20 Roads You Should Drive-- Part 1

From Yahoo.

1.  Blue Ridge Parkway  One of these days.
2.  Great Ocean Road, Australia  I saw this one thanks to Mom.  Thanks, Mom!
3.  Oberalp Pass, Switzerland
4.  Scenic Byway 163, from the Arizona state line to Monument Valley, Utah
5.  Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

6.  A82 Road, Scotland
7.  Overseas Highway, Florida Keys.  Driven this very often.  Very tired after those 100 or so miles.
8.  Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, United Arab Emirates
9.  Trollstigen Road, Norway
10.  Ruta 40, Argentina

Riding the Route.  --RoadDog

Road Work Ahead: NC Summer Trip-- Part 2: Recall Notice

I had had the '11 Malibu's oil changed, tires rotated and 27-point inspection on Friday and then Saturday, received in the mail a notice that the car had been recalled because of brake problems.  Just the thing I want to hear after driving nearly 30,000 miles and getting ready to go on a 2,500+ mile trip.

I had hoped to get off by 8 AM on Monday, but went to Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake to inquire about the recall. We were told they didn't have the replacement parts in stock yet and if we hadn't had problems yet, it wasn't likely.

So, I decided to head out after going to breakfast with Liz at Dino's Den.

Back home, I still had some watering of outside plants to do and birds to feed.

Finally got off at 10 AM, just in time to listen to Ten at Ten which was to the year 1974.

--RoadDog

Road Work Ahead: Summer NC Trip-- Part 1

Traveling as much as I do, I have seen lots and lots of road construction, but nothing compared to what I've encountered on this trip.

You might as well not have cruise control because once on, you have to brake to stop it or hit the button to loose it because you encounter "Road Work Ahead" signs.  It used to be just the sign, but now it is all kinds of warnings about fines doubling and jail time if you hit a worker.

And, every so often, work zones will have one of those speed detector signs showing how fast you're going, causing all sorts of red lights.

Of course, money-grubbing Illinois has the additional "Photo-Enforced" signs at every work zone.  Between them and all the photo-enforced lights, I'm thinking of changing the state name from "Land of Lincoln" to Photo-Enforced Lincoln State."

--RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 16: Still On Main Street, the Lincoln Tattoo

We walked the whole length and enjoyed seeing an Indy car leave one of the buildings and drive around, eventually past us on Main Street.  It was a two-seater and one a person could pay to ride to get that "Indy" feel.

Walked all the way to the end of Main Street and along the way saw Charlie Brown's, a neat restaurant where I met and had breakfast with the Bremmers several years back before an American Road Magazine road trip along the National Road.  It was closed at this time as I guess open just for breakfast and lunch.  Must-eating if you're in town.

Nothing was going on outside BBQ and Bourbon so went inside and found it to be a very woodsy kind of place.  We saw one guy with an Abraham Lincoln tattoo on his arm.  That is definitely one tattoo you wouldn't expect to see.  Had to ask why, and the guy said that he really admire Abraham Lincoln.  I guess so.

Yesterday, we were told that the band was to start at 4:30 PM today.  They still wren't set up when we left, considerably after that time.

Walking along Main Street and back to the RV was when we started seeing all those young gals wearing short dresses with cowboy (girl) boots.  Just didn't look right, but I suppose Jason Aldean. whose concert they were heading to, would say it was alright.

Overall, the Main Street Restoration project has been underway 6-8 years now and what has been finished is looking good, but there is still a ways to go with it.

Good Times on Main Street.  --RoadDog

Route 66's Joe Rogers Chili Parlor in Springfield, Ill. Reopens

From the July 15, 2014, Route 66 News.

Good news here, even though I didn't even know it was closed.

Joe Rogers' The Chili Parlor, in Springfield, Illinois has been serving chili and other good stuff since 1945 and unexpectedly closed this past April.  It is now called  The Chili Parlor as the current owners are not allowed to use the name Joe Rogers.

The place opened in 1945 at 1120 S. Grand Avenue, just a block off Route 66 but moved to 820 S. Ninth Street in 1997, right on the Mother Road.

The article says that like Cincinnati, Springfield is known for its chili (and, of course, their Horseshoe sandwiches.

We have eaten there once before and Liz was absolutely  unimpressed with the place, saying it was too oily.  I thought it was alright, but definitely not in the category of Cincy chili.

I believe I heard the place had something to do with the reopening of the famous Norb Andy's.

--RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 16: Back to Main Street

Sue, Paul and I walked over to Main Street again as yesterday I had heard that BBQ and Bourbon was having a band again this afternoon.  Nothing was going on there as we walked past it so we proceeded all the way to the end of the street.

The city of Speedway had done an excellent job developing Main Street into a definite place to go.  Besides several neat restaurant/bars, they have quite a few businesses related to racing.

One is called the Indy Racing Experience, where you can get in a two-seater race car and be driven around the streets, of course, not at full speed, but even so.There is also a Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing complex.  She, I believe, is the first female Indy 500 driver.

There is also a Bubba's Hot Rod Shop.

--RoadDog

A Whole Lot More on the Riviera

If you click on the Riviera label below, you can find quite a few blog entries I have done in the past on this wonderful, but now gone Route 66 site.

--RoadDog

Illinois Route 66's Riviera Roadhouse's "Thrones"

And, then there were those mighty interesting "thrones" one could ascend to do their business downstairs.

I swear those toilets were at least 3-4 feet high and you had to go up several stairs to get to them.  Guys would have to stand a couple steps down to go #1.  Man, you could almost get air-headed at those heights.  I avoided using them as much as possible.  Liz said the one in the women's bathroom was similar.

Perhaps the reason for their height was the fact that the Mazon River flowed close alongside the Riviera, so it was necessary for pumping?

Someone had made a wooden plaque with the words "Al Capone Passed Gas Here in 1932" in the men's bathroom.  Bob Kraft said that the sign was stolen so often that they finally did a tracing of it and they handed it out as a souvenir of the Riviera Restaurant, Gardner, Illinois.  I have one of those tracings in our downstairs bathroom (which is not the "throne" up high they had at the Riviera).

I have to wonder how many inebriated folks were hurt falling off those thrones?

Those Thrones Were Quite the Experience.  --RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014: Back to the Legion

May 24, 2014.  Feet thoroughly walked out and getting hot, so back to the legion across the street from the track.  I must have had my invisible shields up as the bartenders couldn't see me for quite awhile until some waving on my part flagged one down.  The other one who was dispensing closest to me, still didn't see me.  A trip to the eye doctor is strongly suggested for her.

Nowhere to sit in the bar area (and they had taken out the bar stools) so moved out onto the patio.

There was a Legion Rider motorcyclist from nearby Brownsburg, Indiana, who was there with his wife and  at their table.  He said they often cruise over to the Speedway Legion, but it appears it will not be much longer as the track wants to buy the property and turn the whole area along the track into a pedestrian mall.

He said that there was a proposal to allow the Legion to have property along Main Street which wouldn't be so bad as long as they have RV parking.

I talked to him about the recent time in 2012, when we were hit by the snowstorm in December coming down I-74 from Crawfordsville where we had to pull off and get a room.  He also said that the I-74 corridor often gets hit hard by bad weather.

He also said that the post, Speedway 500 had to h=get that very appropriate Speedway 500 name had to be gotten from another post.

Another Day, Another Legion.  --RoadDog

Remembering Route 66's Riviera Roadhouse

We visited the Riviera in Gardner, Illinois, on our first trip on the Mother Road back in 2002.  It was Sunday night and when we went in, we told Peggy Kraft that we were first-timers on the road and in her place and she insisted on going upstairs and waking Bob up and having him come down to say hi to us.

The poor guy had evidently just come off his "shift" working behind the bar and wasn't too with it, but he was as friendly as could be.  The next time we saw him, holding "court" as it were behind the bar, we realized this was the real Bob, not the groggy one we met that first night.  And, was he ever one of those colorful Route 66 characters that make the road so  much fun.  he ranked right up there with Ernie Edwards for stories as well as Bill Shea for charisma.

Loved the bar and the stalactites hanging down making you feel like you were in a cave.  Then, there was the dumb waiter they used to send food down (supposedly with a World War I or II shell for a counter-weight) and the clothespin line running from the basement upstairs to the kitchen for food orders.

And, then, there were those "thrones" in the bathroom which I will talk about tomorrow.

A Real Route 66 Character.  --RoadDog

Illinois' Route 66's Riviera Roadhouse

From David Wickline's "Images of 66." printed 2006.

****  RIVIERA ROADHOUSE (1928)--  at 5650 Route 53 (the new highway designation for this section of the old Route 66), Gardner, Illinois.  Was a famous Al Capone hangout and speakeasy.  It also sold gasoline in the 1930's.  The restaurant and kitchen were upstairs and the tavern was on the lower level.

The Riviera is famous for its its man-made stalactites and raised "thrones" in the Rest Rooms.

The building was pieced together from a church, a coal mining office and once had Riviera Beer Garden painted on the roof in large letters.

Bob and Peggy Kraft, Proprietors since 1971. (815) 237-2344.

****  HISTORIC HORSE DRAWN STREETCAR--  which became a diner in 1932, is located behind the Riviera Roadhouse and is over 100 years old.  It closed in 1939 and has recently been restored by the Route 66 Association of Illinois.

Of course, sadly, the Riviera is no more.  We haven't driven past it since it burned down in 2010.  It would be too sad.  And, Bob and Peggy are no longer with us.  I imagine somewhere Peggy is preparing her great food (especially that spaghetti sauce!!) and Bob is "holding court" behind some heavenly bar.

Miss It All.  --RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 14: Chevy Expo and Cars

Many carmakers have expositions inside the track for Legends Day.  I always go the the Chevrolet one to look at the 2014 models and they usually are giving away something.  Today, they were giving away rawhide keyholders.

Three cars I definitely look at are the Impala, Malibu and Camaro, one of which will most likely be my next new vehicle once I don't have the four I now have: '85 Firebird, '03 Malibu, '05 Dakota and '11 Malibu.  I especially liked the striking red on the new Malibu and I didn't think styling could get better than my '11, but it certainly has.

However, I am most partial to the new Camaros even if some say I am having a late mid-life crisis.  That is one mighty fine-looking vehicle.  They have even replaced Corvettes as something I want to own at one time.  We did have a 1981 red Camaro, that was a real big lemon and really liked to stall while in motion, leading to some frightening situations.

Of course, I wish they were still making Pontiacs, especially my favorite, the Firebirds.  I also had a '67 Firebird convertible at one time.

Oh Well.  --RoadDog

Bob Kraft, Co-Owner of Route 66's Riviera Roadhouse, Dies

From the July 8, 2014, Route 66 News.

Liz told me that Bob Kraft had died July 1, 2014, at age 90, in an article she saw in the Route 66 News.  Sad to hear that.

Bob Kraft was born May 4, 1924 in Chicago and married Peggy in 1972.  Peggy died in May 2013.  Together, they owned the popular, must-stop, Riviera Roadhouse in Gardner, Illinois for 37 years before retiring in 2008.  Sadly, the place burned down under "mysterious" circumstances in 2010.

The place was inducted into the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame in 1994.

I regard myself as fortunate to have met both of them on numerous occasions before the place closed.  It was unique.

Now, Bob and Peggy join the list of ever-so special Illinois Route 66 folks we were able to meet after we got into the road back in 2002.  That would include Bob Waldmire, Tom Teague, Ernie Edwards and Bill Shea.

Well, Bob is All-Route 66, but Home-Based in Illinois.  --RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 13

Continuing with news for May 24th, one day before the race.

The Indianapolis Zoo was boasting about their new $25 million International Orangutan Center.  Clyde would be so proud.

LeAnn Rimes is to sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" tomorrow.

We might just have a problem tonight, as there is a Blackhawks playoff game plus an Indiana Pacers playoff game.  Being in Indianapolis, we might be outvoted.  At least the game will be on NBC and we have a TV in the RV and have already checked to see if we can get it if needed.  We can.  And Paul only "fell" off the roof a coupla' times setting the antenna.

It cost $10 to enter for Legends Day.  Well worth it as you get to see the drivers at the Public Drivers' Meeting.  Plus, you get to walk around the track area as well as Gasoline Alley where several of the cars are out for viewing.

The place is always crowded and you get to see folks getting on their hands and knees to "Kiss"the brick extension from the track.

After thoroughly walking my feet off trying to keep up with Sue, probably the world's fastest walker, I broke off from the group and set off on my own.  I found a big memorabilia show ans am so glad I am not "hooked" on the Indy 500 yet, otherwise it would have cost some dough to go in there.

Paul Didn't Really Fall Off the Roof.  he Adjusted From the Inside.    --RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014--Part 12: Veterans and History of Memorial Day

May 24th, 2014.  Looking through the Indianapolis Star newspaper.  I see that the USA Today, which has a part of the Star had one of their graphics about the age of our veterans, since this Memorial Day and all about veterans, especially those that gave their lives in the service of their country.

 According to USA Today, there are 2,695 male veterans over the age of 100 and 223 women.

At 65+, there are 8,903, 318 men and 259,397 women.

Memorial Day was formally commemorated on May 30 for over 100 years. before becoming a federal holiday in 1967.  In 1968, Congress officially declared it to be observed on the last Monday in may.  This was not a popular move.  According to a Harris Poll in late 1967, 38% favored the move and 59% were against it.

Why We Have It  --RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 11: Camaro Pace Car

The Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car for the Indy was driven by 3-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti.  Camaros have often been the pace cars, starting with the 1967 first-year model, then the second generation 1969 one.  Other years the Camaro received the honor were 1982 (same generation as my 1985 Firebird), 1993, 2009, 2011 and this year.

The 2014 Camaro Pace Car is a 7.0 litre V-* getting 505 hp.

Of course, i am a big fan of Camaros, now that they don't make Firebirds anymore (nor Pontiacs at all for that matter).  As a matter of fact, my next new car is likely to be a Camaro.  I'm a big fan.

--RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 10: May 24th, Saturday

MAY 24TH, 2014:  My 63rd birthday down here at the track.  Reading the Indianapolis Star newspaper, I see that others with birthdays today: Tommy Chong (of Cheech and Chong, the ultimate stoner), 73; Bob Dylan, 73; and Gary Burghoff, Radar in MASH, 71.

I also see that this will be Jim Nabors' (Gomer Pyle) last time to sing "Back Home Again in Indiana" which has become an Indy 500 tradition.

Sitting just across from the Speedway, I can clearly hear all the trackside announcements from within.

I also read that Sammy Hagar was at the track yesterday at Carb Day, and, of course, sang his very appropriate "I Can't Drive 55."  We didn't go to see him, though.  he also played a new one "Bad on Fords and Chevrolets" and "Bad Motor Scooter."  Definitely the perfect choice to play at the track.  Sublime opened for him.

Today, Jason Aldean will be playing at the track in a sold out show.  He is probably the most-popular country singer around these days and the show is sold out according to the paper.  Tyler Farr opens for him, but is mostly overlooked by all the girls, who are really in the hots for Jason.  I listened to his new CD on the North Carolina trip and he makes Jason look pretty tame in comparison.  A great new country act.

All day, and especially toward show time, we saw girls wearing short skirts and cowboy boots which to me is somewhat akin to wearing black socks with your sandals.

Somethin' Just Don't Look Right.  --RoadDog.

McCall's Bar-B-Que-- Part 2: That Good Ol' Eastern Carolina 'Cue

You can order individual plates of food, but most go for that amazing buffet array.  I like it because not only can you get the barbecue and slaw, but also salads, desserts, and fish.  It is especially food when they have the Calabash-style shrimp on Fridays.

Plus, there is chicken, two kinds of pork skins, all sorts of veggies.

"But, first and foremost, McCall's is a barbecue joint, and it's fate rests on what it can do with pig, fire, vinegar, and salt."  Pigs are cooked everyday.  The sauce is simple.

And, Goldsboro is noted as being probably the capital of eastern North Carolina 'cue, much like Lexington is to western North Carolina 'cue.  There is a long history of barbecue in the town, stemming from Griffin's and Scott's Famous Barbecue.  According to the article, both are long gone, but recently I went to Scott's which is open on Fridays and Saturdays and looks like it just stepped out of the 1950s.

My family were regulars at Griffin's and Wilber Shirley, owner of Wilber's, learned his chops there before opening his own place.

And, of course, less than a mile away from McCall's is...Wilber's.

getting Hongry just Typin' This.  --RoadDog

McCall's Bar-B-Que-- Part 1: That Good Old Eastern Carolina 'Cue

From the Feb. 2014, Our State Magazine (North Carolina" "Carolina 'Cue: McCall's Nar-B-Que" by T. Edward Nickens.

Byline "In Search of the People, Places, and Plates Behind Our Favorite Tradition."

And, its in my hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina (where I was born and lived my first 4-5 years and a place I have often visited since).  Just about every time I go back, I eat at McCall's and nearby Wilber's.

Randy McCall doesn't much care for some of the things people are putting in their barbecue sauce these days, "A lot of this stuff just doesn't belong.  I just don't get it."

Many folks believe that McCall and his "partner in swine," Worth Westbrook, have that sauce about figured out just right at their McCall's Bar-B-Que & Seafood on U.S. Highway 70 Bypass on the outskirts of Goldsboro which has now been in business for 25 years.

They even have a second location in Clayton, NC, near Raleigh which opened in 2004 and had to close for a short time after a small plane crashed into it.

The two men were district managers for Ralston Purina Company in the early 1980s and shared the dream of owning their own business.  They didn't real;ly care what they sold, but Westbrook, who grew up on a Bentonville (Civil War battlefield) tobacco farm had the pull of pig, "just about everyone cooked pigs."

McCall is from the western NC town of Brevard, but was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro and ended up buying a nearby bbq shack from its owner and ran that for a few years, using the recipes from the former owner.

Lovin' That 'Cue.  --RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 9: Back at the Legion

May 23, 2014:  When I left the Main Street party, I walked back to the Speedway American Legion, several blocks away.  The place was packed with people.  I met up with the rest of my group there and sat out in the beer garden as there were no seats in the main building.

After a few, we went back to the RV for awhile before I went back later to see the Under Duress Band playing blues.

I talked with Joe, a Sox fan who also attends all Bears games on season tickets and also most Blackhawk games.  Not there is a Chicago fan.  He was with a group who left to go elsewhere after awhile.

--RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 8: Rockin' On Main, May 23rd

May 23, 2014:

This will definitely be a stop in future trips to the race, as is Main Street which looks like it will just get better.

Like I said, I was able to be third in line to get Al Unser Jr.'s autograph on the picture of his impressive AUJ Camaro, limited edition.  They had a good band, even though sound problems kept them from starting on time.

Another spot that we liked on Main Street was BBQ & Bourbon, a very woodsy interior, but I went outside to where the band was (and I had my drivers license with me so could get into the outdoor beer garden).  I decided to have dinner there and got the two gigantor wings (both pieces) for $3 and fully availed myself of the two kinds of sauce, one regular, the other spicy, but well within acceptable hot range.  They were cooking outside and what a smell.

Their band, Abby Something Band,  was playing as well so had my music and rock 'n roll.  Also bought a $2 ear of corn and instead of butter, slathered it with both kinds o' sauce.  Mighty Good Eatin'.

Blues, Booze, & BBQ at the 500.  --RoadDog

Chicago Lost Shopping: Gone But Not Forgotten-- Part 6

Stereo Studio  (Where I bought my first deejay equipment back in 1982.)
Open Pantry
White Hen Pantry
MusicLand  (Always a stop for me when visiting a mall.)

Peaches Records & Tapes
Montgomery Ward
Topps  (The first big discount store I ever went to in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.)
S.S. Kresge

Circuit City  (Before we had Best Buy, this was THE store and another one that cost me big bucks to go inside.  When they went out of business a few years back, it wasn't all that bad as by then I already didn't know what most of their stuff was.)

Fretter
Eagle (grocery store)
Pacific Stereo  (Also bought deejay equipment from them.)

Brought Back a Lot of Memories.  --RoadDog

Chicago Lost Shopping: Gone But Not Forgotten-- Part 5

Again, these stores were all in the Chicagoland, area, but a lot were nationwide, so even readers from elsewhere will be able to spot some familiars in the lists.

Wieboldt's
Woolco
Kroch & Brentano's
Steve & Barry's  (Always cost me at least $60-70 or more to go into one of these stores.)

Main Street
Tower Records  (I could spend lots of time flipping through all those albums in te last two record stores.)
Omni
F.W. Woolworth  (Nothing like a Woolworth counter lunch.)
Crown Books
Edward Hines Lumber Co.
Kroger
Handy Andy

Spiegel
Silo
MusicCraft
County Seat

--RoadDog

Chicago Lost Shopping: Gone But Not Forgotten-- Part 4

Child World
Helig-Meyers Furniture
Korvette
S&H Green Stamps

Coconuts Music & Movies
Dixie Square Mall
Ben Franklin Five & Dime
Wickes Furniture

Long Chevrolet
Buster Brown Shoes
Frank's Nursery & Crafts
Borders Books

Rexall Drugs
Computer City
Tom McAnn Shoes
Sound Warehouse

--RoadDog

Chicago Lost Shopping: Gone But Not Forgotten-- Part 3

Hedgewick Records
United Audio Centers
Mandel Brothers
National Grocery Stores

Waccamaw Pottery
B. Dalton Bookseller
Peppers Waterbeds  (That phase seems to have passed.  I hated water beds.  You couldn't hardly getout of them.)
Nickey Chevrolet (Backward K)

The Treasury
Mages Sporting Goods
Shopper's World
Celozzi-Ettleson Chevrolet

Randhurst  (Our high school hangout)

--RoadDog

Singing the Seventh at Wrigley Field-- Part 2

Anyone coming to Chicago needs to go out to Wrigley for a game, even with those lovable losers.  It's fun to see who the "Guest" singer will be for "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."  A few weeks ago I saw Sting singing and the poor guy had to have the lyrics and be coached.  Must be some sort of an English thing, you know.

Anyway, here are some other "singers."  This is just a partial list and ends in 2008.

Bob Uecker '98. '02, '04 and '08.  I don't why they have him sing as he is guaranteed to say "Root, Root, Root for the Brewers."

Dick Vitale '98
Harry Caray '82-'97
Ron Santo '98- '08
Ernie Banks '98-'08

Vanessa White '02
Wassup Guys '00

Buckinghams '00
Cheap Trick '98
Hootie & the Blowfish '99
Journey '04  (Their "Don't Stop Believin'" was the White Sox song for the '05 World Series championship.)
KC & Sunshine Band '00
Styx '04

Who Knows, Maybe "RoadDog" Next Year.  --RoadDog

Singing the Seventh at Wrigley Field

After the death of beloved Cub broadcaster Harry Caray, it was decided to use guest singers at all home games.  That is always a highlight of any trip to Wrigley Field.

Here is a partial list of singers up until 2008:

Trace Adkins '03 and 07
Chuck Berry '01
Dick Biondi '05
Jimmy Buffett '98. '99 and '03 (and, of course, that concert)

John Fogerty '01
Peter Frampton '02
Buddy Guy '98, '99
Oak Ridge Boys '03
Tony Orlando '00, '02, '04  (What, no Dawn?)

Ozzy Osbourne '03 (The seagulls haven't been the same since.)
Barney the Dinosaur '03
Bozo the Clown  ''01
Dick Clark '00, '01

More to Come.  --RoadDog

It Was 238 Years Ago

That this nation was brought forth.  A big thank you to the Founding Fathers who did such a great job in doing so.  With the Declaration of Independence and later, the Constitution, they couldn't have formed a better country.

Sure, we have our problems, but overall, who would want to live anywhere else.

And, you get to travel on these great roads!!

--RoadDog

Lost Shopping: Gone But Not Forgotten-- Part 3

From Craig's Lost Chicago.  Continued from June 6, 2014.

These are stores that were once here in Chicago, but no longer.  Many were also nationwide.  The site also has pictures of the stores.  It will bring back memories.

See how many you remember:

Kinney Shoes  (Walking in my Kinneys.)
Schaak Electronics
Pik-Kwik Food & Liquor
Aronson Furniture

Sportmart
Turnstyle  (I remember the first one in our area at Palatine Road and US-12 in Arlington Heights.)
Service Merchandise  (My sister Julie worked at one in Dunwoody, Ga.)
Rose records

Crawford  (I remember the one in Rolling Meadows on Kirchoff Road near our first house in Illinois)
Bert Weinman Ford  (and all those late night commercials)
Boston Store  (always remember the Dekalb Footstompers version of this)

More to Come.  --RoadDog

Seven Bands, Seven Days: Part 8, Day 7, Sunday, No Band

This was a done deal as Captain's Quarters always has a band Sunday afternoon from 3-7 during the summer boating season.

We first went to Nauti-Knots, a new place on the Chain, occupying the old Harbor Club on Bluff Lake.  We sat out by the tiki bar, enjoyed the view and had their deck shoes, which are really Central Illinois horseshoe sandwiches.  One of the owners is from Williamsburg, Illinois, right near the Springfield and wanted to bring the treat northward.

From what we hear, it is going over very well.

Next, we stopped at Cuda's on Grasslake Road.  It had been the former Grass Roots, Kokomo and before that Fringe Benefits where I deejayed quite often back in the day.  It just opened last week.  Pints come in the form of Mason jars.

Then, to Captain's Quarters for the band.  But, upon arriving, we found that the band was not there.  They had been a traditional country band and the boaters and owner didn't like them, plus we heard that they didn't play very well either.

It was too late to go home, get the boat key and go over to Blarney Island for their band, so, no band for me today.  They did have a deejay and he shocked us when he actually talked and interacted with the people.  Most deejays today just sit there, play music and rarely say anything unless it is to talk about specials.

So, yes I did and no I didn't make my seven bands in seven days.  I did see a total of seven bands counting the two that I saw on Wednesday. But, i was trying to see a band on each day.

Well, Yes and No.  --RoadDog

Seven Days, Seven Bands-- Part 7: Saturday a Meal and a Band, No Guns

Saturday turned out to be an all afternoon job trimming bushes, my least favorite job out in the yard.  I was plenty sore and sweaty by the time I finished the last of the back yard.  And, that was considering that I have quite a few victims of winter kill from this past horrendous assault.  I really hate that term polar vortex.

Then, we went to the American Legion on Nippersink Lake, right by the US-12 bridge for the First Annual SAL (Sons of the American Legion to which I belong because of my grandfather on my mother's side who was a WWI veteran) Gun Raffle and BBQ Chicken Dinner.

Big crowd already there, but we were able to get seats in the bar and talked with friends Glen and Barb and Don and Pat.  The main hall was open and there were quite a few people sitting out in the picnic grove out by the lake.

The American Legion building dates back to 1900 and originally made boats.  In the bar, the huge wooden beams once were used to hoist boats that were being built.

Second Chapter band provided entertainment in the main hall.  I didn't win a gun, but don't know what I would Have done with it had I won one.

--Eatin' and Enjoyin' Bands.  --RoadDog

2014 Route 66 Crusin' Music-- Part 9: Led Zeppelin III

Of course, I always liked the two big hits off the album: "Immigrant Son" and "Gallows Pole."

Plus, the album, and this CD, has that great psychedelic-style slide circle that you can entertain yourself with if you get bored.  Enjoyed it then and turning it right now as I type this.

You want an experience?  Try playing "Gallows Pole while driving through Hooker Cut, my favorite stretch of Route 66 where I hear all the ghosts.

Some of the other songs I really liked:

Friends
Celebration Day
Bron-y-aur Stomp (kind of heavy country)
Out on the Tiles.

This is definitely a grow-on-you album.  The more you hear it, the more you like it.

Zep On 66?  You Betcha.  --RoadDog

2014 Route 66 Cruisin' Music-- Part 8: Led Zeppelin III

This is a newly released digitalized CD of the 1970 album, which, at the time, I didn't much care for when I first heard it.  As a matter of fact, this is one of the few Led Zep albums I never had until I bought it in Sullivan, Missouri, at the Wal-Mart on Route 66.

It wasn't in the $5 bin like the others, but they had it on sale for $9.  I figured, why not buy it and give it another chance.

Now, back in college, I scraped up enough money to buy the first two albums by them (although it seriously cut into my drinking funds).  I heard a friend playing it at the frat house and liked a couple songs, but am sure what turned me off was the 4th cut, "Since I've Been Loving You" which clocked in at 7:24 and was slow blues.  I hated blues music in college and for several years afterwards, but now really like it.

At a much older age now, I can appreciate that song much more, even though it bordered on jamming too much.   (I still do not like jamming.  The worst concert I ever saw was the Grateful Dead at Alpine Valley.  I think they played four songs over three+ hours.)

Blues You Can Use.  --RoadDog

2014 Route 66 Cruisin' Music-- Part 7: Welcome to Fin City-- Jimmy Buffett

Yet another $5 wonder found in the Wal-Mart $5 CD bin was this live album by Jimmy Buffett from Las Vegas, Sin City, or in his case, "Fin City."  Of course, it kicks off with J.B.'s version of "Viva Las Vegas" and concludes with "Fins."

There are 14 songs recorded on two different days and these are not his usual anthems you always hear.  He played a lot of his "Newer songs, except the last three: Changes in latitude, One Particular Harbor and Fins.

The shows were recorded October 15 and 22, 2011, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Probably should have been recorded at his own Margaritaville Bar.

Enjoyed:

License to Chill
Off to See the Lizard
Bama Breeze
School Boy Heart

I should mention that the CD came with a DVD of the concert which had many of the songs he performed on the CD, plus several not obn it.

Well worth $5, especially for you Parrot Heads.

--RoadDog

Seven Days, Seven Bands-- Part 6: Friday, Country Music at the Legion

FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH:  After cutting the grass for the second time this week, the other being Monday, because of all this rain that keeps falling, we drove to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for the famous fish fry at Popeye's (not the national chicken chain).  The place has been in business since the 1970s and really gotten quite big and nautical with its great view of Geneva Lake and the Riviera Docks dating to around 1900.

Then, a quick stop at Donovan's Reef to say hi to friends there and then on to Kevin and Kelly's house on Fox Lake where we sat outside in their gazebo and enjoyed cocktails while looking at the lake.

Last stop was at the American Legion on Nippersink Lake, right by the US-12 bridge.  They were having a meatloaf dinner, but we were still full from the late lunch.  Ron Payton & the Country Tradition were playing in the main hall so we enjoyed some great old, classic country & western.

That makes six bands in five days, counting the two from Wednesday in Woodstock.

--RoadDog