A Step In the Right Direction

Got a such a late start this morning, I had breakfast during the tail end of Classic Concentration and the start of Match Game '75. Carol Bartos won her second and third games in these episodes; she would eventually go on to become one of the show's biggest winners. Arlene Francis also made her first appearance since the pilot episode here, while Bob Barker tossed out jokes about why they hadn't called the first items up for bids yet. Fannie's happier to help Carol with "Pie __" in the Audience Match.

Even before the second episode ended, I went online. Called T-mobile after I called their customer service phone number. They couldn't get into the original account because I didn't have Jessa's password and account number. I never needed them before! Dad and Jessa always handled everything to do with the phone line. I called Jessa to either go to one of their stores and give them the password or call them and give it to them, but she said I'd need to hit a physical store.

Let Tattletales run while I signed a congratulations on your new baby card for Keefe and Julia, a get-well-soon card for Skylar, and a late birthday card and gift card for my good friend Amanda. Tattletales moved to 1 PM as of yesterday, bumping the 60's Password off the schedule. (While I am disappointed they removed that and dumped Let's Make a Deal at 11 PM, they did restore Press Your Luck at 10 AM.) The only couple I recognized in the 1975 episodes I watched were Richard Dawson and his then-girlfriend Jody Donovan. They played well in the first episode, but not well enough to beat producer Harvey Miller and his wife Diana Ewing.

Rushed out as the second episode was ending. Briefly stopped at Dollar General first, but they didn't have the conditioner I wanted. Went to WaWa next. Had a very fast and simple lunch of a soft pretzel, a banana, and a pumpkin spice smoothie.

Made it to the T-Mobile store in the mall behind the Acme by almost 3, then called Jessa. We had a lot of miscommunication. I tried to get her to give me the password and account number, or at least go to a physical store herself, but she kept insisting I do it. Then she said she only knew the pin number and couldn't remember the account number. It took over 40 minutes of haggling and frustration before the young woman finally transferred my phone number to the new phone line and said I was free to go.

(And from now on, no letting my family do anything for me. No giving them anything "for safekeeping," no sharing anything with them, no living with them. I'll hang out with Jessa and spend holidays with her, but I really need to  stand on my own two feet.)

Cut through Oaklyn on my way back. I hoped to see one of the neighbors who knew Jodie on Hillcrest, but I only saw kids out enjoying the gorgeous, warm sunshine and soft breezes. I'll try texting them tomorrow and seeing if I can get Jodie's phone number to call her about the death certificate. Made another quick stop at Dollar General for laundry detergent after I crossed the White Horse Pike.

Went straight upstairs after I finally got home and into popcorn popped in a microwave and First Love. I go further into this lovely Cinderella tale starring teen soprano Deanna Durbin at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

First Love (1939)

Went online to work on the review for that and Acting Blank. Gene chuckles as the others head off. Brett and Charles are really something else. Bill Cullen is more worried about their appearing in A Christmas Carol together. He's doing it for the children's charity and for Gene's sake, but he's not really much for acting. 

Had dinner at 7 PM. Watched Match Game '77 as I ate. Today's episode was one of the funniest of the year, and one of the best to feature tough-guy Scoey Mitchilll. He's so tough, he's probably the only panelist who could get away with leaving the desks to use the bathroom in the middle of an episode. 

(Oh, and looks like Buzzr's next special event will be their first Halloween marathon on the 29th. I'm really excited for this one. Looks like it'll include several shows that they either haven't run or don't often turn up, including the hilarious Halloween episode of Match Game '90 and episodes of the Ray Combs and Richard Karn Family Feud.) 

Finished the night online after a shower with episodes of Murder She Wrote in honor of Angela Lansbury, Jessica Fletcher herself, who passed away today. "Harbinger of Death" from the fourth season brings her to a research observatory, where her niece Carrie and her husband Leonard (Dean Jones) are supposed to be residing. Carrie's not there when she comes, and Leonard is tied up in trying to discover a new comet. What he finds is a dead man at the home across the street...the one where the victim assaulted his bored wife. The local cop is convinced Leonard did it, but Jessica thinks there's a lot more to it...and there's a lot that neither Leonard nor Carrie are telling.

Skipped way ahead to the eleventh season for "Film Flam." Jessica travels to Hollywood to discuss the adaptation of one of her novels. The studio is in the midst of restoring the lost, unfinished work of a popular director who died young. A huge fan of his who is going to write a book on his death (John Astin) also passes away, just as he claims he got a bit of information that would bring several shocking revelations to light. Jessica works with the head of the studio and his daughter to find who didn't want that book to come out.

Two of Lansbury's movies were major parts of my childhood. I'm even fonder of Bedknobs and Broomsticks than I am of Mary Poppins. It has a grittiness to it that the 60's fantasy lacks; Lansbury keeps things grounded as the apprentice witch who hopes to find a spell that will help England wind World War II. Her lovely ballad "The Age of Not Believing" got nominated for an Oscar. She also joined David Tomlinson for his rousing "Eglantine" and the catchy "Substitutionary Locomotion." "A Step In the Right Direction" and "Nobody's Problems" didn't make it into the original cut of the film, but the former is on the soundtrack, and the latter was restored later. For most kids who grew up in the 90's, Lansbury is probably best-known as the voice of Mrs. Potts in the original 1991 Beauty and the Beast who introduced the Oscar-winning title song. 

Actually, my first encounter with Lansbury may have left the most lasting impression. I was only four when I first saw Lansbury and George Hearn in the stage version of Sweeney Todd that ran on cable in the early 80's. I never forgot the gruesome image of a woman and a man making meat pies from human remains...and I never really felt the same way about Lansbury afterwards! (I don't think half the cops who harassed Jessica in Murder She Wrote would have given her as much trouble if they knew what this lady could do with a meat cleaver.) 

Pups and Mysteries and a Caballero

Started off the morning with breakfast and Paw Patrol on Paramount Plus. The pups are eager to go trick-or-treating, but their night out is interrupted when Mayor Goodway and some of the kids think they spot a ghost on board Cap'n Turnbot's pirate ship. "The Pups Save a Pirate Ghost" when they come over to investigate.

Switched to Tubi for The New Scooby Doo Mysteries as I got ready for work. "A Halloween Hassle In Dracula's Castle" brings Mystery Inc back together for a strange variation on their usual formula that has them helping Dracula rid his mad monster party of a ghost who definitely wasn't on the guest list. The monsters are real, but the ghost doesn't seem to be...but who's behind his appearance?

Headed out to work after Scooby ended for my second 8 1/2 hour work day in a row. Spent most of the day this time outside, doing carts. Couldn't have been a nicer day to do it, too. It was sunny, breezy, and in the lower 70's, perfect for mid-October. Trouble was, I had a hard time keeping up with the carts on my own, especially during rush hour. A cashier didn't want to work 8 1/2 hours and called out, and the head bagger took his place. I didn't have help until 5. He took over doing the sweeping and gathered the overflowing trash as well, allowing me to finally focus on refilling the carts. 

Went straight home after work and into dinner and Match Game '77. Fannie Flagg is known for her unique answers, but for once, she turned out to be the only person who matched the contestant in a question about whom the ringmaster had to sleep next to at the circus. Gene was so pleased, he encouraged the audience to give Fannie a standing ovation! 

Finished the night online with three episodes of the original Disney black-and-white Zorro series. They finally got around to putting it on Disney Plus, probably in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. My sisters and I loved watching this on The Disney Channel in the 80's and early 90's. Rose was the biggest fan. She's been wild about all things Mexican and Latin American since she started taking Spanish in the 6th grade. (And she still speaks it very well.) 

The first two episodes of the series, "Presenting Senior Zorro" and "Zorro's Secret Passage" introduce Don Diego Vega (Guy Williams) and his mute confidante and manservant Bernardo (Henry Sheldon) and reveal how they turn outlaw to combat the cruel Monastario (Britt Lomond). Don Diego has a harder time coming to the rescue at a beloved mission when the head monk shelters an unjustly accused man. When Monastario kidnaps the monk's native workers and force them into building a road past the mission, that's when "Zorro Rides to the Mission." 

Whoopee Games

Got a quick start to the day with breakfast and Bluey. After Bluey's dad Bandit keeps beating her at cards, her mother Chili sets up an "Obstacle Course" so she and her sister Bingo can just have fun playing. Of course, Bandit can't resist turning that into a competition, too. Bluey cheats to beat her father, but she feels bad afterwards. Chili and her sister Bingo insist the best way to beat her dad is to practice on the course.

Rushed out to work after that, barely getting to enjoy a beautiful, sunny, windy fall day. Barely made it on time. It wasn't busy when I arrived, but it got really bad around 11:30-noon, right before the football games were supposed to begin. Even after the Eagles game started at 4:25, it stayed fairly busy. And I'm still having a hard time dealing with customers. I get so frustrated when things go wrong, I don't have the time to think, or do anything, and I end up panicking. At least it slowed down enough for me to shut down and get off right on time.

(Oh, and while it looks like it may have been close for a while, the Eagles beat the Cardinals 20-17 and remain the only undefeated team in the NFL.)

Stopped at Crown Chicken and Gyro on the way home for dinner. As it turned out, they have cheesesteaks, too. It took longer than I thought it would, despite there only being a young couple ahead of me. They also had a couple of Door Dash orders. Hurried out the second I got my sandwich, fries, and can of Diet Coke.

Had it upstairs while watching Match Game PM. Broadway scriptwriter and director Abe Burrows made his only appearance on Match Game in late 1977, joined by soap opera star Rosemary Forsyth. Abe wasn't very happy with the $100 answer to "Ray __" on the Audience Match...but oh, how Gene strutted! 

Finished the night on YouTube after a shower with more of The Newlywed Game to finish off "Bob-tober." Newlywed Game was Chuck Barris' second major hit after The Dating Game. The day it debuted in 1966, CBS and NBC ran a press conference with the Secretary of Defense.  ABC stuck to their schedule, giving Newlywed Game a bigger head-start than it might have gotten otherwise. It even dented the ratings of early-60's cultural phenomenon Password. 

Most versions of the show run on a fairly simple premise. Four (later three) just-married couples come onstage. The women answer questions about what they think the women will say on certain topics, then the men. The first round is worth 5 points; the second, 10. The final answer is worth 25 points, and determines the game. Winners get a second honeymoon or furniture or appliances for the house. Bob Eubanks is the original leering host who coined the phrase "whoopee" for "sex."

Even after the original show finally bowed to competition from Days of Our Lives in 1974, it returned for a syndicated run in 1977, once again with Eubanks. This one might have gone longer than three years if Barris hadn't overextended his fondness for sensationalism with the highly controversial 3's a Crowd. The show about how well a man knew his wife and secretary was so badly received, it led to all of Barris' shows being canceled, including Newlywed Game. 

Jim Lange moved from The Dating Game for two specials in 1984. They went over so well, Eubanks took over again for another syndicated series in 1985. He stuck around until 1988; comedian Paul Rodriguez took over for the final season. 

Buzzr's currently showing the syndicated revival from the late 90's. The first season had a different host and format that didn't go over so well. With Eubanks and the original format back, it ran for another three seasons.

The most recent incarnation of The Newlywed Game ran on Game Show Network from 2009 to 2012. Pop star Carnie Wilson originally hosted this version; Sherri Shepherd took over in 2010. Bob Eubanks returned for his final Newlywed Game appearances to date for two special episodes. I found the one with him doing a celebrity show with Carnie Wilson, her sister, their mother, and their husbands.

Make a little whoopee with these wild couples as we learn about the ins and outs of relationships! (The 2009 episode has watermarks that make it kind of hard to watch, but it's the only copy I could find.)

The Newlywed Game (1969)

The Newlywed Game (1972)

The Newlywed Game (1978)

The New Newlywed Game Synd (1984)

The Newlywed Game Synd (1998)

The Newlywed Game (2009)

Rushed Harvest

Got a really quick start this morning with breakfast and Doc McStuffins. "Lambie Gets the Linties" when she falls into a mud puddle and must be washed and dried. She's upset that she can't take part in Professor Hootsburg's portrait, but Doc needs her to be patient and stay still to get the lint off. The Professor's having more trouble trying to keep the Wicked King out of the portrait. Stuffed cow Moo Moo dreams of being a ballerina, but she has trouble with her first class. After she falls over and rips her leg, "Moo Moo's Boo Boo" needs surgery from Doc...but she also needs Doc encouraging her to keep practicing. 

I overslept, so it was past 10:30 when I rushed out for today's errands. St. Mark's a few blocks from me in Oaklyn had their Fall Festival today. Not much there - a craft table, a few tables selling wreaths or holiday decorations, tables selling food. I saw nothing of interest and quickly moved on.

Hurried off to the Collingswood Farm Market. They're getting down to the end of their season and had fewer booths than usual, too. Watermelons, peaches, and nectarines are gone, but there's plenty of everything else around. I managed to make my way through the crowds long enough to pick up some tasty little Gala apples, round Asian pears, and three small decorative gourds. Stopped very fast at WaWa for a Coke Dreamland Zero before heading home.

At I had great weather for running around. Though it was windy and chilly, the sun had come out, the sky was radiant blue, and it felt rather nice if you could get out of the wind. I enjoyed my ride to the Farm Market, and to work after I rushed home, changed, and headed out again.

I wish I stayed on the bike. Work continues to be a pain in the rear. Not only did I get stuck in a register today, but we had no help for most of the evening. There were long lines for most of the afternoon, often down the aisles. I couldn't handle the sheer volume and kept panicking. Everyone says I'm being too hard on myself, but I really should be better at dealing with this by now. And of course, they had absolutely no help when I got off at 7, no one to come in for me, and I had two large orders, one with multiple carts. Thought the people were nice about it, I behaved badly and got off late. 

Got my schedule during work. On one hand, I do have more hours than I've had in weeks. I'm not happy at all about working 8 1/2 hours two days in a row, including tomorrow, though. I'll have to miss the Eagles game and the town picnic. It's all late days except for Thursday, too...and given I'm off Tuesday and Wednesday, I have the bad feeling I'm probably working seven days in a row again. 

Dashed home the second I could get away. Had a late dinner while watching Match Game PM. This 1977 episode featured a Canadian woman with a charming accent and a tight Match Game t-shirt that showed every bit of her curves, much to Richard and Dick Gautier's delight. Jo Ann Plfug was more nervous when she had to help her with "Boo __" in the Audience Match.

Finished the night on Tubi with The Magic Voyage. I go further into this goofy German animated retelling of Columbus' famous trip (with a few characters you won't hear about in history books) at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Happy Columbus Day! - The Magic Voyage

I am Absolutely and Very Worn Out

Began the morning with breakfast and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. "Daniel Listens to Dad" when they go to Music Man Stan's so Dan Sr. can have his trumpet cleaned. "Daniel and Katerina Listen" to each other after Dan suggests they put on a play together.

Worked on writing for a while. Started Acting Blank. Gene Rayburn just showed up at the beginning of a syndicated episode in 1981 wearing a white wig; as Brett joked, it made him look like his character Old Man Perriwinkle. McLean Stevenson grumbles after the show ends that he needs to use the bathroom; so does Edie McClurg. Sharon Farrell just wants to freshen up, and Charles and Brett go off in search of alcoholic liquid refreshment. Gene wants to talk to Bill Cullen about appearing with him on the stage. Gene's looking forward to it; Bill's not sure.

Broke to change and head out around quarter after 12. In addition to dropping a bag of clothes into the donations drop between the Acme building and the shopping center, I wanted T-Mobile to finally switch my phone number to my own line. Which...they didn't do. Jessa apparently still hasn't fixed everything on her side, though she claimed she did. I'll have to call her again.

Haggling with them made me nearly late for work. Work was a royal pain in the rear. They'd send me in for someone's break, then have me shelve candy, only to pull me to take someone's lunch, then would have me do returns...only to pull me to take another break. I wish they'd figure out what I am. Am I a bagger, or a cashier? I can't do both. 

Went straight into writing again when I got home, then had dinner while watching the tail end of Let's Make a Deal. I saw this one when the show ran during July. No one got the Big Deal of the Day, but I don't think the military couple minded having kitchen appliances; and the lady in the plastic crown didn't complain about her sports package she could give to her husband.

Did Match Game '77 while eating dinner. Sweet Tom Smothers and smart soap star Meg Bennett joined in here. Meg's really good at this - she matched almost every time. I'm surprised she didn't come back. They helped the others try to figure out "Ali __" in the first episode and "Havana __" in the second.

Finished the night online after a shower with Charlie & Lola. "I Do Not Ever, Never Want My Wobbly Tooth to Fall Out" says a terrified Lola when Charlie and his buddy Marv tell her horror stories about when their teeth were loose. She changes her tune after Charlie explains about the tooth fairy, but gets upset when she loses her tooth. Charlie helps her explain what happened to the tooth fairy.

Autumn Blue and Gold

Started the morning with breakfast and Bugs Bunny's Howl-oween Special. Bugs goes up against Witch Hazel in this collection of bits and pieces from various classic Looney Tunes horror shorts. At least, unlike Bugs' Easter special, they used shorts that actually involved horror or Halloween, and the filler between them has a few funny moments with Bugs and Hazel.

Headed out shortly after it ended. My first stop of a long and busy day was PNC Bank. Thankfully, their financial advisor changed their mind about talking to me today. We mostly discussed my other account, the one with the rest of my inheritance. It's losing money. I want to change it so I can earn money on it before I take it out, not lose it. He says he can do that, but he'll need Dad's death certificate. Trouble is...the only people who would know where that is are Jodie, whose number I deleted from my phone, and Rose, who isn't speaking to me. He's going on vacation this weekend, which will give me more time to figure it out.

Wanted to check out Collingswood Music, but they don't open until 1, and it was noon. Went next-door to check out their neighbor DiBartolo's Bakery instead. Their beloved specialty is cakes, but I can't bring one home on my bike. Chose of box of Italian cookies instead that included their amazing coconut macaroons. 

Made a quick stop at Dollar General on the way home. I forgot to pick up a new set of dry erase markers for my schedule yesterday. Went in, bought those, then went out. 

Dropped off my blue hoodie sweater, the folder with the bank information, and the markers at home, then went back out. Took the long way down Nicholson Road. The weather is now too nice to rush things. What a difference from the last few days! Today was blue as could be, sunny, windy, and much warmer, in the lower 70's. Couldn't have been a nicer ride.

Had lunch at Tu Se Bella's Pizza after I parked my bike at the bike rack next to the Acme. I must have just missed the lunch crowd. They were totally dead. Had no trouble getting a seat up front to eat my slices of mushroom and broccoli and shrimp and sip my Diet Pepsi.

Next on the list was a hair cut. Mine had gotten too long and frizzy again. Unlike the last time I got my hair done in early May, they were dead as can be, with no wait and no line. The only people there when I arrived were two hair dressers. Went shorter this time, to just above my shoulders, and still layered. I love it. It looks great. My hair gets too unmanageable when it's long. 

Had far less luck with T-Mobile. They told me that in order to keep my cell phone number, Jess would have to let me off her line. I'd text her later, after I got home. 

My last stop was the Acme. If you buy two boxes of Nature's Valley granola bars, you get them for $2.50 each. I picked up regular Trail Mix and Cranberry Pomegranate. Grabbed muffins for lunch next week, new hair bands, and a gift card for my friend Amanda's birthday last weekend. No wonder I got today off. They were dead, too. Even the line went fast.

Heard from the dentist's office while I was there. They called early this morning to tell me their hygienist got sick and they had to cancel. Once again, I won't be able to get a cleaning for months, this time not until early December.

Went home after that to contact Jessa. Heard from her minutes after I texted her. She did take my phone off her line, but told me I'd have to contact Jodie about the death certificate on Facebook. 

Finally heard from Vanessa via e-mail, too. They're just about ready to send my information in, but she said she needed the dates for when I began Stockton and graduated. I sent them to her right after talking to Jess; she was pleased I got them back so quickly.

Spent the rest of the afternoon watching On the Riviera. I go further into another Danny Kaye vehicle that has him playing two roles at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

On the Riviera

Finished up Wedding Blank after the movie ended. Jack offers to take Brett and their son Adam to dinner. Brett's not sure that's a good idea, with their divorce and all. She takes off to join the others for a drink, with him watching and wishing things could be different before going to the men's dressing room to call his bookie.

Not bad, though kind of meandering. This is intended to be part of a series of short stories revolving around various Match Game members at different times during the various shows. Next up, I'll skip ahead a bit to directly after syndicated episode 481 from 1981. After Gene Rayburn shows up wearing an old man wig and calling himself Mr. Perriwinkle, he mentions the wig was for his role as Scrooge in a local Christmas Carol. Bill Cullen apparently played his Bob Cratchit. 

It's mentioned in their biographies that Gene wanted to do more acting and was frustrated that he didn't have the opportunity...while Bill never really liked acting and was happiest chatting with contestants. In Acting Blank, they discuss their differing philosophies on acting, why Gene loves diving into characters and Bill prefers just being himself. 

At any rate, here's Wedding Blank, for your enjoyment!

Wedding Blank - A Match Game Short Story

Had dinner while watching the tail end of Let's Make a Deal. Got in just in time for a couple dressed as contractors and an especially pretty Wonder Woman joined Monty for the Big Deal of the Day. The lady half of the contractors couldn't have been more delighted with her fur jacket. Wonder Woman got the Big Deal - a recliner, a TV, and a trip to Paris. (That Paris trip sounded awesome, and I hope she had a wonderful time.)

Went straight into Match Game '77 during dessert. Charles returns for the second episode, joining comedian Tom Smothers and soap star Meg Bennett. Gene's delighted to give her a kiss in welcome! The others have a harder time with "Liver __" in the Audience Match. 

Mom called during the second show. In good news, baby Aurora is doing better. She'll be in the hospital until next week, but she should be able to come home after that. Mom's more worried about how Keefe and Julia's frisky, adoring dogs will handle a baby, especially one who needs special care. 

Things aren't going as well for my other siblings. My oldest nephew Skylar was in a horrible bike accident. He so badly mangled his foot, he needed several operations and will take a year or more to recover. Anny's more concerned with her 13-year-old son Collyn being kicked out of school and going into rehab. If he doesn't shape up, he's going to end up in a reformatory. And while Mom has briefly heard from Rose during Aurora's surgery, she's still not speaking to most of the family. 

Finished the night on Paramount Plus with The Love Boat. The crew go on a cruise around the Greek isles in a two-part episode during season 6. Captain Steubing offered the cruise to the graduating class of his college for their graduation ceremony. The snobbish valedictorian (Parker Stevenson) gets a major eye-opener when the aunt who helps him through college is a poor peasant (Eva Marie Saint). He tries to hide her from his fiancee (Lisa Whelchel) when he feels like a "Poor Rich Man." 

The dean (Eddie Albert) is annoyed when the young man he flunked (Leigh McCloskey) keeps trying to talk him into a make-up test. He says no, but the teacher he's engaged to (Shirley Jones) wishes "The Dean and the Flunkee" would change his mind. "Issac's Aegean Affair" with a beautiful lady (Debbie Allen) has him considering giving up the sea, while Vicki falls for a young genius (Jimmy MacNichol) and considers marriage with him in "The Captain and the Kid." 

Dolls on a Dark Autumn Afternoon

Started off with breakfast and checking outside. The clouds still lingered, but I saw no rain pattering in the puddles. In fact, the sidewalks were largely dry. I don't think it rained for several hours. Figured it would be fine to ride my bike to work. Barely got out the door on time, thanks to taking too long to eat, and was almost late.

Which is probably the most exciting thing that happened all day. We were dead almost the entire afternoon. Despite there being more help than usual for a Wednesday, it never got worse than mildly steady. Of course, my last customers had three carts of food, a quarter of which they put back because the little girl with them threw in candy she wasn't allowed to have and a sippy cup she was way too old for. And they each bought their orders separately, and were fussy about bagging. And no one told me I didn't have a relief. They took so long, I was nearly late getting off.

Heard from PNC Bank before I left for work this morning and the dentist's office during my break. Ms. Ford claimed it was all a mistake and they still wanted me to come in for financial planning tomorrow. The dentist had a last-minute cancellation and would also be able to get me in later in the afternoon. 

Took the long way home down Nicholson Road. I probably shouldn't have gone during the start of rush hour, but I wanted to cheer myself up after dealing with those customers. Thankfully, the road work in Audubon has moved to the side streets. I cut through Oaklyn and got home with little fuss, other than the continuing cloudy, cool, and dreary weather. At least it hasn't rained harder than a mild misting since last night.

Changed and had a snack, then went into dressing the dolls for cooler weather. Ariel wears Julie's Calico Dress with the red tights and high boots. A bandana holds back her masses of copper hair. Samantha got her Play Dress and Pinafore with white tights and the black and white boots from her Flower-Picking Dress. I love Josefina's current meet outfit with the scarlet and sky blue print skirt and blue sash. Whitney wears a maroon and black knit skirt and white shirt with a black collar with a maroon shrug that's really a regular Our Generation outfit, though it looks like it could be part of the Retro line. 

Put Jessa in her original yellow meet sweater and high-necked striped t-shirt with the high-top sneakers from the Blue Jean Basics and the magenta leggings from the original 1995 modern "meet" outfit. Felicity is in her original Rose Garden Gown meet outfit. Found Molly's blue gingham dress at the Barrington Antique Center with other hand-made doll outfits last year. I really don't have much for Barbara Jean. She's back in the purple paisley minidress she came in with a white ruffled Springfield Collection sweater over it. 

Worked on writing for a while after I finished with the dolls. Jack wishes Brett would stop hitting up bars in West Hollywood with Charles. She's glad for the attention, including from three sailors. He also reminds her that he's starring in an actual program (he was just starting Quincy, MD in 1978) and she's only doing a game show...but Brett loves Match Game and thinks it's the best job in the world. 

Broke for dinner at 7 PM. The next Match Game '77 episode has a notoriously raunchy answer and has never been rerun by Game Show Network or Buzzr. We pick up with a new champion...and Brett's admittance that she badly misses Charles, who was on hiatus to appear on Broadway at that point. Gene very nearly manhandles the male contestant in the episode after that, tweaking his thick mustache and shaking his tie. He handled it well, tossing out a quip after he did it. 

Finished the night on The Roku Channel after a shower. I started a Charlie & Lola episode when I got in, but never finished it. "I Want to Make Music," Lola tells Charlie. Charlie's practicing his clarinet with Marv for a school assembly. He says Lola can't play an instrument like him, but she can make her own from things around the house like beans in a plastic container and various levels of pink milk in glasses. Lola's sound effects come in handy when Marv gets sick and Charlie's doing the assembly on his own.

It's Really Very Windy Today

It was still showering hard when I woke up this morning. Took the laundry downstairs, then watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse while eating breakfast. When Goofy lets "Pluto's Ball" bounce away from the Clubhouse, he, Pluto, and Mickey go on a wild chase after it. Donald thinks it's a golf ball and Chip and Dale play catch with it, but Minnie and Daisy - and Toodles! - come up with the best way to get it down.

Thankfully, by the time I headed out to Collingswood, the rain had ended. It remained cold, cloudy, windy, and damp, but I still took my bike. The wind was too strong for strolling under an umbrella, and if it wasn't raining, I didn't want to spend money on Uber.

Dodged several construction workers as I arrived. One man tried to fix the ATM machine in the entrance. The others put up drywall in front of the former teller line, blocking it from the main room. I managed to get someone's attention, and they sat me down with a young woman right away.

I just wanted to upgrade my accounts, now that I actually have decent money in them. Ms. Ford, a sweet, slender young woman, finally managed to move into the next level accounts. Originally, I only wanted to upgrade my savings, but I forgot my checking account was attached to my "nest egg." That meant it had to be upgraded, too. They're now Premiere Money Market, which means I can collect higher interest and take more money out of the checking accounts.

Now, I need to figure out what to do with it. I want to get the rest of my inheritance out of John Hancock, too, where it's steadily losing money, before I have nothing left. I know I want to buy the smallest dwelling I can get away with - a studio apartment, a small condo, or a mobile home - but I need to figure out how else I can invest it, or where it should go. I originally intended to talk to their financial advisor on Thursday, but it turns out he has a meeting that day. I'll call him on Friday and tell him when we can get together next week.

Made a quick stop at WaWa down Haddon Avenue on the way back. Can never resist their "Gobbler" sandwich - turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo - that's only out in the fall and around Christmas. Also picked up a peppermint mocha smoothie.

Though it was only misting at that point, it still wasn't a great day to be out running around. I got home around quarter after 1 and went nowhere else. Threw the laundry in the dryer, then watched Charlie & Lola while eating lunch. Lola insists "I Must Take Completely Everything" when she goes to a sleepover with her best friend Lotta, but leaves the suitcase behind. She and Lola are disappointed when they don't have what they need to play Cinderella, and Charlie and his best friend Marv are equally upset when they can't find the last piece of track they need to race cars. The kids learn a lesson in improvisation when the girls use items from around the house for their play, and the boys imagine that their cars can fly.

Had counseling at 2 PM. Not a whole lot to report. I enjoyed my vacation, as I always do when Lauren and I get together. I'm worried about my new niece Aurora, who was born too early and needs surgery on her intestines. I'm still waiting to hear from Vanessa at Abilities Solutions. I'll try calling again later this week or early next week. 

I'm trying to figure out what to do about Thanksgiving. I'll likely help friends out with Halloween and go to Jessa's for Christmas again, but I usually spend Thanksgiving with Rose. No idea where I'll end up for dinner now. I need to find other ways to celebrate holidays besides family get-togethers, since I really don't have a family anymore. Now more than ever, I need to be my own family.

I also need to talk to several people about finding somewhere to live. Although the owner is very nice about it and said I can stay for as long as I want, I can't live in two attic rooms forever. I want to buy something, but not only am I all too aware of the current state of the market, even the starter houses most families so desperately want are too big for me. I need something smaller - a condo, a small apartment, a mobile home. I'm tired of living in illegal dwellings and being forced out every time the owner wants to upgrade, sell the building, or keep it for themselves or their friends.

After we finished at 3, I vacuumed, dusted, and folded the laundry while watching Wonder Man. I go further into this musical thriller that has Danny Kaye playing twin brothers at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Wonder Man

Did some writing for a while after that. Brett's all for dinner after the show, but Jack wants to find out if he won anything on the (real-life) Rams-Falcons game. Brett is fed up with his gambling; he's fed up with her heavy drinking.

Broke for dinner at quarter of 7. Got off just in time to see two contestants keep 400 dollars on Let's Make a Deal while eating leftovers for dinner. They missed furniture and appliances...and the one person who took something on the floor ended up with teddy bears. I liked them, but I suspected she would have preferred the appliances. A doctor traded his 400 for the appliances he didn't get the first time. A young couple dressed as school kids, with her in pigtails, got the big deal of the day. He was likely happy with the huge projection TV and piano; she was thrilled with a beautiful white and brown fur coat, despite it being too big for her and, as Monty said, looking more like a fur cape.

Continued into Match Game '77 while having dessert. No clue who Trudi Wiggins is. The soap opera she starred in, Love of Life, ended when I was about a year old. Richard and Gene were much happier drooling over perfect sun-kissed former Playboy Playmate Chris Cranston. Richard had less luck helping her with "__ Desert" in the Head-to-Head. She was finally defeated by an equally pretty Asian woman in the next episode, but Rich didn't do any better helping her with "__ Daughter." 

Finished off the night on Buzzr and YouTube with more classic episodes featuring Bob Eubanks. I've never been a really huge fan of The Newlywed Game. I vaguely remember the 90's version being on when I was in my first year or two of college, but not much more than that. I have to admit, it's still pretty funny. Basically the same idea, but the answers are even racier. Some of the reactions - from Eubanks and the couples - were downright hysterical. 

Eubanks appeared on a special week of the syndicated Richard Dawson Family Feud with then-game-show hosts (and one former Miss America host) playing each other. He was one of the "Marvelous MCs" with Betty White, Jim Perry, Bill Cullen, and Nipsey Russell. They played Peter Marshall, Leslie Uggams, Jim Lange, Tom Kennedy, and Bert Parks, who were the "Heavenly Hosts." Marshall and Uggams lead their team to victory in the episode I watched on Buzzr. 

Since I've seen the Trivia Trap episode they ran before, I went to YouTube for more of that week. This time, between Bill Cullen being a brilliant panelist wherever he appears and Betty White's quick mind, the Marvelous MCs were the ones who made it to the Fast Money. They did just as well, too. 

Oh, and a final twangy guitar for Loretta Lynn, who passed away today. I went further into her film biography Coal Miner's Daughter at my Musical Dreams blog in March. 

Coal Miner's Daughter

Angels In the Rain

Slept in today, something I haven't done in ages. When I did finally roll out of bed, it was past noon. I fed the cats, then watched Match Game '75 while I ate breakfast. The crew celebrates Christmas with Brett's two stuffed toys from a fan and helping a gentleman who actually does own a hotel in Encino win the game. They have a far harder time with "G.I __" in the Audience Match. 

Went online to look up a few things and make some phone calls. I haven't heard from Vanessa at Abilities Solutions yet, so I called her first. Ended up leaving her a message. Called the dentist's office to make an appointment for a regular cleaning, but they couldn't get me in until November 29th! 

Didn't get out until nearly 2 PM. Wanted to pick up money from PNC Bank. They no longer have tellers. Anyone who wants money from the Collingswood bank has to use an ATM machine...and of course, the inside one wasn't working. I had to use one of the outside ones, and I couldn't get as much money as I needed. 

 

I did make an appointment with a gentleman to discuss my accounts tomorrow. I want to save for some kind of a small dwelling. I don't really need a house. Even much-coveted "starter" houses are too large for me.  I'd be better off with a condo or mobile home that's not so much to take care of or pay for. I'd also like to upgrade my accounts to reflect my current finances. I made them when I barely had any money. Between the money I made when my hours were crazy and the money I inherited, I'm no longer barely getting by.

Since the continuing rain had dwindled to a small shower, I treated myself to lunch at the Pop Shop in honor of finishing Blank In Wonderland. Given it was 2:30 by then, they were empty except for one family with small children. I kept things simple and ordered iced tea, three "bettys" (their plate-sized pancakes), and a fruit cup. The pancakes were a little dry, but still tasty...and too big to finish. They also filled me up so much, I passed on dessert. Peeked at the gourmet grocery across the street from them after that, but most of their wares were too expensive for me. 

The rain briefly stopped as I stopped at Dollar General. Wanted to buy more of their cheap electrolyte drinks. They had the citrus and the watermelon-strawberry this time. Picked up a bunch of things for Halloween treat bags, including the bags, spider rings, and stickers. 

With the rain picking up again as I arrived home, this was no day to linger. Cleaned up the cats' litter boxes and took out the trash and recycling, then spent the rest of the afternoon upstairs. I meant to work on writing, but I just got too distracted online and never got to it. Everyone's always saying I'm too hard on myself, but this is when I think I'm not hard enough on myself. If I could just give myself a good solid kick, I could actually get things done and wouldn't waste time.

Put on Match Game '77 while eating fish and leftover vegetables for dinner. McLean Stevenson actually ended up being the $250 answer to "__ Stevenson" in the Audience Match. (His cousin and 1955 presidential nominee Adelai Stevenson was the top answer.) Shortly after, Gene gets very upset when the turntable brings the challenger too early! The contestant turns out to be a very pretty lady named Tom, or Thomasine, which prompts several jokes on tomboyish names from the panel.

Finished the night online after a shower with Charlie's Angels. "Haunted Angels" investigate a friend of Bosley's who gave her home to an institute for paranormal research. One of the psychics studying there first seems to channel the woman's late nephew, who claims he wants his mother to give up trying to contact his spirit, then seemingly dies in front of everyone on camera. Sabrina joins up as a psychic and Kris as a student of the paranormal to investigate. Kris ends up falling for a real psychic, while Kelly discovers that the young man who died was a lot wilder than his aunt wanted to believe. 

Rainy Day Games

Awoke to pouring rain. gloomy pewter skies, and howling winds. No two ways about it. i had to take Uber to work today. First, I ate a very quick breakfast and fed the kittens, making sure the little marmalade kitty didn't try to get loose.

Surprisingly for the weather, I had no trouble getting a ride this morning. Got him in less than 6 minutes. He got me there in less than 5. The rain continued to fall in a steady shower, even as he made his way down the White Horse Pike and Nicholson.

Work didn't start off busy, but it picked up by 11 and was insane through about quarter of 2. We had long lines down the aisles, even with every register that was up and running open. I hated it. I spent most of the first half of my shift frustrated and panicking...and then, I got even more upset when they pulled me to take carts and sweep the store, and everyone kept giving me a different job. I'd no sooner get out to push carts then they'd want me to sweep the store or put away loose items or pull items so they're uniform. I wish they'd make up their minds as to what I am. I'm tired doing everything at once. And I got stuck back in the register for the last half-hour, despite being almost done.

(At least I didn't push carts for very long. It was still raining at that point. It's been raining all day, and would rain all night. The rain is still coming down at press time.)

A neighbor I ran into at work drove me home. Fed the cats, then fed myself while listening to the original cast album for Baker Street. The Sherlock Holmes mysteries have been turned into a musical several times on the stage; this is the American version from 1964. Basically, it's an adaptation of A Scandal In Bohemia, with Holmes going against Moriarty and Irene Adler. The score was so underwhelming, Fiddler on the Roof tunesmiths Bock and Harnick were called in to provide three new songs. Admittedly, one of those tunes, a rousing routine for Adler (Inga Swenson) and the chorus called "I'm In London Again," ended up being one of the best songs on the album. Peter Sallis also gets the touching and introspective "A Married Man" for Watson near the end, when they're all trapped by Moriarty. 

Those two good songs aside, this is nothing anyone but major Holmes fans need to go out of their way for. I wouldn't have it myself if I hadn't found it so long ago, I don't remember where I got it from anymore. 

Finished the night online picking up with Buzzr's October salute to Bob Eubanks. Eubanks started out as a California DJ who was best known for producing the Beatles' Hollywood Bowl appearances in 1964 and 1965 and the Rolling Stones' North American tour, among others. This hip, irrelevant veneer may be why Chuck Barris asked him to hose The Newlywed Game. It went over so well, and he became so associated with it, he'd host various versions in some capacity through the late 90's and was brought in for a one-off special in the late 2000's. I went with episodes from 1968 and the later syndicated version from 1980 that are pretty emblematic of that series as a whole - newly-married couples compete for prize packages while giving naughty answers to innocent questions. 

Eubanks' other major hit was the late 80's version of Card Sharks. I know a lot of people thought his leering style was too spicy for that show, but I loved it when I was a kid and looked forward to seeing it before Family Feud and The Price Is Right. I don't remember ever seeing anyone win the car, yet I managed to find an episode from 1988 where they pull it off twice. 

He appeared in his share of flops, too. One of the most notorious was The Diamond Head Game from 1975. Eubanks himself complained about this one over a decade later on Card Sharks. Filmed in Hawaii, this complicated show let eight people from the audience answer trivia questions. The winners went on to attempt to recall lists of items read by Eubanks. The one who could recall the most went on to the "Money Volcano." They'd step inside a fake volcano filled with bills for gift certificates. If they got large sums of cash, they could go on, but a $1 bill would end their game.

I can see Eubanks' problems here. Waaayy too complicated, and the Money Volcano aside, it doesn't really make much use of the Hawaiian setting. Fortunately, the series is one of the few short-lived flops from its era to exist in full now, allowing us a glimpse of the elaborate sets and that crazy Money Volcano.

Rhyme and Reason from later in '75 was a heck of a lot more fun. ABC's entry in the flood of Match Game imitations from the mid-late 70's has a celebrity panel finishing goofy rhyming phrases for two contestants. If they use the words the contestants wrote down, the contestants get points. The similarities to Match Game are driven home by the fact that every celebrity in one of the few existing episodes also appeared on that show, including Richard Dawson and "poet laureate of television" Nipsey Russell. 

Dream House was a 1984 revival of a controversial game show from 1968 that had couples competing to see who could win the house of their dreams. In 1968, they had to win money for the land, too...which proved to be too unwieldy, as it's said that most of the winning houses were never made. The NBC version made the prize an already-built luxury home. It's sort of similar to Talk About. One couple chooses a category and decides if a statement in that category is true. The other couple either challenges them, or goes along. Not bad, but not terribly distinguished, either. Though the master tapes for this were apparently destroyed in a flood, there does seem to be a fair amount of episodes floating around, including the pilot seen here.

Eubanks tried twice to get back into that Newlywed Game vibe with All-Star Secrets from 1979 and his last network show, Family Secrets from 1993. All-Star has celebrities dishing out a secret about one of a member of five panelists. Another member will give their opinion on who has the secret. The contestants have to guess which one has the secret. Family was very similar, only here, a child had the secrets. All-Star couldn't compete with Family Feud; Family ran into controversy of its own when one of its "family" units turned out to be a dad, daughter, and his girlfriend who lied to get in. 

During the run of Dream House in 1984, Eubanks appeared on The Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour, and didn't do too badly, either. At least, he seemed to have fun in the Match Game portion, making me wish he'd turned up on the 70's-early 80's show, or even later in the 1990 version. 

Make a little whoopee with the king of naughty newlyweds, crazy card players, and Hawaiian honeys! (Look for the original commercials on several shows.)

The Newlywed Game (1968)

The Diamond Head Game (1975)

Rhyme and Reason (1975)

All-Star Secrets (1979)

The Newlywed Game Synd (1980)

Dream House Pilot (1984)

The Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour (1984)

Card Sharks (1988)

Family Secrets (1993)

Books and Harvests

Had a quick breakfast this morning while watching Tattletales. Eva Gabor and her then-husband Frank Jameson were beating Jamie Farr and his sweet wife Joy and game show host Dennis James and his smart wife Mickie when I came in, but then the Farrs and Jameses got a question about whether the guys would rather see a Disney movie or an X-rated movie. (Joy said she and Jamie tried an X-rated movie once, and he didn't get through 10 minutes before leaving!) 

Quickly fed the kittens, then hurried out to check out the Collingswood Farm Market. Thankfully, by the time I made it out around 11, the rain had long since vanished. It remained dark, damp, and humid, but not rainy. Evidently, the farmers planned for worse weather. Only about half the vendors made it, and all but one were under the elevated train tracks. Despite the reduced inventory for sale, it remained very busy. I did manage to get out with small gala apples, two little sweet potatoes, grapes, and a tomato. 

Headed down Collings Avenue to the Collingswood Middle and High School. Collingswood holds its Book Festival there in bad weather. Indeed, I ran straight into heavy crowds soon as I parked my bike. A few used book sellers crowded the outdoor archway between the schools. They mainly sold vintage sci-fi and fantasy novels, though there were sellers with larger and more varied books in the back. 

New books by local authors were sold inside the school. As I tried to navigate the full and crowded hallways filled with tables, a shrill alarm nearly made me jump out of my skin! Someone set off the fire alarm. Followed everyone out the nearest set of doors. 

Turned out one of the officials smelled gas...or thought they did. I heard someone say the gas was outside the buildings, not inside. It took over 20 minutes for us to be let back in. I explored the used vendors again, but decided to wait until I'd fully checked out the inside.

After I made it back in the school, I took a few twists and turns into the cafeteria. The children's book sellers were here, reading stories and encouraging all the kids to stretch and play between tales. Found the used kids' books here and a table with freebees, including books and string backpacks. Found something I'd been looking for at the new children's book sales racks in the hallway as you entered the building. 

Made one last stop at the used sci-fi books to grab a few more I looked at, but turned down before. Considering the messy weather, heavy crowds, missing book sellers, and I lost 20 or so minutes to the alarm incident, I did very well. Ended up with:

The fantasy/mystery spoofs Sweet Silver Blues, Bitter Gold Tears, and Red Iron Nights by Glenn Cook

Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronvich 

The Classic Fairy Tales, edited by Maria Tantar (Comparisons of different versions of famous fairy tales like Cinderella and Snow White) 

Miss Pickerell and the Lost World by Dora Pantell (This is the freebee I picked up in the children's room.)

Wolfie Monster and the Big Bad Pizza Battle by Joey Ellis (Bought it from the new children's book sellers. I originally found an edited version of the first two chapters as a Free Comic Book Day giveaway a few years ago. This graphic novel about three very different monster brothers who save their town and their pizza business from an evil executive who wants to take over the world was so adorable and funny, I've been looking for the full book ever since.)

Took the long way home across Newton Lake Park. I originally planned on hitting Dollar General, but decided to save that for Monday. It was almost 2 by that point. I wanted lunch, and the clouds and heavy humidity continued to linger. It really wasn't a good day to be out roaming. I picked up a lamb gyro and Diet Coke at Crown Chicken and Gyro around the corner and took it home. 

Got good news and bad news when I arrived. Mom texted me and told me my brother Keefe's new daughter was born this afternoon. However, Aurora Alene debuted too early and had intestinal problems. She would be in surgery on Monday. I'm really worried. Her mother Julia came out fine, though, so hopefully, so will her child.

Watched Mickey's Tale of Two Witches on Disney Plus while I ate lunch. Minnie the Wonderful and Daisy Doozy are witches-in-training with Witch Master Clarabelle Cow. Minnie knows she'll do well, but Daisy's not so sure. After her attempt to decorate for Clarabelle's Boo Bash is a disaster, she steals her mentor's Moon Wand...only for it to fall into the hands of ghost Pete. Pete turns himself into a truly scary pumpkin monster, giving Daisy and Minnie the chance to prove they're stronger together. Meanwhile, Count Mickula and his buddies attempt to compose a song for the party, with little success.

Switched to spooky Peanuts specials as I pulled out winter clothes, blankets, and my heavier leather purse. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown has Linus preparing for the yearly arrival of the title character in a "sincere" pumpkin patch. Against her better judgement, Sally joins him. Charlie Brown has his own troubles trick-or-treating, while Snoopy gets ready for Veteran's Day early as he fights the Red Baron. 

Snoopy turns magician in It's Magic, Charlie Brown. His spells don't work, until he turns Charlie Brown invisible. Charlie Brown is very upset...at first. Until he realizes that Lucy can't pull the football away if she can't see him coming...

Put up most of my Halloween decorations while watching Garfield's Halloween Adventure. Garfield and Odie dress as pirates for a night of trick-or-treat plundering. Things get scary fast when they're stranded on an island with pirate ghosts who'll do anything to protect their treasure!

Spent the next hour and a half writing. Brett's annoyed with him over his complaining about not getting gifts as a panelist. Does Jack have to complain about everything? He reminds her that she does it, too, when she fusses over the "Hall of Fame" argument during the Audience Match on the first day of the week. Their tendency to be competitive is part of what drove them apart in the first place. 

Broke to make dinner. Found two simple chicken breasts in the refrigerator. Covered them in ginger dressing and herbs, then sliced carrots and celery and baked them in an apple cider vinegar broth. The one remaining zucchini had squishy parts, so I sliced that up and sauteed it. Threw a sweet potato in the microwave. Honestly, I didn't let the chicken cook for long enough, but it tasted all right. The zucchini and sweet potato were delicious, though.

Finished the night watching Heidi upstairs. I go further into one of Shirley Temple's most famous vehicles at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

Family Fun Saturday - Heidi (1937)