Interesting Winter So Far and Adios Toby!!

January started off fine, then we had several 5 inch snowfalls and then a big 13-incher.  Unfortunately, I had problems getting the old snowblower (it's about 22 years old) started until the 13-incher, then it really had a hard time coping with all of it.  I did get some of the driveway finished before a really nice neighbor came over and finished it.  Of course, there was also those three days below zero the entire day.

Now, February has been a beaut so far.  Finally, all that snow has melted and the last several days its been 40s and even 50s today.  I was able to open up the house and get some fresh air in it.  Plus, I even had peanuts in the shell our OD (On Deck).  Not too many things finer that peanuts in the shell.

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So sorry to lose one of my all-time favorite country music stars, Toby Keith.  I have most of his CDs and even one on my Ultimate Jukebox.  Who cannot help but sing along with him on "I Love This Bar" and "Red Solo Cup."  And, of course that "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" pretty well sums up my feeling about 9/11.

I didn't find out about his death until Tuesday afternoon at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.  Someone put on a bunch of his songs and we gave him a rousing sendoff.

Sorry 'Bout That Dixie Chicks or Dixies or Whatever You're Calling Yourselves Now.  --RoadDog

Legions, Historical Society, NFL Playoffs, Bloody Marys and Beer

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois.  There are new owners there.  But still good food at reasonable prices.  Then went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.  We also have pull tabs for drink prices: 50 cents, half price and full price.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society meeting at the museum on Washington Street in Ingleside.  Met Frank and Lian there.  Today's topic was show and tell and a lot of the talk was about the old Pupper Bar/ Eagle Point Park, where I worked several yerars as house deejay until it closed.  That was one really fun place.  Imagine getting paid to have a good time.

Later, in the afternoon, I went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg to watch NFL playoff games and had a nice talk with Wayne and Angie who are now at the McHenry Moose Laodge, but for many years at Stucky's.  Wayne sponsored me joining the Moose Lodge there.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

I went to the Polish Legion of American Vets in McHenry for the $2.75 Bloody Marys and had a good time talking with folks.  Then to the McHenry American Legion which was packed.  Watched NFL playoff games at both places, then went to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove and enjoyed half-price BLT pizza (this time with no sugar) and $1 Hamm's pints.  Had a nice talk with Dan and Chuck who live in Spring Grove as well.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?

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 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?

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?

Thor, Corniciones, NTN and Stormy Monday

THURSDAY, JULY 21

I went to the Fox Lake Theatre and saw "Thor:  Love and Thunder."  I never figured I'd like the Marvel Comics movies, but I sure do.

Liz and I went to Corniciones in Antioch, Illinois, to play NTN and have dinner.  We haven't played NTN much since the virus hit and had a hard time remembering our sign ins.  Not likely we'll be back with their $4 draft pints.

We had planned on going to It's Thursday to see the concert, but it was too crowded.  Then thought to stop at Anastasia's, but it too was crowded.  

Ended up driving to Stormy Monday on Fox Lake to see what was happening there.  It wasn't crowded so stayed for one that ended up a whole lot more when we got in a talk with the owner.  This place used to be our main hangout back when it was Costello's in the 80s and 90s.  Always a great view of Fox Lake and especially those sunsets.

Way Too Much for a Beer.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  100 years ago, everyone had a horse, only the rich had a car.  Today, everyone has a car and only the rich have horses.

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

'Waiting for the Sun' & Aging Teen Idols

SUNDAY, JULY 17

Bob Stroud had a special treat on his Rock and Roots show today on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  Today was the 52nd anniversary of the release of the Doors album "Waiting for the Sun" and he played it in its entirety throughout his show and gave lots of interesting information about it in the process.

It has my all-time favorite Doors song "Hello, I Love You" which always reminds me of going out to Honey Hill Beach in Wauconda with my co-workers at the Palatine Burger King on Northwest Highway.  (Burger King was where Photo's is located now.)

In the afternoon, Liz and I drove over to Chopper's on Illinois Highway 173 in Antioch and sat out on their deck overlooking a channel to the Chain of Lakes and enjoyed our friend's band, Aging Teen Angels, playing all sorts of oldies and Beatles songs.  Also enjoyed the $2 draft and 65 cent wings.

Aging Teen Idols.  Isn't that a great name for an oldies band that also plays their own originals?

We were surprised when buddy Coz and girlfriend Eileen came by so enjoyed talking with them on an absolute prefect day to be outside.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Every time you clean, you make something else dirty.

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

One Last Hurrah at Stucky's-- Part 2: A Good Send Off Party

We  sure enjoyed the owners, Deb and Ron, and had many great talks with them.  Their daughter Crystal often worked there as well and is a real good friend with Kelly, another one of our favorites, who was once the commander of the Fox Lake American Legion.  Also, bartenders/waitresses Teesha and Carrie.

We also enjoyed good times with a whole bunch of regulars like Joe and Randy and others.

Stucky's, which was located in the Johnsbrg shopping center by Angelo's grocery store (the former Val's, now located in Fox Lake).

The place was packed and, of course, they were out of most everything as they were getting rid of stock and not buying much of anything.  Lots of trips had to be made over to next door Angelo's when they would run out of items.  

We drank the $2 cans of Busch Light (all their cans were as cold as you can get without freezing).  Michelle was there doing karaoke (which she had been doing on Saturdays).  

About half the people were from Sunnyside as it was a favorite of Sunnysiders.  We even would have to do the Sunnyside Shuffle at times there.  (Where you moved from tables to the bar.)  Mark Hume and the Sunnyside owner Amy and her boyfriend Denny (they now co-own Cullon Knoll in Cullon Lake near McHenry) were there as well.

Crystal bought a round and said a tearful goodbye and thank you.  Bartender/waitress Carrie will be working Tuesday nights at Cullom Knoll.

We Sure Are Going to Miss Stucky's.  --RoadDog

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

Indy Here We Come: Indy 500, Speedway Main Street, Bars, Bands and Lots of Walking

FRIDAY, MAY 27

It was off to my 10th straight trip to the Indy 500 Race in Indianapolis (well, Speedway, Indiana).  Met Sue, Paul and Michelle in Ingleside and they drove their RV there.  

After setting up at the American Legion right across from the track, we walked over to Main Street of Speedway where they were having a street festival.  They went over to Daredevil Brewing and I had a coupla beers at Barbecue and Bourbon.

Back to the RV and our own little barbecue and then  had a great time with the band in the Legion.

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SATURDAY, MAY 28

A warmer and nicer day than yesterday.  No rain.  We went over to the Speedway for Legends Day where, for $10 entrance you get to walk the track, Gasoline Alley and go to the exhibitors.  And, of course, spend money on souvenirs.  I only bought a 2022 race license plate.

Back to the RV and listened as they practiced for tomorrow's show before the race.  Twice we had military jets fly over us.

Later, we went to the Legion and listened to the band before returning to the RV and sitting outside.

--RoadIndy

Music Deaths: Dallas Frazier, Country (Wrote 'Elvira' and 'Alley Oop')

DALLAS FRAZIER, 82

Died 14 January 2022

From Oklahoma.  Had eight country songs that rose  to  between #28 and #63 between 1967 and 1972.  But really hit it big writing "Alley Oop" for the Hollywood Argyles (#1-1957), "There Goes My Everything" for Jack Green, "All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)" for Charley Pride and especially, "Elvira" for the Oak Ridge Boys.

I remember my sister Julie and brother Bob having a great time playing and singing along with his last country hit "North Carolina" on the jukebox at Silver Dollar Saloon at Carolina Beach, North Carolina, in 1976.  We sure had a great time with that song.

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

Even in Winter: From Cold to Warm, Woodstock Willie, Sunnyside, Stucky's, Karaoke, the the McHenry Legion

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Well, it's winter here in the Midwest, so no surprise of about an inch of new snow on the ground this morning, high of 12 degrees and the wind just blew that cold through you.  Come on Woodstock Willie (our local groundhog prognosticator) who said it was going to be an early spring back on Feb. 2.

We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Still cold, but at least the wind died down.  

Went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, ate dinner and did some karaoke.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Hey, temp in the upper 40s!!  Has spring arrived?  We were going to go to Cullom Knoll by McHenry, but it was way too crowded.  Went to the McHenry American Legion and watched the Daytona 500.  Enjoyed talking with folks as this is a "Cheers" kind of place.  Unfortunately they will be closing for a week or so while they do a whole lot of renovating.  One thing they'll do is make the  bar bigger as it only seats ten right now.

--RoadDog

Last Weekend: Donovan's Reef, Lakeview Place and 'Cuda's

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4

It started snowing in the afternoon, but just maybe two inches, but enough to make me a bit nervous driving later.  

Met Kevin and Kelly at Lakeview Place on Grasslake for their $1 pints.  At times you couldn't even see the lake because of the snow coming down.

Then we went to 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road and enjoyed their beer battered fish fry (AUCE for $10.99) including some of the best fries around.

Love Those Fish Fries.  --RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.

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

Last Weekend: A Fish Fry and Lots and Lots of NFL Foorball

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21

Met Kevin and Kelly at Kelly's in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

Went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois, and watched the Packers lose to the 49ers.  This was not expected and Liz and I had all our Packer gear on.  Maybe dear old Aaron can be a happy man again.

Of course, I kind of like the 49ers as their qb Tony Garrafalo is from the Chicago suburbs and played for EIU, one of their defense starters is Jimmy Ward from NIU and their field goal kicker is Robbie Gould who was a long-time Chicago Bear.  Why they fired him is beyond me.  But the year after they traded him, the 49ers beat Da Bears 15-0 and every point came off a Robbie Gould field goal.  I usually don't like the Bears to lose, but this was a good one.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23

We had 3 inches of snow and our neighbors were nice enough to come over a clear it off.  Nice neighbors in this day and age.  We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg to watch the KC-Buffalo Divisional Playoff game and this was one of the best ever with the Chiefs winning at the very end.  All four playoff games this weekend were the best ever.  Every game decided at the end.

--RoadDog

Around Here: Donovan's for Trivia, Riverside for $2 Cheeseburgers, $1 Drafts at Lake View Place and a Fish Fry at Cuda's

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13

Met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and played trivia.  Then went to Wilmot Riverside on Wilmot, Wisconsin, for their $2 Thursday cheeseburger special.  Lots of cheap drinking in Wisconsin, you know.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14

Met Kevin and Kelly again, this time at Lake View Place on Grasslake and enjoyed the Friday special with $1 pint drafts.  Met a former student.

We then went to 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for their most excellent fish fry.

--RoadFish