Why don't we take it one road at a time?
Call me crazy, but consider this:
Instead of tearing up what seems like every single major highway in the greater Chicago area at the same time come spring -- every year -- why not focus on one major road at a time? Finish it, then move to the next.
Ditto for local road projects.
Just imagine what would happen if you concentrated crews on one stretch of road. Think how fast they could complete the work.
Planning ahead
A frustrated motorist can dream, can't she? Wouldn't it be nice if you only had to detour around one trouble spot at a time? Think of the gas we would save.
A reader recently suggested a regional calendar so we'd have less conflict on important events. Seems we should have a regional traffic calendar, too. One that doesn't believe that old saw about two seasons for northern Illinois. You know, winter and construction.
This year we could add pothole season. Or is that a sport?
Hey, go fish!
Grab your fishing pole, a worm or two and head out to Lake Atwood at the Hollows in Cary on Saturday. The McHenry County Conservation District site is stocked with plenty of trout for the opening day of the fishing season. Take Route 31 north to Route 14, turn right and go east about a quarter mile just past the railroad overpass. You'll see the entrance on your left. The lake is at the back. It's a nice spot for a picnic, too.
Let's play two!
How about that Ernie Banks statue? If you missed the unveiling of the very cool likeness of the beloved former Chicago Cub, check out our video on www.dailyherald.com. Look under Media Center. The man who made "Let's play two!" part of Americana talked about the best thing his parents taught him -- to be satisfied. How many of us can say that we're satisfied with what we have, where we are, who we are?
I wonder how many Cubs fans will be satisfied with this season.
On stage
I'm betting you'll be satisfied if you go to the performance of "Guys and Dolls" at Jacobs High School's auditorium this weekend. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. They promise plenty of fun!
Pasta for soldiers
I hear you'll find some awesome spaghetti at the VFW Auxiliary Post 5915's spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Better still, you'll have helped out some of our soldiers and veterans. And what could fill your heart and tummy more?
Jennifer Fluck, president of the auxiliary, tells me they'll use the profits to continue supporting veterans in hospitals as well as our soldiers overseas and our homeless veterans. They'd love your help in any way.
You can start by visiting the VFW post at 301 Lake Marian Road in Carpentersville Saturday night. You'll get a plate of spaghetti with sauce, meatballs, sausage (or both!), garlic bread and dessert. It's $8 for adults, $4 for children and free for those 3 and younger. Jennifer tells me the spaghetti is "out of this world."
So is the cause.