No FP for Me, Fall Arrives, Donovan's, Trivia, Sunnyside, Craft Brews, Da Bears and a Fish Fry

WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 22

Fall has arrived and with it considerably cooler in the morning  I haven't sat out FP (Front Porch) for the last several days.  Went to Donovan's Reef as we do most every Wednesday to play live trivia with Jeff and enjoy the cheap beers.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

We went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and I enjoyed this month's Thursday special which was the craft beer called Beach Blonde for $2 a pint.  I really like craft beers (but definitely not IPAs), but do not like paying $5 to $7 for one.  I am what you call a cheap drinker.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Still no FP.  Fall has definitely arrived.  Lots of talk around here about the Bears moving to Arlington Heights since they have evidently bought Arlington Park Race Track.  Makes no difference to me.

Met Kevin, Kelly, Barb and Glen at Cuda's for their fish fry.

--RoadDog

Good Times Last Week: No Q But Stucky's, Donovan's Reef, Perennials, Gas Gouge, Nothin' Runs Like a Deer and Best Dog Ever

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31

We were going to meet Kevin and Kelly, Glenn and Barb at BB*Q in Spring Grove, but they weren't open and we fear are closed for good.  Fall-back plan was Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois, and their great half-price burger and $2 domestic cans special on Tuesdays.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

FP (Front Porch) which I do every day for breakfast and coffee.  The FP chipmunk has me trained so well as his or her food requirements.  I had to help the guy from Buck Brothers push the lawn tractor across the yard and up a small hill to get it on the trailer so he could take it back to Wauconda to have them find out why it stopped running last week.  I'm getting too old for this sort of thing.

As usual, met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin for trivia and drinks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Drove to McHenry, Illinois, where gas had jumped to $3.46 for Labor Day and Hurricane Ida.  Big Oil needs to make their profit, you know.  Sad to see that Meijer is now requiring face masks, but at least they had three bricks of cassette recording tapes.  Bought three hostas and two red perennials at Meijer as well for $4 apiece.  Then  bought five small mum plants for $1.25 each and two $4 gladidora perennials at Home Depot.

Found out the lawn tractor would cost $380 to fix and was happy to hear it as I was figuring that I'd have to replace my 27-year-old John Deere and that would be over $3,000.  So, I was happy about that.

Later went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsbirg and had probably the best hot dog ever for $2 and a dollar extra forb tater tots.

Eatin' and Drinkin' Cheap in the Neighborhood.  --RoadDog

About This Last Weekend-- Part 2: A Civil War Meeting and Was John Wilkes Booth Actually Killed?

SATURDAY, JULY 24

I had breakfast out on the front porch as usual, then went on the internet and prepared the questions for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group and researched some information about the Lincoln Conspirators which was today's topic.

Drove to Crystal Lake listening to WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback to 1974, my first year out of college and teaching.  Too bad I had the meeting.

We had seven people at the Panera Bread store in Crystal Lake.  And, our friend Frank even e-mailed his famed impossible questions in from down south where he is recovering from a sickness.  Seemed more like the good old days.  As usual, great discussion and quite a bit of it revolved around whether John Wilkes Booth was actually killed or was it a coverup by persons in the Union government who wanted to get rid of Lincoln.

The name Joseph Holt was mentioned quite often.  There were three John Wilkes Booths according to this conspiracy theory:  the real one who died as an old man in Missouri, one who passed as Booth on the run and one who looked enough like him to pass for a dead Booth when examined.

I'd never heard of this Booth Conspiracy before.  Like any good conspiracy, maybe true but most likely not.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE:  LAW OF PROBABILITY:  The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

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"

My Idea of a Great Morning

This morning was what I consider to be a perfect morning.  After getting up, I went outside and sat on my front porch.  I first sat in the rocking chair and then moved over to the wicker chair.

I had a McDonald's sausage McMuffin (I bought it yesterday) in the rocking chair and then coffee and read the Chicago Tribune in the wicker chair.

But, that's not all.

When I'm sitting out there, I enjoy looking at the clouds (and this morning we had a magnificent sunrise) and, surprisingly I don't even bring music out with me.  Why bring music when you have all those birds a'chirping away.  And we have plenty of birdies in the neighborhood.

I get to watch them and yell at the robins for eating my worms.  Birds can be quite funny when an argument begins and chasing starts.  But, perhaps that is a mating ritual.  Who knows?

Then, I have the wascally wabbit, several chippers and several squirrels to bother.  I watch folks walking their dogs and the neighbors.  I guess for awhile many morning I am the neighborhood watch or perhaps just some old snoopy codger.

Then, coffee and a newspaper.  Man, I am going to miss holding a newspaper in my hands.  Digital just doesn't do it for me.

And, I sure enjoy looking at the yard.  I put a lot of work into it and it's right pretty even if I do say so.  Flowers every where you look.

Oh, yes.  This morning I had the added enjoyment of hearing thunder off to the west and then we had a steady falling rain.  Love the sound of the raindrops and especially that smell that a rainfall brings.  That and new-mown grass are two of my favorite summer smells.

Today was a mighty fine FP as I call it.  That means Front Porch.

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By the way, all you sixties music fans, WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback is going back to 1968 for three hours tomorrow morning, Saturday, from 9 am to noon.  It streams at www.wxrt.com.

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A Good Morning.  A Mighty Good Morning.  --RoadDog

THOSE CRA-ZEE COUNTRY SONGS:  Get Your Tongue Out of My Mouth, I'm Kissing You Goodbye.

Closing Out July-- Part 1: New Odyssey at McHenry's Veterans Park

JULY 27, THURSDAY

As usual, FP and yardwork.

We went to McHenry and had the $1 mini burgers at the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) and then walked over to Veterans Park to watch the band New Odyssey (Three Guys, Thirty instruments) put on a show at the gazebo.  As usual, we had  the famous "Drumcoat" and "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" Blue Man Group impression.  They sure had the crowd going.  We'll be seeing them again on August 13 at Parish Fest in Johnsburg.

Sad, but the Cubs took three of the four games against my White Sox in Chicago's Crosstown Classic.  But, with all the players the Sox have traded for future prospects, if we win any games that's pretty amazing.

--RoadDog

4th'en It-- Part 2: The Yard, the Gouge, Legion, FP and Weekend Warriors

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

No boating today as the weather constantly threatened to rain all day.  I did do a lot of work in the yard.  I see the gas companies got their 4th of July gas gouge as price for regular went up to $2.40 from $2.20. Cut the grass and later met the Usual Suspects at the Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, JULY 1

I sit out FP (Front Porch) most every morning having breakfast, coffee and reading the Chicago Tribune.  One of my most fun things.

And speaking of fun things, because of all the people boating on the weekends and specially 4th of July on the Chain of Lakes here in northeastern Illinois, we don't go out on the water.  We refer to them as Weekend Warriors.  We are Weekend Warriors.

Weekend Warriors Keep us Off the Lakes.  --RoadDog

About Last Weekend-- Part 4: Radio, Yard and Sunnyside

JUNE 25, SUNDAY

Sat out FP (Front Porch) in the morning for coffee and breakfast.  As I usually do.

As I do every morning, I listened to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots on WDRV, 97.1 FM in Chicago.from 7 to 10 a.m..  Since this is the first official weekend of summer 2017, he played nothing but summer-related songs.

I am also recording Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles which I will listen to later in the week.  It runs from 8 to 10 a.m. on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM.

I did a lot of yardwork afterwards and later we went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, Illinois, for their 3 p.m. drawing where Liz won a $25 gift certificate.  We had been planning on going over to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake to see their band (bands play 3 to 7 p.m. on Sundays during the summer), but we didn't make it, staying at Sunnyside and enjoying the camaraderie.  Sunnyside is a real "Cheers" kind of a place.

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend-- Part 2: About That Porch and Those Flowers

FRIDAY, JUNE 23RD

Most every morning I spend time sitting out on the front porch (FP) and have coffee and breakfast.  Love listening to the birdies, looking at the yard and sort of being a neighborhood watch.  I then go on the internet and do these blogs.  This morning I had one of those great Aunt Jemima sausage scrambles that I
"doctor" with extra onions and shredded cheese as well as Frank's Red Hot Sauce.

I went to our local grocery store, Jewel, and found they were selling all remaining plants for 75% off, a real good deal.  Most of their stuff was pretty well picked over, but I did find some good items.  I love this time of the season as stores are getting rid of their flowers for big discounts.  I stock up, but not that I need to.  I have more than enough plants but just can't help myself.

I went to McHenry and went to Wal-Mart, Meijer and Home Depot looking at flowers, but they did not have any on sale yet.  Had that new Steak 'N Shake Royale burger with the fried egg on it.  That is quite good.

Came home and did some yardwork and then went to Sunnyside Tap and the Legion and met up with the Usual Suspects.  Came home and enjoyed the Ultimate Jukebox in Margaritaville, our downstairs bar.

--RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You walk twenty miles on your treadmill before you realize it's not plugged in.

Kickin' Off Our Summer 2017-- Part 4: Yard Work, Boat, Captain's

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Few things finer than sitting FP  (Front Porch) in the morning and having coffee and breakfast.  I get as many of these days in as possible over the summer and fall (even spring on those rare days you can sit out there comfortably).

Lots of yardwork (still trimming bushes) and I went over to Rick's and paid him money for this season's pier space on a channel going to Fox Lake and then we went to Menard's and Home Depot where I bought four more hostas (now 12 of them since yesterday).

Decided this would be a great time to go to Captain's Quarters and officially kick off our summer in the Chain of Lakes area.  This has been a tradition of ours for many years.  We  used to go there quite often over the summer as they have bands from 7 to 11 p.m., on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons from 3 to 7.  Nothing like a great band (and they have real good bands) on an early evening or Sunday afternoon, drinking ice cold beer and enjoying the whole thing.

However, the place has gotten so popular and crowded, we don't go as often.

We even were able to get seats at the bar (almost impossible) and enjoyed the great soul music of R Gang, who played the R&B Soul classics from the 60s-80s.

It Must be Summer Now.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  Your only source of nutrition comes from "Sweet & Low."

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.

Sittin' FP and Enjoying It

This morning I enjoyed my coffee sittin' FP, front porch.  And, i was comfortable with temps in the 60s.  Who'd have thought we'd have three straight days of unseasonably warm temperatures this late in the year.

I enjoyed the fall colors.  Some of the trees are bare, but my weeping cherry and sunburst honeylocust are both covered in brilliant gold.  The dying hostas also are a deep yellow.  I have several different colors of mums blooming (mostly yellow) and the burning bushes are turning a bright red.

By the way, Bob Stroud will be doing 1980 on his Ten at Ten rebroadcast at 10 p.m. tonight.  Tomorrow, he does the year 1968 and Friday he does "Time" because of the fall back of daylight savings time this weekend.  Both will be broadcast at 10 a.m. and then again at 10 p.m..

Got to Enjoy the Front Porch Now As It Won't be Long Until You-Know-What.  --RoadDog

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: Fast Clouds-- Chipper's Digging-- School Supplies

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  FAST CLOUDS--  Sitting out FP (Front Porch) this morning enjoying my breakfast, I looked up and had never seen clouds moving so fast.

2.  CHIPPER'S DIGGING--  Also FP, my front porch Chipper (chipmunk) has been a busy little guy (or gal) digging into all my container plants.  I imagine looking for bulbs.  He'll be in trouble if that kills any of my flowers, but he deposits the dirt on the floor.  I tried to get him to sweep up, but he won't.

3.  SCHOOL SUPPLIES--  Hate to tell you kids, but the big stores have their school supplies out now.  They came out the day after July 4th.  First pushing Christmas, now this.  I used to hate seeing the school supplies come out as that meant that I had to go back to my teaching job, but not so much anymore.

Calling It Back-to-School Creep.  --RoadDog

Enjoying the Front Porch

Most mornings I have been having breakfast or just coffee out on the front porch.  I have a rocking chair and a chair out there as well as two caladiums and a seven year-old poinsettia.

I enjoy listening to the birds and looking at the flowers in the yard.    Plus, several walkers, runners and folks walking dogs.  And, with all the rain we've been getting, here is nothing like that fresh smell that comes with it along with the rhythm of the drops.  Plus, every so often a flock of Canadian geese will noisily fly over.

Might as well enjoy it while I can as iy won't be too long before old man winter is here.

Sittin', Lookin' and Eatin'.  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  There's two theories to arguin' with a woman.  Neither one works.

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

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