Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 8: A Movie, Trivia, 2 Concerts, and a Fish Boil

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

First official day of Summer.  Went to the Fox Lake Theatre and saw the movie "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga."  That was one gal you'd best not mess with

Went to Antioch, Illinois, and had dinner at The Lodge and played live trivia.  I was a team by myself and winning until two questions as to the names of Led Zeppelin songs were asked.  I know all their songs, but can only name three.

The It's Thursday concert featured Breakfast Club playing 80s-90s music.  Great show.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21

We had the annual Spring Grove, Illinois, fish boil at Horse Fair Park.  This is a fundraiser for the Fish Hatchery Park and put on by the famed Fitzgerald's in Genoa City, Wisconsin who specialize in Door County-style fish boils and also have fantastic chicken and ribs with some outstanding bbq sauce.

I then worked at the silent auction booth since I am a member of the Friends of Fish Hatchery.  We had an excellent three-piece group named the Judson Brown Band playing which includes a gal on the violin/fiddle.

Afterwards I went to the Fox Lake American Legion.

Good Times You Know Where.  --RoadFun

It's the Way-Outs Tonight at It's Thursday Concert Series in Antioch

We sure missed this last summer.  If it's Thursday, normally you are going to find us in Antioch, Illinois, for their great concert series featuring some of the best local bands Chicago has to offer.

I was all set to go to our first one last Thursday, but we ended up at the Pistakee Lake House to see 2/3 of one of of old favorite bands, New Odyssey, playing out by the deck and tiki bar.  But, we're going to Antioch tonight.

We usually go early and go to a couple bars like the Limerick and the Lodge before getting places to sit at the concert in the band shell off Main Street.  Week after week, they have some of the most fun bands around.

Tonight, the Way-Outs, who call themselves an authentic 60s Garage Rock Band and looking at the songs they play, I'd have to agree.  Here are just a few of them:

Don't Let me Be Misunderstood--  Animals

Little Bit O' Soul--  Music Explosion

Tired of Waiting for You--  Kinks

(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone--  Monkees

Hang On Sloopy--  McCoys

With a Girl Like You--  Troggs

It's Thursday concerts continue until August 15.

Going Back to the 60s Tonight.  --Road60s

Decisions, Decisions: How to Tell the Good Old Days Are Back

The summer of 2021 sure promises, at this point, to be an improvement over last summer.  

I mean, that good buddy Denny is on another one of his extended road trips.  Liz and I are planning on hitting the road as well.

But, even more important, I now am faced with having to make decisions as to what I'm going to do.

For example, in a few minutes I will be heading out the door for one of two history things.  Either a presentation by the McHenry Area Historical Society at Veterans Park in McHenry or the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Last night I had the choice of going to the Spring Grove Annual Fish Fry to raise money for our Fish Hatchery Park (with a band) or see a band at the McHenry VFW.

Thursday night the choice was between going to Antioch for their weekly It's Thursday concert or go to the Lake House on Pistakee to sit out by that lake and watch a band.

Tough decisions, but somebody's got to make them.

Oft times I am asked why we don't go on many vacations away from home during the summer.  But, why go anywhere else when you have so much to do right here?

Partyin' In the Local Area These Days.  --RoadDog

A Week In the Life-- Part 5: Enjoying the House, A Band and Classic Cars

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1

FP.  Then on the internet, as I do most every day.  These blogs take a lot of time and effort. Today I also got to enjoy the deck (OD) and the gazebo.  I had to cut the grass, which, this time of the year shouldn't have to happen but every two weeks, but this has not been a normal summer.  All the rain we had through early July as well as the cool temperatures is providing an excellent grass growing condition.  And, it is.

Drove to Antioch, Illinois, and parked which required a walk through that beautiful little park and across Main Street to the Lodge which was standing room only.  Looking for a seat it seemed like it was open season on me.  Wherever I stood, I was in somebody's way.  We finally got two seats at the bar and enjoyed some pre-concert beers.  Thursdays they have half price pizza and 60 cent wings (used to be 35 cents) but the price of chicken wings has gone up with their increased popularity).  We ordered a chicken and bacon pizza.

During the summer, Antioch runs It's Thursday concerts from mid-June to mid-August at their bandshell in a park behind the Lodge.  They always have great bands and it's free.  We always make an effort to see these, but this year, this was the very first one.

Tonight the band was Class of '68, as you can figure, sixties music, right up our alley.  Great show and at the same time they were having a classic car show.

Well, I Sure Was a Happy Lad.  --RoadSixties

A Week In the Life-- Part 3: Bear-Packer Rivalry and the Lodge

MONDAY, JULY 29

The next time the Bears and Packers played that season, Packer fans had their revenge.  We drove by the place and there were Packer flags and banners and green and gold all over the place.  They had taken over a Bears bar.  Well, I guess payback.

We didn't go to K.C.'s Cabin, though, this day.

After the Limerick, we walked across the street and through a beautiful little park which is maintained by the local garden society.  This is always a big treat for me as I am a big flower nut myself.  The park recently got a bent Indian tree sculpture.  Before whites came to the area, Indians would take young trees and start bending them so that they stayed that way.  These pointed the way for their trails.

Crossing the street is taking your life in your hands, even though cars are supposed to stop.  But they don't.  The Lodge was also called the Sequoit Lodge, named after a local Indian tribe as is the nickname of Antioch High School.  And, it is a thoroughly North Woods vibe in the paneling and decorations.  Their mascot is a moose.

They have breakfast/lunch entertainment Saturdays and Sundays, huge portions and fantastic breakfasts and is a great place to kick off the Antioch It's Thursday parties at the bandshell located behind the place.  As a matter of fact, we are going to one tonight with Johnny Russell and the Beach Bumz.  If you are into that Caribbean/Jimmy Buffett thing, this be the place for you.

Always A Good Time.  --RoadDog
antioc

A Week In the Life-- Part 2: Antioch's Limerick and Spring Grove's K.C.'s Cabin

We drove to downtown Antioch, Illinois, right on the Illinois/Wisconsin border and a downtown with plenty still happening.  A definite party place with several different wine, bourbon and beer walks as well as many restaurants, bars and small eclectic businesses as well as one of the prettiest little parks I've ever seen featuring a sculpture of an Indian direction tree.

First stop was at a bar named the Limerick which is paneled in wood both walls and ceiling.  This place is famous for its Bears-Packer parties where the place is divided into sections for each team.  Being in Illinois, the Bear fans have "control" of the bathrooms which makes for some interesting episodes.

An even more famous place for the Bear-Packer rivalry is about eight miles west of Antioch, at the intersection of Illinois Route 173 and Wilmot Road, named K.C.'s Cabin.  It is also on the Illinois/Wisconsin border and during game days draws fans from both teams.  About ten years ago, a bartender there named Beak, a big Packer fan, was giving the Bear fans a hard time as Da Bears were stinking up the place that game.  They warned him that if he didn't stop, he'd be taken out and duct taped to the stop sign.  He didn't stop, they did and there he was.

Cops stopped by to inquire how he got in that situation, he told them.  They asked if he wanted to make charges.  Beak said no and after he was extracted from his post on the stop sign, he went back inside and continued giving the Bear fans a hard time.

This story was picked up my the sports networks.

And, That Game Is Coming Up Real Soon.  --RoadBear

A Week In the Life-- Part 1: Or Why We Tend To Hang Around Here in the Summer

Again, people ask Liz and myself why we don't go away much during the summer.  Why go anywhere and face all the hassle when you've got so much to do around here?  And that is even without a boat as we now find ourselves.   It is like we are at our own vacation spot.

Plus, I can have a perfectly good time by myself enjoying the front porch (FP), deck (OD- On Deck), Grand Strand (lower patio), Flats (upper patio), garage and arboretum.  And, of course, there is always my study upstairs and our bar, Margaritaville, downstairs and the Ultimate Jukebox.

To give you an idea of what we do, here is a run-down of last week:

MONDAY, JULY 29

Sat out FP for breakfast.  In the afternoon, we got together with Kevin and Kelly and went to Bon Voyage bar and grill in Antioch on Grasslake Road in the old Skanda House Restaurant and enjoyed $1 drafts and hey had their Chain Crawl passport book signed.

The Chain Crawl is an organized activity where boaters go to some 30 places on or near the Chain of lakes to get their passports signed.  There are lots of prizes at a big party at the end of the season.  Liz and I used to join it every year.  Lots of fun.

We decided to check out some bars in Antioch, Illinois.

Barhopping.  --RoadDog

To Honor the Blue: Funeral Procession of Illinois State Policeman Gerald Ellis

Illinois is reeling right now after the deaths of three state troopers, a McHenry County Sheriff's Police officer and a Chicago police officer in the last just over a month's time.

It is a dangerous job.  One that certain people don't seem to appreciate.

I am leaving to meet some former Magee Middle School (Round Lake, Illinois) teachers in Bristol, Wisconsin, in a few minutes and afterwards will try to find a place along the funeral procession route of State Trooper Gerald Ellis, who sacrificed his life to keep innocents alive from a wrong-way driver on an interstate last week.

I hope to view the procession, which I understand to be two hours long somewhere along Illinois Highway 173 east of Antioch.  I'll have my Blue Lives matter U.S. flag with me.

A Real Hero.  Thank You for Being There

Bucket List of Illinois Events-- Part 2: Superman, Milk and a Taste

5.  HARVARD MILK DAYS,  Harvard  Early June

Billed as the state's longest-running hometown festival started in 1942.  I remember dropping one of our actives off  in Harvard after taking him for a ride when I was pledging Delta Sigma Phi in 1970 and thinking about taking the cow statue downtown for a ride.  We didn't.

6.  SUPERMAN CELEBRATION, Metropolis   Early June

Way downstate, but with a name like this town has, you'd kind of have to do this.  See the 15-foot-tall statue of "favorite son."

7. MORE ON 34    US Highway 34  Aurora to Galesburg    Mid-June

All sorts of stuff for sale in flea markets, yard sales and etc..

Lincoln Highway also has a Lincoln Buy-Way along its route during the summer.

8.  McHENRY FIESTA DAYS / ANTIOCH TASTE OF SUMMER  McHenry and Antioch

These two towns are about twenty miles apart and have these two festivals at the same time.  We live right between them and I keep trying to get them to have it at different times, but no luck yet.

--RoadDog

Busy Day Today and Tomorrow

In a little while I will be driving to Antioch, Illinois, to see the Lincoln Funeral Railroad Car.  This is not the original one that transported his body back to Springfield, but a faithful recreation that was made for the sesquicentennial of his death back in 2015.  I understand that after this, it goes to a private collector so last chance to see it.

This afternoon Liz and I will drive to DeKalb, Illinois, and attend the NIU President's Reception at the Barsema Alumni Center where we will hear talks by her and athletic folks as well as a synopsis on the NIU-Utah game tonight.  We are invited because of our scholarship to the education department.

Then, we have nice seats for the game.

Tomorrow we will be hurrying back home as Johnsburg has its annual Saufen Und Spiel celebration to honor its German heritage with the parade, bands and even an oom-pah one and German food.  We will watch the parade from Sunnyside Tap.

Too Much Fun.  --RoadDog

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 1: Two Bars, A Festival and A Band

People often ask Liz and me wanting to know why we don't go on vacations in July and August.  Well, being retired, we can go anytime we want.  And, there is so much to do around here in the northeastern part of Illinois and the southeastern area of Wisconsin.

There is always boating on the Chain of Lakes (though because of mechanical problems we haven't had the boat out yet, but maybe by next week).

And, there are festivals and lots of bands playing.  This was one of our weekends:

THURSDAY, JULY 26

We went to Thirsty Turtle in Antioch, Illinois, overlooking Channel Lake to get a Chain Crawl passport stamp and then to the Limerick in downtown.

Then, we went to Antioch's weekly It's Summer concert and saw the band 28 Days

Why Go Anywhere Else?  --RoadDog

Way Too Much Going On Around Here This Weekend

These are the kinds of weekends I really dislike as there is way too much going on around here in northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin.

Up in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, we have Country Thunder with all those big performers.  That goes from tonight, Friday, to Sunday.  Then in Kenosha, Wisconsin, we have Tribute Island at Simmons Island on Lake Michigan with some 50 tribute bands playing Friday to Sunday.

Then, in McHenry, Illinois, we have Fiesta Days with its Art in the Park and street parties tomorrow.  Liz and I call it Drunk In the Park.  There are several bands playing on the streets.  Also, Antioch, Illinois, has Taste of Summer with food and bands every night, Friday to Sunday.

We Need to do a better job at scheduling all these events.  We'd like to go to all of them, but can't.

Let's Spread 'Em Out Some More.  --RoadDog

Tasting and Fiestin' Last Weekend-- Part 1: Pirates and the Neverlies

Flood or no Flood, at least the boat still floats.

THURSDAY JULY 20

I had to go see "Pirate's of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" in Round Lake Beach one more time.  This is the kind of movie that  needs to be seen on the big screen and with that surround sound.  A 70-inch screen is good, but just doesn't cut it.

I bought an outside bench and shepherd's hook for the yard at Big Lots for half off.  Checked on the boat which still is floating, but up way, way high.  The water isn't going down too much as we keep getting rain, something we don't need.  Plus, it was so hot and muggy, I even broke down and turned on the Dakota's air conditioner.  Something I don't often do.

Drove to Antioch for their annual Taste of Summer Festival and saw the Neverly Brothers do rock and roll from the 50s and 60s.  They are a three-piece band with guitar, stand up base and stand up drums.  What a show, but left earlier than we would have liked as the mosquitoes were voracious, a little side effect of all this rain and flooding.

I Tell You, This Rain Is a Gift That Just Keeps On Giving.  --RoadDog

A Busy Weekend in the Works, Despite the Flooding-- Part 1

Again, even with the Chain of Lakes and Fox River at record flooding, this is a busy weekend for us.  And, there will be NO BOATING, obviously as the Chain is not expected to get back to normal for several more weeks.

Yesterday, is saw the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" for the second time.  This is a movie best seen on the really big screen.  Then we went to Antioch, Illinois, and saw the Neverly Brothers, a three piece band with upright base and standup drums, playing music from the 50s and 60s and giving quite a history lesson.  This is part of Antioch's four-day Taste of Summer Festival.

Today it will probably be back in Antioch to see the Suburban Cowboys playing today's country music.

I should also mention that we have a big country party this weekend in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin,called Country Thunder, about 14 miles away.  Main acts:  July 20--  Billy Currington, July 21--   Keith Urban and Restless Heart, July 22--  Thomas Rhett,  July 23--  Jason Aldean, Big & Rich and Tracy Lawrence.

--Decisions, Decisions.  --RoadDog

Even With Flooding, We'll Wait It Out Having a Good Time

We have two major festivals going on this week here in northeast Illinois in Lake and McHenry counties.

I wish they would find a way, though, to have it on two separate weekends, but, no, they never will.

McHenry, Illinois, has their annual Fiesta Days.  This Saturday we have Art in the Park, where all sorts of sellers offer their wares in Veterans Park.  At the same time, they close off Riverside Drive by Illinois Highway 120.  Then, we have bands out in the street and all sorts of partying in the afternoon.

This Thursday, Antioch, Illinois, has its annual Taste of Summer which features all sorts of food, a carnival and bands every night Thursday and Friday and throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.

Well, If You Can't Go Boating,  Drown Your Sorrows.  --RoadDog

Good Times In the Area Last Weekend-- Part 5: Beer & BBQ Walk

Not all of the places were bars on the walk.

Next stops were:  Piggly Wiggly, Wings, etc., Chad Arnold State Farm, Hannah's, Merle Norman,  Lake Street Antiques, Rugan's, Village Thrift Shop, Ooh La La Boutique, Lodge of Antioch, Selinas Secret and PM&L Theatre.

Bars and restaurants were Limerick Lounge, Wings, etc., Rugan's and the Lodge of Antioch.

There were four more, but I'd had enough to drink and way too much to eat.

Best beers were the McKenzie's Pumpkin Cider at the Limerick Lounge and Shock Top twisted Pretzel at Merle Norman.  Best spreads of food (these two places had several items instead of just one) were the Lodge of Antioch with BBQ pork flatbread pizza and deserts and Rugans which must have had five things, all of which were really good.

I met a former student of mine at the PM&L Theatre as well as my State Farm agent.

Listened to NIU's loss to Western Michigan and watched the Cubs game at Sunnyside and Margaritaville,

--RoadDog

Good Times in the Area Last Weekend-- Part 4: Homecoming Parade and Beer & BBQ Holiday Walk

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

I went to the Grant High School Homecoming Parade in Fox Lake, Illinois, at 9 a.m.  They had two marching bands, Grant High School and Gavin Middle School.  Marching bands are my favorite parts of any parade.  As usual these days, very little effort was put into floats.

Then I drove to Antioch, Illinois, and got signed into their Beer and BBQ Holiday Walk.  They had 18 places each offering two Oktoberfest-type craft beers and at  least one form of something 'cue'd.  Two of my favorite things.  It cost $40 and money raised went to fund Antioch's Christmas celebration.

This lasted from noon to 4.  I managed to make it through 14 places before I threw in the towel.

My first stop was the Limerick Lodge, a big-time football bar.  When the Packers and Bears meet, they divide the place in half with Bear fans and Packer fans sitting in assigned areas.

Just Gettin' Started.  --RoadDog

The Shadows of the Morning and "Oh Well"

One of the members of the group, remarking on their early start, at noon, said they used to be the Shadows of Knight and played at night.  But, with this early start, they could now be referred to as The Shadows of Morning.

There were a lot of older folks in attendance, people in their 60s-70s like us.  And, there was a time when we were young, oh so much younger.  One couple were straight out of the Hippy Days, complete with tye-dies and long gray hair.  A man sitting near us overheard me saying that the Cryan Shames and Ides of March were on the July 15, 1966, WLS Silver Dollar Survey, fifty years ago.  he turned and said that Jim Peterik of the Ides of March and Survivor was his cousin.

Yesterday, we went to Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake, Illinois, for pizza and told the bartender that we had seen the Shadows of Knight on Saturday.  She said, "Who?"  We said, "The Shadows of Knight."  She said, "Who?"  We said, "The Shadows of Knight, you know 'Gloria.'"

She said, "Who?"  Even singing "G-L-O-R-IA" didn't help.

Oh, Well.  --RoadDog

Why Go Elsewhere? 4th of July 2016-- Part 1: American Legion Baseball

People often ask me why I don't go many places on vacation during the summer.  Well, here's a partial reason why.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29:  Went to see our American Legion Baseball team play Lake Villa at Grant High School in Fox Lake.  We won 7-5.  Lake Villa was in first place, undefeated and we are now tied with them for first in the division.

Went to Hello Folks in Fox Lake and paid my buddy Rick to use his pier for the summer.  We're hoping to get the boat in tomorrow,.  We then ended up at the Legion.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30:  Went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and then to It's Thursday in Antioch, Illinois.  This is their weekly Thursday party with bands that goes on until mid-August.  We saw the bands Barstool Soldiers and R Gang.

You've got to love a band named Barstool Soldiers.

Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog

Small World: Another TNT's-- Part 1

Back a lot of years ago, one of our favorite places to eat in the Lake/McHenry counties area was a place on Il. Highway 173 west of Antioch, Illinois, called TNT's (for owners Tina and Tasso). Great food, especially their Greek chicken which was out of this world, specials and drinks. Plus, really friendly owners and wait staff.

Unfortunately, the place closed and became California Coal House and eventually Dublin O'Shea's before suspiciously burning down. Today, the site is fenced off and all that remains is the foundation. Always saddens us to drive by it.

This past Saturday, while on the way to the Northwestern-Minnesota game in Evanston, my buddy Bob mentioned a place named TNTs in Arlington Heights, Illinois, as a possible stop for breakfast on our way. We stopped in at its location at 1705 West Campbell Street between Wilke Road and Reuter Avenue.

The Name Connection Still Didn't Dawn On Me, However. --RoadDog