Movies, Big Band Music and Da Bowl

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Saw a movie double header at Fox Lake Theatre:  "80 for Brady" and "Plane."  So good to be back at the movies again.  Enjoyed both movies.  Then met Kevin and Kelly at the Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, ate at Taco Bell in Fox Lake and went to the Fox Lake American Legion where they were having a Valentine's dance with the Lakes Area Swing Band.  

They are 16 musicians who put on a great Swing/Big Band show.  There was a good crowd and most everyone was dressed like people used to when they went out dancing.  Most really could dance those style of dances.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 

Went to Culver's in Fox Lake for that great double butter burger meals and then the SAL (Sons of the American Legion) meeting at the Fox Lake Legion.

I then went to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, to Donovan's Reef where I had paid to have a seat at the Super Bowl party with AUCE and drink during the game.  I also had a room at the motel behind the bar, so driving home was not a problem.

That was sure a great game.

--RoadBowl

Saying Goodbye to Stucky's: No Tacos But Oh Those Burgers

MONDAY, JUNE 27

This was to be the last week that one of our favorite places to go was to be open.  Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois.  (Stucky's was also the same place that Tom's Cafe was located back in the 1990s and we also hung out there a lot.)

So, we decided to go to Stucky's as much as we could.

I went to the Fox Lake Theatre and saw "Top Gun:  Maverick."  Then Liz and I went to Sunnyside for their $1.50 Monday draft beer special and then over to Stucky's where we planned on getting their $1 tacos.  Sadly, however, they ran out of tacos before we could order.

That is a problen there right now.  They are running out of many things.  You never know "what" you can order and hope to get."  Enjoyed the $2 12 ounce cans, always ice cold.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28

Went to Stucky's for the last half price burgers and were happy to find out that they had restocked a little, but there were many times employees were sent over to the next door Angelo's grocery store to buy stuff.  

I had my last Roland's Swiss cheese and mushroom burger with loads of grilled onions and Liz had her last bacon cheeseburger.  Both came with fries or tots of homemade chips.  I dare you to get a burger that good and big anywhere for $4.75 anymore, especially in these days of runaway food prices.

--RoadStuck

Stucky's Is Closing, Granny's Diner, Gas Prices and 'Mikie' Dies

MONDAY, JUNE 20

We went to Sunnyside for the Monday $1.50 draft beer special and were not happy to find out that Stucky's was going to close June 30.  This is one of our main places to go in Johnsburg, Illinois.

So, we went over to Stucky's and found out it was true.  Deb, the owner, had just reached the point of no-return as far as the place goes.  That's too bad.  We'll have to see it out of business with a lot of trips these last few days.  We have a lot of people that we know from there.  (There was a general concensus that there were already some people interested in buying the place.)

We did have the $1 tacos, their Monday special.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Met the Sunnyside folks at Granny's Diner in Johnsburg for breakfast, then went to some flower places and grocery shopping.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

Gas in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, now "down" to $4.90.  Nice to see it going down, but man is that way too high.  Played trivia with Uncle Jeffie at Donovan's Reef.

We were saddened to learn that Mike Bornhorst, "Mikie," had died at Donovan's.  He lived in one of the motel rooms for many years and was quite a regular.  He was friends with everybody.  There will be a celebration of life in July for him at Donovan's.  We will be there.

--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.

2019 Route 66 Trip-- Part 7: Shelly's, Wascally Wabbits, Tacos and Bars

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

Had breakfast at Shelly's Rt. 66 Diner, a few blocks west of the Wagon Wheel and talked with a  guy doing Route 66 for the third time from the Czech Republic.  A wascally wabbit had escaped her cage and provided entertainment before we left the motel.  Drove to Sullivan and Stanton before getting on I-44 to I-270  to Illinois.

Then I-55 to Hamel and then Route 66 again to Litchfield, stopping at Rich Henry's in Staunton where we met one of his newest wascally wabbits.  We had Jack's (Jack-in-the-Box) tacos at Litchfield, then I-55'ed it to Springfield.  This time we were able to get a room at the Route 66 Hotel.

We went to George Ranks and the Curve Inn, two of our favorite bars in Springfield.  Finished at Brille 69. the new restaurant/bar at the Route 66 Hotel.

--RoadWabbit

2019 Route 66 to Lebanon-- Part 2: Hooker Cut, Elbow Inn and Munger-Moss Motel

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

We took I-55 to I-270 to Missouri and a traditional stop at the welcome center at the border.  Then 270 to I-44 to Sullivan and stop for lunch of those great tacos at Jack-In-the-Box, or Jack's as they're now called.  We really like those tacos.

Then Route 66 to Fanning Outpost, home of the giant rocker west of Cuba and gourmet popcorn.  I-44 around Rolla.  Then a drive by John's Modern Cabins and the Trail of Tears.

Of course, my favorite place on Route 66, Hooker Cut and a stop for a beer at the Elbow Inn and Devil's Elbow, Missouri.

Checked into the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri , and talked with Ramona.  We will sure be missing Bob this year as he died a few months ago.  We found that our usual liquor store was gone as was Senor Pepper's.  But the VFW was still there and we had a great time three.

--RoadDog

Getting Into October: A Thursday Band, A Trial and the Legion

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4  Doing yardwork preparing for you-know-what season fast approaching now.WE went to the Grove bar and restaurant here in Spring Grove and they had  a band playing outside in their heated tent, but there was no room so sat inside.  It was National Taco Day and we enjoyed their $1 tacos.  Also saw the band.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5   Really sad about the anticipated rioting that would take place if police officer Van Dyke was found innocent in his trial.  This had Chicago on edge.  This is no way to run a judicial system where one group gets to dictate guilt.

Enjoyed the Legion with the Usual Suspects.

--RoadDog

HOW TO LIE TO THE BATHROOM SCALE:  When weighing, remove everything, including glasses.  In the case of glasses, blurred vision is good.  Don't forget the earrings, these can weigh a pound or more.

I'd Celebrate That!! October 1-7, 2018: Teachers Day This Friday

OCTOBER 1, MONDAY--  Vegetarian Day**  I like my veggies, just not exclusively.  Homemade Cookies Day**

OCTOBER 2, TUESDAY--  Custodial Workers Day**  Fried Scallops Day**

OCTOBER 3, WEDNESDAY--   Boyfriend Day    Techies Day

OCTOBER 4,   THURSDAY--    World Animal Day**  Golf Lovers Day   Taco Day**  Load mine, please.

OCTOBER 5, FRIDAY--  Teachers Day**  Since I was one for 33 years.   Do Something Nice Day**  Yep, and you'll feel better for it.

OCTOBER 6, SATURDAY--  Noodle Day**  As long as it has sauce.

OCTOBER 7, SUNDAY--   Frappe Day  Not if it is an iced one.

COOKIE!!  --RoadDog

MURPHY'S PHOTOGRAPHY LAWS:  Any surviving best shots are ruined when some opens the dark room door.

A Munger-Moss Motel Route 66 Trip-- Part 6: Eating Our Way Across 66-- Chicken, Tacos and Cookies

APRIL 25, 2016, Monday

Said our goodbyes to Ramona and we'll definitely get back sooner.  Got gas for $1.85 at a Road Ranger at Exit 163 which is by Hooker Cut.  We were happy to find a Chester's Chicken place at the station and had to get some.  Best fried chicken anywhere.  Drove Hooker Cut, my favorite stretch of Route 66.

Also paid our respects at John's Modern Cabins which fall apart a little more every time we see them.

Tacos at Jack's in Sullivan.  Of course.

Took I-270 around St. Louis to see the Chain of Rocks Bridge.  Stopped at McDonald's on the way and bought their 3 chocolate chip cookies for $1.  Had to wait as they were baking them.  Hot and gooey, some of the best cookies ever.

--RoadDog