Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day: Pizza, Beer, a Movie, a Presentation and Trivia

And, it was unseasonably warm around here until Saturday.

MARCH 11--  MONDAY

Went to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove for half price pizza and Bricks 'N Ivy for the $8 pitcher of Blue Moon.

MARCH 12-- TUESDAY

Drove to Woodstock, Illinois, for the movie "King Fu Panda: 4" at the theater, then spent some time in the library before meeting members of the Round Table at 3 Brothers restaurant for dinner.  Then we adjourned back to the library where the McHenry County Civil War Round Table has a presentation on Confederate Railroads during the war.

MARCH 13--  WEDNESDAY

Put up the spring flowers at Liz's grave and talked with the funeral director at the Spring Grover Funeral Home about a grave stone.  Then drove to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for snack day/trivia at Donovan's Reef.  We sure ate well.

Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog

Getting Older By the Day, Those Tires, Old Friends, Half-Times, Sunnyside and Donovan's Reef

TUESDAY, MAY 24

My 71st birthday.  Who'd have figured?

Had the truck towed to Quality Tire for new tires.  Yesterday I had a flat tire and couldn't get the tire off because the lug nuts were rusted tight.  Did some yardwork and cut the grass.

Met friends Sue and Paul who are in from New Mexico and with whom I'll be going to the Indy 500 on Friday as well as Kevin and Kelly at Half-Times in Johnsburg for pizza and $1 beers.  Then went to Sunnyside.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

Met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

THURSDAY, MAY 26

Packed for tomorrow's trip and went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.

--RoadOld

Last Weekend: An Afternoon Country Band, Sunnyside, Cullom Knoll and Sunnyside Again

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5

This being the first weekend of the month meant that the Fox Lake American Legion was having their  monthly first Saturday entertainment at the Drop Zone Bar.  The Alonzo Bart band was playing.  They have four pieces including a steel guitar and, of course, played lots of great old country music.

Where else are you going to go on a February Saturday afternoon for entertainment.  Draft beer pints were just $2.

We were going to go to Stucky's in Johnsburg next, but they were way too crowded, so dropped by Sunnyside for a few before going home.

****************************************

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6

We found out last night that Sunnyside's owner, Amy and Denny had bought a place over in McCullom Lake near McHenry called the Cullom Knoll, one of our favorite places to go before the virus.  So, this was a good reason to stop back by it.

They still had their great Sunday specials of a pitcher of draft beer for $5 and a 12-inch cheese pizza with 75 cent toppings.  We had our usual pineapple, black olive and bacon pizza.

Afterwards, we stopped by Sunnyside on our way home.

--RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  Thank you.  We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.

Last Week: An Automotive Double Whammy, Pizza, Sunnyside and Trivia at Donovan's Reef

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 

Well, great news, the '11 Malibu is ready from Ray Chevrolet as we're down to just the '05 Dakota running at present, but it has been making strange noises.  Went in and paid my $1,743 for the repairs after I hit the raccoon.  As I pulled out of Ray Chevrolet in the truck, all of a sudden it started to jerk and shudder and I made it into the next BP station.  Then got it back to Ray Chevrolet.

Oh boy, an automotive double whammy.  They were nice enough t take me home in their courtesy vehicle.

Later had a great pizza at Half-Times in Johnsburg (for half-price and $1 14 ounce drafts, then went to Sunnyside.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15

It will cost $1,050 to repair the truck.  Ouch!  That was on top of the $1,500 to repair the Malibu.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16

This was one really windy day, by an equally windy night.  Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and had a real good time with Uncle Jeffy in trivia.

Ain't Owning Cars a Lot of Fun?  --RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  It sounds like English, but I can't hear a word you say.

Last Week: A Garbage Pizza, Cheap Beer, Ricky's 73rd Birthday, McHenry VFW and PLAV and NIU Football Watch Party

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Went to Bricks 'N Ivy in Spring Grove, Illinois, and had that great Harry Caray pizza featuring four meats and four veggie, a real garbage pizza.  And, best of all, it was half price.  Also, $6 draft pitchers. Then to Sunnyside for the $1.50 draft pints.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Met a bunch of Sunnyside folks at the McHenry VFW to celebrate Rocky's73rd birthday.  Absolutely great BLT sandwich.  Then to the Polish Legion of American Veterans for cocktails and back to Sunnyside.  Rocky somehow survived.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Temps in the upper 50s today, so did some yardwork to prepare for the winter.  

Went to Half-Times in Johnsburg where they were having a NIU Watch Party for the televised Huskie football game.  We had about 15 people there and the Huskies had a close game against Buffalo and finally won in overtime.

--RoadDog

Last Week: Eatin' and Drinkin' Cheap in the Neighborhood, Firebird Cruise, Car Show and Slow Tacos

MONDAY, AUGUST 2

We went to Bricks 'N Ivy in Spring Grove, Illinois, for their half price pizza special on Monday.  We got a 16-inch Harry Caray pizza which is a real garbage pizza with four veggies and four meats.  It cost $13.50.  We also enjoyed a $5 pitcher of Miller Lite.  Then went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg where we had $1.50 pints.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

Went on a short Firebird Cruise and went from  end to end on Pioneer Road.  It is one of McHenry County's Scenic Roads and well-earned at that.  I had taken it often from Illinois Highway 31 and that is a pretty stretch, but didn't know it continued on to West Solon Road to the north.

The McHenry Scenic Roads site describes it as 4 miles long in McHenry and Richmond townships.

I went to the McHenry Moose Lodge Classic Car Show on Il.-31 later and saw the most beautiful 1967 Firebird ever.  I am a big Firebird fan and at one time had a 1967 Firebird convertible along with my 1985 one which I still have and take on those Firebird Cruises.

But, if you want the Moose Tuesday special tacos, 3 for $5, I discovered you'd best go inside, place your order and then look at the cars.  It generally takes at least 30 minutes to get served.  Tonight it was a new record, 45 minutes.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, LAW OF CLOSE ENCOUNTERS:  The probability of meeting somebody you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

Getting in the Yule Spirit-- Part 3: "Star Wars" and Old Friends, Pizza and Beer

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

I've been watching and recording (on VCR, that's right, VHS tapes) the various "Star Wars" movies in preparation for seeing the "last" one, "Star Wars:  The Rise of Skywalker" after schools are back in session and people go back to work.  I don't like crowds.  I'm a "Star Wars" fan.

We went to Half-Times in Johnsburg, Illinois, and met up with Usual Suspects Sue and Paul as well as Pam.  We used to do this at least once a month before Sue and Paul moved to New Mexico, so this was definitely kind of like old times.   Also, great pizza deals and cheap beer.  Our preferred pizza there is our special:  black olives, pineapple and sausage.

It was fun talking with them and planning our trip to the Indy 500 this coming May.  Stopped at Sunnyside afterwards.

Came home and watched "Star Wars:  A New Hope," the original "Star Wars" in 1977.

--RoadWars

I'd Celebrate That!!! Feb. 8-10: Pizza Pie Day Today

FEBRUARY 8

BOY SCOUT DAY**    A great organization.  As a matter of fact, Sunday, we are going over to Johnsburg for a Boy Scout Pig Roast to support them (and I really like pig roasts!!)

NATIONAL KITE FLYING DAY--**  More meaning to "Go Fly A Kite."

OPERA DAY   Well.  I don't know.  But if the guy from "The Upside" can learn to like it, I guess there is hope for me.

FEBRUARY 9

CHOCOLATE DAY**  Chocolate?  Chocolate?  What is that?

PIZZA PIE DAY**   As Homer would say,  "MMMMmmmmmm.  Pizza."

READ IN THE BATHTUB DAY   All I ever get from that is a wet book.   And we're not even going to talk about the newspaper.  Near impossible in the shower, though.

FEBRUARY 10

NATIONAL FLANNEL DAY**  "Oh, I'm a Lumberjack and I'm OK."

NATIONAL MAN DAY**  If the ladies can have their Valentine's Day, we can have out day too.

TEDDY DAY   Not really into Teddy Bears.   Lego My Teddy.

UMBRELLA DAY**  They come in real handy on certain kinds of days, but not real windy days.

--RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!!! Nov. 12-18: Thursday Is Clean Out the Fridge Day

**  I'd celebrate that.

NOVEMBER 12,  MONDAY--  Pizza With the Works Day**   Garbage pizza, that's for me.  I have to wonder about people who just like pizza with cheese and maybe one topping.

NOVEMBER 13, TUESDAY--  World Kindness Day**  I wonder if Bill Murray would drink to that even if it is not "World Peace?"  Hey, kindness leads to peace.

NOVEMBER 14, WEDNESDAY--  Pickle Day**  And, as we all know, Mt. Olive Pickles are the best.   Guacamole Day**  Mighty good dippin' stuff.

NOVEMBER 15, THURSDAY--  Clean Out the Fridge Day**  We've got things back there that frighten me.   Smoke Out Day**  Think of how much money you could save.

NOVEMBER 16, FRIDAY--  Fast Food Day**  Me, eat fast food?  Yep!!

NOVEMBER 17, SATURDAY--  Baklava Day**  Take A Hike Day*8  Figuratively or Really?   Adoption Day**  Be it a kid or pet.

NOVEMBER 18, SUNDAY--    Mickey Mouse's Birthday    How old is he?  M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE.

Donald Duck.  --RoadDog

IT'S ALL IN A NAME:  Steam shovel operator's name:  Doug

I'd Celebrate That!!!! October 8 to 14: Happy 243rd Birthday U.S. Navy on Saturday

**  I'd Celebrate That.

OCTOBER 8, MONDAY--  Columbus Day**   Native American Day**   His coming was not a red letter day for them.

OCTOBER 9, TUESDAY--  Sub/Hoagie/Hero day**   I love 'em all.

OCTOBER 10, WEDNESDAY--  ER Nurses Day**   Mental Health Day**

OCTOBER 11, THURSDAY--  Sausage Pizza Day**   Well, but it would be better more loaded with "Stuff."  The more the better.

OCTOBER 12, FRIDAY--  Farmers Day**  And we have a bunch of them around the Spring Grove, Illinois, area.   Gumbo Day**  Bon Ton, you know.

OCTOBER 13, SATURDAY--  U.S. Navy's 243rd Birthday**   Anchors Aweigh Mr Boys!!!    Motorcycle Ride Day   I'd love to, but too scared.

OCTOBER 14, SUNDAY--  Bald & Free Day**    Clergy Appreciation Day**

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend-- Part 3: Hardee's Breakfast, Saufen Und Spiel and Da Bears

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

We at Hardee's for breakfast.  We really like their breakfasts and were impressed with their new slider breakfast sandwiches.  Drove back to Spring Grove via the old way, Il-23 to Plank Road to Il-47 because of all the construction we encountered on the way to DeKalb yesterday.  This is the way we took from Palatine and later from Round Lake Beach.

Went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg and watched the annual Saufen Und Spiel parade to honor  the village's German heritage.  We decided not to go to the Community Club grounds where they had bands, food, and, of course, bier.

Home and some yardwork before going to Spring Grove Pub to watch the Bears-Packers game.  Both Liz and I pull for the Packers UNLESS they play Da Bears.  Specials at the Pub were $4.50 pitchers of beer and a $5 pizza buffet. It being a new place, there weren't too many people there, but the ones that were had a good time in the first half of the game.  The less said about the second half, the better.

Parades and Da Bears.  How Much Fun Is That?  --RoadDog

TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD:  It's frustrating to know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

Labor Day Weekend 2018-- Part 3: J's, BLT Pizza and NTN

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

More rain today.  We have had rain every day since Friday and lots of it.  How long before we have no wake or closed on the Chain of Lakes.  Beginning to look like we won't get out at all on the boat this year.  Plus, after 33 years, we are seriously considering selling it.

We went to J's in Ingleside, Illinois, and enjoyed their $1.50 draft pints and half price pizza.  Their BLT pizza is one of the best in the area.  That is bacon, lettuce and tomato to those of you who don't know and it is like getting a salad on top of your pizza.

We met Usual Suspects Kevin and Kelly there and played NTN trivia, something we used to do a lot, but rarely anymore.  We had several Top 20s as individuals and he bar.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

YOUR ENGLISH LESSON:  And that "eat" is the only word that if you take the first letter and move it to the last, it spells the past tense "ate"?

I'd Celebrate That!! September 3-9: Friday Is Beer Lovers Day

**  I'd celebrate that.

SEPTEMBER 3,  MONDAY--  Labor Day**

SEPTEMBER 4, TUESDAY--  Wildlife Day**  Newspaper Carrier Day**

SEPTEMBER 5, WEDNESDAY--  Cheese Pizza Day**  But I like mine loaded, garbage style.

SEPTEMBER  6,  THURSDAY--  Read A Book Day**  Coffee Ice Cream Day

SEPTEMBER 7,  FRIDAY--  Beer Lovers Day**********   Lazy Moms Day

SEPTEMBER 8, SATURDAY--  Ampersand Day    Not sure what this is all about.

SEPTEMBER 9,  SUNDAY--  Teddy Bear Day   Weiner Schnitzel Day**   Grandparents Day**  Sure miss mine.

--RoadDog

YOUR ENGLISH LESSON:  (From Wassup magazine)    Did you know that "listen" and "silent" use the same letters?

Way Too Many Things To Do Around Here-- Part 4: Hickory Lodge, Stucky's and Sunnyside

We had drizzle and light rain most of the morning, threatening to cut into our fun for the day.  As usual, I listen to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive, from 7 to 10 a.m., and record Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM, from 8 to 10 a.m..

Despite the light rain, we decided to go to McHenry for the Fiesta Days parade, one of biggest parades in the area, but found the roads blocked off and with the rain, decided not to see it.  Instead, we went to Hickory Lodge on McCullom Lake Road for their $5 small cheese pizza with 75 cent toppings and $5 pitchers of domestic beer.  Great pizza and a hard deal to beat.

From there, we went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, but it was too crowded so went to Stucky's which is nearby.  We sat outside and really had a great time singing along with and partying with Uncle Will who was playing all sorts of John Prine, Steve Goodman and John Hiatt songs as well as his own.  Those are some of my favorite performers. We'll definitely see him again.

When he finished, we went back to Sunnyside and this time it was not so crowded so had a few there before heading home.

So, even though today did not turn out as I planned, we sure had a good time.

A Real Good Time.  --RoadDog

WHAT I THINK:  I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

12 McDonald's Food Items That Failed Spectacularly-- Part 1: McLobster

From the August 30, 2011 Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance.

1.  McLobster--  Lobster meat shoved into a hot dog bun for $5.99.  I saw it advertised in a trip to Maine, but figured I could get one back home in Illinois.  I was wrong.)

2.  McGratin Croquette--  Japan   Deep-fried macaroni / shrimp /mashed potatoes.  Now, this sounds good.

3.  Hula Burger--  Meatless for Catholics.  Grilled pineapple, slaw and cheese.

4.  McPizza--  Late 1980s.  Made-to-order, but took too long for starving patrons.

--RoadDog

To DeKalb Last Weekend-- Part 1: A Scholarship and Pizza

DECEMBER 8--  Friday

We drove to DeKalb, Illinois, and got a room at the Red Roof Inn and met with out university person at Fatty's and discussed what is going on on campus.  We gave money for our education scholarship.

Took a ride through campus and it would appear that Lincoln Hall (where I lived freshman year at NIU) was closed.  We then went to Wal-Mart and then to Lord Stanley's, the place you want to be for Blackhawks games.  Lord Stanley's is named after the man who gave the Stanley Cup.  Watched the first two periods there and had their great pizza/beer deal, two pitchers and a 16-inch one topping pizza for $19.

Then, we went back to the hotel and walked across the street to Pizza Pros and watched the end of the game (and the Blackhawks actually won)!!  The bartender has a remarkable memory.  We don't get t DeKalb often, but she remembered us.

--RoadDog

ACCIDENT REPORTS:  "I thought my window was down; but found it was up when I put my hand through it.

Back Home Again

Well, its the weekend, what to do when you're back from the beach.

It's good to be home, even though the weather this past weekend was nowhere near as good as it was when we were gone these past 15 days.  Weather around Spring Grove, Illinois, was in the 60s much of the time.  Not so now/  It it 40s.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3RD

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, Illinois.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4TH

We saw one of our favorite bands, The Three Aces, play at the Fox Lake, Illinois, American Legion from 3-6 p.m..  Sure love these afternoon bands.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5TH

We went to Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake, Illinois, for their $5 pizza special and $5 pitchers.  Then to Sunnyside.

Bands in the Afternoon.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  Instant coffee takes too long.

DeKalb and Woodstock This Weekend-- Part 3: Pizza, Beer and a Hawks Win!

Continued from Tuesday, February 7.

February 4, Saturday

After the basketball victories, we drove downtown to Lord Stanley's, right on the Lincoln Highway.  This place gets its name for the Stanley Cup (which was given by Lord Stanley of Canada).  And, this is a big hockey place, especially when the Chicago Blackhawks are playing.  And, they were playing tonight.  We've always wanted to see a 'Hawks game there, so this was a chance.

The jukebox was turned off and all TVs were on the game and lots of cheering.

Also, they have a famous food and drink special: two pitchers of beer and a 16-inch, one topping pizza for $19.  We were always too full from football homecomings when we got there, but their pizza sure looked and smelled good.  It was.

We watched two periods and then drove back to the motel and walked across Lincoln Highway to Pizza Pros and watched the end of the Blackhawks victory.

A Really Fun Day.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  The taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.

Partying in the Winter

Despite all the many, many gray, overcast days we've been having, we still managed to enjoy ourselves.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

We went over for those great breakfasts at KC's Cabin in Spring Grove (corner of Il-173 and Wilmot Road).  (Buy One, Get One 1/2 Price)  Later that night, it was Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsbirg and Jim Sieg performing.  This is one really fun entertainer.  If you can't party with Jim, you can't party.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Wendy Rice's Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT featured 1982 and some real great music.  Got together with the Usual Suspects at a showing of Super Bowl XX, which, to us, is THE only Super bowl as it was the one our 1985 Chicago Bears played in.  You know, "Super Bowl Shuffle," Sweetness and the Fridge.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots Show on WDRV in Chicago was devoted the Chicago's Blizzard of 1967, all three hours of it.  Now, that was some REALLY GOOD MUSIC.    I listed all the songs he played earlier this week.

We went to the Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake, Illinois, for their $5 small pizza special and $5 draft pitchers.  Stopped at Sunnyside Tavern on the way home.

Who Says You can't Have Fun in the Winter?  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You're so jittery that people use your hands to blend their margaritas.

North Carolina Summer 2016-- Part 13: Home

AUGUST 1, 2016, MONDAY

I left at 7 a.m. from Richmond, even though that would mean I would hit Indianapolis at 8 a.m., right in the middle of Indianapolis rush hour.  And, i went right through the center of the city.  Traffic was heavy, but there were no slow-downs.  I stopped on the west side in Speedway and went to the Kroger store and bought two more Fuzzy's Premium Vodka 100th Running of the Indy 500 commemorative bottles.

I will be giving one to my good friend and teaching Buddy, Terri, who is a major INDY CAR fan.

Drove I-74 northwest.  Gas at Crawfordsville, Indiana, a usual stop for me, was down 9 cents to $2.

Took Illinois-47 north of Mahomet and stopped in Morris at the Burger King, which still has those great greasy tacos (much like those at Jack-in-the-Box or Jacks as they call themselves now).

Arrived home and cut the grass which needed it with all the rain we've been getting since I was gone.  Went boating and then to J's for half-price pizza and NTN where we had a #3 and #4 team finish.

Then went to the Sons of the American Legion meeting at the Fox Lake Legion.

Home At Last.  --RoadDog

HELL!  ... Let's Offend Everybody!  How do you get a sweet little 80-year-old lady to say the "F" word?  Answer:  Get another sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell "Bingo!"