Just about finished now. This is still from April 15th and was the third Cub home game. Part 8 was July 1st.
He wasn't on the bus coming on the way to Wrigley, but somewhere we inherited the village idiot. Actually, he was, but Mr. Hyde didn't make an appearance until about the third inning. Between the beer on the bus and obviously large quantities in Wrigleyville, as the bars and area around the field are called, Mr. Hyde made his appearance.
He couldn't hve been prouder of his hiney and made sure it and undiepanties could be seen for every one's enjoyment. As if that was not enough, we got the full moon often, but not as much as the poor Brewer fans around us. They were special targets along with comments.
To their credit, they ignored him. However, one man who had come with his kids did get up and ask him to stop. At first, the village idiot apologized and sat down, but then friends razzed him on and he got up and started shouting at the guy and mooning.
At that time, security came and escorted him out. About that time, two lady village idiots in their early twenties started yelling at security and they got to leave also.
A real joke.
BREWER FANS
We were surrounded by Brewer fans where we sat because of the Bob Uecker factor ("Must be in the front row.") They were certainly enjoying themselves because they led most of the game.
They were reasonably polite compared to the Cub fans. I especially liked one Brewer fan who had a giant yellow foam fist with a spot for their drink to keep it cool. Now, that's real drinking, even if it was extremely expensive.
I'm Sure I'll Finish This Eventually. --RoadDog
RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Good 4th of July Celebration-- Part 8-- Day After Party-- Spring Grove Fireworks
Drove back to Fox Lake and had our annual Day After Party with Kevin and Kelly and some friends. We had been disappointed at their End-of-the-Year party back in early June as those alcoholics had finished off the keg.
However, yesterday, the crew hadn't and it was up to us to help put the keg out of its memory. It was quite the challenge, but after awhile we had that thing sputtering up suds and crying out "Beer Me." No drops were lost and we had no casualties other than Cozmo the dog who got really wrapped around the gazebo. After careful work, he was let loose.
There was a goodly amount of food and snacks that had to be finished off, but we fell down a bit here as we'd had that big burger at Mar's earlier. At least that's my excuse.
FIREWORKS, THIS TIME
We came back home after the clean pitchers. We were able to see the fireworks from Spring Grove very well from the driveway. At least we were able to see it after we couldn't really see much of Fox Lake's last night.
But, judging from the height of one of our neighbor's trees, we won't be able to see much in about five more years.
The skeeters were as bad as I ever remember them being. It was ooh, slap, ahh11, slap, slap, slap, ooh!! I hate those guys as much, if not more than those lousy Japanese beetles.
Three Days Down, One to Go. --RoadDog
However, yesterday, the crew hadn't and it was up to us to help put the keg out of its memory. It was quite the challenge, but after awhile we had that thing sputtering up suds and crying out "Beer Me." No drops were lost and we had no casualties other than Cozmo the dog who got really wrapped around the gazebo. After careful work, he was let loose.
There was a goodly amount of food and snacks that had to be finished off, but we fell down a bit here as we'd had that big burger at Mar's earlier. At least that's my excuse.
FIREWORKS, THIS TIME
We came back home after the clean pitchers. We were able to see the fireworks from Spring Grove very well from the driveway. At least we were able to see it after we couldn't really see much of Fox Lake's last night.
But, judging from the height of one of our neighbor's trees, we won't be able to see much in about five more years.
The skeeters were as bad as I ever remember them being. It was ooh, slap, ahh11, slap, slap, slap, ooh!! I hate those guys as much, if not more than those lousy Japanese beetles.
Three Days Down, One to Go. --RoadDog
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Good 4th of July Celebration-- Part 7-- Wisconsin Again, Flea market, Mar's
I was still more than steamed about the problems of getting to see the parade in Spring Grove, but, I soon got over it, as usual.
We decided that since we were so close, NOW, to Wisconsin, a couple miles, we might as well head on up to Mar's Trading Post in Wilmot. This is one of our favorite places, dating back to when it was the Riverside Bar back in the 1980s.
FLEA MARKET
On the way, I saw a sign for the Wilmot Ski Lodge Flea Market and we took a detour. I've been wanting to go here for the last three years and this was a perfect opportunity. Free parking and paid a buck apiece to get in. We don't often go to flea markets, but I enjoy them as you never know what you're going to find. Just like those garage sales. Saw some interesting stuff, but proud to say I didn't buy "nothin'." We did meet a former student who was in both Liz and my classes back in Round Lake.
MARS TRADING POST INN
If you're looking for the perfect small town little Wisconsin tap and grill, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better one than Mar's (Marlene's). Of course, Wisconsin is the state that believes that every corner should have a bar on it.
It was a sad day for smokers, however, as the state has banned smoking in public establishments as of July 5th. Quite a few folks in there having one last drag before it's illegal. Liz certainly enjoyed it. "Smoke if you got 'em. Not no more."
We had their $1 quarter pound burger and chips special as well as $1 pints and $1.75 Bloody Mary's.
It is called Trading Post Inn because that is what it was back when it was built in the 1840s.
And,It's Still Early Afternoon. --RoadDog
We decided that since we were so close, NOW, to Wisconsin, a couple miles, we might as well head on up to Mar's Trading Post in Wilmot. This is one of our favorite places, dating back to when it was the Riverside Bar back in the 1980s.
FLEA MARKET
On the way, I saw a sign for the Wilmot Ski Lodge Flea Market and we took a detour. I've been wanting to go here for the last three years and this was a perfect opportunity. Free parking and paid a buck apiece to get in. We don't often go to flea markets, but I enjoy them as you never know what you're going to find. Just like those garage sales. Saw some interesting stuff, but proud to say I didn't buy "nothin'." We did meet a former student who was in both Liz and my classes back in Round Lake.
MARS TRADING POST INN
If you're looking for the perfect small town little Wisconsin tap and grill, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better one than Mar's (Marlene's). Of course, Wisconsin is the state that believes that every corner should have a bar on it.
It was a sad day for smokers, however, as the state has banned smoking in public establishments as of July 5th. Quite a few folks in there having one last drag before it's illegal. Liz certainly enjoyed it. "Smoke if you got 'em. Not no more."
We had their $1 quarter pound burger and chips special as well as $1 pints and $1.75 Bloody Mary's.
It is called Trading Post Inn because that is what it was back when it was built in the 1840s.
And,It's Still Early Afternoon. --RoadDog
Thinking of a Trip to Northwestern Illinois and Clinton, Iowa
I see that two events are taking place out in northwestern Illinois July 16th to 18th and just might take a mini vacation out to see them.
Oregon, Illinois, will be hosting their first Oregon Trail Days which will feature Native Americans and cowboys. When in town during the LHA Conference last month, we saw lots of Indian tee pees scattered around the town. Saturday and Sunday it will be held in Lowden Park where the giant statue of Chief Blackhawk is located. Friday, events will be in town where they will have country bands and a Johnny Cash impersonator.
Galena will have their annual Antique Town Rods Run and Car Show. Over 100 pre-1949 street rods will take a 100-mile drive through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world on Saturday and then have a car show on Sunday.
Liz and I had our honeymoon in Galena back in 1973, so the place is special to us.
Plus, we plan to do some NTNing and probably a stop at Clinton, Iowa, on the Lincoln Highway and perhaps a couple games Wednesday and Thursday at the Clinton Lumber Kings Class A Midwest League. Love that minor league b-ball.
Thinking about four days on the road at this point.
On the Road Again? --RoadDog
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Good 4th of July Celebration-- Part 6-- July 4, 1970, No Parade For Us
Sunday, July 4th, started out with Bob Stroud doing a three hour show on his Rock and Roll Roots taking us back to what we were listening to on the radio and on our stereos back in 1970. Can you believe, 40 YEARS AGO?!!
Some songs he played:
Are You Ready-- Pacific Gas and Electric
Hitchin' a Ride-- Vanity Fare
Uncle John's Band-- Grateful Dead
Tighter and Tighter-- Alive and Kickin'
Mississippi Queen-- Mountain
Ball of Confusion-- Temptations
I will have the entire list with his and my comments later this month at http://downdaroadigo.blogspot.com.
Now, this was a great way to get into the proper 4th frame of mind.
YOU CAN"T GET THERE FROM HERE
We decided to do the village spirit thing and see the parade and go to the festival at Horse Fair Park here in hometown Spring Grove. However, I had forgotten the lengths to which the town goes through to essentially lock everything down so no one drives anywhere.
The parade starts at noon. At 11:40, the roads going north into town were blocked by police. That's ok, as the parade is close by. We then drove to Solon Mills, several miles away and tried another route only to be stopped by a cop up there.
I was a bit mad by now and wanted to forget about the whole thing, but Liz wanted to go so we tried one last approach which required quite a few miles out of our way, practically up to the Wisconsin line.
We were beginning to think we were going to make it this time and got all the way down to Horse Fair Park and then came upon a fire truck blocking the road. We were told the parade was to end there and the park closed, even though the parade was no where near there yet.
Greatly disappointed, we decided to go elsewhere. The village gets $5 a car to park with the proceeds going to help pay for the fireworks. They didn't get our donation, not money we would have spent at the festival.
I would call this going overboard on precaution to the extreme and it is not too likely that we'll go back next year. Four attempts and no success just doesn't work for me.
Come On Spring Grove Get a Clue. --RoadDog
Some songs he played:
Are You Ready-- Pacific Gas and Electric
Hitchin' a Ride-- Vanity Fare
Uncle John's Band-- Grateful Dead
Tighter and Tighter-- Alive and Kickin'
Mississippi Queen-- Mountain
Ball of Confusion-- Temptations
I will have the entire list with his and my comments later this month at http://downdaroadigo.blogspot.com.
Now, this was a great way to get into the proper 4th frame of mind.
YOU CAN"T GET THERE FROM HERE
We decided to do the village spirit thing and see the parade and go to the festival at Horse Fair Park here in hometown Spring Grove. However, I had forgotten the lengths to which the town goes through to essentially lock everything down so no one drives anywhere.
The parade starts at noon. At 11:40, the roads going north into town were blocked by police. That's ok, as the parade is close by. We then drove to Solon Mills, several miles away and tried another route only to be stopped by a cop up there.
I was a bit mad by now and wanted to forget about the whole thing, but Liz wanted to go so we tried one last approach which required quite a few miles out of our way, practically up to the Wisconsin line.
We were beginning to think we were going to make it this time and got all the way down to Horse Fair Park and then came upon a fire truck blocking the road. We were told the parade was to end there and the park closed, even though the parade was no where near there yet.
Greatly disappointed, we decided to go elsewhere. The village gets $5 a car to park with the proceeds going to help pay for the fireworks. They didn't get our donation, not money we would have spent at the festival.
I would call this going overboard on precaution to the extreme and it is not too likely that we'll go back next year. Four attempts and no success just doesn't work for me.
Come On Spring Grove Get a Clue. --RoadDog
Lincoln Highway Association Conference? What Conference?
That seemed to be the question posed by the Dixon telegraph and Sauk Valle newspapers serving Dixon, Illinois, in regards to last month's gathering of 150 or so Lincoln Highway folks in their town.
I checked some while I was there and also have kept an eye out on the internet since getting home, but there was very little mention. The Iowa LHA Motor Tour in August gets much more mention.
I only saw one article, a short one, on June 22nd saying that the conference was going on until Saturday and mentioning two events open to the public, the 3rd Annual Art and Photo Show and the Thursday Cruise Night at the Brandywine Restaurant.
You'd think an even to which Dixon is so closely related would get a little more publicity than that.
My friend Denny and I went to several local drinking establishments while there and no one knew anything about it.
I came across a pamphlet touting things to see in Dixon a while back and there was no mention of the Lincoln Highway in it.
Could Dixon be the Lincoln Highway counterpart of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, two towns on Route 66 which seriously overlook their connection to Route 66?
To me, old road tourism certainly can't hurt your town's economy. And Dixon sure has a lot to offer tourists what with its Ronald Reagan and Blackhawk War connections and river past.
Come On, Dixon, get With It. --RoadDog
I checked some while I was there and also have kept an eye out on the internet since getting home, but there was very little mention. The Iowa LHA Motor Tour in August gets much more mention.
I only saw one article, a short one, on June 22nd saying that the conference was going on until Saturday and mentioning two events open to the public, the 3rd Annual Art and Photo Show and the Thursday Cruise Night at the Brandywine Restaurant.
You'd think an even to which Dixon is so closely related would get a little more publicity than that.
My friend Denny and I went to several local drinking establishments while there and no one knew anything about it.
I came across a pamphlet touting things to see in Dixon a while back and there was no mention of the Lincoln Highway in it.
Could Dixon be the Lincoln Highway counterpart of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, two towns on Route 66 which seriously overlook their connection to Route 66?
To me, old road tourism certainly can't hurt your town's economy. And Dixon sure has a lot to offer tourists what with its Ronald Reagan and Blackhawk War connections and river past.
Come On, Dixon, get With It. --RoadDog
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Good 4th of July in the Area-- Part 5-- The Scare, No More Fireworks
The cop sitting out on the street was frightening. I have a rule about not leaving any place I've been drinking if there are police sitting in the parking lot or nearby. That's just not a smart thing to do.
In more than one occasion, I have been delayed because of it.
NO MORE FIREWORKS
Once home, I worked in the yard for awhile until it was time for the fireworks display over Fox Lake. Until the last several years, we had a great view of them from our deck and gazebo, but, unfortunately, the trees in the subdivision have mostly had 15-16 years to grow and now block most of the view.
We could see a little of it by standing out by the east side patio and looking through the branches of my golden raintree, but we will need to actually be there for future displays. That means no mo drinking for me as it will be way too much into COP TIME to do so.
Maybe we can talk the folks at the party places to let s stay over. Either way, we can take the boat out to view the fireworks, which is a great way to see them as they are launched from barges in the lake.
Until a few years ago, the fireworks were put on by the Mineola Hotel which dates back to the 1890s, but they dropped them after some problems.
Besides the fireworks, the anchor lights of several thousand boats sitting out on the lake is quite a scene, plus when they turn the navigation lights on to leave. Then, you have red, green and white lights going in all directions.
That Sure Was Nice to be Able to Watch the Fireworks from the House, But, Alas, No More. --RoadDog
In more than one occasion, I have been delayed because of it.
NO MORE FIREWORKS
Once home, I worked in the yard for awhile until it was time for the fireworks display over Fox Lake. Until the last several years, we had a great view of them from our deck and gazebo, but, unfortunately, the trees in the subdivision have mostly had 15-16 years to grow and now block most of the view.
We could see a little of it by standing out by the east side patio and looking through the branches of my golden raintree, but we will need to actually be there for future displays. That means no mo drinking for me as it will be way too much into COP TIME to do so.
Maybe we can talk the folks at the party places to let s stay over. Either way, we can take the boat out to view the fireworks, which is a great way to see them as they are launched from barges in the lake.
Until a few years ago, the fireworks were put on by the Mineola Hotel which dates back to the 1890s, but they dropped them after some problems.
Besides the fireworks, the anchor lights of several thousand boats sitting out on the lake is quite a scene, plus when they turn the navigation lights on to leave. Then, you have red, green and white lights going in all directions.
That Sure Was Nice to be Able to Watch the Fireworks from the House, But, Alas, No More. --RoadDog
Summer Cruisin"-- Name That Tune-- Part 1
Proper cruisin' music for those old roads.
What better way to cruise down the road during the summer than with some summer songs playing on the old cassette player in your car.
Back on the first weekend of summer, June 27th, Bob Stroud had his annual ode to the heat Summer show. Every song has something to do with something we might do during the BEST season around.
As an added bonus, Gayle gets to play a little name-that-tune (don't ever play her this game with 80s songs if you want to have a chance). Answers Below. I will give the first one as I've never heard of it before.
IT'S OK-- Beach Boys
SUMMER SIDE OF LIFE--
DANCING IN THE STREET--
RACING IN THE STREET--
SIDEWALK SURFIN'--
MISERLOU--
MR. BLUE SKY--
BLUE SKY--
GRAZING IN THE GRASS--
DAYDREAM--
HOT SUMMER DAY--
SUMMER NIGHTS--
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME--
SUMMERTIME BLUES--
UNDER THE BOARDWALK--
At one time, when I was deejaying, I had a summer medley with six songs that I would play starting in the spring and during summer.
Answers Below in groups of five.
Beach Boys
Gordon Lightfoot
The Mamas and The Papas (I always thought it was just Mamas and Papas)
Bruce Springsteen
Jan and Dean
Dick Dale and His Deltones
Electric Light Orchestra
Allman Brothers
Hugh Masakela (also acceptable, Friends of Distinction)
Lovin' Spoonful
It's a Beautiful Day
Marianne Faithful
Sly & The Family Stone
Edde Cochran (also acceptable, Blue Cheer)
John Mellancamp (also acceptable, Drifters)
I missed: Racing in the Street, Hot Summer Day, Summer Nights. Bit it helps to hear the song. i was listening to the show.
There were 37 songs, so I will have more tomorrow. We've got some boating to get to, anyway.
Ans, A boating We Go. --WaterDog
What better way to cruise down the road during the summer than with some summer songs playing on the old cassette player in your car.
Back on the first weekend of summer, June 27th, Bob Stroud had his annual ode to the heat Summer show. Every song has something to do with something we might do during the BEST season around.
As an added bonus, Gayle gets to play a little name-that-tune (don't ever play her this game with 80s songs if you want to have a chance). Answers Below. I will give the first one as I've never heard of it before.
IT'S OK-- Beach Boys
SUMMER SIDE OF LIFE--
DANCING IN THE STREET--
RACING IN THE STREET--
SIDEWALK SURFIN'--
MISERLOU--
MR. BLUE SKY--
BLUE SKY--
GRAZING IN THE GRASS--
DAYDREAM--
HOT SUMMER DAY--
SUMMER NIGHTS--
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME--
SUMMERTIME BLUES--
UNDER THE BOARDWALK--
At one time, when I was deejaying, I had a summer medley with six songs that I would play starting in the spring and during summer.
Answers Below in groups of five.
Beach Boys
Gordon Lightfoot
The Mamas and The Papas (I always thought it was just Mamas and Papas)
Bruce Springsteen
Jan and Dean
Dick Dale and His Deltones
Electric Light Orchestra
Allman Brothers
Hugh Masakela (also acceptable, Friends of Distinction)
Lovin' Spoonful
It's a Beautiful Day
Marianne Faithful
Sly & The Family Stone
Edde Cochran (also acceptable, Blue Cheer)
John Mellancamp (also acceptable, Drifters)
I missed: Racing in the Street, Hot Summer Day, Summer Nights. Bit it helps to hear the song. i was listening to the show.
There were 37 songs, so I will have more tomorrow. We've got some boating to get to, anyway.
Ans, A boating We Go. --WaterDog
Monday, July 5, 2010
Good 4th of July in the Area-- Part 3-- The Bars, The Parties
After the parade, we went into Main Street Tap. Hey, it's tradition. A parade in Twin Lakes equals drinks at Main Street Tap. They had the great Bloody Mary, but without that glorious spear of goodies for $3 in a pint glass (a fifty cent saving, but I'd sure rather have the spear). It did come with a shrimp, though.
We then went to Donovan's Reef, our home base for NTN and played a three games and had two more pints.
FUN ON THE CHAIN
We drove back to Fox Lake, Illinois, and checked out their festival for awhile, then went to Kevin and Kelly's place on the lake for their party. We were first there and put a first attack on their keg. They have a direct view of the fireworks over the lake, but we had to leave as we had another party to go to at Rick and Chris' on the channel by Dino's Den.
Sat out at the Turkey Bar and had more drinks. We keep our boat at their place. Rick is famous for his fried turkey, but he was trying a new item which had turkey, duck and chicken in it that he had gotten from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It was mighty good.
By now, I had had enough to drink and with the cops cracking down, we decided to leave and weren't happy at all to find a cop sitting out on Rick's street to keep non residents out. We waited awhile and finally decided he wasn't going anywhere so went ahead and left.
I was relieved that he didn't follow.
That Was a BIT Frightening!! --RoadDog
Cruising With American Music
What better way to celebrate America's 234th birthday than by cruisin' down the old two-lane highway with some appropriate tunes playing on your cassette player. That's right, CASSETTE!!
Today's Ten at Ten on the Drive, www.wdrv.com had ten such songs. As a matter of fact, they're playing it again right now (both 10 am and 10 pm).
AMERICA-- Simon & Garfunkel--
4TH OF JULY-- Bruce Springsteen
VOLUNTEERS-- Jefferson Airplane
YOUNG AMERICANS-- David Bowie
US BLUES-- Grateful Dead
R.O.C.K IN THE USA-- John Mellancamp
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL-- Ray Charles
STAR SPANGLED BANNER-- Jimi Hendrix
GOD BLESS THE USA-- Lee Greenwood
ROCKIN' IN THE FREE WORLD-- Neil Young
Hey Neil, Remember What the Southern Man Said? --RoadDog
Today's Ten at Ten on the Drive, www.wdrv.com had ten such songs. As a matter of fact, they're playing it again right now (both 10 am and 10 pm).
AMERICA-- Simon & Garfunkel--
4TH OF JULY-- Bruce Springsteen
VOLUNTEERS-- Jefferson Airplane
YOUNG AMERICANS-- David Bowie
US BLUES-- Grateful Dead
R.O.C.K IN THE USA-- John Mellancamp
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL-- Ray Charles
STAR SPANGLED BANNER-- Jimi Hendrix
GOD BLESS THE USA-- Lee Greenwood
ROCKIN' IN THE FREE WORLD-- Neil Young
Hey Neil, Remember What the Southern Man Said? --RoadDog
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Good 4th of July Times in the Area-- Part 2
We had a busy day traveling first to Twin lakes, Wisconsin, for their annual parade; small town America at its best, but for the first time, the parade did not go down Main Street after turning from Legion Drive.
This is because Main Street resembles what you'd expect to find in the Wild West as it is completely torn up and essentially dirt and rocks. It is expected to remain this way until some time in October. Plans call for a landscaped divider to be featured.
About six years ago, the same thing happened to US-12 which serves as the main street of the town of Cambridge, Wisconsin, a little southeast of Madison.
You can't park on it, but there are city lots nearby.
The parade was longer than usual, about 45 minutes, on a picture perfect day. Afterwards, people could visit the Libertyfest grounds at Lance Park for entertainment, rides, games and food before tonight's fireworks display.
As I said, Small Town America At Its Best. --RoadDog
This is because Main Street resembles what you'd expect to find in the Wild West as it is completely torn up and essentially dirt and rocks. It is expected to remain this way until some time in October. Plans call for a landscaped divider to be featured.
About six years ago, the same thing happened to US-12 which serves as the main street of the town of Cambridge, Wisconsin, a little southeast of Madison.
You can't park on it, but there are city lots nearby.
The parade was longer than usual, about 45 minutes, on a picture perfect day. Afterwards, people could visit the Libertyfest grounds at Lance Park for entertainment, rides, games and food before tonight's fireworks display.
As I said, Small Town America At Its Best. --RoadDog
Friday, July 2, 2010
Good 4th of July Times in the Area-- Part 1
Even though holidays are not all that HOLI-day for us retired folk, we still try to get out and have a good time.
TODAY
We boated over to McDonald's in Fox Lake, Illinois, one of only two McDonald's in the US where you can boat in to eat.
We later drove to Palatine where both Liz and I lived and went to good old Palatine High School (the original one). It is no longer a high school, but serves as the village hall, police department and park district which is nice because the much of the building is still standing.
We also drove by our old houses. I lived longer at the house on Anderson Drive, 7 years, than I lived anywhere while growing up. Dad got transferred around a lot.
We ate at the site of my first job, the old Burger King on Northwest Highway. It is now Photos Hot Dogs and quite a popular place. The original Burger King was torn down and an updated version built on the site. Then, that was torn down and a 50s place called Dexter's built. Now, Dexter's is Photos. We used to stop by often walking home from high school.
NEW ODYSSEY
We went over to the Palatine Jaycees Homefest by the old Palatine High School and saw one of the best showbands anywhere around, New Odyssey, which bills itself as "Three Guys and 30 Instruments." They play all 30 during the show and, besides singing and playing fantastically, have many "acts." You've got to see them.
A Great Kick-Off. --RoadDog
TODAY
We boated over to McDonald's in Fox Lake, Illinois, one of only two McDonald's in the US where you can boat in to eat.
We later drove to Palatine where both Liz and I lived and went to good old Palatine High School (the original one). It is no longer a high school, but serves as the village hall, police department and park district which is nice because the much of the building is still standing.
We also drove by our old houses. I lived longer at the house on Anderson Drive, 7 years, than I lived anywhere while growing up. Dad got transferred around a lot.
We ate at the site of my first job, the old Burger King on Northwest Highway. It is now Photos Hot Dogs and quite a popular place. The original Burger King was torn down and an updated version built on the site. Then, that was torn down and a 50s place called Dexter's built. Now, Dexter's is Photos. We used to stop by often walking home from high school.
NEW ODYSSEY
We went over to the Palatine Jaycees Homefest by the old Palatine High School and saw one of the best showbands anywhere around, New Odyssey, which bills itself as "Three Guys and 30 Instruments." They play all 30 during the show and, besides singing and playing fantastically, have many "acts." You've got to see them.
A Great Kick-Off. --RoadDog
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Should Route 66 Be Recertified?
The US Highways Yahoo e-mail group has quite a discussion about whether or not Route 66 should be brought back or not. Some think so, others do not.
Some of their interesting comments:
It attracts people seeking nostalgia.
It's a historic highway and that's where its mystique comes from.
It is maintained by a coalition of private groups and it would be great if other roads besides Route 66, the national Road and Lincoln Highway could get something similar going. (I definitely agree with this. I'd like to see a Dixie Highway Association. I know that US-51 in Wisconsin is getting something going as well as US-6 and US-20.)
There is a push for the Old Jefferson Highway and the Powers Museum in Carthage promotes the Jefferson.
Route 66 is popular because it is decommissioned. It would not be popular if it was still in use.
66 is similar to other highways, but got popular because of all the hype.
The Discussion Will Continue. --RoadDog
Some of their interesting comments:
It attracts people seeking nostalgia.
It's a historic highway and that's where its mystique comes from.
It is maintained by a coalition of private groups and it would be great if other roads besides Route 66, the national Road and Lincoln Highway could get something similar going. (I definitely agree with this. I'd like to see a Dixie Highway Association. I know that US-51 in Wisconsin is getting something going as well as US-6 and US-20.)
There is a push for the Old Jefferson Highway and the Powers Museum in Carthage promotes the Jefferson.
Route 66 is popular because it is decommissioned. It would not be popular if it was still in use.
66 is similar to other highways, but got popular because of all the hype.
The Discussion Will Continue. --RoadDog
A Bus Trip to Wrigley Field-- Part 8
Way back on April 15th, Liz and I took a bus trip to Chicago's Wrigley Field, the first time I've been there since probably the 80s. After they got lights and then permit parking in Wrigleyville, that was it for me.
I wrote down a lot about the game and maybe one day I'll finish writing about it.
The beer guy put on quite a show opening the pints. If there is anyway to open a can more violently, I'd sure like to know.
One of the folks on the bus had evidently been drinking quite heavily both onboard and in various area bars after we arrived and had purchased a large sombrero. Some of the other bus folk were having quite a good time putting peanut shells on the brim.
Retired flags fly on the foul poles on both left and right field. On the left field by us were #31 Jenkins, #10 Santo and #14 Banks as in Fergie, Ron and Ernie. The right field had #26 Williams, #23 Sandberg and #31 again. Why would Jenkins be on both poles? Later I saw a person with a Greg Maddox jersey with #31 on it. I forgot that both pitchers had #31 and that number was retired in both their honor.
The wind was blowing out briskly and even with near 90 degree temperatures, you didn't get hot. Of course, at Wrigley, when the wind is blowing out, that means home runs. The Cubs hit three and Milwaukee two, but Zambrano was ineffective (but didn't implode as often happens. The Cubs lost, but we had plenty of scoring.
Still NOT Finished. --RoadDog
I wrote down a lot about the game and maybe one day I'll finish writing about it.
The beer guy put on quite a show opening the pints. If there is anyway to open a can more violently, I'd sure like to know.
One of the folks on the bus had evidently been drinking quite heavily both onboard and in various area bars after we arrived and had purchased a large sombrero. Some of the other bus folk were having quite a good time putting peanut shells on the brim.
Retired flags fly on the foul poles on both left and right field. On the left field by us were #31 Jenkins, #10 Santo and #14 Banks as in Fergie, Ron and Ernie. The right field had #26 Williams, #23 Sandberg and #31 again. Why would Jenkins be on both poles? Later I saw a person with a Greg Maddox jersey with #31 on it. I forgot that both pitchers had #31 and that number was retired in both their honor.
The wind was blowing out briskly and even with near 90 degree temperatures, you didn't get hot. Of course, at Wrigley, when the wind is blowing out, that means home runs. The Cubs hit three and Milwaukee two, but Zambrano was ineffective (but didn't implode as often happens. The Cubs lost, but we had plenty of scoring.
Still NOT Finished. --RoadDog
Songs for Cruising Down the Road-- Part 3
Of course, to do good cruisin' you need a good car.
Bob Stroud gave us a good look at what he had available sitting in his used car lot back on May 30th. This is the last hour of his three hour show. Every song had something to do with cars.
He's willing to make a deal and talk with his boss to get you into that special car.
DRIVE MY CAR-- Beatles
FASTER-- George Harrison
G.T.O.-- Ronnie & the Daytonas
UNDER MY WHEELS-- Alice Cooper
UNEASY RIDER-- Chuck Daniels
I GET AROUND-- Beach Boys
TWO LANE HIGHWAY-- Pure Prairie League
THUNDER ROAD-- Bruce Springsteen
EXPRESSWAY TO YOUR HEART-- Soul Survivors
MERCEDES BENZ-- Goosecreek Symphony
OL' 55-- Eagles
DRAG CITY-- Jan and Dean
ROCKIN' DOWN THE HIGHWAY-- Doobie Brothers
Again, Bob's and my comments are in my June blogs at http://downdaroadigo.blogspot.com This blog is devoted to music and what I'm doing. I would usually just post something like this at this one, but considering the topic, I felt this would fit in well here.
A couple years ago, Bob Stroud did a show on Rock and Roll Routes which was a good one as well.
Put That Convertible Top Down and Let's Go. --RoadDog
Bob Stroud gave us a good look at what he had available sitting in his used car lot back on May 30th. This is the last hour of his three hour show. Every song had something to do with cars.
He's willing to make a deal and talk with his boss to get you into that special car.
DRIVE MY CAR-- Beatles
FASTER-- George Harrison
G.T.O.-- Ronnie & the Daytonas
UNDER MY WHEELS-- Alice Cooper
UNEASY RIDER-- Chuck Daniels
I GET AROUND-- Beach Boys
TWO LANE HIGHWAY-- Pure Prairie League
THUNDER ROAD-- Bruce Springsteen
EXPRESSWAY TO YOUR HEART-- Soul Survivors
MERCEDES BENZ-- Goosecreek Symphony
OL' 55-- Eagles
DRAG CITY-- Jan and Dean
ROCKIN' DOWN THE HIGHWAY-- Doobie Brothers
Again, Bob's and my comments are in my June blogs at http://downdaroadigo.blogspot.com This blog is devoted to music and what I'm doing. I would usually just post something like this at this one, but considering the topic, I felt this would fit in well here.
A couple years ago, Bob Stroud did a show on Rock and Roll Routes which was a good one as well.
Put That Convertible Top Down and Let's Go. --RoadDog
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