Little Ol' Texting Me, A New Insurance Plan Costs Me and the Moose

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

Met Laura, Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and actually did my first real texts to Sue and Paul. A year ago I couldn't even imagine me texting anyone.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

I had to pay full price at Walgreens for a prescription as our insurance provider with TRS had changed.  I will make sure I get the new company in the files right away.  Expensive.

Went to Half-Times in Johnsburg for the $1 drafts.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

Met Kevin and Kelly and a whole bunch of Sunnysiders at the McHenry Moose for fish fry and karaoke.  George and I got the "band" back together and sang "It's Hard to Be Hunble" and "I Like Beer."  We used to sing those two songs and others at Stucky's during the Saturday night karaoke.  We were pretty good on those songs but really butchered other efforts.

Got the Old Band Back Together.  The George and Don Band.  --RoadDog

Round Lake, Crawdads, Johnny's and Two Legions

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 

Liz and I went to Round Lake for our dentist appointment and Liz's haircut.  Drove around the old spots; we lived there for 17 years.  We were hoping to stop for those delicious Charcoburgers  at the Ingleside Dog 'N Suds, but it was way too hot to eat outside.

I saw the movie "Where the Crawdads Sing" at the Fox Lake Theatre.  Later we went to the McHenry American Legion for drinks and karaoke.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, and then went to the Fox Lake American Legion.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do you recite at a play, but you play at a recital.

One Last Hurrah at Stucky's-- Part 1

THURSDAY, JUNE 30

We really thought that Stucky's in Johnsburg Road in Johnsburg, Illinois, had turned the corner and was starting to get a good turnout of diners and drinkers, but we were wrong.  And, they sure had some great prices and lost of fun times.

Mondays:  $1 tacos

Tuesday:  Half price burgers

Fridays:  $8.95  Fish Fry and $2 bottles

Saturdays:  $1 domestic draft pints

Everyday:  $2 domestic cans.

Plus, Saturdays fo awhile we had live trivia and then karaoke.  And every Thursday, Jim Sieg had his open mic.  There were also performers inside and outside at times.

But, today was the last day.

--RoadMissStucky's

No MCCWRT for Me, Yucky Sox, One Last Stucky's Saturday Party, a Legion and Stucky's Again

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

I wanted to go, but didn't go to the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group in Crystal Lake because of those ridiculous gas prices.  Curse you GRBs.  And talk about getting disgusted,  MAN THOSE SOX.  They should be running away with the AL Central Division, but they are stinking it up.  I am just not going to pay attention to them for awhile.

We met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's and used up the very last of our many gift cards.  Enjoyed those $1 Saturday domestic pints for the last time.  And, of course, the last Saturday night karaoke.  George and I sang a few songs.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Went to the McHenry Legion for good talk and those $2 rail drinks and Hamm's tall boys.  Stopped at Stucky's in Johnsburg for one last Sunday party.

Going to Miss Stucky's.  --RoadDog

Mighty Cool and Rainy Spring: Granny's, Donovan's, Fox Lake Historical Society, Stucky's, Gas Over $5!!! and McHenry Legion

MAY 17, Tuesday

Met the Sunnyside crowd at Granny's Diner in Johnsburg for the weekly breakfast. Did some yardwork and cut the grass.  Saw two of my favorite movies on TV "Gran Torino" and "Guardians of the Galaxy."

MAY 18, Wednesday

Met the usual suspects at Donovan's in Twin Lakes.

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MAY 19, THURSDAY

I spent quite a lot of time cutting down weed trees by the back  deck

MAY 20, FRIDAY

Two more really good movies on TV:  "The Breakfast Club" and "Anchorman:  The Legend of Ron Burgundy."

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MAY 21, SATURDAY

Sad time at the Fox Lake Historical Society this Monday as our long-time president died Thursday.  

Gas above $5 in Fox Lake!!!  We need to do something about the GRBs!!

Liz and I went to Stucky's in Johnsburg for dinner and karaoke (and, of course, those wonderful $1draft pints.

MAY 22, SUNDAY

Man has it gotten cool.  The furnace was running this morning.  All in all, this has been a really crummy spring and with all this rain and wind, I was unable to burn the tree limbs and branches.  Today was the last day I could legally do this because I will be out of town next weekend.

Liz and I went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the $3 rail drinks ($1.50 during happy hour which really makes me happy.

--RoadDog

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.

Bringing April Showers: More Wendy's, Even Snow, a Historical Society and Board Games, Vinyl Revolution, Larry and Stucky's

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

Dropped our taxes off at H&R Block and went onto Dollar Tree, former home of the everything $1, now everything $1.25.  Still cheap.  Then went to Aldi, another inexpensive place selling groceries.

Stopped at Wendy's and had one of their great breakfast sausage sandwiches, now just $1.  I would put that up against any fast food breakfast sandwich, especially at that price (sadly temporarily).

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SATURDAY, APRIL 9

Wike up to...SNOW!!  Didn't stick though.

Drove to the McHenry Savings Bank on Il-31 where the McHenry Area Historical Society was having a meeting and presentation on board games.  The presenter had around fifty old games, including one from Germany during WW II.

On the way home, stopped at the Vinyl Frontier record store and bought five CDs.

In the afternoon, I went to Larry Verjinski's wake.  He was a former student and friend of ours as well as one-time commander of the Fox Lake American Legion.

That evening, met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's for dinner and karaoke.  George and I are getting quite good at that classic old song "It's Hard to Be Humble."

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Went to the McHenry American Legion in the afternoon.

--RoadDog

Going Green for Paddy's Day: Stucky's for Fish Fry and Dublin Burger, Moose Lodge for CB&C and Back to Stucky's

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

We met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's in Johnsburg.  Everyone had a fish fry but me since they have one of my favorite hamburgers, the Dublin Burger for just the month of March, something about a St. Patrick's thing.

This burger consists of a half pound of beef on a marble rye bun along with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.  This is one of my all-time favorites.  But just once a year in March, so gotta eat 'em when I can.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Just found out that they will be tearing down my freshman dorm at NIU, Lincoln Hall.  A bit of history goes with it.  They already have torn down Liz's dorm, Douglas Hall.  Lincoln and Douglas Halls were built at the same time in the early 1960s.

This is the day many places are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, especially McHenry and Lake Villa.  McHenry has a parade, bar crawl, dying of the Fox River to green and a huge tent with bands all day and e into the evening.  But, today and yesterday are two of the coldest days I ever remember.  Temps were in the low 20s, but the wind really blew it through you.

As such, we didn't go to anything.  We did drive to McHenry to go to the Legion, but there were cars parked all over the place so decided not to try to get in.  Drove over to the McHenry Moose Lodge and had a corned beef & cabbage dinner and then to Stucky's for $1 drafts and karaoke.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

We went to Stucky's on the afternoon for their NASCAR party.

--RoadO'Dog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.

About Last Weekend: Karaoke, Potholes, Bill Szymczyk and the Super Bowl

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12

We went to Stucky's in Johnsburg to eat, enjoy those $1 pint drafts and do some karaoke.

We have some mean old tire-eating potholes on Johnsburg Road by where Sunset crosses it.  We now have to go considerably out of our way to get to Johnsburg.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Bob Stroud did his Rock and Roll Roots show on  Bill Szymczyk who, besides having an impossible to spell name also had a hand in a whole lot of great music.  And, I'd never heard of him.

Some of his songs:

"The Thrill Is Gone"-- B.B. King

"Lookin' for a Love"--  J. Geils Band

"Rocky Mountain Way"--  Joe Walsh

"James Dean"--  Eagles

"Hotel California"--  Eagles

"Heartache Tonight"-- Eagles

"Thunder Island"--  Jay Ferguson

We watched the Super Bowl at Stucky's.  I was pulling for the Bengals, but was happy for Matthew Stafford after all those years with the Lions.

--RoadDog

Last Week: NIU Wins MAC Championship, Sat. Afternoon Band, Stucky's, Karaoke, Bears Lose...Again, Another Legion

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4

Watched NIU defeat Kent State for the MAC Championship game, one of the rare times Northern actually dominated an opponent.  (And earlier this season Kent State had just barely beaten us.)  Sadly, I couldn't get it on the radio as I enjoy listening to Bill Baker call the Huskies as he's been doing it since the 1980s.  He IS the "Voice" of the Huskies.

Went to the Fox Lake American Legion for their monthly first Saturday afternoon band and saw an excellent two-piece group but can't remember their name.

Then to Stucky's in Johnsburg for dinner, $1 draft pints and karaoke.  A whole bunch of Sunnysiders came in.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5

Watched and listened to the Bears lose another game at home (now 4-8).  I always enjoy listening to the Bear announcers on the radio as they are real fans.

Then to the McHenry American Legion for the $2.50 Adequate Bloody Marys and $1 off Happy Hour prices.

--RoadDog

Around Here: A Civil War Discussion, Karaoke, a Legion, Da Bears Blown Out and Stucky's

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting at Panera Bread.  Today's topic was the Battle of Perryville.  And, we actually somewhat stayed on topic much of the time.

Later, we went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois, for dinner and the $1 draft Pints.  Had a great time singing karaoke.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24

The usual morning on the internet, posting blogs and listening to the radio stations.

We went to the McHenry American Legion and watched one of the worst beat-downs ever on Da Bears at the hands of Da Brady and Da Buccaneers.  It was sad.  Very sad.

Then went to Stucky's to further drown our sorrows.

--RoadDog

Around Here: A Civil War Encampment, Stucky's, Karaoke and Da Pack Beats Da Bears

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

For the first time since 2019,I went to a Civil War encampment at Hainesville, Illinois.  It was good to get around like-minded folks like me.  It was sunny, but blustery with a good bit of cold in the air.  Not bad in the sunlight, but avoid tree shade.

I met and talked with my friend Bob, who was playing the part of Elijah Haines, the founder and namesake of Hainesville.  We go back to 1973, when we were both teachers in Round Lake.  I also sat in on the presentations by U.S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln.

They were going to recreate the Battle of Bentonville, fought in North Carolina on March 19-21, 1865.  This battle was fought just 25 miles from where I was born in 1951, Goldsboro.  However, I had been wind-blown enough by then so I decided to leave.

Later that night Liz and I went to Stucky's in Johnsburg where we ate an d I sang karaoke.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 

Met the new neighbors across the street for the first time.  We went to the McHenry American Legion where we watched a certain quarterback own us again as he said so emphatically after scoring a TD.  The 24-14 final score was not truly indicative of their domination.  Sure getting tired of watching Da Bears play Da Packers.

--RoadSadBears

Good Times Around Here Last Weekend

JUNE 12, FRIDAY---  Great eating and music at the Spring Grove Annual Friday Fish Boil to raise money for the Spring Grove Fish hatchery Park.  AUCE fish, chicken & ribs.  Great two-piece band.  Then we went to the American Legion in Fox Lake for karaoke.

JUNE 13, SATURDAY---  Breakfast sandwiches at McDonald's, yardwork and then drove to Round Lake Park and saw Terry Spizziri sing at AJ's Horsin' Around and then the Blackhawk victory at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg.  Everyone's getting excited about the possibility of clinching the Stanley Cup at home on Monday.  Lots and lots of "Chelsea Dagger" on the jukebox.

JUNE 14, SUNDAY---  Listened to Rock and Roll Roots and recorded Breakfast With the Beatles.  Used my last coupon for McDonald's new 1/3 pound steakburger.  Every bit as good as they said.  Moved furniture out to gazebo and the deck and enjoyed them.

In the afternoon, we went to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and saw the excellent R-Gang band doing all that soul and R&B.  Then sat out b the tiki bar at Nauti-Knots on Bluff Lake

All Sorts of Entertainment This Weekend.  Go Hawks!!  --RoadDog

BAD QUOTES FROM FAMOUS PEOPLE:  "So we went to Atari and said, 'Hey, we've got this amazing thing, even built with some of your parts, and what do you think about funding us?  Or, we'll give it to you.  We just want to do it.  Pay our salary, we'll come work for you.'  And they said, 'No.'  So then we went to Hewlett-Packard, and they said, 'Hey, we don't need you.  You haven't got through college yet.'"  Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs.  Hey, we've got this little band from Liverpool.

Whole Lot of Karaoke-ing Going On-- Part 3: Top Ten Sung Karaoke Songs

Top of the Pops.  Our research turned up these recurring, more or less timeless karaoke tunes--songs that people just never seem to tire of singing along to.

1.  DON'T STOP BELIEVING--  Journey
2.  GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN--  Cyndi Lauper
3.  SWEET CAROLINE--  Neil Diamond
4.  I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU--  Dolly Parton or Whtney Houston
5.  FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES--  Garth Brooks

6.  POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME--  Def Leppard
7.  MY HEART WILL GO ON--  Celine Dion
8.  THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL--  Whitney Houston
9.  THE ROSE--  Bette Midler
10.  HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT--  Pat Benatar

"Where It Began..."  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Hung out to dry."--  Back in the days of hanging laundry outside to dry.

Whole Lotta Karaoke-ing Going On-- Part 2: Tips From a Karaoke Pro

In case you're in a bar and get the motivation to get up and sing karaoke, you should read this.

"By day, Harvey Silkowitz, 44, is a New York City lawyer.  By night, he sings karaoke--as H-Bomb."  here are his tips to help engage the crowd:

**  CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL.  The song needs to be suitable to your vocal range.  If it is  packed house, pick something more upbeat.  I go through the song books and try to sing the song in my head.  I pick artists who don't sing well.

**  HAVE FUN ON STAGE"  It is contagious.  Move around, smile.  If people see you're having agood time (as opposed to stiff and scared, they will join in.  It also helps to sing a crowd favorite.

There will be a list of the Top Ten Karaoke songs on Monday's blog.

**  WORK THE CROWD   make eye contact.

I think that perhaps Mr. Silkovitz is the kind of karaoke singer I hate to follow, one that sings well.  I especially don't like the ones who don't even have to look at the words.

Beware Those Guys.  --RoadDog

Whole Lotta Karaoke-ing Going On Out There-- Part 1: Me and the Mic

From the June 1-7, 2014, American Profile Magazine "Why we Love Karaoke" by Neil Pond.

Would that have been the name of Jerry Lee Lewis' song had he released it today?

The Japanese translation means "empty orchestra."  And, that is where it started.  But, karaoke is anything but dull and boring.  And, all sorts of folks get up on stage (or floor) and give it the old college try.  There are  even competitions.

I know that I have even gotten up to sing on occasion.  Liz won't after an unfortunate attempt at "Sentimental Journey" that was even more unfortunately recorded.  When she heard it the next day, there was not much of a chance she'd ever get up there again.

Usually, it takes me some "fortifying" to get up there.  Something else that helps is the person that goes up and completely botches it.  But by the time my name is called, the person before me is always really good, making me a sad contrast.

As a deejay when this started, I figured it would be a flash-in-the-pan and be over within a year.  Shows what I knew.

--RoadDog

December 7th, 1941, a Day That Shall Live in Infamy-- Pt 2

For years, my students would have a two or three day mini unit on Pearl Harbor this time of the year. Too many did not know anything about it or its significance. This included readings, maps, a careful look at pictures, and so forth. The excellent Junior Scholastic magazine for students had a very good article on it and I kept the issue for use.

Today, I did my bit to say thanks to our veterans when I helped out at the Fox Lake, Illinois, American Legion Post 703 when we hosted 71 people from the North Chicago VA Hospital.

There was a lot of history in our banquet room with veterans spanning back to WWII all the way to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I would have liked to talk especially with the WWII vets and perhaps record their memories, but they were having too much fun.

They were treated to a full turkey dinner as prepared by our bar manager John, a really great cook. Pumpkin squares topped off the feast. Then we had a raffle.

Both before and after lunch, we had karaoke. The guy who ran it donated his services. We had some great efforts and moves, especially on the Temptations' "My Girl" and Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of my Tears."

One young woman got up and sang a rousing version of Michael Jackson's "Bad." During the instrumental break, she got out on the floor and did a Michael Jackson dance routine to the standing applause of the people. Two people at my table said she was usually a very quiet and reserved person. But, put a mike in front of her and, presto, a wild woman.

I believe these folks truly enjoyed themselves and none wanted to leave at the end.

Bless Our Veterans and Current Armed Forces. --RoadDog