Where Were You August 4, 1973?-- Part 4: Rocky Mountain Way"

These songs on the radio back then.

KODACHROME-- Paul Simon
UNEASY RIDER-- Charlie Daniels
LADY-- Styx

SHAMBALA-- Three Dog Night
LET'S GET IT ON-- Marvin Gaye
RADAR LOVE-- Golden Earring

ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY-- Joe Walsh
RUBBER BULLETS-- 10CC
HIGHER GROUND-- Stevie Wonder

FEELING STRONGER EVERY DAY-- Chicago
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE-- Carpenters
ANGEL-- Aretha Franklin.

--RoadDog

To Rain Or Not to Rain, Still Chaining-- Part 3

This is back to July 31st. Left Middleton's in Wauconda and drove back to Fox Lake on US-12 to stop at three places for more passport stamps.

First stop was Docker's on Pistakee Lake. They were getting ready for Saturday's Venetian Night which takes place there and on the street beside it. Boats with Christmas lights go by and they fireworks.

Then, a stop at the Lagoon Lounge, which shares the lagoon with Waterway Management and McDonald;'s. This is a bar straight out of the 40s-50s and the cleanest one anywhere.

Then to Moretti's, also accessible by water through Ben Watt's Marina. Ran into Kelly, Kevin, their son and his girlfriend here. They were out getting passport stamps as well.

We then drove to the Legion where they boated. It was here that the rain really came down right when they were getting ready to leave. They came back inside to wait it out.

A Pretty Good Day. --RoadDog

Where Were You August 4, 1973?-- Part 3: "Smoke On the Water"

SMOKE ON THE WATER-- Deep Purple
BROTHER LOUIE-- Stories
ALL THE WAY FROM MEMPHUS-- Mott the Hoople

WILL IT GO ROUND IN CIRCLES-- Billy Preston
IF YOU WANT ME TO STAY-- Sly & the Family Stone
LONG TRAIN RUNNING-- Doobie Brothers

DIAMOND GIRL-- Seals & Crofts
MY OLD SCHOOL-- Steely Dan
RIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME-- Dr. John.

Gettin' Ready To Get Married Forty Years Ago. --RoadDog

Beach Music 1960-- Part 2

H.M. DOLLAR BILL / IT DON'T MAKER SENSE-- Fiesta
35. SYMPHONY-- Sammy Turner
34. THERE YOU GO-- Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters

H.M. WHEN WILL I BE LOVED / CATHY'S CLOWN-- Everly Brothers
33.  JUST A LITTLE BIT-- Roscoe Gordon
32.  LOOK AT LITTLE SISTER-- Hank Ballard & the Midnighters

H.M. WHY YOU TREAT ME SO COLD-- Gene Allison
H.M. ROADRUNNER-- Bo Diddley
31. MIAMI-- Eugene Church

Give it a listen. You can also hear the current Beach Top 40 and the Roadhouse Blues, Boogie & Fish Fry.

Enjoying It As I Type. --RoadDog

Beach Music 1960-- Part 1: "Mary Lou"

H.M.  Honotablr mention

For the next several days, Fessa John Hook will be featuring the Beach Music Top 40 from the year 1960 at his www.beachshag.com site. You'll recognize some of the songs and artists, but some will be ones you've never heard, which makes it a great listen.

40. THREE LITTLE PIGS-- Lloyd Price
39. MARY LOU-- Ronnie Hawkins & the Hawks
H.M. A HELP EACH OTHER ROMANCE-- LaVern Baker & Ben E. King, 38. BABY, WHAT
YOU WANT ME TO DO-- Jimmy Reed
H.M. BABY-- Little Richard

37. BE MY GUEST-- Fats Domino
36. MIDNIGHT FLYER-- Nat King Cole.

Good Stuff. --RoadDog

The History of Middleton's On Main in Wauconda, Illinois

The building in which Middleton's is located dates to 1847 when it was a stage stop which ran from Wauconda to Janesville, Wisconsin, a journey that took two days back then.

After that, it was a brothel and then for many years, a resort called the Grand Hotel.

Since then, there have been a series of restaurants and bars in it. The bar is located in a two story room with a second story walk around eating area on two sides.

I even deejayed there once or twice.

Well Worth a Visit. --RoadDog

To Rain or Not to Rain, To Crawl or Not to Crawl-- Part 2: Wauconda, Illinois

July 31st, Wednesday. Continuing with our day trip down river by cat on the Fox River. Heading northward now. Decided to stop at Middleton's On Main in downtown Wauconda. We hadn't been there probably since the 1980s when it was O'Traina's.

It is in an old 1890s resort hotel. The place hasn't changed much since then, but, of course, is no longer a hotel; more of a restaurant/Irish bar. Also took a walk along Main Street which is the old US-12 Highway until it bypassed the downtown.

Wauconda is running one of those objects on parade things that is so popular in towns these days. They have Adirondack chairs all along the road. Some interesting designs.

Wauconda is a former resort town on the shores of Bang's Lake. We go to Dock's Tiki Bar often which is on a bluff overlooking Bang's Lake. Middleton's is about a block from the lake.

Laying Back On a Chair. --RoadDog

Where Were You August 4, 1973?-- Part 2: "Knockin' On Heaven's Door"

WAITING FOR THE BUS/JESUS JUST LEFT CHICAGO-- ZZ Top
GYPSEY MAN-- War
GIVE ME LOVE-- George Harrison

MONEY-- Pink Floyd
KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR-- Bob Dylan
LOVES ME LIKE A ROCK-- Paul Simon

ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN-- ELO
WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND-- Grand Funk
BIG BARN BED-- Paul McCartney
LIVE AND LET DIE-- Paul McCartney.

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend: 3 Festivals, 9 Bars, 3 Bands and 1 Car Show

AUGUST 1ST, THURSDAY-- Boating. Antioch, Il.: Sequoit Lodge for wings, J.P. & the Cats playing at the bandstand, classic car show. Then, Steitz's for Chain passport stamp.

AUGUST 2ND, FRIDAY-- Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wi., with Kevin and Kelly for NTN (ten top ten rankings), Never Sink Inn and Tommy's in Spring Grove, Illinois.

AUGUST 3RD, SATURDAY-- Genoa City Days in Wisconsin. Mitch performing on the deck at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes. Fireworks at Venetian Night in Fox Lake, Illinois.

AUGUST 4TH, SUNDAY-- Bloody Mary and cocktails on the deck at Dirty Rooster overlooking Grasslake. Port o' Blarney for Chain Crawl passport stamp. Funk Libido Circus playing at Captain's on Fox Lake. Fire on the Strand (bonfire) and gazebo back home.

ALL OF THESE PLACES ARE WITHIN TEN MILES OF OUR HOUSE. Pretty Good Times. --RoadDog

Where Were You August 4, 1973?-- Part 1: Lots of Big Events In My Life

Sunday, Bob Stroud on Chicago's Drive, 97.1 FM WDRV (simulcast over 96.9 FM for the northern suburbs which is the one we get) went back to the songs playing on the radio and on our albums on August 4, 1973. That's 40 years ago for you mathematically disinclined.

I remember this was one really busy time for us. We had just rented an apartment in Des Plaines, Illinois. I was living there and Liz was still at her parents until our marriage coming up on August 25th, just 21 days away at this point.

I had just started what I figured to be my future job, working as an assistant manager at Bonanza Sirloin Pit in Buffalo Grove. They were impressed with me and planning on letting me run the new store in Schaumburg when it opened in six months. I would be the youngest-ever manager.

Then, there was that great music. I'll just list the songs because of this run-on paragraph problem and leave out Stroud's comments (as well as my own).

SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALRIGHT FOR FIGHTING-- Elton John
BAD BAD LEROY BROWN-- Jum Croce.

A Busy Time for Us. --RoadDog

Back to Our Old Stomping Grounds-- Part 5: Scott's Collectibles

We were back at Westfield Mall, which was Hawthorne Mall when we lived in Vernon Hills and used to go back to it. Scott's Collectibles had its start in Lake Villa, Illinois, on Il-83. Back in the 90s, it was mostly beer collectibles.

We bought out best piece of bar stuff there, the revolving Hamm's Beer sign, dating to the 50s-60s way back when. He has since moved to malls and according to the clerk, they have three stores, including one at that huge Woodfield Mall.

After sufficiently salivating, I decided to spend $40 for a White Sox heritage scroll, which had embroidered Sox emblems from over the years of the club.

Liz bought a big Cub Wrigley Field pennant.

Shoulda' Stayed Out. --RoadDog

JAB'D, Wings, Oldies, Old Cars and An Old Bar

Thursday, we took advantage of decent weather for a boat float on Mineola Bay and Fox Lake. Then drove to Antioch and had some great 35 cent wings at the Sequoit Lodge before going out back to the bandstand and seeing the 50s-60s band J.P. & the Cats, which we have been seeing since the 1980s.

They are based out of Dekalb. Plus, it was a classic car show. Took a walk around and met Maxine, my school sceretary for many of the years I worked at Magee Middle School in Round Lake. She is still working there and we did some catching up.

After the show, we stopped at Steitz's on Bluff Lake to get a Chain Crawl stamp,. They have been open on the Chain since 1938 and quite noted for their German food. The inside is like a museum.

Good Day. --RoadDog

Recent Stanley Cup Sightings: The People's Cup

As I mentioned before, the Stanley Cup is a touring championship trophy. Regular folks get to see and touch it, not just the millionaires and upper crust.

Liz received a photo from her long time friend, Michael (who plays in the band New Odyssey) and he was sitting and smiling broadly next to the Stanley Cup. He said it was on his Bucket List.

At some point this month (probably during the Illinois State Fair), it will be on display at the Executive Mansion (Governor's home) in Springfield. On July 29th, the Stanley Cup was carried to the Jimmy Buffett concert on Northerly Island (by Chicago's Lakefront) by Patrick Kane.

It was also in St. Peter's, Missouri, at a children's hospital, carried there by St. Charles native and Blackhawk player Brandon Bolling.

Sure Gets Around. --RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 11 (And, Last One)

Lots of confetti during the parade and lots of that "Chelsea Dagger" song. Also,  more at the end of the speeches. Plus, we got "Sweet Home Chicago," the Blues Brothers version, of course.

A bit surprising to actually see Coach "Q' actually smiling. You never see him smiling at games. One constant frown. The players sure had gruff, strained voices...the result of partying ever since clinching the Cup four days earler.

Oh, to be young and have won the Stanley Cup!!

Go Hawks!!!!   --RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 10: It's a Kissing Thing

Without a doubt, the Stanley Cup has to be the ugliest championship trophy in all the professinal leagues. Usually the bowl part of the trophy is the largest, but not on this one, which makes it stand out all the more. 

And, another player tradition is to hoist it into the the air, lower it to the face and kiss it. Can you imagine the germs?

But, then again, while I was at the Indy 500 at the end of May, I noticed many folks getting down on their knees to kiss the bricks that extend into the infield area from the track which marks the beginning and finish line of the race.  I understand racers kiss it as well.

I did wonder what was on the bottom of the Stanley Cup trophy and saw that there is a piece of plastic down there, indented in enough so that there is a place to put the finger grasp for the hoisters. I imagine I'd kiss it if I got the chance, undeserving as I am.

--RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 9: Up On the Stage

I saw the players signing each others' jerseys on the numbers. For sure a nice keepsake of a special time. Kane said, "That's hockey, baby!" as he gave the belt to goalie Corey Crawford as best player in the playoffs.

Crawford definitely had quite the playoffs. Then, Cory got up and got away with several "F" bombs on live TV. Then Toews went to the podium with the Stanley Cup which has to be the most-handled sports trophy in the world.

I'd like to know how many Hawks fans have handled and touched it since it was won on June 24th and this is just four days later. One definite thing players have to do is hold it up, lower it to their lips and kiss it.

Tradition, Baby!! --RoadDog

Back to Our Old Stomping Grounds-- Part 4: Scott's Collectibles

I have to admit, I was disappointed not to find any record or book stores in Westfield Mall (our old Hawthorne Mall), but, at the same time, happy not to be tempted to buy anything. So, I was smiling and frowning at the same time, then, near the other end of the mall, we came across my undoing, a place called Scott's Collectibles.

I should have known better than to go in, but, "in" I went. And, "out" I came a little over $50 poorer. This place, like Sports For Less in McHenry, has all sorts of pro sports stuff for sale, especially my preferred Chicago teams, and most of all, Da Sox and Da Bears.

And, the clerk was mighty happy to see me perusing the Sox stuff as she is also a Sox fan (and we're deep in the heart of Cub country).

What Did I Buy? --RoadDog

To Rain Or Not To Rain, To Crawl Or Not To Crawl-- Part 1

Busy day yesterday, and, sadly, a lot of miles for Big Oil. It misted, sprinkled all morning until 2, then the weather cleared up, but poured at 6:30.

First, I went to McHenry, for my yearly physical, then Crystal Lake for '03 Malibu emissions test (passed). Then, since so far south, Chain of Lakes Chain Crawl along the Fox River.

First stop at Dead End Saloon in Fox River Grove, right at the US-14 bridge. Next, Pier 99 (the Old Port Barrington) but they wouldn't open until 3. Next we went to Hermann's Low Life Bar in Barrington Shores and a great pizza. This is a place that hasn't changed much since the 1920s.

Farther north, we stopped at River's Edge. They weren't open yet, but signed the passport anyway. A lot of places on the water have reduced hours (and some closed) because of the continuing recession.

Maybe things are better for the GRBs who got us into it in the first place, but not for most "regular" folks.

Heading Northward. --RoadDog