The Real St. Patrick's Day-- Part 1: Some Music To Get You in the Mood

THURSDAY MARCH 17

 A far cry from St. Patrick's Day 2020 when you-know-what hit.  And, a nice day as well.  I even got to sit out OD  (On Deck).

Bob Stroud did his Ten at Ten on St. Patrick's Day.  Lots of green songs as well as Irish bands, etc.

GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

WILD NIGHT--  Van Morrison

GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the MGs

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN--  Thin Lizzy

GREEN EYED LADY--  Sugarloaf

GREEN EARINGS--  Steely Dan

GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH--  Paul McCartney

SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY--  U2

GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers

LET'S STAY TOGETHER--  Al Green

Irish?  --RoadGreen

Every Bloomin' THing: Early April 2021

Just like almost overnight, the green wave has hit the grass.  Boom, green.  Working in the flower beds, I have seen several small dandelions, of course.  I have been working on clearing out other people's leaves from my flowerbeds and I have a great supply of their extras.

I had the lawn tractor/mower picked up in the middle of March and it is not back yet.  I am hoping I get it back before that grass starts growing.

The jonquils, or do you call them daffodils are blooming and are the hyacinths.

Trees are budding out.  I noticed that our subdivision has a whole lot of redbud trees.  I planted one a couple years ago and am hoping it makes a go of it.  Two others that I've had in the past didn't make it.  I just don't have any luck with  them.

Rained off and on all day, but the last three days before that had temps in the upper 70s and plenty of sunshine so I got to have some breakfasts and coffee out on the front porch (FP) and a couple lunches on the deck (OD).  Eating outside means you know what is nearly here.

--RoadBud

QUESTIONABLE HEADLINES:  "Enraged Cow Injured Farmer With Ax"

The Case of the Flying Deck Umbrella

Well, we sure had the wind last week.

Tuesday, when I got up, I was looking out the windows to see if there was anything amiss because of all that wind.

Looking out the front window at the driveway I saw what appeared to be a pile of trash.  Today is garbage pickup day and most people in the neighborhood put their receptacles out at night which means they were out in all that wind and at times that wind was intense to say the least.

When I took our garbage out to the street I got a closer look at the "garbage."  Turns out it was our umbrella from the deck in the back of the house.  The umbrella had not been open either.

That must have been one strong gust of wind to pick it up and take it over the house like that.

Wind Under My Umbrella.  --RoadDog

QUESTIONABLE HEADLINES:  Prostitutes Appeal to the Pope.

Every Blooming THing, Mid June

My daisies are all in bloom right now as are my wild tall phlox.  I have several hundred of both so the yard is a mass of white and purple.  The dianthus are blooming nicely in all sorts of colors.  They're nice because you get several years out of them.  My wild daisies are also blooming.

I also have several other perennial blooming, but don't know their names.  One is yellow, and two are a pinkish color.

Weeds are growing fast, of course, and that is a never ending job.  Plus,I have been doing a lot of trimming on my creeping phlox plants (where I also have about a hundred.  All these plants except the dianthus come back year after year and are very easy to transplant.

I've been cutting the yard about every 4-5 days and I usually do that once a week.  It is growing fast.

Two big jobs I have this summer are cutting down three dead trees and power washing and staining the deck and gazebo.  I talked with a friend of a friend last weekend and he will cut down the trees and stack the wood.

Always Something to Do In the Yard.  --RoadDog

THEM FUNNY COUNTRY SONGS:  "You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly"

JSS: John Deere Green Tractor in Driveway-- First Chipmunk-- First Day OD-- Goodbye "Hawaii Five-O"

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  JOHN DEERE GREEN IN DRIVEWAY--  Today, I got a sure sign of spring in that my 1994 lawn tractor was delivered by Buck Brothers in Wauconda.  All washed up, tuned up and ready to go.

2.  FIRST CHIPMUNK--  Yesterday, I saw my first chipmunk scampering across the deck.  Since they hibernate in the winter, does this mean spring?  However, they are going to be greatly disappointed as I am about out of safflower seed (their favorite) and don't intend to restock till all this stuff is over.  Sorry Chippers!

3.  FIRST DAY OD--  And, we had a mighty fine day today with sun and temps in the mid 60s.  So, I went out an sat OD (On Deck), read the Chicago Tribune, ate peanuts and had a coupla beers.  Now, that is a way to enjoy yourself anytime, but especially in these days.

4.  GOODBYE "HAWAII FIVE-O"--  Tonight is the series finale of one of my favorite shows.    Loved the cast, but not so much Dan-O's current haircut.  And that beautiful scenery.  Have some shrimp for me guys.

All this reminds you that there is another world.

Now, Once We get Rid of the "V" Ain't Things Gonna Be Better!  --RoadSpring

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":  "For me to stop touching my face, I'm gonna need one of those dog cones."

Every Blooming THing-- Spring: Trees and Flowers

Hard to believe we are already just about 1/3 of the way through another year, but way into the first month of my yard's color.  I always try to have color from April to October.

The daffodils are starting to wane a bit, but hyacinths still blooming as are the grape hyacinths and several other bulb plants that I don't know their names.  The spreading phlox are blooming as are the yellow plant that always blooms at the same time.  So I have a nice blast of purple and yellow all around the yard.

Several trees already have their leaves.  The Bradford pear trees are staying in white bloom much longer than usual, but starting to lose their petals.  Earlier this morning I sat out OD (On Deck) in the back of the house,  had a cup of coffee and admired the Bradford pears, but those petals are a-fallin' and almost like snow.  I had to keep covering the coffee to prevent petals from taking a bath.  Several did kamikazes.

Also sat out FP (Front Porch) and admired the white crabapple's blooms and the weeping cherry's pink blooms.

I've been doing a lot of yardwork, clearing out flower beds and lots and lots of transplanting, especially of mums.

Love That Front Porch (FP) and On deck (OD).  --RoadDog

SOME INTERESTING & IRONIC PREDICTIONS:  "There is not the slightest indication that nuclear energy will ever be obtainable!  It would mean the Atom would have to be shattered at will, nonsense, utter nonsense."  Albert Einstein 1932.

Almost No Posts Yesterday, and, There Was a Reason

And there was a reason why I only got the one for my War of 1812 blog posted.  The reason was that it was much too nice of a day to waste sitting inside the house.  And, as we approach the end of October, great days will be getting fewer and fewer.  You-know-what is around the corner.

I spent time out on the front porch, deck and gazebo.  We also took the boat out for one of the last times and cruised around Fox Lake, Nippersink Lake and Pistakee Lake.  We got thirsty and boated into the McDonald's and had something to eat, drink and an ice cream cone.

Sure glad to see McDonald's is bringing back that tasty and hot McChicken Jalapeno sandwich.

--RoadDog

JSS: Blackhawks-- No Movies Today-- Enjoying the Warm

JSS--  Just Some Stuff


1.  BLACKHAWKS--  Watched the first Blackhawk Stanley Cup playoff game with the Minnesota Wild last night at Antonio's with a bunch of friends and rabid Hawk fans.  At the end of regulation it was tied 1-1 and the Hawks were flat. 

I could have told you this would happen when they rested all of their starters in Sunday's last regular season game and, of course, lost.  The idea is to go into the playoffs hot, regardless of risking injury to your players, regardless of whether the game is meaningless or not.

Watched the overtime at home in Margaritaville and enjoyed music from my Ultimate Jukebox.


2.  NO MOVIES TODAY--  Normally, Wednesday is movie day as the Fox lake Theatre has $4.50 Senior matinee prices.  Often, I see two movies.  But not today.  I plan on enjoying another 80 degree and sunny day, especially with a big temp drop on its way here tomorrow.


3.  ENJOYING THE WARM--  Today, I sat out on the front porch and enjoyed a cup of coffee and the view of the yard and flowers.  This was the first time of the year for that.  First of many, I hope.

I've also been enjoying the back deck (OD- On Deck).  As well as doing yardwork and have the sore muscles to show for it.  For some reason, I am always sore after working in the yard this time of the year.

Just Some Stiff.  --RoadDog

JSS: Cousin Joe-- Clean Up-- The "Dragon Plant"

JSS--  Just Some Stuff


1.  COUSIN JOE--  Arrived at midnight last night on his way to South Dakota to interview for a job and will be staying here today.  Good to have him come for a visit.  The last time he made it "up here" was back in 1973, when he hitchhiked from North Carolina and was the only one from my side of the family, other than immediate family, to make it.


2.  CLEAN UP--  Joe's coming got me to cleaning up areas that I otherwise let go, including the sunroom which very badly needed it.  Another factor driving a sunroom cleanup was that it is becoming necessary  to move the plants inside that summer it outside on the deck.  We had a freeze forecast last night, but I don't think we got it.


3.  THE "DRAGON PLANT"--  The really pressing reason for the sunroom cleanup.  None of the ones I brought in yesterday would survive a freeze or frost, especially the 30 year-old "Dragon Plant" as Liz calls it.  It has pointy leaves that stick her every time she walks by it.

It is huge and I have to use a cart to move it.  It has outgrown the sunroom, but I can't just let it die.  I sure wish I could find someone to take it.

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog


WHICH CAME FIRST?  Adhesive Postage Stamp, Ballpoint Pen, Carbon Paper, Adhesive Tape

An Unseasonably Warm Friday

OK, what do you do on a Friday so warm and fair? Yesterday was a day to savor. We're still waiting for our usual lousy weather to catch up with us. Bob Stroud went back to 1968 for his Ten at Ten show on the Drive, 97.1 FM in Chicago. Sat out on the deck (OD) enjoying the sun and warmth while he played: HOOKED ON A FEELING-- BJ Thomas RIDE MY SEE-SAW-- Moody Blues ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER-- Jimi Hendrix STREET FIGHTIN' MAN-- Rolling Stones WONDERFUL WORLD-- Louis Armstrong WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS-- Joe Cocker DANCE TO THE MUSIC-- Sly and the Family Stone FIVE TO ONE-- Doors MONY MONY-- Tommy James & the Shondells THE CONTINUING STORY OF BUNGALOW BILL-- Beatles Then, Frank and Canadian Al came by and we went up to Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their great fish fry (made even better with Frank's 60th birthday coupon). We drove up there along the original alignment of US-12 from Richmond, Illinois and Genoa City, Wi. in Frank's convertible. Later, went out to El Puerto Mexican Restaurant and Bar on Nippersink Lake and watched a beautiful sunset with the Usual Suspects. Everyone has spring fever and were out in force. Was it ever crowded. Then, there were some really fine NCAA games at Margaritaville in my basement. A Good Day. --RoadDog

Outside Christmas Decorations are Down

Finally stopped raining yesterday and after the garland and wreaths dried out, I was able to get all the outside decorations and lights down.

Sometimes I have to wait until February and one year even to early March until we had a day with decent enough weather to do this. That, and sometimes I couldn't do it on decent days because of other commitments.

I have everything in carefully labeled boxes to avoid confusion the following season. One box is for garland on the deck, gazebo, and the front of the house. Another box is for lights on the deck and gazebo. Another is for lights on the front of the house.

One Less Thing to Worry About. --RoadDog

Dumb Baby Robins

This has definitely been the year to have problems with robins. First, I had the mama robin who built her nest on a deck floodlight. I couldn't even go near that part of the deck without a big fuss. Then, there was another mama robin out by the southeast corner flowerbed. Then, another robin tried to build a nest on another deck light, right by the main sliding door we use to come in and go out. I was OD (on deck) enough that she gave up the idea.

Now, I am having problems with young robins while working in the yard. These are ones right out of the nest who don't quite have their wings yet and can't just fly away. They normally manage to slam into something, occasionally me. Their sudden movement also startles me a bit. Then, of course, mama and papa robin start their squawking.

Three times in the last week, I've had these young robins fly into the garage, panic, and then flutter around and making noise. Even with the garage doors wide open, they don't seem to grasp a possible escape route. Today, I had to get an old tee shirt and actually grab it, which got quite noisy. I took it outside, released it, and the dumb thing flew right back into the garage. I had to catch it again, and this time it stayed out, but I did have the parents swoop down on me.

Nothing Like a Dumb Robin to Make Your Day. --RoadDog

Boating, SCV,Captain's Quarters, The Only Sons, Free Tickets to Country Thunder

FRIDAY, I boated over to McDonald's for breakfast, did a float, visited Frances, my mother-in-law, and met up with Kora, Ed, Laura, and Gail at the Legion. I did some yard work in between. Yard work just never stops. I am of the opinion that I planted too much.

SATURDAY I went to Des Plaines for a Sons of Confederate Veterans meeting. Always have a good chat with like-minded people over breakfast. I was shocked to see my breakfast, that cost $6.80 with coffee had a 66 cents tax on it. That is 9.5%!!!!

Did some yardwork at home. Then Liz and I went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wi, and played NTN. Out of 3000 or more places playing across the US and Canada, we had three top twenties, not bad for just two people playing against about 9000 other people. They show the top twenty scores, both by site and individual. Liz had a 14,567 out of 15,000 on one game, not bad. We ranked #4 and she was #3 on that one.

Came home and had a bonfire out on the Grand Strand. The Grand Strand is the lower patio between the gazebo and the deck.

SUNDAY, I listened to some of the radio shows OD, On Deck, and worked on my retaining wall by the gazebo, part of which had fallen down.

We went to Captain's Quarters and saw The Only Sons and were lucky enough to get seats at the bar. Usually, you can't even get near it. All the bands that we've seen at Captain's (which is located on Fox Lake) are good, but The Only Sons are our favorite. As usual, they put on a great show and had the people up and dancing most of the time.

We won four free tickets from Chicago's US 99 FM radio to see Country Thunder in Twin Lakes this coming Thursday. Trick Pony, Keith Anderson, Carrie Underwood, and Dierks Bentley are playing on the main stage. Now, that causes two problems. One is that I was already planning to see Mr. Myers do their Caribbean/reggae music Thursday at Taste of Antioch. Also, Dierks doesn't start until 10:30 PM, a bit past the old guy's bedtime. I'll have to think about it. Hey, we didn't go to Waukegan's Scoop the Genesee car celebration this past weekend because the bands started at 10 PM. Friday they had Chicago's own Cryan' Shames and Saturday it was Flo and Eddie from the Turtles. It used to be called Scoop the Loop, but the name was changed this year.

Decisions, Decisions!! --RoadDog

A Perfect Day

In one of my favorite movies, "Groundhog Day", Bill Murray, when he became aware that he was stuck on February 2nd in cold Punxsutawny, Pa (actually Woodstock, Il), lamented that if he had to be stuck on a day, why couldn't it be that time he met the beautiful girl on a Caribbean island and had drinks and partied all day and night.

Well, boys and girls, I have to say that I had a day that would have to be classified as perfect. Now, I have many ways to have a great day, but this was definitely one.

I woke up at 6:30 AM and put on a pot of coffee while enjoying the deck (which I refer to as "OD", On Deck). The sky was a deep blue and the temp was in the 70s. I listened to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show on the Drive, 96.9 FM, something I like to do every Sunday from 7 to 10 AM. Today he featured a Roots Salute to Paul McCartney who is turning 65 tomorrow-- 65--EGADS!!! Are we really getting that old? Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys is also turning 65 this week. Like Garth Brooks ably said in his song, "Much Too Young to Be This Damn Old." He played 24 Beatles songs on which Sir Paul was the only composer.

I drank coffee, wrote in the journal, and listened to the birds.

I then watered the backyard as we haven't had much rain in the last week and a half. I have been doing a lot of planting and have to keep those little darlings living. I then planted 12 snapdragons, 12 red salvia, 2 gladidoras, a Russian sage, about 20 mum transplants, one other plant I don't know as well as a groundcover that I don't know.

I didn't get enough sleep last night, so I took a short "Bob" nap out in the gazebo, where I enjoyed the breeze and the shade.

I then went over to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and enjoyed talking with friends while listening to an excellent band, the Rhythm Kings.

Came home and am on this right now before I put in a Tombstone frozen pizza into the pizza oven (once you make one in a pizza oven like they have at bars, you'll never want another oven one-they're perfect) and then I plan on going out to "The Grand Strand" and burning some wood as it gets dark. I'll listen to my new "Big Dog Daddy" album by Toby Keith. This is a good one!!!

Sitting OD, drinking coffee, listening to music, working in the yard, enjoying the gazebo, a band at a favorite watering hole, these blogs (which I do enjoy), pizza. and a fire on the Strand. Now, that's a GOOD DAY.

Coca, Chrissy, Rusty, Frank, and ALL THOSE DOGS of Julie and family, have great days. So does old RoadDog.

Every Dog has His Day. --RoadDog

THIS DAY IN HISTORY- 1885- Our largest immigrant-ever, The Statue of Liberty, arrives as a gift from France.