Friday Afternoon Fever

Began the morning with breakfast and Alice's Wonderland Bakery. It's "Swicheroo Day," and everyone switches places with one another. Alice eventually figures out how to rhyme and surprise people like the Cheshire Cat, and Rosa has fun helping with recipes like Cookie. Hattie and Fergie get switched with each other...and refuse to ask for help when they claim what they do is easy. The Cat and the girls remind them that it's not a bad thing to ask for help if you don't know how to do something. Glowing purple berries only drift in with the tide "Once In a Wonderland Moon." Alice has to figure out how to turn them into sea-going variations on Dole Whip before the moon vanishes, and the berries become shriveled, overly salty husks. 

Hurried out after that. I had a lot to do today, starting with an errand run at Target. Though my three-year-old niece Aurora's birthday isn't until October 1st, I wanted to get her and Amanda's cards out today. I bought a Disney gift card for Aurora. Mom says she's a huge fan of Minnie Mouse, so I thought she'd get a kick out of something from Disney's online store. I needed a new computer mouse rather badly. The Bluetooth one I bought a while back doesn't work with my new laptop, and my old USB port mouse is losing the pads on the bottom and eats batteries for breakfast. I finally found a smooth pink mouse that wasn't a bad price. Got a new pair of earphones too that could hook up to the cell phone I got in January.

Sprouts was next on my list. They sell "kids' meal" bags with chips, a sandwich, a bottle of water, a cookie, and a container of applesauce. Most of them had barbecue chips, which I don't like. The only one that came with regular chips was the almond butter and jelly sandwich. Why not? I don't think I've ever tried almond butter. The bag I bought last year was great for the train trip. Also small bags of mixed nuts and dried apricots for the trip and granola bars (buy one, get one half off) and soda for when I get home.

Headed down Cuthbert to the Acme next. Most of what I picked up here was for when I got back, including yogurt, soda, apples, and more granola bars. I did get a Propel for tomorrow. I'll likely need more liquids than just that tiny bottle of water that came with the kids' meal bag. Incidentally, I could absolutely see why I got off so easily this week. None of the stores were busy, not even Target. 

Rode down Cuthbert next and over to Haddon to hit PNC Bank. I wanted to take out money for the trip. I stopped at the outside ATM machine, got my money, and got out just as a car pulled up to the driveway. 

At least the weather was gorgeous for all the running around. The rain of the last few days was replaced by sunshine, blue skies, cool winds, warmth, and slight humidity. I enjoyed it as I made my way past the park and down to East Clinton.

Put everything away and packed my backpack while watching Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (And Don't Come Back!) on YouTube. Charlie Brown is shocked when Linus signs the two of them up for a foreign exchange program to France. Peppermint Patty and Marcie are a part of the same program, while Snoopy and Woodstock tag along for the adventure. (And because Snoopy can somehow drive a Volkswagen.) Chuck gets an even bigger surprise when he receives a letter in French asking him and Linus to stay at the Chateau Mal Voison. As Marcie explains, this means House of the Bad Neighbor...and it turns out that the Baron who owns the house is anything but friendly. It's Linus who eventually finds out who wrote the letter and how they knew about Chuck. Elsewhere, Peppermint Patty gets a crush on the son of their host, while Snoopy sneaks out to a cafe to sing songs from World War II and drink root beer.

This is by far the most unique of the Peanuts' five (to date) theatrical films. First of all, it's the only Peanuts film where you hear adults actually speaking. It would have been strange for four 11-year-olds, a beagle, and a bird to travel through Europe without some adult intervention. It's also the darkest of the five Peanuts movies. Though the Baron ultimately does nothing to the boys besides being a lousy host, he does make serious threats. There's also the sweet story between Violette's grandmother and Chuck's grandfather that makes a nice contrast to Peppermint Patty's imaginary romance. 

Not everything works. Most of the first half, with Snoopy playing tennis at Wimbleton and the kids trying to figure out Cockney accents in London, is pure filler, and honestly, the story seems a little too dark for this particular franchise at times. This is still recommended for major Peanuts fans like me and families with older kids who know something about history. Those with younger kids or who are less familiar with the Peanuts outside of the holidays will want to start with A Boy Named Charlie Brown or The Peanuts Movie first. 

Switched to What's New, Scooby Doo? while eating lunch. Mystery Inc realizes that "Diamonds are a Ghoul's Best Friend" when they come to see the US play Russia in a major hockey match, only for "The Frozen Fiend," an icicle-covered hockey player, to steal the cup and the diamonds embedded in it. Fred wants to jump the gun and capture the ghoul before they've figured out who it is, but Velma reminds him why actually solving the case before they chase the bad guy is important.

(Oh, and I checked my Acme schedule at this point, too, just to make sure my vacation went through. Yes, it did. I'm off for all of next week, and in fact won't be going home until next Sunday.)

Put on a quick Disney short while getting ready for work. Donald thinks he's a "Hockey Champ" when he imitates then-popular figure skater Sonja Henie, then challenges his nephews to a game. That proves to not be a smart move. The boys almost literally skate rings around Donald.

Dropped off the birthday cards for Amanda and Aurora in the mail box, then made my way down the White Horse Pike and Collings to the Thomas Sharp School. Our dance parties for the last two days had been so successful, the teachers decided to have another one in the library, despite it being nice enough to go outside.

This time, they gave out glow sticks to the kids and turned off the lights, turning it into something of a disco dance party. It was hilarious. The kids were a riot running around with their glow sticks, trying to twirl them around their arms and perching them on their heads like glowing crowns. Even the teachers got glow sticks. We danced to "The Wiggle Dance," "Doin' the Flamingo," "Under the Sea," "Hakuna Matata," and songs from Frozen and KPop Demon Hunters. I hadn't had so much fun in ages.

After I got out, I made my way back down the White Horse Pike...but this time, I turned at CVS and rode into Oaklyn. Today was the last Final Friday block party of the year. "Final Friday" is two blocks on West Clinton of food trucks, craft booths, face painting and mini-golf for the little kids, and a local DJ playing hits under a tent. They were already pretty busy when I arrived, especially the long line for the barbecue truck! Since I'm going away tomorrow, I compromised. I had cheaper slices of broccoli-chicken teriyaki and tomato-basil-mozzarella pizza at Phillies Phatties, but for dessert, I treated myself to another one of those Bubba's Gourmet Creamery popsicles. Got chocolate-mint swirl. Oooh, so yummy and creamy...and very minty!

Put on Match Game Syndicated when I got home. Today's episodes covered the time future talk-show hostess Jenny Jones was a contestant on the show. She did very well, too, winning over $5,000. I learned quite a bit that I didn't know about her, like her being from Canada by way of Israel originally.

Worked on Maplepunzel next. Pavla slinks to King Thomas and Queen Gertie and, in the sweetest way possible, demands to have Maple fired. Not even Mr. Eldridge buys it. Maple has been nothing but a good and faithful servant. Gertie has her own reason to keep Maple on. Not only is she worried about Pavla keeping Victor from the rest of the household, but the coffee everyone's been drinking gallons of is putting people to sleep, not keeping them awake. She asks Maple to find out what's going on there.

Since I enjoyed Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown earlier, I finished the night with the far more typical The Peanuts Movie. Poor Charlie Brown just can't catch a break. He badly wants to impress The Little Red-Haired Girl, but whether it's a dressing as a cow for his sister Sally's talent show act, attempting to show off his moves on the dance floor, or writing a complete book report of War and Peace for her, nothing ever seems to turn out right for him. He thinks she doesn't notice him, but it's not until she chooses him as a partner at the end of the year that he realizes how much of an impact he's had on her and all of his friends. Meanwhile, his dog Snoopy writes a story about him being a brave World War I flying ace who saves a pretty poodle from the dreaded Red Baron.

Yeah, if you want to introduce your kids to the Peanuts outside of the holiday specials, I'd start here or with A Boy Named Charlie Brown. They're the most typical of the movies and probably come the closest to what the comic strips are actually like. I also love the animation style here. The kids look more like stop-motion animation, like they're almost made of felt, but their eyes have a hand-drawn style that allows them to have expressions closer to the comics. There's also the comics animation itself turning up in everyone's thought bubbles. No wonder this was a big hit a decade ago. It's probably one of Blue Sky Studio's best production and is really a sweet and charming treat. 

Getting Ready for Vacation

Started off a rainy morning with breakfast and PAW Patrol. The Pups' first "Ultimate Rescue: Pups Save the Royal Kitties" has them rescuing the Princess of Barkingburg's royal kittens from Humdinger, who wants to use their paws to open the box containing a purple gem cat statue. Humdinger somehow managed to convert a train engine to ride on streets, prompting a very strange chase throughout Adventure Bay!

Switched to Pointed Heels after the show ended. I go further into this early talkie backstage drama featuring William Powell as a producer and Fay Wray as the chorus girl he pursues at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Pointed Heels

(Oh, and while Musical Dreams Reviews is going on hiatus while I'm on vacation, I'll be bringing my laptop with me and will continue to update this blog daily.)

Pulled out the luggage while the movie was on, then took my laundry downstairs so I could wash anything I'd need for the trip today. I'm trying not to bring too much along with me. I will be wearing capris there instead of shorts. It's supposed to cool off considerably everywhere next week after the rain passes, especially in Pittsfield. Lauren has already said I can do laundry there. I just packed as much as I could get away with in the main bag today. I won't be packing my backpack until after I use it to go grocery shopping tomorrow. 

The Game Show Vault premiered an episode of Match Game '90 on YouTube in a clear studio master copy this afternoon. It was a good episode, too, the one where Ross falls down the steps he's supposed to descend, and the panelists tease him about it for the rest of the episode. Here it is, so you can see Ross take that crazy tumble, too.

Match Game '90 Studio Master 

Switched to records while I worked on the review for Pointed Heels. Went with two of the Ben Bagley Rediscovered LPs I picked up last year. Jerome Kern Rediscovered goes a bit further back. Cy Young is better-known for his writing today than his singing, but he and Barbara Cook are totally charming on "You Never Knew About Me" from the 1917 hit Oh Boy! They also joined Bobby Short for a delightful "Make Way for Tomorrow" from the 1944 Rita Hayworth-Gene Kelly movie Cover Girl. Short gets three more Kern gems from films, "Never Gonna Dance" and "Bojangles of Harlem" from Swing Time and another Cover Girl number, "Put Me to the Test." 

The majority of the songs on Cole Porter Revisited came from lost Ethel Merman vehicles with Porter songs of the 1930's and 40's. Ronny Graham has way too much fun with the opening number "Come On In" and "A Little Skipper From Heaven Above" from Red, Hot, and Blue. Kaye Ballard gets to belt "I've Still Got My Health" from Panama Hattie and tell the racy "Tale of the Oyster" from Fifty Million Frenchmen. She joins Graham for a hilarious "But In the Morning, No!" from DuBarry Was a Lady. 

Had a quick lunch, then called Uber. The rain had stopped by 2:25, but I wasn't taking chances. Though the driver took 11 minutes to arrive, she was a pleasant, sweet young woman who chatted with me about my vacation and got me to the Thomas Sharp School in less than 5 minutes.

Despite the sun having come out and the rain retreated by quarter of 3, we never went outside today. I guess they figured the playground was still too wet. We had another dance party...but this time, the kids were even rowdier! They were pretty noisy in the bathrooms, too. One of the teachers gave out prizes - little toys and slap bracelets - from a cardboard treasure chest, which may have added to the mayhem. Those dance parties wore them out so much, most of them ended up looking at books they couldn't really read instead before listening to their teacher read Pete the Cat and Little Critter. 

Put on Match Game Syndicated while I had dinner. I came in at the start of the week with Bill Anderson, Jonelle Allen, and Joyce Bulifant. Bill originally gave Gene a baseball cap with the name of his restaurant on it. Gene gave it to Charles, who just sat it slightly on his head in order to not muss his toupee.

Took a shower, then worked on Maplepunzel. Maple takes advantage of Pavla's absence the next day to pick up Victor's breakfast dishes and try to see him. Victor is not only still blindfolded, he's also still passed out. Nothing Maple does can awaken him. She's about to kiss him when Pavla storms in. Not only is she furious that Maple's kissing the prince, she's not happy to see her at all. She threatens to have Maple fired and literally throws her out.

Mackie sees Maple bang against the wall and goes to help her. He tells her how much she reminds him of his beautiful wife Penelope, who died after a witch took their little daughter Anna in exchange for Rapunzel greens to feed Penny during her pregnancy. Maple gives him a hug...but privately, she's starting to wonder if Pavla lied to her about being abandoned as a child...

Finished the night switching from vintage musical comedy to vintage operetta. Though Roberta, a light-as-air confection about a football star who inherits a Paris dress salon, is really more of a musical comedy, this Jerome Kern show from the 30's does have some very operetta-like songs. It introduced the ballads "Yesterdays" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," but my favorite song from this score is the charming "Let's Begin." 

The Vagabond King gets more into traditional operetta territory. Alfred Drake is the poet Francois Villon, Mimi Bentzell his Princess Marguerite. He gets an excellent "Song of the Vagabonds" that opens the second half of the CD. She joins him for a lovely "Only a Rose" and "Tomorrow." Her big solo is the soaring "Some Day."

Rose Marie is an earlier show from the same songwriter, Rudof Frimil. "Indian Love Call" is probably the score's best-known number today. The Media Theater recording I have actually includes almost the entire score, including the rarely-heard comedy numbers "Hard Boiled Herman," "Why Shouldn't We?" and "One Man Woman." 

Library Dance Party

Got a quick start this morning with breakfast and two classic Disney shorts. Chip and Dale are "Chips Ahoy" when they steal a boat in a glass from Donald and use it to cross a lake and get to a tree full of nuts. Mickey's looking for "The Simple Things" during a fishing trip. What he gets is a curious Pluto chasing the seagulls who want the fresh fish he's using for bait.

Hurried off to work after "Simple Things" ended and just made it on time. That was the worst thing that happened all day. The Acme was dead the entire morning. I honestly didn't have a lot to do. There weren't even a ton of carts to push. No wonder I got the weekend and all of next week off. Maybe the weather scared everyone off. It was cloudy, warm (though not to the degree of yesterday), and murderously humid. I was in and out with no trouble whatsoever. 

Made a quick stop at the pretzel shop on my way home for pepperoni-stuffed pretzels and two regular ones. Had those and grapes while watching cartoon episodes with characters playing superheroes. In My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Spike feels unwanted and unneeded when Twilight and the other ponies are repairing an old castle. They get sucked into the world of his comic and become "Power Ponies" who must defeat the evil Mane-iac in order to get home. Spike (and Fluttershy) prove that being quiet or small doesn't mean you're not a great superhero or a better friend.

The Backyardigans spoofed superhero tropes several times on their show, notably in the first season episode "Race to the Tower of Power." Austin is Captain Hammer, who can build anything with a magic hammer, while Uniqua is Weather Woman, the weather-controlling wonder. They have to stop Yucky Man (Pablo) and Dr. Shrinky (Tyrone) from reaching the Tower of Power and claiming the Key to the World.

I was going to take my bike to Thomas Sharp, too, but by the time I was ready to leave, it had finally started showering. Called Uber instead. The driver was a bit late. I got to the school just in time. The rain was still coming down when I finished, so I took Uber home, too. 

I think you can guess that the kids never went outside today. We were in the library almost the entire afternoon, but we still had a marvelous time. In fact, I think we had more fun in that library than we ever did outside. One of the teachers brought a speaker, playing "The Flamingo Dance," "Sharks In the Water," "Let It Go" from Frozen, and several songs from K-Pop Demon Hunters. One of the other teachers moved the tables out of the way so we could all dance. Oh boy, did we have fun! The kids were hilarious, swirling around, scooting on the floor, or wiggling their arms and legs. After our dance, we all settled down to hear Pete the Cat and Hop on Pop. Several kids claimed teacher laps, including mine. I hadn't had so much fun on a rainy afternoon in a long time.

When I got in, I worked on Maplepunzel. Queen Gertrude (Gertie) is tired of this so-called "Maple" (Pavla) not letting her see Victor and treating the servants badly behind her back. She recruits the real Maple to keep an eye on her, write down what she sees, and report back to her. Maple also enjoys hearing the stories told by their butler Mackie, who speaks fondly of his late wife Penelope, her strong healing power, and the little daughter they lost.

Watched Match Game Syndicated while working and as I had dinner. They started off finishing the week with McLean Stevenson, Eva Gabor, and Elaine Joyce. The next week introduced Edie McClurg as a semi-regular. She annoys some people, but I think her energy and her Valley Girl imitations are cute and funny. That week cut off early...because part of it is on the tape with the Jimmie Walker week that he still hasn't cleared for being shown. They skipped to the week with Robert Donner and giggly Betty Kennedy. Delightfully sarcastic Patty Duke sat in Brett's character actress seat that week.

Finished the night with The Love Boat at Paramount Plus. "Country Cousin Blues" has a country singer (Florence Henderson) falling for an old friend (James Noble) who is now a politician, which his actual girlfriend (Carol Lawrence) doesn't like one bit. Gopher thinks he's hit the "Jackpot" when he finds a purse full of money and fantasizes about how he'll spend it. A young woman (Randi Oakes) is on the boat with her father (Mason Adams), but rethinks being "Daddy's Little Girl" when he almost drives away a veterinarian (Frank Bonner) who seems interested in her. 

Long Day's Journey Back to Home

Stared the morning by feeding the cats, then read The Curious World of Christmas in bed. I was about to have breakfast when I heard my cell phone ring. It was Rose. She and her family decided to come home early! Yipes! I just barely dashed into Khai's room and pulled on regular clothes as they pulled in the door. 

I was so embarrassed. I didn't have the chance to take out the recycling or wipe down the kitchen counter better or fold the blankets on the couch or finish packing. Good thing I didn't work until 11:15. At least the kids finally got to open their Christmas presents. Yes, Khai loved his coffee-table book of dinosaur lore and his toy dinosaur in the Santa hat, and Finley loved her unicorn and vintage Barbie Fairy Princess Golden Books and pink plastic bird.

The kids watched Dinosaur Train while I got organized and their parents tried to figure out what to do about lunch. This PBS show is what the title says. A mother pterodactyl adopts a Tyrannosaurus Rex and shows it and her own children how different the many types of dinosaurs are, via the titular train. "Shiny's Sea Shells" are her favorite collection, but she's willing to give up the shell in order to help a crustacean find a  home. "King Crylophosaurus" has the dino-kids and their mother searching for the elusive King, a dinosaur with a bone crest on his head that resembles Elvis' famous hairstyle. He wrote the Dinosaur Train song, but is afraid he won't come up with another just as good. The kids encourage him to keep trying.

(And yes, poor Finley is indeed under the weather. She was quiet and fairly subdued for her. Her mother called the doctor shortly after they got in.)

Headed off to work after Rose said she or Craig would take my things over later. Work was dead almost the entire day. I spend the afternoon mostly shelving candy and working on story notes...until it hit 3:30. Then, all of a sudden, we got slammed and didn't have nearly enough help to deal with everyone. Thank heavens it slowed down considerably by 5:15, enough for me to head out a few minutes early.

And I needed to leave a few minutes early. I didn't feel well. My head hurt, and I was achy and dead tired. Didn't help that I couldn't get in the house when I did finally make it home. I just couldn't get my key in the lock. It wouldn't go in. A neighbor finally helped me in through Jodie's side. 

I was so tired, I could barely unpack my bags. Plopped down with a banana smoothie in front of Match Game '74. Gene's dapper golf shoes come in for a lot of ribbing in the opening, including Richard asking Gene where the carnival was. Later on, an animated contestant keeps worrying about how bad her answers are...and if the audience response is any indication, they're not very good.

Charles got the jokes in the next episode. One of the questions asked what part he'd play in Snow White. Everyone said the lead...except for Jo Anne Worley, who went for something meatier. Richard had far less luck with he Head-to-Head, one of the few times his being British really effected his answer. 

Fannie Flagg was an agreeable replacement for a busy Brett Somers in the Match Game PM episode. Gene's so annoyed when the contestant names him for a question about a lady having a boyfriend with the face of Paul Newman and the body of __, he strips off his jacket to show off a fairly well-toned body for a 60-something. Fannie did much better with "Onward __" in the Head-to-Head.

Finished off the night with The Ice Follies of 1939 on TCM. I go further into this mess of ice-bound kitsch featuring an out-of-their element Joan Crawford and James Stewart at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Cult Flops - The Ice Follies of 1939

Moved to YouTube for a fond childhood memory. I found a copy of The Dance Fever Christmas Special from 1980, and I loved it. Rose and Anny and I were huge fans of this syndicated proto-Dancing With the Stars during the 80's, when it ran on WPIX New York on Saturday evenings. Normally, four amateur dance couples compete to win cash and a big prize like a car or vacation...but here, we have eight, a set of adults and a set of kids, each from a different part of the US. Instead of dancing with the stars, the stars are the judges. Here, joined by their daughters, were Chad Everett, troubled detective star Robert Blake, and singer and actress Connie Stevens. The show also featured magic routines from David Copperfield and a song from The Gap Band. Professional dancer and choreographer Danny Terrio was the original host. 

(Incidentally, my favorite adult routine were the southern pair who somehow managed to mix the Charleston with disco moves and make it genuinely entertaining. The kids were split between the duo in gold from Anaheim who did an awesome number to "Hot Lunch Jam" from Fame and the mini-cowgirl and cowboy from Texas who performed a lively square dance. My favorite group routine was no contest. The kids and adults from New York appeared as the Chipmunks and Dave, doing a hilarious mock-fight to the tune of the Chipmunks' version of "Here Comes Santa Claus." The southern group's patriotic routine to a disco "Yankee Doodle Dandy" was unique for Christmas and had a lot of energy.)

If you're a dance lover or also watched this show in its heyday, here's the link to a piece of genuine early 80's kitsch! 

The Dance Fever Christmas Special

Journey to Super Bowls Past

For once, I got up with enough time to not only have a decent breakfast of Banana Pancakes and half a grapefruit, but to work on writing, too. Kathleen follows Darren in his demon form to the tangled Technicolor garden surrounding the villa. There, she encounters a strange old woman who may know what the evil Lady Sylvia is after and why Darren took off...and a way to get in the villa.

Work was, once again, busy as heck and not much fun. I don't know what got into people this weekend. Our customers remained rude, obnoxious, and demanding. One man fussed noisily over not getting his cereal on sale, despite the fact that the sign clearly stated that you needed to buy four boxes of cereal to get the sale. People were in a hurry. People didn't want to bag or really do much of anything. I was ready to tear out my hair - or tear them all to shreds - by the time my relief arrived.

At least we were still doing samples. I had a rather nice little lunch. In addition to the roast beef, Italian organic soda, mini chocolate chip cookies, and French bread and salsa from yesterday, this time, they added bits of crab cake and rolled up deli meat and cheese.

I couldn't wait to get out of there. When I got home, I changed into regular clothes and my Eagles jersey and rested for about a half-hour before heading to Dad's. Jessa said yesterday that Dad and Jodie invited Rose and her boys and Mark and Vanessa over for some food and a quiet little get-together to watch the game.

Nothing is ever quiet on either side of my family. Mark and Vanessa were there when I arrived, but so were Jesse, Dana, Erica, and several neighbors, including one couple with an adorable baby son. Rose, Craig, and Khai arrived just before the game started. Another set of neighbors came over during the beginning of the first quarter, these with Khai's buddies Mary and Emily. Jessa and Joe arrived later. Jesse and Dana announced their engagement (after dating seriously for five years). They won't be getting married for another year or two, until Dana is out of college.

I also got to admire all the remodeling Dad and Jodie have done. The living room looks great. The faded, dated stenciled paint job was replaced by deep brown wooden walls, a fireplace, more of Pop Pop's (Dad-Bruce's dad) artwork, and a really cool book-themed wallpaper on the doors to the walk-in supply closet. The kitchen was basically left alone except for to paint over the stenciling.

There was tons and tons of food. I lost count of everything I had. I saw black bean dip, shrimp scampi, a broiled version of Jodie's amazing ribs, buffalo chicken dip, tortilla chips, two meat and cheese trays (one with grapes), mini cupcakes from the Acme, a Dutch apple pie, Craig's tasty tomato mac & cheese, a delicious lasagna, Caesar salad, French bread with butter, and bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, among other things. I probably tried a little bit of just about everything. Which was likely a mistake. I'm full as heck now. Jodie even gave me a plate of leftovers to take home.

I mostly played in the den with the kids while the game ran in the background. They chased each other around. We drew pictures first on Dad's dry-erase board, then on actual paper with markers and crayons. (They drew someone called Freddy the Fox pirate from some video game. I drew Han and Leia arguing in the beginning of Empire Strikes Back. I always thought those two were hilarious.) We built houses and more Freddy the Foxes with Legos.

When the amazing half-time came on, we danced to Coldplay and Beyonce and Bruno Mars, along with Craig and Mary and Emily's mom. We talked about our favorite Star Wars characters and what music we liked. (Emily was shocked when I told her Harrison Ford had played Indiana Jones as well as Han Solo. Her mind was so blown, she had to tell every adult within earshot this new tidbit of information.)

I left just as the second half was starting. It was getting late, and I did have to take the bike home. Besides, most of the families and several other folks were going as well. Oh, and incidentally, while the Panthers tried, Cam Newton just couldn't get past the Broncos' defense. The Broncos finally won Super Bowl 50 24-10.

Dancing Through the Fall

Started out another sunny day with Brunch With the Beatles and gingerbread pancakes for a late brunch. The movie and album Magical Mystery Tour were in the spotlight this morning. I haven't seen the movie (and have no desire to - I heard it's almost as weird as the Monkees' Head), but the album of that title is a favorite of mine. Among the familiar songs from this show are "I Am the Walrus," "Baby You're a Rich Man," and the formerly singles-only "Strawberry Fields Forever," "Penny Lane," and "All You Need Is Love." I tried calling Mom at one point, but she and Dad were busy dealing with reorganizing and remodeling their garage. I'll get them tomorrow.

After the show ended, I put on the second disc of The Monkees Present and changed my American Girl dolls into clothes that are more appropriate for fall weather. They all now wear their original "meet" outfits (the clothes the dolls come in and are pictured on in the front cover of their first books), except for Samantha, who wears her blue and white checked Play Dress and Pinafore and a pair of white and black boots with pearly buttons that I think are from Rebecca's Meet Outfit. It's still too warm for Jessa's black corduroys, so I have her in the Drawstring Cargos.

After I finished dressing the girls and organizing their fall clothes, I threw on sneakers and a sweater and headed down to West Clinton for this year's Town Picnic. Every year in late September/early October, Oaklyn has a fair in front of the Oaklyn School with free food, dances, music, a fire engine ride, and games. Last year, they held it on West Clinton instead of behind the school as they had in previous years, and it was there again this year. There were tables for the Girl Scouts to make ornaments for the town Christmas tree (I think they're trying foam ones this time), for a Halloween costume swap, for Studio LuLoo on West Clinton, and for Oaklyn's Garden Club and Historical Society.

(The Historical Society had a really interesting selection of black-and-white vintage photos. One depicted the train overpass next to the Oaklyn Manor Bar. It looked pretty much the same in what appeared to be the 40s as it does now...except for the stairs on the Manor Bar side leading up to the overpass. I'm guessing that's long gone. I thought the area going up to the overpass seemed awfully stair-like.)

There was still plenty of food left when I got there around 1:30, even though the Picnic started at noon. The line wasn't even that long. I had a pulled chicken sandwich, macaroni salad, and a little Gala apple. There were also grilled burgers and hot dogs, baked beans, and the last of what looked like potato salad and cole slaw. I chose an orange cupcake and a slice of chocolate cake from the dessert table.

I arrived just in time for Ovations, the dance studio on West Clinton, to begin their performances. There were some really interesting numbers. The first looked like the older grade-school age kids, who did a dynamic routine on the civil rights movement in the 60s and the integration of schools to a Michael Jackson song. The younger grade-schoolers had more fun with their version of "Lollipop," which they re-recorded themselves as "Soda Pop." They pranced and scurried around pink tables as adorable little waitresses in mint-green diner uniforms. The pre-teen jazz team had an awesome routine to a medley of big band numbers they called "V Day." Two sailor gob boys and three girls (two in polka-dot dresses, one dressed as a nurse) had a cute, energetic routine. The older teen jazz dancers got tougher with a number to the hard-rock-ish "Heads Will Roll."

I wish I could have stayed for more, but I had work. I headed home as the acrobatic club was beginning a Native American-inspired routine. When I got in, I just quickly changed into my uniform and packed a peach for a snack before heading back out.

Work was really busy through about 4:30, not surprising given the Eagles were playing at 4:30 today. It slowed down considerably after that, enough for me to leave quickly without a relief. There were no really major problems, and I was in and out.

(And ugh. I'm glad I missed most of the game. The Denver Broncos mauled the Eagles, 52-20.)

A Street Fair In Oaklyn

Technically, I got up around 8:30 this morning...but I was up chatting with Lauren (as well as Linda and Mike) until almost 3! I rolled over and went to sleep for another hour and a half. Didn't get to making Blueberry Corn Pancakes for breakfast until well past 10:30.

Brunch With the Beatles saluted Ringo Starr, whose birthday is this week. He wasn't the singer the others were, and consequently didn't sing leads on many of the group songs. He did get his share of memorable tunes, though, including three of my favorites - "Octopus' Garden," "Yellow Submarine," and "With a Little Help From My Friends." Solo hits include "It Don't Come Easy," "Photograph," and "The No-No Song."

Called Mom after I finished my pancakes. She was quite happy. She, Ms. Carson, and Ms. Carson's sister Su-Su went to a concert at the Cape May Convention Center last night for the Cape May Diamonds, a popular Jersey Shore bar band of the late 70s and 80s who still play together occasionally. Mom said they even set up the convention center like one of the old dance clubs in Cape May, with a dance floor and tables set around the stage and a small bar in the lobby. It sounds like she had a great time. She saw a lot of people she hadn't seen in years, including another former high school teacher, Mrs. Carlson.

I hung around for an hour after I got off with Mom. Swept the porch, which needed it. There was quite a bit of debris from the last couple of storms. I packed up a lunch, changed into my uniform, and headed off to work.

Work was once again very busy. Today is the first day of the month, there's still graduation parties and barbecues going on, and we're four days from the biggest holiday of the summer season in the US. Thankfully, the upcoming holiday must have put people in a good mood. The worst that happened was a lady spilled (thankfully dry) dog food when her bag opened. Her husband and I cleaned up most of it when a bagger couldn't be found.

I went straight home after I finished. Changed into regular clothes and sandals, picked up my purse, and headed down Manor for the street fair being held on West Clinton. A new beauty parlor just opened two doors down from Doria's Deli, and the street fair was to celebrate and advertise the addition to the business district.

It wasn't much. There was a Sam's Club booth, a few craft booths, a booth for a local coffee shop (the Coupon Cafe), a bake sale booth, a booth for a cupcake bakery, and the booth for the salon. Phillies' Phatties sold sodas. Studio LuLu (a children's art studio) had kids' crafts and hula-hoops. I browsed and looked at everything, but I just ended up buying snickerdoodles from the bake sale.

I managed to squeeze into Phillies' Phatties itself for dinner. Everyone else was buying the two-dollar pizza slice and soda deal, but though the heat had lessened a bit since the sun started going down, it was still too steamy for hot food. I settled on a roast beef and cheese wrap and a bottle of water. Went two doors down to Leo's Yum-Yums and bought Lime-Vanilla Yum-Yum (a creamier water ice) for a far more cooling dessert.

I ran into Andrew's elderly mother, Miss Ellie's sister, on my way home. She was walking across the street to visit her son. It sounds like she's the one who finally pushed Andrew to start cleaning up the yard, and especially replacing the big floodlight next to my apartment that blew out. It's kind of scary getting upstairs at night!

I Wanna Be a Dancin' Woman

I got up early this morning, since I had 10:30 work. Watched the Disney Sleeping Beauty and listened to the rain on my roof. I was hoping it would stop before work, but it didn't. I still rode to work. It was too late to call for I ride. I just got wet.

Work was, thankfully, not as bad as yesterday. Steady, but rarely overwhelming. There were a few cranky customers, but otherwise, no major problems. My relief was on time. I was able to grab milk and head home, this time just in clouds. The rain must have stopped sometime in the afternoon. To my knowledge, it hasn't started since.

I've been wanting to watch that Ballroom Dancing DVD I took out of the Haddon Township Library for two weeks now, but I never got around to it until this evening. Two dancers show off steps for six basic dancing steps to two classes. You - and they - learn the samba, the jive, the waltz, the foxtrot, the quick step, and the tango. I think I got the gist of everything except for the quick step and the tango. It's hard to know if you're holding your partner right when your partners are stuffed horses and dogs.

Dancing Through Life

First of all, the weather does NOT sound good. Late last week, they claimed it'll snow and/or rain tomorrow; sounded to me like a repeat of last Thursday's rain-into-snow-into-rain. Then, last night, they started saying just rain. Now, it seems we may not only get snow and rain tomorrow (along with warmer weather), but freezing rain, AND more snow on Thursday. Swell. And of course, Thursday and Friday are my late (4-9 and 5-9 respectively) shifts, AND I was going to do laundry Thursday morning.

I spent most of this morning on the computer. I wanted to move around after a while, but I wasn't going riding in 25-degree weather. (People in the Midwest, Northwest, western mountain area, and Canada will probably think I'm being silly over nothing, but we're not used to freezing temperatures here in Southern New Jersey.) I opted to throw on an Olivia Newton-John record and just dance instead.

I've always loved to dance. When my sisters and I were little, Mom would put on records and cassettes, and we'd dance to them for hours. I'm not that graceful and I'm far from professional, but I can move fairly well. I'm a little shy about solo dances on-stage, but I've danced in the chorus of my high school musicals and in groups and with boys at dances in high school and college.

Work was busy-to-steady all day. It was just starting to clear out when I left.