle, got our motel room and then over to the Convocation Center on Lincoln Highway for NIU's Spring Homecoming.  Both the women's and men's basketball teams played in the afternoon.

The women were honoring their 60th year of existence and also are having their best season ever right now.  They had a close game, but won.

The men were paying tribute to one of their greatest coaches, John McDougal, who died in October.  They also won and are having a rare winning season.

Huskie Basketball.  --RoadHuskie

A Trip Back to the Northwest Suburbs

Monday, August 11th, I braved all the traffic, stoplights and photo-enforced lights and drove US-12 to Memory Gardens in Arlington Heights' Illinois, and cleaned off the grass from the edges of Liz's parents' marker and put up flowers in the vase.

I then went to China Buffet near where Liz's mom Frances lived after moving from her home in Palatine, Illinois.  We used to have a China Buffet in Fox Lake, but it closed and I was wondering if this was the same one.  They had the best walnut shrimp in the world.  It wasn't, but I had a great meal anyway.

Next, I went to my favorite store anywhere around, Half Price Books, which also had records and CDs.  Like the name says, everything is cheap and all the stiff that I like.  Cost me $40 to get out of there, but got some good stuff.

Then, I stopped at White Castle on Dundee Road and bought ten sliders to take home.

It seems that every other stoplight in Lake Zurich on US-12, is waiting to take that $100 out of your pocket.  They should change their welcome sign to "Welcome to Lake Zurich, the Village With a Photo-Enforced Heart!"

Stopped at Thompson's Nursery in Volo and then went out for some boating on Fox Lake.

Not a Bad Monday.  --RoadDog

Went to DeKalb for Da Game-- Part 4: The Day After

Like the song said, there has to be a morning after, and there was. After the continental buffet, I drove over to Lowe's in DeKalb (notice the capital "K") on Il-23 and found that they have a real nice collection of Christmas items and spent a bunch of money there and then over to Wal-Mart and did the same.

After Liz got up, we drove over to White Castle for our usual meal #1 (4 Sliders, fries and drink for $4.99, less 10% for senior discount which covers the DeKalb 10% food tax). Then to Big Lots for some treasure hunting (you never know what you'll find in there) and a crazy dancing Frosty the Snowman.

Then, Il-23 to Il-176 to Union where we toured the McHenry County Historical Society (we especially liked the Christmas store selling all those great toys from our childhood) and stopped at Classen's, a tavern dating to 1900. Union is quite a historical town which also has the Illinois Railroad Museum and Donley's Antiques and Western Museum.

Then, it was the Red Mill Inn in Woodstock and Twisted Moose in McHenry before going home. Every place was packed. Guess a lot of folks are off for Christmas.

Too Bad We Lost. --RoadDog

Football, Parades and Boating Over Last Five Days

FRIDAY, OCT. 11TH:   Boating. Richmond-Burton High School victory over Burlington Central.

SATURDAY OCT. 12TH: Drive to Dekalb for NIU's 108th Homecoming. Alumni Tent Area. Met author of new "Huskie Football" book and new NIU President Doug Baker. Seats on the 45 yardline. NIU wins. Dekalb Footstompers at Lord Stanley's.

SUNDAY, OCT. 13TH: NIU souveniers and CDs at Wal-Mart and Barnes & Nobles. Breakfast of Champions at White Castle. Marengo Settler's Day Parade. Bar-Hopping at Coleman's and Red Mill in Woodstock.

MONDAY, OCT. 14TH: Halloween decorations. Boating. Kevin and Kelly. American Legion and NTN and pizza at J's.

TUESDAY, OCT. 14TH: Movie "Gravity." Shopping in McHenry.

Great Time. --RoadDog

NC Spring 2013 Trip: April 2nd-- Home

APRIL 2ND

Got back on I-70 and drove to Indianapolis, stopping along the way for some $3.60 gas in Ohio.  Had the thought of having the Breakfast of Champions, Sliders, but first place in Indiana was three miles off the road (after I got off) so went to a second.  Got that $5 deal: 4 Sliders, fries and drink.

Tummy full, back on interstate to Indianapolis and through town to bypass on west side then to I-74.

Stopped in Mahomet for $3.56 gas, then watched gas prices start rising the closer I got to Chicago on Il-47.

Then, at 4 PM, home.  Drove 411 miles today.

Good to be Home.  --RoadDog

All Those Calories Pay Off

Big Congrats to Michael Phelps on the record-setting 8th swimming gold medal.

Back on August 14th, I wrote about his 12,000 calories a day intake.

Michael Esposito, in the August 24th Chicago Tribune, went to fast food company webs sites and did some math to figure out what 10,000 calories is equal to.

Here are his findings:

10,000 calories is equal to:

74 White Castle burgers
41 Vienna beef corn dogs
23 Wendy's quarter pound singles
47 Taco Bell tacos supreme
77 KFC Original Recipe drumsticks
45 Eli's plain cheesecake slices
15 Burger King Whoppers
1,667 8-inch sticks of celery

Wonder why you get so much celery.

Thanks, Michael. --RoadDog