The Civil War, Some Hot Dogs, CDs and a Big Snow

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion meeting at Panera Bread.  Today's topic was the "The End, February and March 1865."  I, of course, brought up the Wilmington Campaign, also called the Battle of Wilmington, in North Carolina.  That was the follow-up to Fort Fisher's fall. 

It started snowing about half way through the meeting and coming down quite hard.  I decided not to go to Algonquin and visit Barnes & Noble or Half-Price Books because of it. Driving home, road conditions were getting quite bad.  

Stopped at Happy Jack's in McHenry for their great hot dogs and then The Vinyl Frontier Record Store, a real Mom and Pop store featuring albims, 45s and CDs as well as toys and stereo equipment.  One of my most fun places to go.

Snow conditions continued to get worse and I went home and stayed.  We had our biggest snowfall of the winter with around 8 inches by Sunday morning.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

Way too much snow to shovel by hand, and sadly, stoll couldn't get the snowblower started.  Later, I heard a snowblower out in front of the house and saw that a new neighbor was clearing my driveway and sidewalk for me.  I tanked him and said I couldn't start my snowblower so he took it home to take a look at it.  What a great neighbor.

Later I drove to Sunnyside and actually got a seat at the bar, something very difficult to do in Sundays when it gets reallycrowded.  Watched the NFC Championship game and part of the AFC one.  Came home and watched the rest of it.

--RoadSnow

A College Basketball Doubleheader in DeKalb, Happy Jack's, Sunnyside, McHenry Legion and Saylor Mick's

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

Drove to DeKalb, Illinois, to NIU's Convocation Center where I saw a basketball doubleheader.  Our women played the University of Ohio at 1 pm and then the men played the University of Toledo at 3:30.  Not bad for a total cost of $6.

The women won by a lot, but the men lost by a lot.  Enjoyed Victory Pub overlooking the court with its $2 Busch Light cans.  Plus, a giant hot dog for $4.

Decided not to spend the night and drove back to McHenry where I stopped at Happy Jack's on Il-120 with all its Coca-Cola decor and outstanding Chicago-style hot dogs.  I had the two hot dog, fries and drink for $9 (with tax).  Then went to Sunnyside and home to Margaritaville in my basement.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

Went to the McHenry American Legion and then to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove and enjoyed their $1 Hamm's drafts and had a small BLT pizza.  Unfortunately, I mistook a shaker of sugar for a shaker of parmesan cheese and that wasn't very good.

I Highly Recommend Not Putting Sugar on Your Pizza.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

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

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

Last Week: Chipmunk Training, Trivia at Donovan's, Drought, No Wings for Me, Rosie & the Rivets and Classic Car Phobia

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4

The FP (Front Porch) chipmunk about has me trained to its expectations.  I get in big trouble if I don't give it something to eat every time it comes by.  We played trivia at Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and enjoyed happy hour with half price (+25 cents) drinks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5

Watering, watering and watering.  We could SURE use some rain.  We're in our second drought of the summer.  

I drove to Antioch, Illinois, for their It's Thursday party.  Along the way, I had in mind to stop at Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake for their 35 cent wings and 35 cent loaded potatoes.  No dice son, too crowded.  Then figured I'd stop at Bootlegger's on Grasslake Road, but they too were packed.

Ended up at Roost On 59 (on Illinois Highway 59) and had their great Chicago dog meal.

Then to Antioch for the 50s-60s band Rosie & the Rivets and the car show.  Watched an hour, but left early when we started getting some raindrops.  You should have seen those classic car guys scramble.  I think they think their cars will melt of they get wet.  (Heaven forbid if even a speck of dust gets on it.  Out comes the chamois and lightly move it off the exterior!!)

Why Go Elsewhere.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, LAW OF THE RESULT:  When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work it will.

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.

I'd Celebrate That!!-- July 23 to July 29: Cousins Day and Aunts and Uncles Day This Week

JULY 23, MONDAY--  Vanilla Ice Cream Day**   Hot Dog Day**  One of my favorite foods as long as it is loaded or Chicago-style.

JULY 24, TUESDAY--  Cousins Day**  Hey Joe, Debbie, Phillip, Louis, Nancy and Gayle.   Tequila Day**  I still don't remember last year's celebration.  "One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor, you know."

JULY 25, WEDNESDAY--  Hot Fudge Sundae Day**  Just watch out for brain freeze.

JULY 26, THURSDAY--  Aunt and Uncle Day**  Sadly, they are all gone now, but remembering Aunt Louise and Uncle Delbert, Aunt Angelea and Uncle Louis, Aunt Dot and Uncle Billy.    Chili Dog Day**  Hey, isn't that a hot dog?

JULY 27, FRIDAY--  Bagpipe Appreciation Day**  Nothin' like a good tune on those.  Scotch Day**  Well, now that I taught myself (with a lot of practice) to drink the stuff.

JULY 28, SATURDAY--  Milk Chocolate Day**  Any kind of chocolate.

JULY 29, SUNDAY--  Chicken Wing Day**  (Always my favorite part of fried chicken, even before they got so popular and expensive.)  Lasagna Day**

Practice Makes Perfect.  RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S A REDNECK COMPUTER WHEN:  The six front keys have rotted out.

About Last Weekend-- Part 1: A Crown Pain, Hot Dog, Flowers and Suds

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

I had the joy of getting some dental crown (lots of drilling (one of my least favorite things to hear in a dentist office, especially when it is on me) work done in Round Lake Beach.  Thank goodness Dr. Bennett does all the work himself and it did not hurt as much as it might.

Afterwards, I went to Scotty's  Hot Dogs on Cedar Lake Road which has been there since 1966 and had one of their hot dog meals and ate out back at the picnic table.  Scotty's is a RLB institution, bona fide hot dog stand.  I hadn't been to it, though, for many years.

I then went to Ace Hardware in Round Lake, which at one time was billed as the world's largest Ace Hardware and might still hold the distinction. They were selling flats of flowers (48) for $4 as they get rid of supplies.  I bought a flat, of course.

Came home, did some planting, cut the grass then went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg for their $1.25 pints.

--RoadDog

JSIS: Krispy Kreme-- Nathan's Hot Dogs Champs-- Round Lake Schools Start-- Lobster Rolls

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff.

1.  KRISPY KREME--  July 10th.  Krispy Kreme Doughnuts were selling for 78 Cents a dozen in honor of their 78th year in business..  At participating locations only, but you have to buy a dozen at regular price first.

2.  NATHAN'S HOT DOGS CHAMPS--  Mike Stonie defeated Joey Chestnut to win the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in front of the original Nathan's on Coney Island.  He ate 62 to Joey's 59 in ten minutes.

Miki Sudo, the defending women's division won her match by eating 38 in 10 minutes.

3.  Well, tomorrow, August 11th, marks the beginning of school for students in the Round Lake Area in Illinois.  This marks the beginning of my tenth year of retirement.

4.  LOBSTER ROLLS--  Some McDonald's in New England are now selling lobster rolls.

Where Does the Time Fly By To?  --RoadDog

N.C. Summer 2015 Trip-- Part 4: A Beachin' We Go, National Hot Dog Day, Rainy Days and Hot Dogs

JULY 23, THURSDAY

Made entries to all blogs as getting on the internet at Topsail Beach is hit or miss, usually miss.

On the road and, as usual, stopped by the cemeteries to visit those who have gone on, especially Dad at Willowdale and his parents at Wayne memorial, but we had to get out of there fast because of a huger funeral they were having for a former fire chief in the area.  They had two fire trucks with ladders extended and an American flag draped over it.

Took US-117 to I-40 to the exit where we got off and got back on US-117 which we took to Paul's Place Famous Hot Dogs  in Rocky Point, N.C.  My family has been going there for as long as I remember and even before (opened in 1928).

It was National Hot Dog Day and what better place to celebrate it than atthis place.  Meat shortages in WWII caused them to develop one of the best relishes I've ever tasted.  Add mustard, onions and serve the hot dog on a moist bun and you have some mighty fine eating.

Took US-17 to NC-50 onto Topsail island, through Surf City and south to Topsail Beach, arriving shortly before a huge storm broke loose.

Three Hot Dogs and Drink for $5.99.  --RoadDog


REDNECK COMPUTER TERMS:  BYTE--  What yer pit bull did to cousin Jethro.

Relish the Opportunity: Chicago Sports Hot Dogs

From the May 7, 2014, Chicago tribune "Main Event: Relish the opportunity."

"With the overhyped Hot Doug's (a famous Chicago hot dog stand) supposedly closing in October, who is going to name encased meat sandwiches after famous people?  We are.  That's who."  All but the last one are Chicago sports figures.

THE JAY CUTLER--  100 percent turkey jerky.
THE BOOZER--  Also known as the 50 Cent
THE ABREU--  Warning.  Mighty hot.
THE JOAKIM NOAH--  Soaked and steeped in something.  What is it?  Can't say.
THE KANER--  Extra juice.  Extra Mustard.
THE THEO EPSTEIN--  The ingredients are still a mystery.
THE DERRICK ROSE--  Order ahead, this could take a long time.
THE KEN HARRELSON--  Can o' corn dog.
THE PHIL EMERY--  Grilled, sliced and diced.
THE TOM THIBODEAU--  Delicious when steamed.
THE JIM BELUSHI--  What's between the buns?  Absolutely nothing.

There are some great insides in this list and pretty funny if you know who they are talking about.  All except, Jim Belushi.  he is one really funny guy.

--RoadDog

And This Past Weekend: Boating, Bars, Beer, Bands and Festivals

THURSDAY, JULY 11TH

JABD (Just Another Boating Day)--

Boat Float in Fox Lake, Blueberry Hill and Aquarium on Nippersink Lake. Antioch for It's Thursday concert. Wings at Sequoit Lodge and then Mellancougar (John Mellancamp tribute). Thirsty Turtle on the way home.

FRIDAY, JULY 12TH-- JABD. Blarney Island and Grasslake Landing. Kelly and Kevin's place on Fox Lake. Legion.

SATURDAY, JULY 13TH-- Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT to 1969. Port Edwards in Algonquin, drinks and appetizers by the Fox River.

Rotary Ribfest in Lake In the Hills, Illinois. Great ribs and corn as well as tribute bands Fortunate Sons (CCR) and Heartache Tonight (Eagles). Woodstock Square on the way home.

SUNDAY, JULY 14TH-- Rock and Roll Roots. Gazebo. Chicago-style hot dogs (99 cents) at 59 Roost and the band Soda playing 3 to 7 at Captain's Quarters.

Not a Bad Weekend. --RoadDog

Heading for the Warmth: December 30,2012 "WhaddaYaHave?"

Very cold this morning for the sunny and warm South, if you ask me.

Back on I-24 and past all those familiar Civil War names to Atlanta, which now has not one, but two bypasses, but we were going straight through downtown as I had visions of the Varsity in mind.  Calling themselves the World's Largest Drive-In, it is right by the Georgia Tech campus, and evidently near the Georgia Dome, judging by the all the Atlanta Falcon fans assembled.

Of course, had to get some hot dogs and a big orange drink as Andy would say.  Denny may have missed it a couple days ago, but we didn't.  Always love their employees and you'd best know what you're ordering when you get to the head of the line.  "WhattaYaHave!!!  WhattaYaWant!!!" very loudly and earnestly.

Then, onto I-75 where we joined the Great RVusBigus Migration south to Florida for a really long way.  I always suggest stopping at any and all Florida Welcome Centers Along the interstates.  You find the usual, plus your choice of fresh squeezed orange juice or grapefruit juice.  Small cups, but mighty fine way to say, "You're here."

Took I-10 east to Jacksonville, then a bypass to St. Augustine and got a room at the Super 8, next to Panama Hattie's where we unwound and watched the Cowboy-Redskin game with a lot of rabid fans.

I'llaHaveTwoSlawDogs!!  --RoadDog

Beachin' It-- Part 2

My family has our traditions when going to and returning from the beach, both when we used to go to Carolina Beach and now when we go to Topsail Beach.


PAUL'S FAMOUS HOT DOGS

One definite stop, either going or returning, is Paul's Famous Hot Dogs on US-117 near Castle Haynes, about twenty miles outside of Wilmington. They have been in business since 1928 and feature hot dogs on a steamed bun with some of the best special sauce you'll ever found.

At one time, they were 10 cents, but now $1.60. You can get the special which is 3 dogs and a drink for $5.85. This past time, I saw that you can also get it with slaw, something I'll have to try next time.

Off I-40, it is easy off, drive a few miles along 117 which parallels 40, then continue to Castle Haynes and get back on.


SMITHFIELD BBQ AND CHICKEN

This is a chain in North Carolina with a lot of places along the interstates. This spot is in Warsaw, North Carolina. I suggest a combo of Carolina BBQ, double slaw, hush puppies and chicken for around $8. Mighty good eating to say the least. And, the chicken is as juicy as you'll ever taste.

Gettin' Hungry Just Typing This. --RoadDog

Good Times at Beach Fest 2007

Headed over to Round Lake Beach's new Cultural Center last night to see one of my all-time favorite Country Rock bands, Heartsfield. This was the village's third annual, although they didn't have it last year as the center was still in delayed construction.

There is a permanent stage on the east side of the building and a natural amphitheater. Great place to have a concert.

I had some time to kill so walked the grounds. WRLR FM, the area's low wattage radio station (but they broadcast over the internet) was there and doing a fundraising project. The deejays are not paid and get to do pretty much what they like. There are all sorts of shows from sports, talk, morning zoo., new country, old country, head music, polka, Big Band, and so forth. I enjoy listening to this station and can get it over the air here in Spring Grove, about ten miles away.

About twelve vendors were offering food. I went to one of my favorites, Sammie's, and had a $2 hot dog I'd put right up there with Nathan's. It came grilled to perfection and the bun was as well. Then there was a full array of condiments: sliced and chopped onions, pickle wedge, tomatoes, relish, mustard, and ketchup (no ketchup for me as I had the tomatoes). After my second one, I wasn't too happy to hear the owner say their Sammie Burger was a quarter pound of black angus meat. I wish I'd known that before the second dog.

Sammie's started in Chicago, then moved out to the northwest suburbs with one in Round Lake Beach on Rollins Road (they were formerly at the corner of Rollins and Cedar Lake, but that site is now occupied by a Walgreen's- now who would expect a Walgreen's to build on a corner?). There were four locations, but they sold one recently.

Good Times in My Old Town Where I Lived for 17 Years and Taught for 33. --RoadDog

Bringing the Record Home!!! The Hot Dog-Eating Record, That Is!!

Date: July 4, 2007; Place: Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, Coney Island, New York City; Event: 92nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest; Winner: Joey Chestnut.

In a stunning upset this past Wednesday, Californian Joey "Jaws" Chestnut upset six-time defending champion Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi of Japan by eating 66 dogs in 12 minutes to Kobayashi's 63. Tsunami even broke his old record of 53.75, but to no avail. It just wasn't his day in the face of that gastronomical onslaught.

This was an IFOCE (International Federation of Competitive Eating)-sanctioned contest. I guess there has to be an official organization for everything these days.

However, Jaws, is no johnny-come-lately upstart. Some of his world records:

18.5 eight ounce waffles in 10 minutes at Waffle House
47 grilled cheese sandwiches in ten minutes
8.4 pounds of pork rib meat in 12 minutes
6.5 pounds of horseshoes (a great Central Illinois treat) at the Illinois State Fair in 2006
9.6 pounds of pulled pork ( a NC treat, Wilber's anyone?) in ten minutes
182 chicken wings
7.05 pounds of chicken wings in 12 minutes
and now, 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes

This boy can sure eat!!!!!

Nathan's Famous has been in business at Coney Island since 1916, and that is a LOT of hot dogs, even those not eaten by competitive folks. What began as a small nickle a dog stand has now become a much-beloved New York institution and you can get them nationwide. Now, 1,400 businesses are able to sell the products without the upfront franchise fees. There are also restaurants in many states.

Some important dates in Nathan's Famous history (more on the website):

1892- Nathan Handwerker, founder, born in Poland

1912- He immigrates to the US and finds work at Feltman's Restaurant on Coney Island

1916- according to legend, four European immigrants have a hot dog eating contest at Nathan's to determine who was the most patriotic. The one who ate the most would be the most American. Irish immigrant James Mullen wins by eating 13 in 12 minutes. Thus began the annual tradition. That Joey must be SOME American!!! I wonder what James would have thought about this one, and ESPN covered it.

You can go to Nathan's website at http://www.nathansfamous.com/

Takeru Kobayashi also has a website at http://www.takerukobayashi.com/

The first Nathan's I ever had were at Topsail Beach a few years ago when Mom bought a big pack of 'em while we were at Hatch Haven, the condo by the beach. I'd always heard how great they were, and I'd have to say that was no lie.

I also had them at a tourist trap in the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, but was not impressed with these. A month ago, I had them again at buddy Phil's 50 plus 1 birthday, and these were great. He claims that you have to grill them to be proper, and I'd have to agree.

If I ever get to New York City, a trip out to Coney Island and Nathan's is a must.

Forget the Statue!!! Gimme a Nathan's Famous!!! --RoadDog