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

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

4th of July Weekend: A Parade, Band, Sunnyside and a Legion

SATURDAY, JULY 2

I was going to go to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin,  for the 4th of July parade, but went to the parade in Fox Lake, Illinois, instead.  Gas in Fox Lake was $5.46.  GOSH!!  Nothing like a parade for  the 4th.  They even had a marching band from Grant Township High School and lots and lots of politicians.

Went to the Fox Lake American Legion and saw a solo performer from 3 to 6 pm.  Nothing like a band/performer in the afternoon as 9 pm is now too late for us.

Afterwards, went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and enjoyed the Cheers type crowd.  Gas at the Mobil station was $5.20.  (I won't be happy until it gets below $3, but doubt we'll ever see it that "low" again.)

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SUNDAY, JULY 3

Sat out FP as usual and finished Thursday's breakfast.  I made posts to all eight blogs.  Drove over to McHenry to see the band at Miller Park, but it was too crowded.  Ended up at the McHenry American Legion enjoying $2 drafts and $2 rail drinks.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

THINGS TO PONDER: What if my dog only brings back the ball because he thinks I like throwing it?

Gas Gouge Continues, a Fish Fry, Bars and Yardwork

FRIDAY, MAY 13

Sitting FP for coffee and enjoying the colors of trees, tulips and perennials.  I aim to have color in the yard all the way from April to the end of October.  Went to McDonald's for their two for $2 sausage/cheese McMuffins and $1 pop.  I love those McMuffins (and for that price especially).

Saw the movie "Fantastic Beasts:  The Secrets of Dumbledore."  It is good to be back in the theaters after a two-year period because on you-know-what.  Gas in Fox Lake to $4.80 and $4.90.  Who'd have ever figured.  You finally get a chance to go places and can't afford to go places.  Curse you GRBs.

Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake for fish fry.  Then went to the Legion for 50-50, but too many people.  Same problem at Stucky's in Johnsburg, but finally got seats at the bar at Sunnyside.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

Got some yardwork done, primarily cutting down weed trees which are trying to take over the yard.  Went to Stucky's for burgers and sang karaoke with George.

SUNDAY, MAY 15

Went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed bourbon and Cokes for $3 (and especially $1.50 during happy hour).  Then Stucky's and home.

--RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TOSAY:  Yes.  I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.

The Real St. Patrick's Day-- Part 2: Blogs, Irish Music, Stucky's, Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Jim Seig and MargaritaO'ville

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Like I said in an earlier post, this St. Patrick's Day was a whole lot more fun than the one in 2020.

Listened to CDs by Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.  Irish music with an edge as you might guess with names like that.  Listened to that great You Tube mix of Irish Drinking Songs.  

Posted to all blogs.

Met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's in Johnsburg for our St. Patrick's Day meal.  Kevin and Liz had the corned beef & cabbage while Kelly and I had the shepherd's pie.  I don't remember ever having shepherd's pie before and it is excellent.

We had a discussion as to where shepherd's pie came from.  I kind of thought it was from England, but Kelly said it was from Ireland.  I looked it up later and she was right.

Lots of green being worn for some reason and Krystal was quite an eyeful.  Watched some more of the NCAA on TV.  More great games.  Jim Seig and his band performed as they do every Thursday at Stucky's.  We've been listening to him for at least 30 years.  Great time.

Came home and watched more NCAA Tournament in Margaritaville, our basement bar.

Quite warm for this time of the year.  Made it even nicer, especially after how cold it was last weekend.

A Touch O' the Irish.  --RoadPie

About Last Week: Maxell Cassette Tapes, Alex's Gyros, The Vinyl Frontier Records and the Legion

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Went to McHenry, Illinois, and to Meijer and was all too happy to buy two more 5-pack bricks of Maxell cassette tapes for recording purposes.  Yep, I still record on cassettes.  This is one of the few places I know of where I can buy them.

We had plans to eat at our favorite Chinese buffet, the Grand Buffet, and got the door only to find they are closed on Tuesdays.  Disappointed, but I remembered I wanted to go to Alex's on 120 in town because I'd heard they had a great gyro sandwich.  They did.

Then, we went to The Vinyl Frontier on 120, a great mom and pop record store that had just moved in the fall from its long-time store on Riverside Drive.  I bought eight CDs.  

Then, we wanted to go to the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans), but they had too many people so went to the American Legion instead and had a really great time with the folks there and especially enjoyed the $1.50 rum and Cokes during happy hour.

I Was Very Happy.  --RoadDog

JSIS In This Real Different Time: Piano Dirges-- __________ Times

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff

1.  PIANO DIRGES--  To use and overused term for 2020, in these troubling times, we are definitely going to bring about a big change in our lives.  Have you noticed all that piano dirge music accompanying the commercials these days?  I may not ever be able to hear a piano play again without these memories.  It's like seeing an old movie or TV show with the World Trade Center towers in it.  Not a fun memory.

2.  _______ TIMES--  And, another pair of words that you hear on the commercials all the time is ___________ times.  Put your favorite disaster word into the blank.  Actually, I have turned these two words into a sort of drinking game.  Every time you hear those words together, you take a drink.  Dangerous Times (Sip), Trying Times (Sip), Sad Times (Sip).

By the way, I had to take a lil' ol' sip with the title of the last post.

By the way, with the title of

You won't last a real long time.  Maybe two or three commercial breaks.

These Trying Times (Hey!!  Another Sip.)  --RoadSip

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":  And, I was just about to start going to the gym again this week.  (Well, that's my excuse anyway.

Good Things Coming Out of the Coronavirus (or "V" As I Call It)

Whenever something bad happens to me or people in general, I always like to think of "Good" things that come out of it.  And, believe it or not,with all this weirdness, I can see some good things.

**  First is that the dastardly attacks on poor Confederacy seem to have stopped.  Even Virginia has found a bigger enemy.  As such, I have put my Civil War II blog on hiatus until the attacks begin again.

**  Also, the number of shootings and killings in Chicago has dropped as well.

**  Also, we are not having a zombie apocalypse either.

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SOME PERSONAL GOOD THINGS

**  I am getting caught up on the piles of mail that have taken over the kitchen counters.

**  I have more time now that we aren't going out to the bars, which we do really too much anyway.  That takes a good 4-5 hours a day.

**  I haven't had alcohol (usually beer) since the day after St. Patrick's Day.  Never hurts to take a break.

And, There Are More Things As Well.  --RoadDog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V.":  "My habit of shooting finger guns as a greeting doesn't seem so dorky now, does it?"

By the way, these funnies are compliments of Eric Zorn's column in the March 25, 2020, Chicago Tribune  "Laughter is no vaccine, but in tough times it can be the best medicine."  Right, Eric!!

I'd Celebrate That!!! March 5: Mardi Gras 2019 Today and Cinco De Marcho

Theses are from the Checkiday site which has more fays to celebrate and information about them.  I just pick out the ones of most interest  to me.

**  I'd celebrate that.

MARCH 5

CINCO DE MARCHO--  **  Marks the beginning of the season to train your liver for St. Patrick's Day, which will soon be here.  I didn't know of this one before this.  But, I have already been training for today, March 5, 2019, which is Mardi Gras.

MARDI GRAS--**  This year coming mighty late.

FUN FACTS ABOUT NAMES DAY--**    Look up interesting things about your name and other names.  You don't want to be in the Stink Hole Corner in Cribbage.

NATIONAL CHEESE DOODLE DAY--  **  Who doesn't like a cheese doodle now and then?

REEL FILM DAY--  This is for those old reel films you had to thread through a projector.  I never quite mastered the art so  my kids rarely saw a film in class.

NATIONAL POTTY DANCE DAY--  **   That little dance kids do when they need to go to  the bathroom.  I've done a variation of it outside the local tavern bathroom at times.  Come on buddy.  HURRY UP!!!

Drinking With A Purpose.  Well, That's My Excuse Anyway.  --RoadDog

TOP TEN TRIVIA:  with Jack DeRue.   J.C. Penney's middle name was Cash.

I'd Celebrate That!!! July 9-15: Pina Colada Day

**  I'd Celebrate That!!!

JULY 9--  MONDAY--  Sugar Cookie Day**

JULY 10, TUESDAY--  Pina Colada Day**  One of my favorites.  How did that old song go?

JULY 11, WEDNESDAY--  Cheer Up the Lonely Day**  Pet Photo Day**

JULY 12, THURSDAY--  Different Color Eyes Day   Pecan Pie Day**  But, it is SO Sweet!!

JULY 13, FRIDAY--  French Fries Day**  With lots of ketchup/catsup.

JULY 14, SATURDAY--  Bastlle Day**  Storm the Walls!!   Macaroni and Cheese Day**

JULY 15, SUNDAY--  Toss Away the Could Haves and "Should Haves" Day.  Not sure what this is about.  I looked it up and it is about tossing away the past and living for today.  It is also Ice Cream Day**  Unless I get brain freeze.

Do, What You Think?  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  Outgoing faxes have beer stains on them.

Kicked Off the Summer 2018 Yesterday

Yesterday was one of those busy, fun days we have so often around here in northeastern Illinois in the Chain O' Lakes area.

First, we went over to Rosie's Italian Eatery (the old Grasslake Landing) and picked up our Chain Crawl stuff including tee shirt and passport book.  met up with a lot of boating friends.

Then, we went to Taste of McHenry in McHenry, Illinois and hit five of the 15 places before we got full and ran out of time.  We went to After the Fox, Little Chef, Bimbo's, Fox Hole and Corkscrew Pointe (all on the Fox River) and tasted boiled shrimp, BLT pizza, brusschetta, loaded mini Bloody Marys, sangria and cranberry tuna fish croissant.

Later, we drove over to the Fox Lake American Legion on Nippersink Lake and watched a duo perform from 3 to 6 in the afternoon.

Like I Said, Lots of Fun Stuff Going On Around Here in the Summer.  --RoadDog

How to Correctly "Ein Prosit"

As I said, the first time I ever heard it was from an Oom-pah band called Der Dumpkoffs playing at the Mount Charleston Lodge near Las Vegas, Nevada.  We sure had a great time with their antics and this song.

Ein Prosit (Eyn Proz-it) Sing it twice.

Der Gemutlichkeit (Dar Gay-mute-lish-kite)  I salute our friendship & good times.

Do it twice.

Then comes the countdown in German: Eins, Zwei, Drei.

Then G'suffa (zuffa)  Where you take a big ol' drink.

Then, someone says either "Zicke Zache, Zicke Zache

or, Ticke-Tacke, Ticke-Tacke

Then you respond Hoi, Hoi, Hoi.

Or, Something Like This.  It's All So Fast.  --RoadPrositDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF: The last time you smiled was when you prevented someone from getting on an on-ramp to the highway.

Twenty Barroom Classics in Honor of St. Patrick's Day Tomorrow-- Part 2

If you go to the WXRT site and find this list, you can see videos to most of these songs. And there are some I wasn't familiar with before this list.

11. WARM BEER AND COLD WOMEN-- Tom Waits
12. ALABAMA SONG-- Doors-- My second favorite Doors song.
13. I'M DRINKING AGAIN-- Ry Cooder
14. RED WINE AND WHISKEY-- Katrina and the Waves
15. SALLY MACLENNANE-- Pogues

16. FACE DOWN AT FOLK CITY-- Rockes
17. HAVE A DRINK ON ME-- AC/DC
18. WHY DON'T WE GET DRUNK AND SCREW?-- Jimmy Buffett (A love song of a different sort.)
19. WHISKEY, YOU'RE THE DEVIL-- Clancy Brothers
20. MARIA'S RIPTIDE LOUNGE-- The Juleps

Where's That Green Beer? --RoadDog

Twenty Barroom Classics in Honor of St. Patrick's Day Tomorrow

From WXRT's Morning Guy, Lin Brehmer. www.wxrt.com.

Lin's been known to tap one-two-three alcoholic beverages at times, especially this weekend. These are his Top Twenty quaffing songs.

1. HONKY TONK WOMAN-- Rolling Stones
2. UNEMPLOYED-- Michael McDermott
3. HEY, BARTENDER-- Koko Taylor
4. SLOPPY DRUNK-- David Bromberg
5. DOWN DRINKING AT THE BAR-- Loudon Wainwright

6. DRUNK GIRLS-- Led Soundsystem
7. HERE COMES A REGULAR-- Replacements
8. I GOT LOADED-- Los Lobos
9. ONE BOURBON, ONE SCOTCH, ONE BEER--
10. O'REILLY AT THE BAR-- Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks

Ten More!! Gimme Ten More. --RoadDog