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

It's Winter: Air Pressure, Stucky's, Ice, Bears

Continued from January 17th.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

I was able to put air in all the tires on the Malibu and the warning lights and indicators went off.  I am of the opinion that this continuing cold had something to do with it.

Went to Stucky's in Johnsburg and enjoyed the $1 draft pints.  How do you beat that these days?  Unfortunately, we had a light rain falling and it turned into ice, so had a real fun time walking out to the car and cleaning off the windows.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9

We didn't go to the McHenry Legion as they are closed for a few days because of a COVID outbreak. Listened to the Bears lose the last game to end the season 6-11.  Looks like changes are in store  for them.  So sad to see that Tarik Cohen didn't play at all this year.  I doubt he will ever play again.  Too bad, he was a lot of excitement carrying the ball.

Went to Sunnyside and there were a lot of sick people there.  Most said it was a cold and not you-know-what, but who can tell these days.

--RoadDog

JSIS: The Snake At Sears-- Flip This-- Car Commercials

JSIS:  Just Some Interesting Stuff.

1.  THE SNAKE AT SEARS--  The situation at Sears just keeps getting deeper.  Something is mighty wrong there.  That owner is worthy of a Trump.  Wonder how many billions he's going to walk away with?

2.  FLIP THIS--  Listening to the Drive's A to Z, I am constantly insulted with the commercials to flip those houses and how rich you can get.  Truly another Sears person here as well.  I could tell them what to flip.

3.  CAR COMMERCIALS--  And speaking of commercials, I don't remember ever seeing so many cars with big ribbons on them as I have seen this holiday season.  But the one with Santa and his puppy is a fun one to watch.

--RoadDog

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.

JSS: Busy Day-- Goodbye To the '03 Malibu

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  BUSY DAY--  Today, I will be leaving in just a little bit and going to the Fox Lake American Legion for the Tom Grosvenor Marine Corps / Toys for Tots birthday breakfast.  Afterwards I plan on burning leaves and limbs in the yard.

Then, if the weather holds good, there are two Illinois High School Association playoff football games nearby and I plan to go to one.  After that, the Legion is having a band.

2.  GOODBYE TO THE '03 MALIBU--  We were sad yesterday when friends came over to pay for and take title of our '03 Chevy Malibu.  We bought it new and this was the first car where we ever got over 100,000 miles.  The odometer read 145,265 miles.

It is in really good shape, but we figure it is time to buy a new car as the newest one we have is a '11 Chevy Malibu.  (We also still have a 2005 Dodge Dakota and an '85 Firebird.)

We drove the '03 Malibu from Chicago all the way out to Santa Monica, California, from one end to the other of Route 66.

It was a really good car.

We'll Sure Miss It.  --RoadDog

SAYINGS:  "You learn something new every day."  Actually, you learn something old every day.  Just because you've just learned it, doesn't mean it's new.  Other people already knew it.  Columbus is a good example of this.

About Last Weekend: A Grand Buffet, Legion, 145,000 Miles and the Lincoln Funeral Car

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

A day of the doctors.  Afterwards a grand buffet at the Grand Buffet Chinese restaurant in McHenry.  You sure get some great food (including crab meat and shrimp) at a price just a bit more expensive than a Big Mac meal.

Went to the Legion for 50-50 but didn't win anything.  Enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox when we got home.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

The 2003 Malibu rolled over 145,000 miles on my way to Antioch.  Before this car, we'd never had a car go over 100,000.  We're impressed.

I toured the Abraham Lincoln Funeral Car which was on display in Antioch, Illinois, by the bandshell behind Main Street.  That is an amazing recreation of the train car that carried the body of Abraham Lincoln from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois, in 1865.

I'll write more about this eventually in my Saw the Elephant Civil War blog.

--RoadDog

TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD:  When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do as long as you're down there.   That old "Help I've fallen, and can't get up" isn't so funny anymore.

This Week, Or, How to Survive the Cold-- Part 3: A Band and the Joy of Having Cars

JANUARY 6, SATURDAY

Drove to Menard's in Volo and bought little containers of two-cycle oil for the snowthrower.

Of course, what better way to spend a cold January afternoon than sitting at the Legion and watching the Neil Rose Band play from 3 to 6 pm.  Lots of blues and oldies music.  We sat with Kora, Glenn and Barb and the dancing couple.

Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox.

JANUARY 7, SUNDAY

Lots of cold-related fun today.  The Dodge Dakota has been outside in the cold the last several weeks and will not start because of a dead battery.  I was going to use my starter, but it was blocked in by the '85 Firebird, which also wouldn't start with a dead battery.

Normally, I would just push it back, but a tire is about flat and I couldn't do that.  So I couldn't jump the Firebird to get it started so I could move it and get to the truck.

Then, I couldn't get the snowthrower/blower started.  Some days it just doesn't pay to get up.

I did unplug all the outside Christmas lights and shovel some of the driveway as we finally broke this streak of ten straight days where we didn't get over 20 degrees.

Enjoyed the happy hour at Sunnyside and watchedWildcard games.

--RoadDog

Shouldn't Have Gone to That Car Show: A '67 Firebird for Sale!!

Yesterday, Monday, September 25, I went over to the final Green Street Car Show in downtown McHenry, Illinois, as the featured cars were Pontiacs, which remains my all-time favorite vehicle.  I have had a '67 Tempest, '67 Firebird convertible, '85 Firebird and two Grand Ams.

My all-time favorite car remains the Firebird, but since Firebirds were phased out and later the whole Pontiac line, I was thinking of getting a Corvette for my next middle (older) age crisis car, until they came out with the new Camaros.  Everyone called the 1967 Firebird a middle age crisis car back in 1987 when I bought it.

But, yesterday, I came across a '67 Firebird that was for sale.  It is not in perfect shape, but definitely good enough for me and a whole lot better shape than the '85 Firebird which we (well, I) still have.  It has a 400 engine and the price is right at $10,000.  Though, it had an 8-track player and I would have to do something to get a cassette/CD player and FM radio.

We have four vehicles right now: '85 Firebird, 2003 Malibu, 2005 Dodge Dakota and 2011 Malibu.  I don't need another vehicle so would have to sell one, maybe two.  All of these we've had since brand new.  We paid cash for all of them as well.

But, I am seriously considering it, but trying to come up with reasons not to buy it.

Somebody Help Me.  --RoadDog

Good Times in the Area: Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day-- Part 3: A Tribute to Harold Ramis

MARCH 13, SUNDAY--  Getting used to Daylight Savings Time.  Pizza and pitchers at Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake.  Stop at Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

MARCH 14, MONDAY--  Took the '03 to Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake to get the back lights fixed.  Went to Half-Times for their Monday Happy Hour with 1/2 price appetizers and $1 20 oz. drafts.  Really getting tired of all the political ads as tomorrow is primary day in Illinois.

MARCH 15, TUESDAY--  Took the '11 Malibu to Ray Chevrolet for recall on the seatbelt.  Enjoyed looking at the 2015-1016 Camaros and Malibus.  Probably our next car.    I tried the Taco Bell breakfast offerings, not bad for a buck.

Drove to Woodstock for the Harold Ramis Tribute at the Woodstock Theatre.  First, I saw the movie "London Has Fallen."  I then went to La Placita Taqueria Mexican Restaurant for dinner.  Great burrito.  Even better, this was where the Tip-Top Cafe was in the movie "Groundhog Day" and I sat in the spot where Bill Murray crammed all that food into his mouth.  Harold Ramis was very involved with this movie and directed it as well as co-wrote the screenplay.

I then saw the third of the movies in the tribute to him, "National Lampoon's Animal House."  This is my all-time favorite movie and it was great seeing it on the big screen again.  Until the end, this movie could have been my old fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi.  There sure was a lot of laughing and many, like me, knew the lines essentially by heart.

Laughing All the Way.  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  Why do they put up pictures of criminal in the post office?  What are we supposed to do-- write to these men?  Why don't they put their pictures on postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?

JSS: Senior Moment-- Recall, Oil Change & Rotation-- K.C.'s Cabin-- NIU St. Valentine's Day Massacre-- NIU Memories-- Gas Gouge-- WBRF

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  SENIOR MOMENT--  On the way over to Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake, I turned accidentally into the American Legion parking lot and was wondering why I was in that parking lot.  Then I remembered, I wasn't going there.  What was it that the trooper said back on that old "Please Mr. Custer" song?

2.  RECALL, OIL CHANGE & ROTATION--  We took the '11 Malibu over to Ray Chevrolet for the Chevy Recall, an oil change and tire rotation.

3.  K.C.'S CABIN--  While waiting for the '11 to be finished, we drove the '03 Malibu to K.C.'s Cabin for their buy one, get one breakfasts.  Great deal.  The two of us ate for $12 including coffee and Coke.

4.  NIU ST. VALENTINE'S MASSACRE--  It dawned on us that we were at K.C.'s Cabin on Feb. 14, 2008, when we saw NIU on TV.  Unfortunately, it was because of the murders of five students.

5.  NIU MEMORIES--  On the way home, we were listening to 103.9 FM, the Fox and they played "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin.  That reminded us of NIU's Tune Room at the University Center where that song often played back in 1969-1970.  That reminded us of the Pow-Wow Room next to it where most fraternities would claim a table for the day a good place to meet friends in between (and during) classes.

6.  GAS GOUGE--  Gas in Fox Lake, Illinois, was up to $2.49.  That is a 27 cent increase since Thursday!!
 
7.  WBRF--  I am listening to Classic Country 98.1 FM in Galax, Virginia, right now on the internet.  I always listen to it while driving back and forth to North Carolina.  Some really fine country oldies music.  They are talking about cold with lows near 18 degrees tonight and windchill watches Saturday-Sunday as low as 20-25 below zero.

"What Am I Doing Here?"  --RoadDog

Here's an Idea for Future "Cars" Movies

I know Disney might be a bit put-off by how poorly the second "Cars" movie did (and I thought it was ok, but just not the same as the first one which I really liked). But, I have ideas for new ones. //// The gang should take a road trip on Route 66 and encounter obstacles and interesting characters on the way. That keeps closer to the original soul of the movie. //// Maybe even a trip on the Lincoln Highway to celebrate its 100th anniversary. They could go back in time and help the 1919 Army convoy. //// Just a Thought. --RoadDog

Ten Bizarre Things People Have Put On Their Cars

From the Feb. 6, 2011, Listverse "Ten Bizarre Things Cars Have Been Covered With."

Rememeber, go to site for pictures and more information. I'm just listing them.

10. Nail Polish
9. Postage Stamps (Air Mail, maybe?)
8. Coins

7. Chocolate
6. Sticky Notes (Remember where you parked the car?)
5. Toy Cars
4. Gravy (Just in time for Thanksgiving?)

3. Musical Instruments
2. Cigarettes (Puffing down the road?)
1. Crystals (For those sparkling vehicles?)

Another Great List. --RoadDog

JSS: Boating 30th-- Kim Kearby-- '85 Buffed Out-- Dos Equis Beer

JSS-- Just Some Stuff.

1. BOATING 30TH-- Yesterday, we went out for a boat float for the 30th time of the season. We like to shoot for 40 times a year so are 3/4 the way there. Normally, we like to have 40 times by now, but this has not been a great boating season.

2. KIM KEARBY-- We were saddened to learn that fellow teacher and teachers union leader Kim Kearby died. We will be attending his funeral. He lead the Education Association Round Lake for most of the time it was in existence.

3. '85 BUFFED OUT--- Wednesday, I took the '85 Firebird over to a guy in Johnsburg and had it buffed out. I had forgotten we had metallic flake on it.

4. DOS EQUIS BEER-- Anybody else besides me find the Dos Equis Beer commercials annoying?

Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog

Where Were You July 7, 1973?-- Part 2

I was driving around my (well, soon, our) 1973 Ford Pinto which we had bought for $2200 at a Ford dealer in DeKalb. That was a HUGE amount of money for us.We traded the '63 Ramblin' Wreck in on it.

And, I was either still living in Palatine at Liz's parents' place or perhaps we had gotten the apartment in Des Plaines by then. I'm not too sure on the particulars.

By now, I had given up on getting a teaching job and looking for anywhere my career might take me. I hated the way I was treated at the teaching job interviews (well, the few I could even get). Liz was back home as well and looking for a teaching job while working at General Finance Corporation (a loan company) in Evanston. The Home of "Friendly Bob Adams."

We were getting married August 25th.

Then, There Were Those Great Songs Playing Back Then, All Those 40 Years Ago.

A Real Busy Time.  --RoadDog

Going Back to 1973-- Part 2: Signed A Contract and Got Married

I went in and signed my teaching contract on Friday, August 24th and then  hurried back home to the apartment in Des Plaines (first apartment and place that I "owned."  We had just signed the contract for it in July and moved in August 1st.  Well, I did, Liz still stayed at her parents' house in Palatine.

I should mention that in June, I traded the 1963 Rambler station wagon (that my parents had given me) in for a brand new Ford Pinto that I was quite proud of.  I believe it cost $2200, a whole lot of money for me back then.

I ended up teaching in the Round Lake School District for all 33 years of teaching (31 at the same building).  I guess you'd call that longevity.

The reason I hurried back from signing my teaching contract was that I had the rehearsal dinner that night at Algauers.  That's right, I was getting married the next day.  If there ever was a pivotal two days in my life, August 24-25 would be them.

We got married at the Newman Center in DeKalb (NIU) and had the reception at the Holiday Inn on Lincoln Highway (now Best Western).  The honeymoon was in Galena, but cut short as I had to start teaching on Tuesday.

Pretty Busy Time.  --RoadDog



THE LAST TOO PUNNY:  If you jumped off a bridge in Paris, you'd be in Seine.

Indy Here I Come

Tomorrow, I leave for Indianapolis and something about a little old car race there this Sunday.

Some friends have a motor home in which we'll be staying right across from the track.  This is one huge party and we WON'T be staying right next to the street like last year. 

And, I'll remember to have the car sheet from the local paper this year.  This shows colors of the race cars.  They tell you over the intercom and score boards, who is in first with the car number, but those cars go by so fast, there is now way I can see the number in time.  It gets really hard to tell who the first cars are when they start lapping the others.

Oh yes, did I mention that the Indy 500 had a Carl Fisher/Lincoln Highway connection?

Vroom, Vroom.  --RoadDog

The Local Dealer, the Cozy, Double J and the Curve

APRIL 22ND

We ended up taking the '03 Malibu over to the local Chevrolet.  Not that we wanted to, but because the check engine light came on the day before.  Don't want to have problems on the road going home.

Friendly Chevrolet, on the southwest side of town took it in right away and had to wait for a part, but had us out of there in a little over two hours and a little over $200 lighter.  Something about something with emissions.  Very friendly place and great popcorn, coffee and pop while you wait,   Sure like the looks of the '13 Malibus.

We were way too late for breakfast at Charlie Parker's so went to Cozy Dog for the Cozy Dog special (4 Cozy dogs and a large fries for $9.50).  You can't go to Springfield without eating at Route 66's Cozy Dog.  While we were there a tour bus came in with people from welcome centers around Illinois` who were finishing a five-day excursion around the state to experience some of the sites and places.

Hung around the motel and enjoyed the first bit of springlike weather and then went to Capital City and played NTN with JJ, Rusty and Peaches and then to the Curve Inn for 25 cent wings.  Lastly back to the motel's Southside Pub and watched the Bulls win their playoff game against the Nets.

The Day Got Better.  --RoadDog

Goodbye to the Dodge Dakota

And in more ways than just one. Yahoo had a list of vehicles going adios by their car companies after this year, and the great Dodge Dakota is one of them.

I am seriously considering selling the one I have now as we have four vehicles with just two drivers and three available garage spaces to park them. We bought a 2011 Malibu back in the spring and are keeping the 2003 Malibu. We also have an '85 Firebird which we bought new. Never had a car that long.

The 2005 Dakota is my second one. I bought one back in 1990 and drove it until we traded it in for the current one. It is the right size truck for me as a Mid Size. Sorry to hear Dodge is dropping it.

Other American cars leaving us:

Buick Lucerne
Ford Crown Victoria
Ford Ranger
Cadillac DTS
Cadillac STS
Chevy HHR

First I Lost My Firebirds, Then My Pontiacs. Now, This!! Come on Guys!! --RoadDog

The New Car and the Attack of the Old People

Yesterday, I went to the Fox lake Theatre with the intention of seeing the movie "Water for Elephants."

I took the new 2011 Malibu for my first time since we bought it. (I had driven it for a test-drive, but Liz drove it home) Still raining a little. Why is it every time we buy a new car, it has to get rained on right away? That even happened with our last two new boats. Of course, in boats, it is even less enjoyable.

I was testing out the radio presets. We have three months of free XM radio and I'm going to use it (but hopefully won't feel it necessary to buy it). I got the first group of presets set up, but couldn't figure out how to do the second one. I have the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s preset and am now on the Radio Margaritaville station.

I definitely won't have Howard Stern set on it though. What a waste.


ATTACK OF THE OLD PEOPLE

There were lots of cars already in the theatre parking lot and at least five others that appeared to be driverless as I was looking for a place to park. I saw that they were driven by little old ladies.

The line to enter was out the door and wrapping around the ice cream place. I've never seen that many people. A bus pulled up and more white hairs got off. It was a senior citizen feeding frenzy!!

I found out later "Water for Elephants" was about a guy in a rest home reminiscing about his life in a traveling circus back in the 30s and 40s. This would be a draw for old folks and I imagine that is why they were there.

I figured I'd just see another movie, but when I walked up to the theatre, all five registers had at least ten people in line. No way I'm going to wait in a line like that.

Went Home. --RoadDog

Wait a minute, in less than a month, I'll be sixty. reckon that kind of makes me an old person as well.


STUPID QUESTION: If a man is walking in a forest and no woman is there to hear him, is he still wrong?

It's Official, We're Now a 4 Vehicle Family

This past Monday, we bought a 2011 Chevy Malibu. This now brings us to four vehicles and a boat.

We've been at the three number since I sold the '67 Firebird about seven years ago.

Right now, along with the 2011 Malibu, we have a 2003 Malibu, 2005 Dodge Dakota and a 1985 Firebird. We came close to trading the truck in for the new car, but the dealership, Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake, Illinois, wouldn't give me the deal I wanted.

We've very thankful for the GM Card which saved us considerably. I recommend it.

In these days of $4+ gas, having five things that use gas (along with the '94 John Deere lawn tractor), we'll probably go broke.

At least this new car gets 25 mph around town and 33 mph on the road.

I may still sell the truck later this summer after I use it to tow the boat.

Hope I can Afford to Drive 'Em. RoadDog


STUPID QUESTION: If quizzes are quizzical, then, what are tests?