Saving the Fourth
You can imagine my surprise when – come 2:00 in the morning – I had no thunderous blasts rattling the window, no debris raining down on the roof. In fact, I didn’t hear anything: no hooting, no whoo-ing, no profanity. Even the hair band music that thumps off the siding of the houses in the cul-de-sac behind us was silenced.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )The Day is Done
There are a half dozen picnic tables behind the Dari Ripple to seat the approximately fourteen thousand customers. Daniel had picked a flavor called “Blue Moon”; his favorite, he told me (though I didn’t remember him ever ordering it before).
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )All this and Swine Flu
I was working from home and my cell phone started to ring. At the same moment, I could hear the home phone ringing and Meka’s cell phone in her office. I looked at the caller ID and they were all the same phone number. I picked up my cell before it went to voice mail with the assumption the world was ending.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )In Case of Tornado
Last January, a tornado dropped out the sky north of us and wiped out the apple orchard we frequent for our Halloween needs. I was upstairs in my office when I heard the sirens come to life. I didn’t waste any time. Daniel was already in the basement.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 2 so far )Chocolate Cake Hunt
Devil’s food cake happens to be my favorite store cake flavor and I like vanilla frosting on it. Well, we went to Wal Mart two days running and both times, no chocolate cakes. However, we were there kind of late. The bakery was closed and looked even more picked over than normal.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )A Route Less Traveled
If I am in a rush, I take the tollway. I pay my $1.30 exit fee and get treated to a display of box stores and construction equipment. Route 76 is the “back way”; it’s not a route that can be taken in a hurry. There is a law of nature that decrees if you have a deadline to meet while traveling up 76, you will end up behind fifteen semi trucks all carrying wide loads. The load itself can be either a yacht in shrink wrap or half a pre-fabricated house, either will suffice to slow you down to a crawl.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Civic First Impressions
Belvidere is – technically – the City of Murals. However, the number of visitors that come specifically to Belvidere for the murals probably equal the number of visitors who go to Casablanca for the waters.
Belvidere – of course – is home to the Belvidere Oasis on the Northwest Tollway. This is how I describe where I live to people not familiar with the area (next time you drive past, wave; that’s basically my backyard).
You Can’t Get There from Here
A policeman tapped on my passenger window and motioned me to turn around. The road was closed until further notice. I gingerly did a three point turn. The Volvo behind me turned less gingerly and ended up doing a double 360 off the side of the road. Luckily, the police were nearby.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )A Dicey Slice of Pizza
It wasn’t until I was in college that I saw thin crust pizza cut up in long triangular wedges. I’m big enough to admit I thought it was a better idea than the squares. I was always an “edge” man anyway; this gave me a much larger slice with a convenient edge to hang onto.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )The First Snow of the Season
The temperature was just below freezing and the snow was falling in large clods the size of Jurassic mosquitoes. There was no wind and the snow lay fluffy and shining across our lawn and the driveway. I pulled the truck out of the garage and threw it into All Wheel Drive. Some people believe “all wheel drive” is equal to “suction cups on your tires” (those people end up in ditches by the way).
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Putting the Asterisk in Fun
We got a newsletter from the school the other day explaining how much fun Daniel will have showing off his costume at the Halloween celebration at school… then proceeded to explain all the restrictions on said costume.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )The Vow of the Raiders
You’d think flag football is the civilized version of the sport. The kids are young, they don’t wear pads. It’s a “learning experience” where kids learn the value of teamwork. It’s run by the YMCA. They don’t even keep score. Well, don’t you believe it.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Chalk Up First Win
Belvidere and Rockford East both have long and storied athletic traditions. Both teams have enjoyed greatness and both teams – like this year – have been in a rebuilding mode. In recent memory, the E-rabs have not posed a serious threat to the Bucs. While Belvidere never trailed in last Friday’s game, the E-rabs had enough surprises up their sleeves to keep the outcome in doubt until the very end.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Drop to Huskies on the Road
It was a long bus ride to Machesney Park and – unfortunately – it was an even longer ride home for the Belvidere Bucs last Friday night after they dropped their second game on the road to the Harlem Huskies.
Belvidere lost the toss, so they kicked off to Harlem. Their 32 yard run back gave [...]
Indians Smash Bucs in Opening Game
It’s a long drive to Rockton from Belvidere. Not many made the trek north to see the Bucs opening game. There were plenty of gaps in the visitor stands. Those that braved the traffic and could manage to find a parking spot didn’t have a lot to cheer about. Down at the half, they could [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Go – Whatever Your Name Is!
This year is all about style. They practiced three point stances. The coaches pushed on their shoulders to make sure they were braced correctly (the ones who weren’t fell on their butts).
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Smart Car Sighting
Sure enough, a little car about half the size of my Corolla was tooling down State Street. I’ve seen a couple of them since gas rose about the $3.75 mark. There was one in Rockford and couple in the suburbs. I even saw two ForTwos racing down the tollway.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )The Case of the Ghost Train Mystery
I picked Daniel up from day camp and we decided to wait for a train. There are two lines of railroad tracks that run through Belvidere. There used to be passenger service (so I’ve been told), but these days the traffic seems to be mostly cars from the Chrysler plant at the edge of town. [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Definition of a Perfect Day
We had a perfect day on Memorial Day here in Belvidere. Rain had been in the forecast. It did pour during the night – lightning too – but by daybreak, the storms had blown through and it ended up sunny and warm with just enough wind to be refreshing. The weather was a big part [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )The Fickle Finger of Mother Nature
Daniel and I set up the flower box for my brother’s grave on the front porch a couple of weekends ago. I thought we had done a pretty good job cleaning up, but I noticed the next day there was a pile of plant refuse sitting by the front door. I cleaned it up, but [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )We Survived the West Salem Earthquake
I haven’t been in radio for fifteen years, but I still get to be the one with breaking news on occasion. It’s just my coverage is limited to my wife nowadays. I woke up Friday morning to news about the earthquake that rocked Illinois overnight. The Chicago news station normally cycles through [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )The Second Day of Spring
I’m not surprised. Chicago news radio advertises “weather on the eights” and – even ten minutes apart – the reports are rarely the same. I’m not complaining. In this area we take an almost masochistic pride in the way that Mother Natures screws with us.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Belvidere to Palm Springs
I got a quick laugh when the flight attendant described what to do “in the unlikely event of a water landing” (take a look at where Palm Springs is on a map if you don’t get it) and then we were off. Thirty minutes later, we were at our final destination. I got off the airplane still wearing my winter coat. That came off in a hurry!
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Split Last Two on the Road, Look to Playoffs
It was a short game and far from home, but for the small band of fans who made the trek out to the suburbs got to see the Bucs battle it out and ultimately come away with their final win of the season against the Dundee-Crown Chargers.
The Chargers took an early lead, going up 14 [...]
Bucs Beat Huskies at Home, Take One on the Road
The Bucs led the Harlem Huskies for less than three minutes in the game. However, two of those minutes happened to be the last two of the game as the Bucs battled their way back to beat the Huskies 67 – 61 last Wednesday at Wood Gym in their last home game of the [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Boylan Escapes Belvidere with a Win
It’s rare to see free throws be the difference in a game between Belvidere and Boylan, but last Friday night, the Titans took on the scrappy Bucs team at Wood Gym and barely escaped with a victory.
The Titans got on the board first, jumping out to a four point lead before George Waddell made his [...]
Albanian Salad
Nick’s serves up a salad. You have probably seen this salad before; you may have even ordered it yourself. My wife had it. She says it was good. It has a bed of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil and crumbles of feta cheese on the top. Generally, this is described as a Greek Salad.
At Nick’s, it’s an Albanian Salad.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Outlast Freeport in Home Opener
The Bucs returned home last Friday night to better weather, a larger crowd of fans and a much better opponent. Freeport has been overwhelmed in their season opener by Boylan, but they came to Belvidere to play.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Beat Boylan, Tied for Top Spot in Conference
Belvidere marched into Boylan’s home turf last season and marched out winners for the first time in eight years thanks to a broken pass play that was magically transformed into a wild throw and a clear shot into the end zone in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. This year’s game looked to be even bigger.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Win Big on the Road
While the blow out win last week against Jefferson was a welcome way to begin the season, it wasn’t considered a true test of the Belvidere Bucs as a football team. Friday night’s game in Freeport was another story.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Start Season with a Win
The Belvidere Bucs game against the Jefferson J-Hawks Friday night was nearly perfect. Almost everything went right for the Bucs offensively and defensively and almost everything went wrong for the J-Hawks. The game was never in doubt; even from the get-go.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Comeback Fails Against Trojans
In a tale of two halves, it was truly the best of times and the worst of times for the Bucs Friday night. In the first half, Cary-Grove looked and played like an undefeated football team. In the second half, the Bucs came back with an offensive and defensive combination that had the crowd wondering whether Belvidere would pull off another last minute miracle. In the end, however, there just wasn’t enough time.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Avenge Homecoming Loss
October started badly for the Bucs. On a cold rainy Homecoming night, Hononegah came into Belvidere and beat the Bucs 13 – 12. However, the Bucs finished October on a high note. The Indians came back into Belvidere last Friday for the first round of the Division 7A playoffs and left as losers, 24 – 12. Coach Hearn says second chances don’t come around too often, “We were glad to get revenge. It was our primary motivation.”
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Head to Playoffs on a Winning Note
It was a dark and stormy night, “Senior Night” for Jefferson, but few J-Hawks fans braved the rain to watch their last game of the season. By halftime, Bucs fans outnumbered the home team crowd.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Win Last Home Game
It was “Senior Night” at Funderburg Stadium as the Bucs returned to play their last home game of the season. It could have been a melancholy affair. The parents of the seniors stood on the sidelines in a ceremony before the game began. The wind and the rain drove most of the crowd away by halftime. Instead it was a celebration
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Harlem Comes Back to Beat Bucs
…the Huskies were inspired to work a little magic of their own against the Bucs. Where straightforward plays may not have worked, misdirections and substitutions were able to confuse Belvidere in key situations and cost the Bucs the game.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Homecoming Heartbreak: Bucs Fall to Indians
It was everything Homecoming is not supposed to be. The skies turned dark before the sun set and a cold hard rain poured down on Funderburg Stadium. The Homecoming Queen and her court almost ran through the halftime presentation with the Belvidere High School band nowhere to be found. Worst of all, the Bucs lost a heartbreaking game; coming back with time running out, only to be stopped at the last moment.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Hang On to Beat Lancers in OT
In the end, it came down to the kicking game. Lake Park didn’t try to kick an extra point all night, instead going 2 / 5 for two point conversions. Meanwhile Chris Barta was perfect for the Bucs, going 5 / 5, including the game winner in overtime.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Make Quick Work of Auburn
The Auburn Knights won the toss before the game started, but had little else to celebrate Friday night. The Bucs blanked the Knights 48 – 0, winning their first game at home this season, extending their winning streak to three in a row and continuing a winning streak against Auburn going back to 1997. Coach [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Beat Boylan on the Road
It was “Boylan Week” at Belvidere. Starting on Labor Day, while the rest of us were relaxing and enjoying the holiday, the Bucs were practicing under the lights. All week, the players worked extra sprints and drills. But while it may have been Boylan Week at Belvidere, the Bucs worked hard to make it Belvidere Day at Boylan last Friday.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Blank E-rabs in 48 – 0 Rout
The Bucs started by marching down the field in four minutes to score their first touchdown. It would be the first of many. By halftime, the only contest in question was which fan could eat the most cheeseburgers while Jimmy Buffett played on the PA.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bucs Lose Home Opener to Freeport
Belvidere Bucs coach described Freeport as a team that generates big plays. “You can play even with them for 52 out of 60 plays,” said Coach Hearn. “But those other eight plays will win the game.”
“I hate being that kind of a prophet,” he remarked afterwards.
Bucs Football Preview 2004
The Belvidere Bucs kick off their NIC-9 season with what may be their biggest game of the year. Last year’s conference champions, the Freeport Pretzels, are coming off a 10 – 1 record and an undefeated record in the NIC-9 for the last three seasons. That’s a record that no other team has been able [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Belvidere Youth Baseball Starts a New Season
Last year, teams in the Bronco league traveled to Dixon to play games over Memorial Day weekend. Culvey says they plan to play Dixon again this year, but the details haven’t been worked out. The main issue is timing. Teams in Rockford and other communities play their interleague games on weekdays only, leaving the weekends open to travel to other towns.
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