Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 2: Flowers, Sunnyside, Indy 500, Car Show, Moose, Donovan's, Fish Hatchery and Ribs

MONDAY, JUNE 3

Bought flowers for half price at Jewel.  Flowers are sure expensive nowadays, but half price makes it better.  Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and enjoyed the $1.50 pints special today.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

Sue and Paul came by and we worked on getting a spot at the Legion in Speedway for next year.  Discovered quite a few cicadas in the yard.  Bought some more sale glowers at the Jewel in Volo.

Frank and I went to the car show at the Moose Lodge in McHenry, but because of rain, only a few there.  Lord forbid their babies getting wet.  I went to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove for trivia.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

Went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes for trivia, then to the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery for a final meeting before our Father's Day Fish extravaganza.

Had a full slab of ribs meal at Half-Times for Wednesday special $16 in Johnsburg and went to Sunnyside.

--RoadDog

When Irish Eyes Weren't Smiling So Much

The Day before St. Patrick's Day and I still haven't had any corned beef & cabbage (cb&c).  Not that I haven't tried.  I am now 0 for 2 in attempts.

First I went to the Lake Villa (Illinois) St. Patrick's Day celebration.  Sadly, by the time I got to the VFW, they had sold out of cb&c.

Then, I drove to Johnsburg with intentions to get cb&c at Sunnyside.  Yesterday, I had stopped in and seen them advertising what I was looking for.  Unfortunately, I hadn't noticed in the fine print that it was being offered at Cullom Knoll over in McCullom Lake near McHenry and not at Sunnyside.

The woman who owns Sunnyside also operates Cullom Knoll.

So, so far no corned beef and cabbage for me.  But, in a few minutes I'll be heading over to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove and I understand they have cb&c.

Here's Hoping.  --RoadLessCornedBeef

So, What's to Do Around Here: Bar Hopping, Cheap Beer and Food

Okay, so it's still winter for a few days (starts the 19th) and it has been a fairly warm one so far.  So, what is there to do around here (northeast Illinois) until summer gets here.?

MARCH 3, SUNDAY

Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, then to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove where I had a great $3 Bloody Mary and $7 Italian beef sandwich and fries.

MARCH 4, MONDAY

Sunnyside for $1.50 pints, the Monday special.

MARCH 5, TUESDAY

Back to Saylor Mick's for $1.50 tacos and live trivia.

MARCH 6, WEDNESDAY

Drove to Wisconsin and went to Best Bargains which sure lives up to its name when it comes to groceries.  Filled up with gas at the BP in Twin Lakes for $3.35 (it had been down to $2.50 a month ago).  Still better than Illinois where it is around $3.90.

Played live trivia with Uncle Jeffie at Donovan's Reef.

--RoadDog

Got My Irish On for Two Weeks-- Part 2: No VFW or Hello Folks, But a Legion, Sunnyside and PLAV

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

After the parade, I went back to the VFW with intentions of getting a corned beef & cabbage dinner and eating in the bar while the band played.  However, it was standing room only in there, so I left.

Dceided to stop at Hello Folks in Fox Lake on my way home, but it was pretty dead so went on to the Fox Lake American Legion of Nippersink Lake and had a great talk with Ken and others while watching and commenting on "The Mummy" movie playing on TV.  The place started crowding up so left and went over to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and ended up staying there for way too long.

**********************************

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

We had snow last night and snow flurries all day, but again, no accumulation.  Thankfully temps in the upper 30s.  Went to Jewel and bought an apple pie for $3.14 in honor of March 14 coming up in a few days.

Then went to the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) in McHenry for their $2.75 Bloody Marys.  I ended up talking so much with Cliff and Julie that I didn't get to the McHenry American Legion or Sunnyside as I had intended.

--O'RoadO'Dog

One Real Pretty Light Display in Johnsburg, Illinois

From the December 19, 2021, Chicago Tribune "Light display welcomes holidays near Fox Lake" by Gregory Harutunian.

(The light display is actually in Johnsburg off of Johnsburg Road."

This is one of the largest private holiday displays in the area and, even though Mr. Harutunian thinks it is a hidden gem, most everyone in this area knows about it.  As a matter of fact, we pass it every time we go to Stucky's or Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.  And, this past Saturday we did the slow cruise through it.  he is correct when he says that is it one of the largest and very impressive displays.

For more than a decade, the Lankford Construction Company has illuminated the December landscape and skies with twenty large stand alone holiday scenes and addition multicolored lighting.

It is all fed by miles of electric cord and strategically placed junction boxes spread over 10 acres of land.

The displays and lights are everywhere, incorporating the use of shrubs, trees, light poles and buildings.

--RoadLit

Good Times in the Area: Weekday Radio, 1970 and Da Sox Lose

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

Listened to the usual weekday stations while working on these blogs.  I listen to WDRV, 7.1 FM over the air waves and the Surf, WVCO 94.9 FM out of North Myrtle Beach over the internet.    Bob Stroud went back to a great college year for me, 1970, spent at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb on his Ten at Ten show on the Drive.   The #1 album back then was "Cosmo's Factory" by my favorite group, Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Liz and I went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg to watch the first game of the ALDS between the White Sox and the Houston Astros.  The place was crowded and people watching the game and there would have been more cheering, but sadly, this was the Bad Sox/Sad Sox playing and the bats were essentially silent, plus pitching questionable.  It was a 6-1 loss.

But, I had what I consider the best Chicago hot dog anywhere at Sunnyside, and, for just $2 and an extra $1 for fries.  Beat that deal!!

Drowning My Sorrows, You Know.  --RoadDog

Good Times in the Area-- Part 3: Firebird Cruise, 80s Music, Stucky's, Saufen und Spiel in Johnsburg, a Parade and the Glockenspiel

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

After the ceremony at Veterans Park for 9/11, I went to Meijer's and got breakfast at Burger King.

Came home and continued recording the Drive's 80s A to Z as well as rerecording previously recorded tapes.

Took the '85 Firebird out for a cruise, of course listening to the Drive's A to Z 1980s music.  

That evening, we went to Stucky's for dinner and, of course, those $1 draft beers.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Enjoyed the FP for breakfast, coffee and the Tribune.  Continued rerecording the Drive's 80s A to Z.  At1:30, we drove over to Johnsburg for the Saufen und Spiel parade.  Saufen und Spiel is a celebration of Johnsburg's early days when so many German settlers came and set up homes and farms.

They have a really big parade.  We usually watch the parade at Sunnyside, but couldn't get anywhere near the place and after some backups from parade units, managed to get over to the shopping center where Angelo's Grocery Store and Stucky's is located and watched it from there.  This parade was even longer than usual and had a marching band form the high school and a bunch of floats with bands on them.

Went back home and then back to Sunnyside where I dropped Liz off and I went to the Saufen und Spiel grounds by the Johnsburg Community Club.  I just missed the Glockenspiel show which is always a treat.  It is like a German cuckoo clock with live people.  Go to You Tube and type in Milwaukee Germanfest Glockenspiel to see why it is so much fun.

They had a good band playing mostly 80s to current music called the Goo Roos.  Also one of the greatest brats (with sauerkraut of course) and corn on the cob.

Then back to Sunnyside and saw both the Bears and Packers get blown out.

--RoadDog

Good Times in the Area: Donovan's Reef, Sunnyside Tavern, Ace Hardware, Dog 'N Suds. Charcoburgers, Squaw Bar, Stucky's

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for beverages and trivia, then to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois, for more.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Liz had a hair appointment in Round Lake, Illinois, and I went along.  While she was inside, I went to the Round Lake Ace Hardware store which is still the largest Ace Hardware store in the United States. When we lived in Round Lake, we spent a lot of money in that store.

Liz's salon is right across from Magee Middle School where I taught for 31 years.  School's back in session, but I'm not.  Something about retirement.

We then went to the Dog 'N Suds on Rollins Road in Ingleside for their Thursday Charcoburger special ( 2 for $4).  Charcoburgers are one of our favorite burgers anywhere.  Have to eat them now because they close in a month.  There are only about seven Dog 'N Suds left in the United States and we have three of them within about fifteen miles of us.  And, of course, there's that great root beer.

Next, we went to the nearby Squaw Bar to see what was going on.  This is a bona fide dive bar if there ever was one and we have had a lot of fun there, especially on Sunday afternoons when the Chicago Bears play.  Bear fans all over the place.

Last two stops were at Sunnyside and Stucky's in Johnsburg.

Always something to do around here during the summer and fall.

Why Go Anywhere Else?   --RoadDog

A Mighty Busy Week Around Here, Where To Go, What To Do?

Decisions, decisions, decisions.  That's what I have to make this weekend,  Well, actually all week.

When I say Good Times in the Area, this is what I am talking about.  Unfortunately there are too many things happening at the same time.  I can't do them all, though I'd sure like to.

The biggest problem revolves around two towns near us, McHenry and Antioch.  

McHenry has its annual Fiesta Days which started last week with all sorts of bands and activities going on out at Peterson Park.  This Saturday is Art in the Park with a lot of crafters selling their wares in Veterans Park.  In addition, two streets are shut down with bands and lots of activities.  Plus, every bar (and there are a lot of them) is selling beer and food (and you can drink in the streets).  We tend to call this "Drunk in the Park."

Then Sunday, McHenry will be hosting one of the biggest parades in northern Illinois.

Then, Antioch started their annual Taste of Summer out by their big outdoor stage off Main Street.  It started Thursday and runs to Sunday.  Bands every night and during the day.  Lots of local places are offering food selections as well.

And, on top of it, our usual hangout in the area, Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg is having their Christmas in July Saturday with a golf cart (Johnsburg allows folks to drive around in golf carts) parade in full Christmas regalia.  There is an outside band afterwards and plenty of food.

Like I Said, Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.  --RoadDecision

Thanksgiving with the V.

Stayed home for Thanksgiving this year.

While my mom was alive and after Dad died, I used to drive 1100 miles every Thanksgiving to spend time with her and family in North Carolina, but since she's been gone (in 2016) I just stay here in  Illinois.  Most Thanksgivings, we go over to McHenry and have T-giving dinner at the Grand Buffet, a Chinese place.  Love that selection and food.  

After that, we go to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and talk with friends while watching some NFL football.

Yesterday, we just stayed home, but had a ham dinner with apple sauce, pineapples, green beans and Hawaiian rolls.  Not bad in these virus times.

Originally we had planned to be in Georgia where my sister had a dinner for family in Savannah.  Things must be much better in the south with the virus, because her two lids and their families were there (from Tifton, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina which are nearby) as were my brother and girlfriend from Goldsboro, North Carolina and nephews family from Nashville, Tennessee.

Maybe Next Year, hopefully.

--RoadDog

4th of July 2020-- Part 2: Good Friends, Good Times

JULY 4, SATURDAY

Normally this would have been an extra big day for all things "fourthish" because if fell in a Saturday.  But, because of you-know-what, it wasn't.

I put up all my flags: gazebo, front porch, garage and deck.

This was not a good day, however, for at least a hundred of those voracious and sex-crazed Japanese beetles.  I am sure hoping they don't come back to the levels they were at eight years ago.  They have a couple plants they especially like so that makes it easier to find them.

Sat out FP (Front Porch) for breakfast, coffee and read a magazine.

Another hot, hot, hot day.

Went to Jewel and bought their special fried chicken deal for this week.  Eight pieces for $5.  Great deal and I would put up Jewel fried chicken against anybody's.  Then Liz and I drove over to Kelly and Kevin's place on Mineola Bay on Fox Lake and joined Barb and Glen for a relaxing afternoon of eating, drinking beer and watching the boats go by.  And, they were really out in huge numbers on this perfect boating day.

We were fortunate to have plenty of shade by using two umbrellas and their huge cottonwood tree.  And, we had "snow" in July.  That tree was releasing huge amounts of feathery white seed and each gust of breeze sent thousands descending on us.

We then went to Sunnyside for a couple more brews and home.  I sat out for a bit FP to watch the neighbors' fireworks, since the regular Spring Grove fireworks and festival where not held this year because of you-know-what.  Stayed out there until the skeeters found me whereupon I beat a hasty retreat inside.

--RoadDog

4th of July, 2020 Style-- Part 1

Nothing like a pandemic and destruction of U.S. history to put a bit of a kabosh on the 4th of July celebration this year.

JULY 3, FRIDAY  Enjoyed the FP  (Front Porch) for breakfast, coffee and reading the Chicago Tribune (print edition) and watching young Wascally Wabbitt foraging for greenery.  One of my favorite things to do.  It was comfortable that early in the morning, but not so when I finally finished staining the deck.  The sun was merciless, temperature about 90 degrees and not even a hint of a breeze which would have made it so much more comfortable.

Did some shopping at Walgreens and Jewel, then found out about our taxes from our tax guy at H&R Block.  Between Federal and State we owe and owe and then there is the fee.    Ouch!!!

Cut the grass then went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and were so glad to be able to go inside  as Illinois is now in Phase 4 of the pandemic.  That sitting outside on the parking lot with that merciless sun beating down on you and no breeze would not have been too good of a thing today.

A whole lot of fireworks going on around the neighborhood.  Sounded like a full-scale battle.

--RoadDog

Welcome Back to Sunnyside-- Part 2: Here's to Good Times, Today Is Kind of Special

Man, it was sure good to see all the folks we hadn't seen for a couple months.  We sat a table with Greg, Dan and Mark.  We usually spend a lot of time talking to then in the bar during normal times.  And, we hadn't seen then for the whole length of time.

Turns out, this was Dan's first beer since then.  Mark had gone off his yearly alcohol break (he quits the day after Super Bowl and doesn't drink for several months) the last day he drank was in March (the last day at Sunnyside) but then had gone back on his drink break until last week when he went north to Wisconsin to have drinks with Kelly at the Twin Lakes Road House.

There were also a lot of people who knew and/or recognize from Sunnyside getting together outside on this special day.

We got a call from Kevin and Kelly who were at Freddie's in Fox Lake and they came over and joined us and later, Glen and Barb likewise joined us.  This was the first time we'd seen all these folks since March.

We all noticed that it sure wasn't taking too long to start feeling the effects of the beer.  Liz only had had three beers during this past two months and I'd had about 15, mostly sitting out FP (Front Porch) or OD (On Deck) or in the gazebo after working in the yard.

Good Times In the Area Again.  --RoadBeer

Welcome Back to Sunnyside-- Part 1: We're Back!!!

Mark this date from Friday:  Friday, May 29, 2020--  The first time restaurants and bars were open in Illinois (outside of Chicago) since March 17 because of the you-know-what.

We were at Sunnyside Taverm in Johnsburg, Illinois, the last day it was open, March 16.  This was after we had heard of the closures coming on the day before, Sunday March 15 while we were at the McHenry, Illinois, American Legion.  Our governor was extremely mad about all the people out celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Chicago on Saturday.  We figured this was his way to get back at us.

The governor closed all restaurants and bars in the state starting March 17.

Right now, Illinois is in Phase Three of five to reopen the state.  This allows restaurants and bars to have outdoor dining and drinking as long as social distancing occurs and no more than six people at a table.

Sunnyside had the whole front parking lot and the north parking area closed off to vehicles and tables set up.  The inside was off limits for customers except for the bathrooms.  And those were one at a time.  There was a bartender inside and two people taking orders, going inside, getting drinks (Sunnyside doesn't serve food except for frozen pizza and some other frozen items) and taking them outside.  It was cash only and everything rounded to a dollar amount for ease of transactions.

Our 16-ounce draft beers were $2.

And, it was a sunny and warm day.

So, Good Times.  Good to be Back.  --RoadBeer

About Those Resin Tables for Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg-- Part 1: The Old End-Of-The-Year Parties

As I said in the last post, since Illinois outside of Chicago, reopened its restaurants and bars yesterday for outside dining and drinking, I had told the owner of Sunnyside last Sunday that I had a couple resin tables I was no longer using and that she could have them if she wanted.

She did, so a couple days ago I went into the spare garage bay (we have four bays) looking for those tables.

Now, let me tell you, we used to use those tables at our end-of-the-school-year parties back when we were teaching.  We'd have teachers from both Liz's school, Ellis Elementary and mine, Magee Middle School, as well as other folks we knew come.

These were really big parties with as many as 100-140 people over the course of an afternoon and evening.  We'd go through as many as three kegs of beer, a pig roast and deep-fried turkeys.  We needed the table space.

But, we have not had an end-of-the-school-year party since 2006,that's 14 years.  And, I haven't cleaned out the garage since then (well, considerably before that either).  And, I tend to gather things and not get rid of things, so you might just get an idea of what I encountered.  Oh, yes, and did I say I tend to clutter.

What Did I See?  --RoadMyGosh

Well. At Least a Little Bit of a Return to Normalcy

Tomorrow, the restaurants and bars in our area (Northeast Illinois) reopen for outside eating and drinking.  I have not been in a bar or restaurant since March 17, St. Patrick's Day, when we went over the state line into Wisconsin for what ended up our last time in a bar (Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes).  Illinois had already closed all its restaurants and bars on the 16th, and Wisconsin was still open.  However, while we were there, we found out that Wisconsin was closing theirs in just a few hours.

It's going to feel strange here in Illinois.

Wisconsin opened their bars and restaurants to inside service about two weeks ago.  We have not gone as we're waiting to see if their is a jump in cases and deaths, but plan top go fairly soon.

On Sunday, I saw a vehicle parked in front of the Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg (about 4 miles away) where we had spent quite a bit of time back during normal times.  As a mater of fact, Sunnyside was the last bar in Illinois we had been to before the shut down.

I yelled inside and Amy, the owner, came out.  I told her this place looked familiar for some reason and so did she.  She was getting ready for Friday's opening (outside only).  I told her I had a couple resin tables that I no longer use and that she could have them for her customers.  We used to have huge end-of-the-school-year teacher parties, but not since we retired.  Sometimes with 125+ people and a pig roast and several deep-fried turkeys.

Now, the only problem is that those tables are in my garage and you know how garages can get, especially with someone like me who is a King of Clutter.  Just ask anyone.

Anyway, I plan on finding those tables and bringing them to her today.

That Is, If I Can Find Them.  --RoadClutter

Just Hangin' 'Round Here-- Part 2: Doing That History Thing, Tacos, Oak Park, Sunnyside, Legion

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

I went to the Fox Lake Historical Society's meeting where a presentation was made on the role Waukegan, Illinois, played in the early days of he motion picture industry.  And, it was a big one.  Enjoyed talking with my buddy Frank who was also there.  We've had a great many good times boating in the past, but don't see much of each other anymore.

Afterwards had the delicious Baja Fish taco at Taco Bell (and a spicy tostada). The two of them came to $2.30, a hard deal to beat.

Later that afternoon, we went over to Oak Park Lounge on Pistakee Bay.  This place looks just about as it did when it was built back in the 1880s.  A real piece of history, and with $2 drafts, not bad.  And, we got to see Bomber, the much-spoiled bar dog.  He puts the lick of approval on customers.

Then, it was on to Sunnyside in Johnsburg where we had fun with the regulars and continued watching college football.  Too bad that Iowa beat Minnesota, but, at least Georgia eat Auburn.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Kind of a lost day for us, as no NFL football.  The Bears didn't play until night and the Packers were off for the week.  Enjoyed a rotisserie chicken from Jewel for $5.99.

We went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed talking with people there.  Crowds are improving as the Legion is trying to reopen again.  Then to Sunnyside again.

Watched Da Bears lose another game in Margaritaville.

--RoadDog

Just Hangin' 'Round Here-- Part 1: Ten at Tens, Crummy Weather, Bars and Friends

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14

As the days keep getting shorter and the early onslaught of winter (we've had about 12 inches of snow since Halloween and temps around 20-30 degrees colder than usual, rarely getting over freezing), we've still managed to cope.

As usual, during the day and early afternoon, we are on the internet (I'm doing these confounded blogs).

Later today, we went on our weekly excursion to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, a regular Cheers kind of place where everyone generally knows everybody else.  On the way home, we stopped at The Grove in Spring Grove, Illinois, and had their saganaki cheese "OooPahh!! and loaded nachos.

Met good friend Tom from Fanella's Pizza in Ingleside and talked with him.  He used to own Tom's Cafe in Johnsburg where I deejayed quite often.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

After the usual morning (which often also involves recording Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.  Yesterday it was ten songs from 1978 (my pick was "Magnet & Steel" by Walter Egan) and today Cocktails, ten tunes about drinking.  My pick of them "I Drink Alone" by George Thorogood.

Later we went to another Cheers kind of bar, Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.

Too Much Fun To Go Elsewhere.  --RoadFun

Just Hanging 'Round-- Part 4: Music and Da Pack

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Rain all day.  We've sure been getting the rain.  The Chain of Lakes is closed again.  If we had to pick a year to stop boating, this was a good one as the Chain and Fox River have been either no wake or closed for what seems to have been half the already-too-short season.

Bob Stroud  was lamenting the end of his favorite season, Summer, and Root Saluted it on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  Some of the songs he played:

LAST TIME--  Rolling Stones
SUMMER SONG--  Chad & Jeremy
TIME HAS COME TODAY-  Chamber Brothers

OUT OF TIME--  Rolling Stones
ALREADY GONE--  Eagles
I'LL FOLLOW THE SUN--  Beatles

Plus, the Top Three songs in Chicago this fate in 1969:

1.  EASY TO BE HARD--  Three Dog Night      From the rock musical "Hair."  There sure were a lot of hits from it.
2.  SUGAR, SUGAR--  Archies    Laugh, but I see you singing it right now.
3.  THIS GIRL IS A WOMAN NOW--  Gary Puckett & the Union Gap     Ever notice the theme of this guy's songs?

Drove to the McHenry American Legion for the Green Bay Packer game and enjoyed talking with the people there.  Da Bears are playing tomorrow night.   Then to Sunnyside Tavern and home to watch the very informative and music-heavy Ken Burns special on PBS  "Country Music."

--RoadDog


CROSS PURPOSES:  Which character on the TV series "The Walking Dead" favored the use of a crossbow?   Answer below:


Daryl Dixon

Just Hangin' Around Here: Gas Gouge, FP, More Expensive, Classic Cars, '67 Firebirds

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Sure been having problems with the internet of late and it is getting very difficult to get on and do these blogs.
Still sitting out FP (Front Porch) most mornings until it gets too cold.    We sure had a gas gouge here in northeast Illinois with gas up to $3.06 in McHenry!!!

A lot of unhappy patrons at Half-Times in Johnsburg as they raised all prices up.  The Tuesday 14-inch pizza, $1 toppings went up from $9 to $12 and the $1 14 ounce draft beers are now $2 for 20 ounces.  Still a good deal.

Drove over to the McHenry Mosse Lodge for  their classic car show and saw a '67 red Firebird convertible.  I am a big, well, huge Firebird fan, especially since I once had a '67 Firebird convertible. Went by Sunnyside Tavern on the way home.

Enjoyed watching the Ken Burns "Country Music" series as I am a big country music fan.

--RoadDog