Tastes, Beer, Dog 'N Suds, Bands This Weekend-- Part 1

Half way decent weather for a change.


THURSDAY, MAY 30

Went to our dentist in Round Lake Beach and drove around the old neighborhood.  We lived in RLB from 1975 to 1992.    It is sad to see how bad our old house looks these days.

We ate lunch at one of the last remaining Dog 'N Suds in Ingleside.  We had the special, two Charcoburgers for $3 and washed it down with a mug of frosty root beer.  Now that is old school as it was delivered by the car hop.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

I was able to do yard work for a change and made quite the dent on limbs from the mountain ash, apple tree and Bradford pear.  Unfortunately, I lost my wrist watch during it and will have to buy a new one as I am getting tired of looking at my wrist.

Ate dinner at Brit's Street in Spring Grove, Illinois, and met Barb and Glen at Half-Times in Johnsburg and sat out on their deck overlooking the volley ball nets.  Is it possible that summer has arrived?

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Met Glenn and Barb again, this time at Corkscrew Pointe in McHenry Illinois  for the annual Taste of Summer.  Twenty bars and restaurants on Riverside Drive (by the Fox River) and along Green Street have sample offerings between $1 and $3.

This is always a major party.

Food and Beer, How Do You Go Wrong With That?--  RoadDog

Bring Your Appetite and Drinking Shoes: 2019 McHenry (Illinois) Taste of Summer Is Today

Last night we got together with some friends who told us about this annual event taking place today.  I am sure glad they told us as this is one event I always like to attend.  I didn't know it was today.

What it is is twenty places downtown that all offer different "tastes" for $1 to $2.  We have never made it through all twenty, usually about eight and only if we split each offering.

Some examples:

FOXHOLE:  BLT slices, Bruschetta, BBQ Riblets, Summer Sangria

BIMBO'S:  Country Rigatoni and Moscow Mules

LITTLE CHEF:  Homemade Chicken Salad Mini Croissant, Biscuits & Gravy, Homemade Mac & Cheese

CORKSCREW POINTE:  Mini Italian Subs and Italian Beef Sandwiches

AFTER THE FOX:  Mini Shrimp Cocktail

POLISH LEGION:  Polish Sausage and Cabbage Rolls

Mighty Good Eatin' and Fun.  --RoadFeast

Along 66, April 2019: Vacuum Cleaners and Oldest

APRIL 24--  The Vacuum Cleaner Museum in St. James, Missouri, is going to close this Friday because of lack of attendance.  They have a vast collection of vacuum cleaners dating from the early 1900s.  The collection was started by Tom Gasko.  Reckon I am part of the problem as I didn't visit it.

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APRIL  26--  Casper's Diner in Springfield, Missouri is not exactly on Route 66 but claims to be the oldest operating p[lace on Route 66.  It is 110 years old and on 601 W. Walnut Street.

Ron Warnick says Ike's Chili in Tulsa opened in 1908. It is cluttered and has a top-secret chili recipe. Sycamore Inn, Rancho Cucamonga (always love that name), California is on Foothill Boulevard (Route 66) and has been open since 1848.

I'll have to check out Casper's and Ike's.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2019: Welcome Launching Pad and An Old Motel Seen Better Days

APRIL 22--  The Launching Pad Drive-In's grand reopening weekend is set for May 3 which coincides with the Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival.  It is located in Wilmington (featuring, of course, the Gemini Giant).  The Red Carpet Corridor festival runs through the towns of Joliet south to Towanda, right outside Bloomington-Normal.

New owners are Tully Garrett and Holly Barker.  I get the idea that they may feature Carolina 'cue.  That would be REALLY GREAT!!

APRIL 23--  Lurvey Courts Motel in Springfield, Missouri may be demolished soon.  It has long been vacant and is covered in graffiti.  Actually, quite an eyesore where you can see it (much is covered with overgrowth.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2019: Roy Rogers and Soda Pop

From Ron Warnick's Route 66 News.  I just pick out items he writes about that are of most interest to me.  He has a lot more stories, information and pictures.

APRIL 19--  Roy Rogers' Ranch in Victorville put up for sale.  It is just off Route 66 in Victorville, California., The Double R Bar ranch.  Wonder where he got the Double R?

Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans owned three homes along the Mojave River, a few hours outside of Las Vegas.

I was a big Roy Rogers fan back in my much, much younger days.

APRIL 21--  Route 66 Soda adds to the 300 flavors of soda already offered at the Fanning 88 Outpost west of Cuba, Missouri.  Fanning Outpost is now a mini version of Pops near Arcadia, Oklahoma, which has 500 varieties of soda.

I am so happy Fanning Outpost reopened.

It's Giant Rocking Chair Versus Giant Soda Bottle, You Know.  --RoadDog

2017 Indy 500-- Part 29: Meanwhile, Back at the Legion Bar and Out On Georgetown Road

SATURDAY, MAY 27   And Nary a "Woooooo" was heard.

Back to the Legion and met Sue, Paul and John at the bar.  The place was just about standing room only and a whole lot of people enjoying themselves and with a really good band, Mississippi Raglips & River Dogs.   Every so often, someone would let loose a "Wooooo!" and inevitably, they would be a lot of responding "Woooos!"

We went out to Georgetown Road, which gets closed to vehicle traffic at night and become a huge promenade for all sorts of strange people and other celebrants to walk up and down it in front on the Speedway.  Lots and lots of drinking going on there as well.

We are glad not to have a parking space right by it as we did one year as many "lightly" tapped on the RV after we had turned in for the night.  Sue was definitely not a happy camper that night.

As usual, there was a lot of police presence, both walking amid the people and riding in all-terrain vehicles.  The walkers were peaceful, but many, as I said, were a bit odd.  And, quite often, "Woooo!" would be heard.

It Was A Woo Thing, You Wouldn't Understand.   --RoadDog

The Greatest Salute to the American Military, Indy 500-- Part 2

Then, the Indy 500 begins its salute to the American military.

12:09 pm:  Military March
12::13:  "America the Beautiful"
12:16:  Military speech delivered by General Michael Xavier Garrett, Commanding General United States Army Forces Command.

12:20:  Presentation of Colors
12:22:  "Taps"
12:23:  "God Bless America"  by Chevel Shepherd  (Flyover by four Army helicopters)

12:26:  "National Anthem" performed by Kelly Clarkson
12:28:  Flyover to be piloted by Air Force Heritage Flight  (Consisted of a P-51 Mustang, P-40 Warhawk, A-10 Warthog and F-16.)

12:36:  "Back Home Again in Indiana"  Performed by Jim Cornelison.

12:38:  "Lady and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!"
12:45:  103rd  Running of the Indianapolis 500

And the Race Was On.  --RoadDog

The Greatest Salute to the American Military, the Indy 500-- Part 1

The reason why I did not post the last five days was that I was there, right across Georgetown Road which runs by the racetrack.  Not only is this "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," but it has to be the  greatest salute to the honor of the U.S. military, both living and dead and especially those who gave their lives serving, for Memorial Day.

Here is a list of what happened before the race:

8 am:  Parade of Marching Bands
8:45:  Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks
9:30:  Celebrity Red Carpet

10:30:  "On the Banks of the Wabash"  performed by the Purdue Marching Band
10:53:  Delivery of the Green Flag
11:00:  Past Indy 500 winners laps

11:20:  Historic Race car laps
11:26:  Marion Andretti car laps.
11:43:  "God Bless the USA"

12:01:  Driver introductions

Then, we begin the salute to the military.

--RoadDog

2017 Indy 500-- Part 28: The 9/11 Truck and Bo's Club

SATURDAY, MAY 27

One thing that really impressed at the Chevy exhibit was the 2001 truck painted with pictures of 9/11.  Those burning towers always get me.  On the back of the truck was a painting of the White House War Room where Pres. Obama watched the operation that took out the world's biggest coward, that O. guy.

Back to the RV for cocktails.

I met Bo.  As he drove along, there was what would have to be classified as the world's biggest party.  Celebrants and trash everywhere.

Bo's PBF Club had a big crowd with a cookout and all sorts of drink specials.  Four cans of beer for $7. Lots of friendly folk.  Talked with some Vietnam veterans and there was also karaoke.  Very friendly DJ.  Talked with him and he agreed with me when I said where else can you get free drinks and get paid to party.  (I used to be a deejay.)

It was a real hard drive back to the legion because of the traffic and you had to really keep an eye on tottering people walking along the roads.

--RoadDog

2017 Indy 500-- Part 27: Looking At Chevys

Saturday, May 27

Watched the 1992 Indy 500 on the big screen by the Pagoda which had thirteen wrecks.  Al Unser, Jr. won.  It was the closest race in history up until then.  However, close races are pretty much the norm these days.

Probably my favorite thing to do on these Saturday walk-arounds is go to the Chevrolet exhibit and see all those neat cars.  Since Pontiac is gone, I am a Chevy Guy these days.Those Corvettes and Camaros, Wow, get me to salivating.  Of course, a more realistic Chevy for me is the Malibu (we have a 2003 and a 2011 Malibu and the next "family car" will probably be a Malibu).

The 2017 Indy 500 car is the 2017 Chevy Camaro and are they ever decked out for $55,000.If I decide to get rid of our 1985 Pontiac Firebird, there may be a used Camaro in the future.

However, a problem now with Chevy cars is that they no longer come with CD players.  That could be a deal killer for me as I am not a downloader and love my CDs.  And, of course, the last car we got which also had a cassette player was the 2003.I guess it would have to be a post buying product I;d have to have installed.  But Chevy would have to cover it.

--RoadDog

2017 Indy 500-- Part 26: Walking Around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

SATURDAY, MAY 27

Paul made one of his special breakfasts.

We could overhear the pa at the track announcing the names of the drivers.  Helio and Hinchcliffe, my favorite, got huge cheers.  Also Tony Kanaan, Fernando Alonso, an Indy car rookie who normally drives F-1.  Ed Carpenter, local favorite.  and Scott Dixon.  I am getting to know the racers now that I have been here several times.

An RV Black Water waste disposal unit came through the Legion grounds.  Yesterday they were charging $35 to clean out that, but today $45.  In case you're interested, call 800-909-5646 for sanitation to get rid of that pesky black water.

saw an ad for 105.7 Soft Rock station.

It cost $10 to get into the track today.  This is a big walking day.  It's walk, walk, walk and then walk some more.  We walked along every street in Gasoline Alley and then on to the museum.  We didn't go in, but like to check out the store where they sell things for cheap.  Believe me, the IMS makes a whole lot of money on their trinkets for this race.  Nothing cheap.

And, it was a very hot day.  My feet were sore so I tried to sit in Founders' Circle, but it was too hot.  Finally found some shade in the Pagoda Plaza.Saw lots of Cubs shirts since they won the World Series last year.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2019: Scott Piotrowski and the Coleman Theatre

APRIL 16--  Scott Piotrowski's film "158 Miles to Yesterday" is now on You Tube.It is a 20-minute documentary he uploaded from VHS.

He features two people from Route 66, artist Bob Waldmire and Frontier Motel and Cafe co=owner Mildred Baker, both of who have since died.

Scott also wrote the 2003 book "Finding the end of the Mother Road:  Route 66 in Los Angeles, California." He is president of the California Historic Route 66 Association and also gives walking tours.

We were fortunate enough to meet him back in 2006.  I doubt that anyone knows more about Route 66 in California and especially Los Angeles.

APRIL 17--  The Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma, is marking its 90th anniversary.  They will have a special showing of the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz."  It opened in 1929 as a vaudeville venue and then made the transition to movie house.

Some famed performers who appeared on stage there:  Will Rogers, Tom Mix, Sally Rand and Bing Crosby.

How Do You Pronounce Miami, Oklahoma, Again?   --RoadDog

Along 66, April 2019: The Ariston in Illinois and Newkirk, New Mexico (A Near Ghost Town)

These are taken from the Route 66 News site, the first place you want to go to find out what is going on along our Mother Road.  I only write about some of the things, the site has a lot more, complete with pictures and video.  Plus, the site goes into much greater detail.  Check it out.

APRIL 12--  U.S. Representative Rodney Davis spoke Thursday about the Ariston Cafe's 95th anniversary in Litchfield, Illinois.  It opened in 1924 in Carlinville, but moved to Litchfield in 1935.

One of our favorite places on 66 and it is so good to see it coming back.

APRIL 15--  Original Route 66 alignment verified near Newkirk, New Mexico.  It was part of the road in the 1920s and part of it is on private land.  It was an unpaved section and was part of US-66 until the road was realigned to the north and on a paved road.

Today, Newkirk is almost a ghost town.  I looked at the Yahoo Image results for the town and they bear out that description.  Wikipedia says the 2010 population was 7.

One notable person from there.  She was Fabiola Cabeza de Baca Gilbert (1894- 1991), noted for educator, nutritionist, activist, writer and inventor of the u-shaped fried taco shell.

Perhaps we'll get off at Highway 129 next time through New Mexico.

--RoadDog

2017 Indy 500-- Part 25: "Jet Airliner", Bo, Legion

FRIDAY. MAY 26.

We walked forward a ways and could actually see the band.  Thought I might like to say I saw them, not just heard them.  Well, we could see them on the giant video screens.

"JET AIRLINER"  Final Encore song.

The ground was extremely littered with all sorts of stuff, especially aluminum cans, plastic items, wrecked chairs and bits of clothing.  Kind of reminded me of those pictures of Woodstock back in 1969.  Plus, it was quite muddy after all the rain this past week.  Sure glad I didn't have to clean that mess up.

Great show from a 74-year-old guy.  Thanks Steve.

I met friend Bo, who we had met down at Panama City Beach back in February.  He lives in Speedway, Indiana, and since I was now in Speedway, it seemed the thing to do.  He wanted to show me his Speedway.

He first took me to his private club, which was anything but snooty.  Enjoyed those folks.  Then, we went to Scottie's, a local watering hole and a fun place as well.  The bar manager was wearing a White Sox hat so we had a good Sox talk.

While I was with Bo, a real big storm came through.  It was violent.

Back to the Legion and some standing water.  Sure glad it didn't do that during the concert.

Met Sue and Paul and enjoyed the Current Situation Band.  I didn't, however, enjoy the $5 beers.

Quite a Day.  --RoadDog

2017 Indy 500-- Part 24: Jokin' Like An Eagle Rockin' the Jungle

FRIDAY, MAY 26

Still with der Steve.

"Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma"

Well, I started off this morning having to wear a sweatshirt, but for not any longer.  Kind of mean-looking clouds would drift across the sun every so often and we were very thankful for it.  It was getting quite steamy hot.

"The Joker"

Another sing-a-long.  Everybody yelled when that guitar slid the notes early in the song.

Guy walks by with a Brazilian flag as a cape and reading "No Engleesh.  Kiss me."

Now Steve and band were really cooking and the crows was going crazy.

"Fly Like An Eagle"

"Rock 'N Me"


ENCORE

"Jungle Love"

One Real GOOD Time.  --RoadDog