Cautiously optimistic about the Cubs
In the true tradition of any self-respecting Chicago Cubs fan, I'm prepared for black cats, stinky goat curses, boneheaded bobbles, sticky-fingered fans in headphones or swooping hurricane-force winds to blow the smithereens out of my bubble on any game day.
We pace, chew, grit, spit -- OK, I don't really do that -- drink, eat (a lot), drink some more. But always, no matter what, there's the deep-seated hope that maybe, just maybe this is the year ... balanced, of course, quickly by the flicker of fear.
Getting into the playoffs is thrilling, no question. But there's always that "what if" -- the intangible only Cubs fans know so well that will keep the butterflies and antacids flying.
There is no pill for this affliction and, maybe, no cure. And no matter how this year ends, it's OK. I, like you, will be back for more next year. Meanwhile, I'm hunkered down under my hat, hoping …
Hey, Candy Man!
To assuage the fear and the agony of Cubdom, perhaps I should ask McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi to share some of that candy he's bought the past few years with taxpayer money. He says it's for drug enforcement. And, surely the Cubs qualify as an addiction?
Or, better still, I'll bet Mr. Bianchi surely still has some of the $535 -- yes, $535 -- worth of pretzels he bought from Sam's Club with taxpayer money last Oct. 15. Maybe he'd share some of those with a nervous Cubs fan.
With or without salt?
I do believe that particular tax-paid expense merits a new contest. Whoever comes up with the best explanation for $535 of pretzels on the taxpayer's tab will win a … bag of candy.
Send entries marked "That's a lot of salt" to amack@dailyherald.com or call them in to (847) 931-5725.
Blue light special
If you were out late last night or very early this morning, you may have noticed a lot of police and fire activity at Spring Hill Mall. Never fear, it was all good. The mall generously donated their facility so emergency responders could train for potential disasters. West Dundee police, fire and public works folks spent the wee hours training for some worst case scenarios. That's dedication. And mighty generous of the mall to help out.
Wishing well
Don't forget to stop by the Cary Country Club from 4 to 7 p.m. today for the open house honoring Fox River Grove Police Chief Bob Polston, who is officially retired after 32 years on the force, 26 as chief. Wish him well.
On the roads again
Watch for more signs urging you to call the governor about this darned traffic. And watch for almost two dozen McHenry County Road Rally members as they head to Springfield early Wednesday to appeal directly to lawmakers to release funding for the western Algonquin bypass and other needed McHenry County road projects.
"We're hoping they hear us," said Bill Dwyer who is helping head the effort to get the state to release already-approved federal dollars as well as state money for the much-needed road improvements.
They're even going to offer free lunches for lawmakers. Though tempting, I guess they'd better not make those bologna sandwiches, eh?