I entered a blog about her on her last birthday, her 92nd, on August 5, 2007. She was at Alden Terrace at the time and had been admitted, but we didn't tell her because of her feelings about nursing homes, something she fought against with vigor. I mean, real vigor.
I made a copy of it and showed it to her. It was supposed to go to the other folks at the nursing home to familiarize them with her.
She looked at it, and I'm not sure if she was joking about it or not, she said, after reading it, "This is my obituary."
You can read it by going back into the blog archives to August 5, 2007.
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Frances Loretta Klaus 1915-2008
Yesterday was a very sad day for us. Liz lost her mother, Frances Klaus.
She had been at Alden Terrace Nursing Home in McHenry, Illinois, since July, and under hospice care since early January.
Her condition had been deteriorating for several years before this, and she was unable to move about on her own since September.
She was not suffering, but was extremely unhappy about her condition and had lost over 30 pounds since September and would not eat very much at all. Her vocal ability had also decreased and we were only able to understand about 10 percent of what she said toward the end.
She died very peacefully after a few last gasps. Both Liz and I were present at the time.
We know she is much happier where she is now.
She had been at Alden Terrace Nursing Home in McHenry, Illinois, since July, and under hospice care since early January.
Her condition had been deteriorating for several years before this, and she was unable to move about on her own since September.
She was not suffering, but was extremely unhappy about her condition and had lost over 30 pounds since September and would not eat very much at all. Her vocal ability had also decreased and we were only able to understand about 10 percent of what she said toward the end.
She died very peacefully after a few last gasps. Both Liz and I were present at the time.
We know she is much happier where she is now.
Monday, January 28, 2008
70s-80s Country Music
Not only am I a big fan of Beach Music, but also country music, and especially that music from the 70s and 80s. I listened to the country radio stations and bought a lot of albums. Particular favorites of that time were Hank Williams, Jr (Bocephus), Merle Haggard, Alabama, and Waylon Jennings.
This past Wednesday, while playing NTN at Donovan's Reef ( a Florida Bar in southern Wisconsin), I saw a flyer for the Joe Powers Band. They feature 70s and 80s country music.
One of the owners, Tom, said we could have a room in the newly and majorly remodeled motel that is behind the place for $30. We immediately said we'd be there. Great food, NTN, and 70s-80s Country Music was just too good of a deal to pass up. And, at That Price!!! Sure beats a DUI.
We met up with another couple and got seats at the far end of the bar (noise considerations) and played NTN while waiting. We had several top twenties, and, of course, got trounced in the 8 pm Jukebox game, as usual. We just don't know that much about new music.
The Joe Powers Band is fairly new and it showed in their instrumentation and vocals. There was a lot of room for improvement.
However, we really did enjoy hearing those old songs. Some of which were: Good-Hearted Woman, Okie from Muskogee, I'm the Only Hell my Mama Ever Raised, Family Tradition, Streets of Bakersfield, Folsom Prison Blues, Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink, Amanda, Working Man Blues, Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound, and Me and Booby McGee.
Back in the early 1980s, we used to go around a lot listening to a local band called Choyce. Now, they really had the vocals and instrumentation down.
Great Listening to That Old Stuff. --RoadDog
This past Wednesday, while playing NTN at Donovan's Reef ( a Florida Bar in southern Wisconsin), I saw a flyer for the Joe Powers Band. They feature 70s and 80s country music.
One of the owners, Tom, said we could have a room in the newly and majorly remodeled motel that is behind the place for $30. We immediately said we'd be there. Great food, NTN, and 70s-80s Country Music was just too good of a deal to pass up. And, at That Price!!! Sure beats a DUI.
We met up with another couple and got seats at the far end of the bar (noise considerations) and played NTN while waiting. We had several top twenties, and, of course, got trounced in the 8 pm Jukebox game, as usual. We just don't know that much about new music.
The Joe Powers Band is fairly new and it showed in their instrumentation and vocals. There was a lot of room for improvement.
However, we really did enjoy hearing those old songs. Some of which were: Good-Hearted Woman, Okie from Muskogee, I'm the Only Hell my Mama Ever Raised, Family Tradition, Streets of Bakersfield, Folsom Prison Blues, Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink, Amanda, Working Man Blues, Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound, and Me and Booby McGee.
Back in the early 1980s, we used to go around a lot listening to a local band called Choyce. Now, they really had the vocals and instrumentation down.
Great Listening to That Old Stuff. --RoadDog
Da Beach Top 40
Saturday, I listened to Fessa John Hooks' Beach and Boogie Top 40 Show over the internet. Next to Billy Smith, he is my favorite beach music dj. He knowledge of Beach Music is probably the best around. You can listen to his station, the Endless Summer Network at www.beachshag.com .
The Top 40 is Saturdays from 9-noon EST.
The Top ten songs from January 5th:
1. Why Am I Crying-- Rhonda McDaniel
2. (So Long) Since I Felt This Way-- Russel Thompkins, Jr (of the Stlistics)
3. Love Be With You-- Catalinas
4. Ain't That the Truth-- Danny Brooks
5. Rio de Janeiro Blue-- Randy Crawford & Joe Sample
6. Money Honey-- Craig Woolard Band, feat Andy King
7. I Know It's Hard, But It's Fair-- Holiday Band, feat. Mike Taylor
8. Memories & Souvenirs-- Donny & Susan Drexler, feat. Mark Black
9. Love is Here & Now You're Gone-- Holiday Band, feat. Mike Neese
10. Over and Done-- Ryan Shaw
Numbers 6-9 made me think I was looking at a R&B/Rap/Hip-Hop chart. They always seem to be featuring somebody.
I've Still Got Sand in My Shoes. --RoadDog
The Top 40 is Saturdays from 9-noon EST.
The Top ten songs from January 5th:
1. Why Am I Crying-- Rhonda McDaniel
2. (So Long) Since I Felt This Way-- Russel Thompkins, Jr (of the Stlistics)
3. Love Be With You-- Catalinas
4. Ain't That the Truth-- Danny Brooks
5. Rio de Janeiro Blue-- Randy Crawford & Joe Sample
6. Money Honey-- Craig Woolard Band, feat Andy King
7. I Know It's Hard, But It's Fair-- Holiday Band, feat. Mike Taylor
8. Memories & Souvenirs-- Donny & Susan Drexler, feat. Mark Black
9. Love is Here & Now You're Gone-- Holiday Band, feat. Mike Neese
10. Over and Done-- Ryan Shaw
Numbers 6-9 made me think I was looking at a R&B/Rap/Hip-Hop chart. They always seem to be featuring somebody.
I've Still Got Sand in My Shoes. --RoadDog
JSS-- Texas Ditch Surfing--PHS Logo--SC Clinton-Obama Debate last Monday--Why Dogs Bite People
Just Some Stuff-- JSS.
1. Texas Ditch Surfing-- A friend sent me a you-tube bit on a bunch of rednecks in Texas having fun while "surfing" a small, rain-filled ditch. I laughed until I almost cried. Then, these same guys tried to see how close they could come to a boat while swinging on ropes. A true Three Stooges bit. Check it out. It is hilarious!!!!
2. PHS "Don and Liz December 15, 1967-2007-- For our 40th anniversary of "Going Togther," Liz bought several items from Zazzle with the corny looking Palatine High School (Illinois) pirate mascot. She got key rings, badges, and the mouse pad I'm using right now.
3. SC-- Clinton-Obama Debate, Well, Edwards, Too-- This was by far the best debate I've seen yet. Both Obama and Clinton came out with weapons/mouths a-blazin'. Poor old rich boy Edwards was left out in right field, but did get a few zingers in. I did like how he later said that he represented the grown-up wing of the Democratic party. Obama was really caught in the middle and from both sides as Clinton was to his right and Edwards to his left. No big surprise, however, in the outcome of the voting.
4. Why Dogs Bite People-- My Uncle Bo sent an updated group of pictures titled "Why Dogs Bite People" featuring dogs whose masters have dressed them up. I'm sure all of you have seen these pictures before. One thing for sure, we would never have been able to dress our mutt, Brandy, up like that. She never would have stood for it. I didn't know dogs could buck.
Just Some Stuff in my Life. --RoadDog
1. Texas Ditch Surfing-- A friend sent me a you-tube bit on a bunch of rednecks in Texas having fun while "surfing" a small, rain-filled ditch. I laughed until I almost cried. Then, these same guys tried to see how close they could come to a boat while swinging on ropes. A true Three Stooges bit. Check it out. It is hilarious!!!!
2. PHS "Don and Liz December 15, 1967-2007-- For our 40th anniversary of "Going Togther," Liz bought several items from Zazzle with the corny looking Palatine High School (Illinois) pirate mascot. She got key rings, badges, and the mouse pad I'm using right now.
3. SC-- Clinton-Obama Debate, Well, Edwards, Too-- This was by far the best debate I've seen yet. Both Obama and Clinton came out with weapons/mouths a-blazin'. Poor old rich boy Edwards was left out in right field, but did get a few zingers in. I did like how he later said that he represented the grown-up wing of the Democratic party. Obama was really caught in the middle and from both sides as Clinton was to his right and Edwards to his left. No big surprise, however, in the outcome of the voting.
4. Why Dogs Bite People-- My Uncle Bo sent an updated group of pictures titled "Why Dogs Bite People" featuring dogs whose masters have dressed them up. I'm sure all of you have seen these pictures before. One thing for sure, we would never have been able to dress our mutt, Brandy, up like that. She never would have stood for it. I didn't know dogs could buck.
Just Some Stuff in my Life. --RoadDog
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Doin' My Historical Thang
Last Saturday, I did my history thing for most of the day.
In the morning, I attended the meeting of the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society. We are currently compiling accounts of early families in the area.
We have 23 people who serve as docents. Not that any records are being kept, but Ruth Stark led all docents with 5 times. Two others had four apiece. Docents are on hand to greet and help visitors to the museum on Washington Street in Ingleside, Illinois. The museum is only open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but has been closed for the month of February.
In 2005, the first year it was open, the museum attracted 525 people. In 2006, it was 820, and last year, 836. We are hoping for 1000 this year.
We had a presentation by the Fox Lake Fire Department which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Village of Fox Lake just celebrated its 100th in 2007.
More on the fire department's presentation later.
History at the Grassroots Level. --RoadDog
In the morning, I attended the meeting of the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society. We are currently compiling accounts of early families in the area.
We have 23 people who serve as docents. Not that any records are being kept, but Ruth Stark led all docents with 5 times. Two others had four apiece. Docents are on hand to greet and help visitors to the museum on Washington Street in Ingleside, Illinois. The museum is only open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but has been closed for the month of February.
In 2005, the first year it was open, the museum attracted 525 people. In 2006, it was 820, and last year, 836. We are hoping for 1000 this year.
We had a presentation by the Fox Lake Fire Department which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Village of Fox Lake just celebrated its 100th in 2007.
More on the fire department's presentation later.
History at the Grassroots Level. --RoadDog
Two New Movies: "Todd Sweeney" and "Rambo"
The last two days, I saw two current movies.
The first was Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street." I have to admit that I was about ready to get a refund when I discovered it was a musical, but stuck around and was glad I did. I liked the music. As a matter of fact, if they come out with a soundtrack, I just might buy it. Certainly enjoyed the music.
This has to be the all-time strangest musical ever. Who'd have figured there would be one about revenge, cannibalism, and lots of eyeliner. Johnny Depp seems to have found a niche playing off-kilter characters who wear eye shadow.
I am happy to report that it was a private showing for me. I was the only person in the theater.
The second movie was "Rambo." When are the bad guys ever going to learn that you'd better not mess with John Rambo. At least he didn't try to reprise his stud self of the earlier movies. If you like gore and bodies being blown to pieces, this is your type of flic. Plus, there was that interesting game where the Burmese soldiers would throw Claymore mines into a rice paddy and place bets on which prisoner running across it would blow up first. Unfortunately, if they made it across, they were turned around and had to run it again.
I'd definitely see the Sweeney again, but not John.
Nothing Like a Night at the Movies. --RoadDog
The first was Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street." I have to admit that I was about ready to get a refund when I discovered it was a musical, but stuck around and was glad I did. I liked the music. As a matter of fact, if they come out with a soundtrack, I just might buy it. Certainly enjoyed the music.
This has to be the all-time strangest musical ever. Who'd have figured there would be one about revenge, cannibalism, and lots of eyeliner. Johnny Depp seems to have found a niche playing off-kilter characters who wear eye shadow.
I am happy to report that it was a private showing for me. I was the only person in the theater.
The second movie was "Rambo." When are the bad guys ever going to learn that you'd better not mess with John Rambo. At least he didn't try to reprise his stud self of the earlier movies. If you like gore and bodies being blown to pieces, this is your type of flic. Plus, there was that interesting game where the Burmese soldiers would throw Claymore mines into a rice paddy and place bets on which prisoner running across it would blow up first. Unfortunately, if they made it across, they were turned around and had to run it again.
I'd definitely see the Sweeney again, but not John.
Nothing Like a Night at the Movies. --RoadDog
Thursday, January 24, 2008
BRRRRRR!!! It's Cold Outside
This is one of the coldest days that I can remember.
This morning, when I got up at 8, the thermometer on the deck clocked in at a -10 degrees. That's about the coldest I ever remember it reading.
By 10 a.m., it had warmed to -5. By 1 p.m., we had a heat wave strike and actually broke zero degrees, all the way to 2 degrees.
Just as it got dark at 5, it had dropped back to -2.
These numbers are without wind, which thankfully hasn't been too bad today.
I didn't feel too bad, because even my relatives down south had it considerably colder than usual, but not as cold as here in Spring Grove, Illinois.
Baby, It's Cold Outside. --RoadDog
This morning, when I got up at 8, the thermometer on the deck clocked in at a -10 degrees. That's about the coldest I ever remember it reading.
By 10 a.m., it had warmed to -5. By 1 p.m., we had a heat wave strike and actually broke zero degrees, all the way to 2 degrees.
Just as it got dark at 5, it had dropped back to -2.
These numbers are without wind, which thankfully hasn't been too bad today.
I didn't feel too bad, because even my relatives down south had it considerably colder than usual, but not as cold as here in Spring Grove, Illinois.
Baby, It's Cold Outside. --RoadDog
The Old Hall Pass
I've decided the time has come to throw lots and lots of stuff out. I'm more than a bit of a pack rat and just have too much stuff.
However, this process is a very long one. Everything has to be carefully examined, you know.
I was going through a box of my school stuff and came across a small metal tray (about 4 x 8 inches) that I used to use as a hall pass. It had my name and room number, 227, written on it. I used it for several years at Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois.
I really hated writing up the hall passes when a kid had to go somewhere, usually to the bathroom. It really interrupted class. I'd just gesture to my desk and the student would get it and be on their way.
One teacher, Sharon Pinter, got into a bit of trouble with the office when she had the kids carry a regular toilet seat when they had to go. It was deemed as too demeaning, but hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go.
The office eventually wouldn't allow us to give a regular pass like these as they needed to know time and where the kids were headed. Believe it or not, some of those young scamps, 7th and 8th graders, abused the privilege and would roam far and wide.
Instead of going to the bathroom right down the hall, they had to go to the one on the other side of the school. Anybody trying to get out of class here?
Ah, the Good Old Days. --RoadDog
However, this process is a very long one. Everything has to be carefully examined, you know.
I was going through a box of my school stuff and came across a small metal tray (about 4 x 8 inches) that I used to use as a hall pass. It had my name and room number, 227, written on it. I used it for several years at Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois.
I really hated writing up the hall passes when a kid had to go somewhere, usually to the bathroom. It really interrupted class. I'd just gesture to my desk and the student would get it and be on their way.
One teacher, Sharon Pinter, got into a bit of trouble with the office when she had the kids carry a regular toilet seat when they had to go. It was deemed as too demeaning, but hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go.
The office eventually wouldn't allow us to give a regular pass like these as they needed to know time and where the kids were headed. Believe it or not, some of those young scamps, 7th and 8th graders, abused the privilege and would roam far and wide.
Instead of going to the bathroom right down the hall, they had to go to the one on the other side of the school. Anybody trying to get out of class here?
Ah, the Good Old Days. --RoadDog
Las Vegas= Too Expensive For Me
Back in the 80s and early 90s, Liz and I used to go out to Vegas at least once a year, and sometimes twice. But, that was in the good old days of cheap rooms and food. There were even some casinos on the strip that weren't catering to the wealthy.
But those days are gone. The last time we were there, back in 2006 on our way back home from our Route 66 end-to-end trip, there were only one of our favorite gambling spots left on the Strip, Slots o' Fun.
They still had the cheap jumbo dogs and Corona and Heineken, now $1.50, up from 75 cents. Even the old Vegas standby, the 99 cent shrimp cocktail was present, although now at $1.50.
What brings this up is that I had an e-mail from Priceline today advertising really cheap rooms at some of the Hotels. These were all from prices: Flamingo $67, Bally's $80, Imperial $60, Golden Nugget $74, Caesar's $121, and Rio$110. The newest place, and I forgot to write down the name, started at $199.
Where are these people getting all the money? Must be stockholders and brokers.
Now, I have to admit, I'm going out there with some old teaching buddies for nine days in February, but we'll be staying with a friend and going on side trips, but even then...
Come on Vegas, Cater to Those of Us Who Aren't Super Loaded. --RoadDog
But those days are gone. The last time we were there, back in 2006 on our way back home from our Route 66 end-to-end trip, there were only one of our favorite gambling spots left on the Strip, Slots o' Fun.
They still had the cheap jumbo dogs and Corona and Heineken, now $1.50, up from 75 cents. Even the old Vegas standby, the 99 cent shrimp cocktail was present, although now at $1.50.
What brings this up is that I had an e-mail from Priceline today advertising really cheap rooms at some of the Hotels. These were all from prices: Flamingo $67, Bally's $80, Imperial $60, Golden Nugget $74, Caesar's $121, and Rio$110. The newest place, and I forgot to write down the name, started at $199.
Where are these people getting all the money? Must be stockholders and brokers.
Now, I have to admit, I'm going out there with some old teaching buddies for nine days in February, but we'll be staying with a friend and going on side trips, but even then...
Come on Vegas, Cater to Those of Us Who Aren't Super Loaded. --RoadDog
Groundhog Day Celebration A-Comin'
This Sunday, a favorite Illinois town of mine, Woodstock, starts their annual, I believe 15th, celebration of Groundhog Day with a pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge. Our own Woodstock Willie will make the prognostication as to our future weather on Groundhog Day, February 2nd.
I have been to it the last four years and plan to be there on that date.
Woodstock is where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray was filmed, much to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania's chagrin. A walk around town will show you many of the movie's scenes.
February 1st will be the lighting of the Groundhog followed by a showing of the director's cut of the movie.
Feb. 2nd is the big day, with the prognostication at 7:07 a.m., a free showing of the movie at the Woodstock theater at 10, groundhog tales by celebrated local storyteller Jim May, a chili cookoff from noon to 1:15. A walking tour of the sites at 1:30 and plaque dedication of the alley where the old man died. Back at the Opera House (Pennsylvanian Hotel in the movie), there will be a symposium on the movie.
I know where I'll be.
All in All, a Thoroughly Enjoyable Day. --RoadDog
I have been to it the last four years and plan to be there on that date.
Woodstock is where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray was filmed, much to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania's chagrin. A walk around town will show you many of the movie's scenes.
February 1st will be the lighting of the Groundhog followed by a showing of the director's cut of the movie.
Feb. 2nd is the big day, with the prognostication at 7:07 a.m., a free showing of the movie at the Woodstock theater at 10, groundhog tales by celebrated local storyteller Jim May, a chili cookoff from noon to 1:15. A walking tour of the sites at 1:30 and plaque dedication of the alley where the old man died. Back at the Opera House (Pennsylvanian Hotel in the movie), there will be a symposium on the movie.
I know where I'll be.
All in All, a Thoroughly Enjoyable Day. --RoadDog
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Comics and Me-- Part 2-- Technologically Backwards
Another favorite comic strip is "Broom Hilda."
Again, this last Sunday's strip featured Gaylord (G) and Broom Hilda (BH) talking.
First-- G putting a VHS tape in VCR-- BH- "Good gravy! You still watch VHS?
Second-- BH- "You're straight out of the dark ages, Gaylord."
Third-- BH-- Stop parading your ignorance by using such archaic technology."
Fourth-- BH-- Join the 21st century. Watch DVDs like us technologically hip folks do." as she puts something into the VCR.
Fifth-- BH clicking the remote and looking confused.-- "I don't get it. I put it in right but it's not playing."
Sixth-- Nerwin the Troll-- running into the room-- "You left your DVD on the kitchen table. You're watching a pancake." BH looks deflated.
This hit home. I have some DVDs and even a couple DVD players and a recorder, but I am still using VHS tapes in the old VCRs.
I also use the old cassette tapes more than anything else, even though I have lots of CDs. Of course, it is getting increasingly hard to find cassette tapes. I see that CDs are even becoming endangered.
Is it really necessary for us to keep all this technology changing this fast. Hell, you just learn how to operate something and a month later, it's obsolete and you have to learn how to operate something else!!!!
Being Dragged Kicking and Clawing into the 21st Century. --RoadDog
Again, this last Sunday's strip featured Gaylord (G) and Broom Hilda (BH) talking.
First-- G putting a VHS tape in VCR-- BH- "Good gravy! You still watch VHS?
Second-- BH- "You're straight out of the dark ages, Gaylord."
Third-- BH-- Stop parading your ignorance by using such archaic technology."
Fourth-- BH-- Join the 21st century. Watch DVDs like us technologically hip folks do." as she puts something into the VCR.
Fifth-- BH clicking the remote and looking confused.-- "I don't get it. I put it in right but it's not playing."
Sixth-- Nerwin the Troll-- running into the room-- "You left your DVD on the kitchen table. You're watching a pancake." BH looks deflated.
This hit home. I have some DVDs and even a couple DVD players and a recorder, but I am still using VHS tapes in the old VCRs.
I also use the old cassette tapes more than anything else, even though I have lots of CDs. Of course, it is getting increasingly hard to find cassette tapes. I see that CDs are even becoming endangered.
Is it really necessary for us to keep all this technology changing this fast. Hell, you just learn how to operate something and a month later, it's obsolete and you have to learn how to operate something else!!!!
Being Dragged Kicking and Clawing into the 21st Century. --RoadDog
The Sunday Comics and Me-- Part 1 Hunky-Dory's
This past Sunday, two of the comic strips in the Chicago Tribune were about me.
One of my favorite comic strips is Mister Boffo and His Wonder Dog "Weederman."
This one had two guys in an office talking.
First-- "Johnson in accounting says everything is Hunk-Dory."
Second-- "Hunky-Dory?! I don't want hunky-dory, I want facts and figures."
Third-- "Hunky-Dory means nothing! I want charts, graphs, and every bit of statistical data we have."
Fourth-- "You got that?!"
Fifth-- other guy leaving and saying "Okey Dokey."
For many years, we used to go to Florida for spring vacation. A favorite place to stay was at the Beach House in Hollywood Beach. Right across A1A was a great place called Hunky Dory's which was right on the Intercoastal Waterway and featured bands and $1 margaritas.
For some reason, I could never remember the name of the place and kept calling it Okey Dokey's. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't remember it. It kept coming out Okey Dokey.
One year, we went back and I was so proud that I had finally learned the correct name, and wouldn't you know it, the place had been sold and the name changed to Bimini Bay. Well, at least this new name was easy to learn.
What's in a Name? --RoadDog
One of my favorite comic strips is Mister Boffo and His Wonder Dog "Weederman."
This one had two guys in an office talking.
First-- "Johnson in accounting says everything is Hunk-Dory."
Second-- "Hunky-Dory?! I don't want hunky-dory, I want facts and figures."
Third-- "Hunky-Dory means nothing! I want charts, graphs, and every bit of statistical data we have."
Fourth-- "You got that?!"
Fifth-- other guy leaving and saying "Okey Dokey."
For many years, we used to go to Florida for spring vacation. A favorite place to stay was at the Beach House in Hollywood Beach. Right across A1A was a great place called Hunky Dory's which was right on the Intercoastal Waterway and featured bands and $1 margaritas.
For some reason, I could never remember the name of the place and kept calling it Okey Dokey's. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't remember it. It kept coming out Okey Dokey.
One year, we went back and I was so proud that I had finally learned the correct name, and wouldn't you know it, the place had been sold and the name changed to Bimini Bay. Well, at least this new name was easy to learn.
What's in a Name? --RoadDog
JSS-- Not Happy About Sunday's Playoffs-- C-O-L-D-- Snow-- Mo' Movies
Just Some Stuff--JSS
1. Sunday was not a good day for me in the NFL playoffs. First the Chargers were handily controlled by the Patriots. I used to like the Patriots and even felt sorry for them after their first two visits to the Super Bowl ended with defeats to Da Bears and Da Pack. But now, they have been winning Super Bowls way too much. Also, the Red Sox have won two of the last four World Series, and who knows how far the Celtics will go this year.
Then, the really bad thing was the loss of the Packers to the Giants. For a team that is supposed to really play well on the frozen tundra, they don't. I don't think Favre even came out in the second half. Hey, look how bad Da Bears whompped them in Soldier Field back in December.
Well, I'll be pulling for the New York Giants to pull off a huge upset on the 3rd of February. However, since I don't really like either team, I'm not going to watch it very closely. At least the Packers not going has saved me some money as I do not have to buy any Super Bowl stuff.
2. Man, has it been downright cold in these parts the last several days. Then, it snowed all yesterday. Judging from how much I had to clear off the driveway this morning, I'd say we got at least 4 inches.
3. Yesterday, after visiting with Frances, my mother-in-law, at the Alden Terrace Nursing Home in McHenry, Illinois, I took advantage of the McHenry Indoor Theater being open. It is closed except for one nightly showing from Mondays to Thursdays. But, because of it being MLK's birthday and schools being closed, they were open.
You just can't beat the $3 matinee prices these days.
I didn't really want to see "27 Dresses" but, it was just starting, so spent my 3 bucks and saw it even though there were a lot more people in attendance than I usually like. Light Romantic Comedies are now called "Chick Flicks." Very true. Of about 100 people, there were only five guys including myself. A whole lot of estrogen in that theater.
Chick flick are not, I really enjoyed it.
I had an hour to kill before the other movie started, so went to Alexi's, a hot dog/gyro place nearby, and had a double dog. It was ok, but I've had better.
Went back to the theater and paid another $3 and saw "The Bucket List." I know that the critics have largely panned it, but how could a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson be bad? It wasn't. Talk about two completely different people coming together for a common goal and their waning months.
Just Passing the Time. --RoadDog
1. Sunday was not a good day for me in the NFL playoffs. First the Chargers were handily controlled by the Patriots. I used to like the Patriots and even felt sorry for them after their first two visits to the Super Bowl ended with defeats to Da Bears and Da Pack. But now, they have been winning Super Bowls way too much. Also, the Red Sox have won two of the last four World Series, and who knows how far the Celtics will go this year.
Then, the really bad thing was the loss of the Packers to the Giants. For a team that is supposed to really play well on the frozen tundra, they don't. I don't think Favre even came out in the second half. Hey, look how bad Da Bears whompped them in Soldier Field back in December.
Well, I'll be pulling for the New York Giants to pull off a huge upset on the 3rd of February. However, since I don't really like either team, I'm not going to watch it very closely. At least the Packers not going has saved me some money as I do not have to buy any Super Bowl stuff.
2. Man, has it been downright cold in these parts the last several days. Then, it snowed all yesterday. Judging from how much I had to clear off the driveway this morning, I'd say we got at least 4 inches.
3. Yesterday, after visiting with Frances, my mother-in-law, at the Alden Terrace Nursing Home in McHenry, Illinois, I took advantage of the McHenry Indoor Theater being open. It is closed except for one nightly showing from Mondays to Thursdays. But, because of it being MLK's birthday and schools being closed, they were open.
You just can't beat the $3 matinee prices these days.
I didn't really want to see "27 Dresses" but, it was just starting, so spent my 3 bucks and saw it even though there were a lot more people in attendance than I usually like. Light Romantic Comedies are now called "Chick Flicks." Very true. Of about 100 people, there were only five guys including myself. A whole lot of estrogen in that theater.
Chick flick are not, I really enjoyed it.
I had an hour to kill before the other movie started, so went to Alexi's, a hot dog/gyro place nearby, and had a double dog. It was ok, but I've had better.
Went back to the theater and paid another $3 and saw "The Bucket List." I know that the critics have largely panned it, but how could a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson be bad? It wasn't. Talk about two completely different people coming together for a common goal and their waning months.
Just Passing the Time. --RoadDog
Sunday, January 20, 2008
That Dear Old Fraternity of Mine
Delta Sigma Phi Members in Congress and Government.
While going to Northern Illinois University, I belonged to the Delta Sigma Phi National Fraternity. I even tried to get a colony started at the University of Georgia, but nothing ever came of it.
The fall 2007, issue of the Delta Sig Carnation gave a list of Delta Sigs in the US Congress.
The first one was James J. Davis, who attended Pittsburgh '23 who became a Congressman in 1930.
Currently, there are four brothers:
Senator Tom Harkin, Iowa State '60 (D-Ia)
Congressman Bob Inglis, Duke '79 (R-SC)
Congressman Todd Tiahrt, South Dakota School of Mines '70 (R-Ks)
Congressman Mike Turner, Ohio Northern '79 (R-Oh)
Also, Rick Graber, Duke '75 is US ambassador to Czech Republic
James Holsinger, Duke '58, has been nominated to be US Surgeon General.
Not bad for a Little Old Fraternity. RoadDog
While going to Northern Illinois University, I belonged to the Delta Sigma Phi National Fraternity. I even tried to get a colony started at the University of Georgia, but nothing ever came of it.
The fall 2007, issue of the Delta Sig Carnation gave a list of Delta Sigs in the US Congress.
The first one was James J. Davis, who attended Pittsburgh '23 who became a Congressman in 1930.
Currently, there are four brothers:
Senator Tom Harkin, Iowa State '60 (D-Ia)
Congressman Bob Inglis, Duke '79 (R-SC)
Congressman Todd Tiahrt, South Dakota School of Mines '70 (R-Ks)
Congressman Mike Turner, Ohio Northern '79 (R-Oh)
Also, Rick Graber, Duke '75 is US ambassador to Czech Republic
James Holsinger, Duke '58, has been nominated to be US Surgeon General.
Not bad for a Little Old Fraternity. RoadDog
An Interesting Look at Teenage Boys Dating Your Daughter
While listening to the American Country Countdown today, two songs were ranked right next to each other in the top twenty. Both looked at boys dating men's daughters.
One was "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks. In it, he was the teenage boy and the parents had him wait in their living room while the daughter got ready to go out with him. All along the walls and table tops there were pictures of the girl. He was to come away with the idea of how important she was to them.
The next song was "Cleaning This Gun" by Rodney Atkins. In this one, Rodney was the father, who told the boy not to worry, but he would be waiting up for him to bring his daughter home. All the while, he would just be cleaning his gun. Message received.
Either way, I think this young lad will behave like a gentleman.
Love That Good 'Ol Country Music. --RoadDog
One was "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks. In it, he was the teenage boy and the parents had him wait in their living room while the daughter got ready to go out with him. All along the walls and table tops there were pictures of the girl. He was to come away with the idea of how important she was to them.
The next song was "Cleaning This Gun" by Rodney Atkins. In this one, Rodney was the father, who told the boy not to worry, but he would be waiting up for him to bring his daughter home. All the while, he would just be cleaning his gun. Message received.
Either way, I think this young lad will behave like a gentleman.
Love That Good 'Ol Country Music. --RoadDog
Annual Bald Eagle Trip: Da Tub-- Da Steakhouse-- Da Playoffs,--Part 2
In the past, we had to take these eagle trips according to school holidays, but NOT NO MORE!!! Being RETIRED certainly has its advantages. This used to be a three day trip, but now can go as long as we want it. It had to coincide with the MLK holiday.
The next day, Sunday, I went on the internet on their complimentary computer and sat in a barber chair to eat the complimentary breakfast. We went to the Don Q's pool/hot tub area. You can actually swim outside to the great wide open (today with snow still falling and sticking to the trees as nature does her painting). Stuck the toe into the poll and with a shiver said that that wasn't going to happen. We had the place to ourselves.
Always a treat, especially when we don't have to put up with screaming kids. For some reason, kids just start screaming whenever they hit the water. One nice thing about the Don Q is that the adults are usually in the fanta-suites and it is not likely they're going to be out and about. Then, with a $55 room rate for the regular ones, this is a great deal.
Went across the street at noon to Thym's Steakhouse which dates to the 1960s. This was their first time with breakfast buffet, and they did an outstanding job on it. The place was packed and plenty of delicious food. Wisconsin folk sure love their steakhouses.
Drove downtown Dodgeville and watched the Chargers upset the Colts and the Giants do the same with the much-hated Cowboys. Those were two big upsets.
Come On Packers and Chargers. --RoadDog
The next day, Sunday, I went on the internet on their complimentary computer and sat in a barber chair to eat the complimentary breakfast. We went to the Don Q's pool/hot tub area. You can actually swim outside to the great wide open (today with snow still falling and sticking to the trees as nature does her painting). Stuck the toe into the poll and with a shiver said that that wasn't going to happen. We had the place to ourselves.
Always a treat, especially when we don't have to put up with screaming kids. For some reason, kids just start screaming whenever they hit the water. One nice thing about the Don Q is that the adults are usually in the fanta-suites and it is not likely they're going to be out and about. Then, with a $55 room rate for the regular ones, this is a great deal.
Went across the street at noon to Thym's Steakhouse which dates to the 1960s. This was their first time with breakfast buffet, and they did an outstanding job on it. The place was packed and plenty of delicious food. Wisconsin folk sure love their steakhouses.
Drove downtown Dodgeville and watched the Chargers upset the Colts and the Giants do the same with the much-hated Cowboys. Those were two big upsets.
Come On Packers and Chargers. --RoadDog
Who's Gettin' Old?
Came across the November 14th Zits comic strip, one of my favorites. Jeremy and his dad are having a discussion. His dad is more my age group, 56, and then, there's his son Jeremy who is in high school. They don't always understand each other, and Jeremy thinks his dad is hopeless.
First: Jeremy looks at his father and says: "I'm on this Beatles kick."
Father-- amazed that Jeremy might like the same thing: "It's great stuff, isn't it?"
Second- Father continuing as his eyes focus up in remembrance: "Sgt. Pepper was the soundtrack of my teenage years." He continues, "Kind of like...kind of like..."
Third-- Jeremy: "Like a Gnarls Barkley ring tone is for mine?"
Father: "Yeah. But not."
Well, they tried to connect. Who says I'm getting old. Then there was brother Bob who pretty well wrecked my copy of Sgt. Pepper's while I was away at college. Thanks a lot, Bob.
Waxing Poetically Over Da Beatles. --RoadDog
First: Jeremy looks at his father and says: "I'm on this Beatles kick."
Father-- amazed that Jeremy might like the same thing: "It's great stuff, isn't it?"
Second- Father continuing as his eyes focus up in remembrance: "Sgt. Pepper was the soundtrack of my teenage years." He continues, "Kind of like...kind of like..."
Third-- Jeremy: "Like a Gnarls Barkley ring tone is for mine?"
Father: "Yeah. But not."
Well, they tried to connect. Who says I'm getting old. Then there was brother Bob who pretty well wrecked my copy of Sgt. Pepper's while I was away at college. Thanks a lot, Bob.
Waxing Poetically Over Da Beatles. --RoadDog
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