You Gotta Have Heart

Began the morning with breakfast and the 2018 Muppet Babies at Disney Plus. No one's happier to celebrate Valentine's Day than Gonzo. It's his favorite day of the year! He's so shocked when he finds no valentines in his cubby, he says "Happy Villain-tine's Day" and becomes the super villain Dr. Meanzo to ruin everyone's holidays. The others also turn into superheroes to stop him. Gonzo and Summer hope "My Best Toy's Wedding" between her stuffed narwhal and his potato will be the best party ever. Trouble arises when Gonzo insists on a western-themed ceremony and ignores Summer's hope for a sea-themed one. When Summer calls off the party, Gonzo remembers what Nanny said about the importance of compromise in marriages. 

Worked on writing for a while after that. Richard tries to convince Jo Ann to go out with him, but she's too busy with her big breaking story on the Ace and the Master Magician. She shows him around the studio quickly as possible, including the vice president of programming's slinky secretary Lee and the eager camera boy Gary.

Grabbed a really quick lunch, then hurried out to work. We were a mess when I arrived at 1:30, with lines down the aisles, and we stayed that way for most of the afternoon. Even after they yanked people from produce and the bakery, the lines were still long. If people aren't shopping for the Super Bowl tomorrow, they're preparing for Valentine's Day parties at school or work next week. February is a big birthday month, too. There were huge orders numbering as high as $650, and not everyone was in the best mood. I was worn out, too. At one point, I even dropped a container of pre-sliced onions and peppers that burst open. Thankfully, the lady decided they didn't need it. By that point, it had slowed down enough for me to take the open container to produce and leave with no relief.

Dashed home quick as I could after that. Ate while watching Match Game Syndicated. Caught the second episode featuring Kirstie Alley as a contestant. Robert Pine tries to help her with "__ Starter" on the Head-to-Head. 

Switched to Disney Plus and YouTube after I ate for a pair of Valentine's Day specials from the 80's and 90's featuring bear characters from beloved children's books. I go further into these at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Valentine's Short Subject Special - The Bernstein Bears' Comic Valentine & Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You

Finished the night at YouTube celebrating Valentine's Day with Lawrence Welk. The two episodes that flat-out revolve around the holiday online are black-and-white shows from the early-mid 60's. We get Jo Ann Castle tickling the ivories on a heart-covered piano, Bobby Burgess and his partner doing a romantic waltz behind a giant heart, Arthur Duncan's flying feet, and everyone reminding the audience "You Gotta Have Heart" in the '65 show. The '62 episode has Bobby and his partner doing a more cutesy two-step to "Honey" and the Lemmon Sisters singing "When I Fall In Love." The '62 show ends with a more stirring patriotic salute to Abraham Lincoln, with Norma Zimmer singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Aladdin recites the Gettysburg Address as a lead-in to the finale in 1962 and a comic recitation on the differences between girls and boys in '65. 

Later Valentine's Day episodes were more general. Elaine Niverson joins Bobby Burgess for a lyrical "Our Love" and the sprightly "Our Melody of Love" with the cast in the finale of the 1980 "Love Songs" show. Mary Lou Metzger and Jack Imel are explorers discussing their ape friends on an "Abba Dabba Honeymoon." Arthur Duncan goes tropical with his big solo to "Pagan Love Song." Ken Delo also leans on the tropical side of romance as he sings of "Makin' Love, Ukulele Style." Sweet Anacani admits "It's Impossible" in a lovely Spanish ballad. 

Celebrate old-fashioned romance and salute our 16th president with Lawrence Welk and his musical family! (The 1960's episodes even come with the original commercials.)

Valentine's Day & Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Tribute - 1962

Valentine's Day Special - 1966

Love Songs - 1980

Spring Into Winter

Started off my day with breakfast and Charlie & Lola. Lola says "I Just Love My Shiny Red Shoes," but they're too small for her. She tries on every pair at the store, but won't wear anything but her old ones. She's not happy when her father picks out a pair of brown t-straps with buckles...until she realizes that the jingling buckles sound an awful lot like ponies.

Poked around Indeed and LinkedIn for a while, then did some writing. Allen absently tells Jo Ann to show Richard around the station and to Gene's dressing room to talk to him. Jo Ann will show him around, but she's too busy to do much else...or field Richard's attempts at asking her out. 

Broke for lunch at 2. Watched A Charlie Brown Valentine while I ate. The second Peanuts Valentine's Day special is basically a series of skits surrounding Chuck's attempts to tell the Little Red Haired Girl he likes her. He wants to ask her to a school dance, but accidentally ends up going with Marcie and Peppermint Patty instead. Meanwhile, Sally's making valentines for her (very reluctant) "Sweet Baboo," while Lucy sits on Schroeder's piano and waits (and waits) for him to give her a valentine. 

I headed out into a world that was way too warm for February, in the 60's. At least it was also sunny and breezy, with barely a cloud in the sky. Despite the gorgeous temperatures, we were off-and-on busy. There's a lot going on for the next two weeks, including the Super Bowl on Sunday, Valentine's Day Tuesday, and President's Day next weekend. We're also still lacking help, and people are still having trouble with government cards. Thank goodness I got out after four hours.

My schedule next week is slightly better than it has been the past few weeks. I'm not thrilled about an 8 hour day on Wednesday, but I also have three bagging days in a row. two of them early. I'm also off on 5:30 on Sunday. I'll have plenty of time to head to Rose's house for the Super Bowl after work. Monday, Friday, and next Saturday off.

Went straight home after work. Changed, then watched Match Game Syndicated while I ate dinner. Richard Paul wonders about the saying on his t-shirt "Sho Binnis Is My Life" when he has trouble with "Kevin ___" on the Head-to-Head. Meanwhile, Joyce Bulifant is on fire for once, matching almost every time. (And for some reason, she draws on the soles of Charles' shoes at one point.)

Finished the night after a shower at Shout Factory TV with Mystery Science Theater 3000. Mike and the robots learn the hard way that The Wild World of Batwoman is nothing of the kind. I love the idea of Batwoman's (Katherine Victor) retinue being all female, but the story that has them protecting the "Atomic Hearing Aid" and rescuing one of their own is slow as molasses in January and even more boring. It's mainly the girls wriggling in time to rock music or chasing around "Rat Fink," a mysterious figure in a Shadow hat, cape, and mask. Cheap, campy claptrap of the silliest and most boring sort. Even Mike and the robots found the equally dull short "Cheating," on the dire consequences for a young man when he cheats on his tests, more interesting.

Sweets for the Sweet

Started off the morning with breakfast and Doc McStuffins. Lambie's looking forward to "My Huggy Valentine" and spending the day with Doc. She's upset when Doc gets a stuffed heart doll from her parents that she seems to like more, but Doc reminds her that friends always have a special place in our hearts. As a teddy bear collector with allergies, I really appreciate "Dusty Bear." Donnie's bear Teddy B thinks he doesn't want him anymore. Doc insists her brother's sneezing is from allergies and puts Teddy in the washing machine to clean off the dust.

Switched to Match Game '75 as I cleaned up from breakfast and made my grocery list. The first episode had Gene kissing "new kid on the block" character actress Pat Crowley while Gary Burghoff, Joyce Bulifant, and the others try to figure out what Dr. Welby does nights. Richard gives that sobbing lady tissues in the second, then helps the new champ with "__ Beater" in the Head-to-Head.

Headed out soon as the episode ended. To my surprise, it was neither cold, nor rainy like it was supposed to be today. In fact, we were cloudy and way too warm for this time of year, into the upper 50's. I dodged a lot of folks out for strolls in Newton Lake Park on my way to the Westmont Acme, passing by the bare black branches and dry yellowing grass.

They weren't terribly busy when I arrived. The lines weren't really that bad. Good thing, because I wanted to beat the crowds and get ready for Valentine's Day. If you bought three cards, you got a box of Russell Stover chocolates. I picked up Valentine's Day cards for Mom and Rose and her family, a get-well soon card for my friend Amanda who is off work with a dislocated knee, and a birthday card and gift card for Jessa (her birthday is Sunday). Had an onlne coupon for Fiber One granola bars; since they were a part of the Nature's Valley sale, I bought more of those, too. Also had online coupons for Oikos Pro yogurt and Pillsbury cake mix. Ghradelli's chocolate chips were on a decent sale, too. They only had the Cotton Candy grapes, but I figured I might as well try those. 

Also tried the new Starry Pepsi lemon-lime soda, their replacement for Sierra Mist. It was...just ok. Sweeter than Sprite and less crisp, maybe a little too sweet for me. I've only seen the Zero Sugar in 12-packs. I'll keep looking around.

Went straight home and upstairs to get the cards that needed to be sent out together...before realizing I forgot Valentine's cards for Keefe and his family and Anny and hers. Besides, it was too nice of a day to sit inside. I strolled to Dollar General for two more cards, then went a block down the White Horse Pike to the Post Office to send them out. 

Had lunch when I got home while watching Winnie the Pooh Valentine's Day specials. A Valentine for You is the only Pooh holiday special that was never combined with new material on DVD. (It's even that way on Disney Plus.) Owl convinces the Hundred Acres Woods crew when they see Christopher Robin making a valentine for a girl that he's been bitten by the "Smitten" bug, and that the only way to restore him is to find another bug to bite him. Even after chasing the bug, Pooh finally realizes that Christopher's happy the way he is...and as Doc did with Lambie, Christopher reminds Pooh that real friends never leave your heart.

"Un-Valentine's Day" is an episode of The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. In the first of several instances where a holiday is canceled in the Hundred Acre Woods, Rabbit insists they won't do Valentine's Day this year to stem the flood of valentines they received the year before. That doesn't last very long when Pooh finds a pot of honey at his front door. Soon, cakes and hearts are flying everywhere, Pooh's dressed as a mail box, and Rabbit's putting on a romantic play for Christopher Robin that goes comically wrong. But who did give Pooh the original pot of honey?

Hit the kitchen after lunch to try a very simple recipe I found on Pinterest. Strawberry-White Chocolate Chip Cookies are what they say on the tin - strawberry cake mix, cooking oil, eggs, and white chocolate chips. The cookies came together fine, but I let the first batch go too long and some of them burned on the bottoms. I kept the really burnt ones for me, gave the slightly browned ones to the daughter of a friend for Valentine's Day, and will give the rest to Rose as a combined Super Bowl/Valentine's Day gift. 

Went upstairs to look up jobs and do some writing. Richard tries to flirt with Jo Ann, even as he insists that the Ace is a myth. She's not buying either the myth thing or his hitting on her. Allen reminds her that she needs to get all this on the air.

It was past 7:30 when I finally broke for dinner. Watched Match Game Syndicated while I ate. Richard Paul turned up in a fireman's hat, while Gene gives Judy Landers her "new kid on the block" smooch. The contestants don't do nearly as well with a question about what goose thing Weird Willy puts in his quilt besides goose down.

Finished the night with House Party 2 on Amazon Prime. I go further into the second movie in this wacky rap series at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

House Party 2

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad Game

Began my morning with breakfast and writing. Jo Ann insists she has a really big story, but Allen says for her to save it for their pre-show meeting. Richard points out that the Ace she speaks of is just a myth passed around by criminals, but Jo Ann argues that he's very real, and he saved her. 

Watched Match Game '75 while I got ready to go. While Gene happily plugs his wife Helen on Tattletales that week (and he had his reasons - they really were funny on that show), Fannie Flagg shows off her Charlie Chaplin sweater and Charles announces to Gene that it's time for his bath after his attempt to explain about the Statue of Liberty doesn't quite work for the contestant. The others don't do as well with "__ Cast" in the Audience Match. There's also the extremely nervous contestant who bounces her feet in the platform heels that were popular in the 70s.

Headed out even before the episode ended. I was right on time...but that turned out to be a moot point. I ended up spending all but the last hour of my shift sweeping, pushing carts, and returning cold items. Truth be told, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. It was maybe a little too gorgeous for February here today, sunny, breezy, and likely in the mid-upper 50's. It was pretty busy early-on, but died quickly once the sun went down. By the time I was on a register, we were so quiet, I was able to shut down and return a few cold items and heavy items with no trouble.

Put on Match Game Syndicated while eating dinner. Charles and Brett really aren't impressed with David Doyle's answer to why Dumb Dora the interior decorator protests us making treaties with them and give him the "Pathetic Answer Award." They don't get David's impressions, either. 

Finished out the night on Amazon Prime after a shower with Midnight Madness. Five college students - student counselor Adam (David Naughton), his slovenly brother Harold (Stephan Furst), ardent feminist Donna (Maggie Roswell), geeky debate team captain Wesley (Eddie Deezen), and beer-crazed jock Lavitas (Brad Wilkin) - join "The Great All-Nighter," an overnight game concocted by graduate student Leon (Alan Solomon). The four teams drive around LA, looking for clues at various locations. The first team to find the last clue and get to Game Control wins.

Things get out of control very quickly. Harold starts off with a computer in his van that can decode any clues, but that gets ruined after he uses it to hide marshmallows from his whiny girlfriend Lucille (Patricia Alice Albrecht). Adam and his friends Laura (Debra Clinger) and Marvin (David Damas) first pick up his counseling client Flynch (Joel Kennedy), then his little brother Scott (Michael J Fox, making his film debut) when he finds the boy running away. Lavitas leaps into a vat of beer at a brewery, while the debaters end up helping the feminists after a fight at a pinball arcade gets wild. Meanwhile, Leon's landlady (Irene Tedrow) wants to throw him out for all the noise he's making. She thinks the other tenants will back her up, but they all end up helping with the game instead.

Would you believe Disney made this in 1980? Like Condorman and most of their other movies from the late 70's and early 80's, this isn't something they mention often or promote today, and it's not on Disney Plus...but don't let that deter you from checking it out. This movie is hilarious. The cast is obviously having a terrific time running around LA and just roll with the lunacy. Like The Return of Captain Invincible from three years later, this is one of those comedies that's so insane, it really lives in its own world where logic doesn't apply. There's a cameo from Paul Rubens in a cowboy suit, for heaven's sake. Highly recommended for fans of Animal House-style frat comedies or those who want to see something truly unique from the House of Mouse. 

While Strolling Through the Park

Wanted to start the morning with breakfast and Mickey and the Roadster Racers, but Disney Plus still gave me trouble. I ended up watching Match Game '75 by default. Dorothy continued to win rounds, even when the panel changed and we got singer and actress Julie London, and in his first week, Lou Grant himself Ed Asner. Ed was delighted to help her get the winning answer for "__ Breath" in the Audience Match, while Richard helped the nervous Dorothy with "Nervous ___" on the Head-to-Head. Fannie got a crack at Brett when she joked about  her American flag shirt in the second episode.

After the show ended, I went for a walk. I'm tired of sitting inside. The weather wasn't spectacular, but it did look a little nicer than yesterday. It remained cloudy, but it was neither windy, nor that cold. I strolled down to Newton Lake Park for a while, admiring the bare black branches of the trees reaching for the pearly clouds and the rippling bottle-green waters, before I turned down Lees Lane and went back up the hill, past the children running around on the playground at the Clyde S. Jennings Elementary School, and across the White Horse Pike to WaWa. Grabbed a rich, tasty chocolate banana smoothie before heading home.

I updated the app and the TV itself when I got home. That did it. I had lunch while finally watching the Valentine's Day episode of Roadster Racers. Cuckoo Loca wants to take part in "The Impossible Race," a course with obstacles that are so difficult, none of the racers have ever finished it. Donald is determined to be the first, but Cuckoo Loca sets out to prove that bigger isn't always better. 

"The Happiest Helpers Cruise!" takes Minnie, Daisy, and Cuckoo Loca out to sea for Valentine's Day, as they organize a 70's-themed disco dance contest. Mr. Doozy is looking forward to dancing with a pro to win. When the pro is in an accident, she drops out, and the girls replace her with nervous first mate Emmy Lou. Emmy's never danced with anyone but a mop, but the girls remind her that you shouldn't let stage fright get in the way of doing something you love.

Spent the next few hours trying to figure out what to do next. I sent Karen a letter with the lists of what I'm good at, what I want from a new job, and what jobs I'm interested in. It's just a matter of finding jobs willing to take someone whose experience is in retail...and my dealing with the interview. I haven't had an interview since 2004. I'm not sure I how I'd handle it. I get so nervous talking to people! 

Worked on writing for a while around 5:30. Jo Ann pushes her way in, tellling Allen she just encountered the Ace and the Master Magician's henchmen and barely lived to tell the tale. Richard first tries to pull away, then teases her about seeing a shadow to divert her from the fact that he was there...and he, in fact, is the Ace who keeps rescuing her.

Broke for dinner at 7. Ate while watching Match Game Syndicated. The contestant called Patty Duke his favorite actress...prompting most of the other panelists to walk off! After they went back, Debralee Scott complained about having problems with her chair. Patty has to figure out "Can't Buy __" in the Audience Match, while Dick Martin has a rather unique answer.

Finished the night with House Party at Amazon Prime. I go further into the original wild rap shindig from 1990 at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

House Party (1990)

(And those clouds did finally break...around 11-12 am, when I was long online.)

Shopping Harts

Started out a late morning with breakfast and The Cat In the Hat Knows a Lot About That. Nick and Sally wonder if they can "Pick Your Friends" and disagree on how to decorate their Valentine's Day cards. The Cat takes them to meet Sheldon, a tortoise whose best friend is a finch. The two teach the kids that friends don't always have to think the same, and our differences are what help us work together. When the kids run out of milk and cheese for breakfast, The Cat takes them to "Finola's Farm" to show them how farmers get milk from cows, and how dairy products are made.

Switched to Match Game '75 as I looked up a few things online. Dorothy's still weeping with happiness when Clifton gets her the top answer for "Draw ___" on the Audience Match and Richard helps her with "Trail __" on the Audience Match. Meanwhile, Betty White is shocked to discover that Gene is married (and his wife Helen is hilarious on Tattletales). 

I went online to find out if my tax return went through. Sure enough, it did. I put part of it into my savings account, then decided to use another part to pick up a few more winter clothes. Now that I've lost a little weight, most of my clothing is much too big for me! 

Called Uber to take me to the Gloucester Outlets in Blackwood. I haven't been there since right after Lauren visited last June, and I really like them. Plus, they have the only Dave & Buster's in this area as a free-standing store in the parking lot. Got a driver in less than a minute; he picked me up in seven.

The Gloucester Outlets are a lot different than the ones in Atlantic City or Lee. They're a fully pedestrian mall, with no roads to cross in the mall itself and ample seating space. There's even metal roofs over the outdoor lanes to keep out the rain and summer sun. 

They were more like a ghost town today. I barely saw anyone when I arrived at around quarter of 2. Strong winds whipped across barren paths and empty fountains, past stores where the workers were often the only people to be seen. While the biting chill from over the weekend vanished with the morning sun, the wind remains cold, and the jagged silvery clouds continued to hide the sun. 

I peeked at Go!Toys and Calendars, but saw nothing I really needed, and lamented that I have no kitchen of my own anymore for Corningware dishes. "Toys & Socks" mainly sold stuffed animals and novelty socks. The stuffed toys were cute, but for the most part, they weren't anything I couldn't find elsewhere. Guess didn't seem to carry my size. 

Did far better at Eddie Bauer. I have a fleece jacket for work that's great for days when it's too cold for the jean jacket or sweater, but not cold enough for my heavy winter coat. I like the orange, tan, and turquoise striped print I found. I also picked up two long-sleeved t-shirts in dark red and coffee brown, the latter on a good sale. 

The only thing the Gloucester Outlets lack is dining amenities. They have a Starbucks, a Friendly's, an Aunt Annie's, and a combination Ginny's Ice Cream and Cinnabon, and that's it. No fancy restaurants like Atlantic City or food court like Lee. Since I could eat at Starbucks anytime, it ended up being Friendly's for lunch by default. I think they're the only location left in this area. 

Given it was past 2:30 by the time I settled down to eat, the only other people in the dining area were a young couple on a date and two older ladies enjoying a shopping day. Friendly's now has a lunch and dinner option where you can order a drink, soup or salad, and one of six entrees for a fixed price, with ice cream as an add-on. I went with unsweetened ice tea, a delicious crock of broccoli cheddar soup, and a small but tasty chicken quesadilla. Dessert was two scoops of Hunka Chunka PB Fudge with whipped topping and a cherry. The stuffed animals in their crane near the entrance had been replaced by rolled-up Eagles and Phillies jerseys. No luck this time.

After lunch, I poked around in Lane Bryant and The Loft, but I only had luck in Old Navy. I found a really cute blouse with the prettiest pink, peach, and bright green floral print for $10. I almost bought a sage-green shirt with a strawberry print, but it turns out I didn't read the signs right - they were for little girls. 

By this point, I was cold and tired of walking. Headed across the parking lot, and then across the street to Dave & Buster's. They're pretty much the same thing as Round 1 Entertainment with no bowling alley, fewer cranes with less-elaborate prizes, and the ability to tap your card, not just slide it in a slot. I ran around for an hour, rolling skee balls, spinning pirate's wheels, whacking clowns, bouncing balls, and leading my cars through Mario Kart Deluxe and Crustin' Blast. 

Between what I already had from my visit with Lauren in September and what I earned today, I had over 2,270 points! I found a strange stuffed critter sitting on a high shelf who intrigued me. He wore a blue Dave & Buster's "Ding Ding Ding" t-shirt and reminded me a little of the Shirt Tales characters from my childhood. I'd never seen an animal who looked like him, though. He had ears like a fox, a face like a mouse or a squirrel, and a bottom that was more like a muskrat or kangaroo. I picked up him and a much smaller stuffed hamster intended to be a duster for pads and laptop screens. My rooms get so dusty, and my laptop is the worst. It always looks terrible. And I still have 120 points left to build up when Lauren visits in the spring!

(Oh, and according to his tag, Dave is a quokka. Online research reveals he's a mouse-like relation to the wallaby from Western Australia that are known for being extremely happy and upbeat. No wonder Dave & Buster's wanted him for a toy mascot! Cool. I've never seen a stuffed quokka before.) 

Strolled back across the street and parking lot to pick up Uber. Considering it was past 5 and the height of rush hour, I was extremely lucky to get a driver who came in 4 minutes. The cheerful Hispanic girl chattered with a friend on a cordless phone all the way back to Oaklyn. Thankfully, there was no traffic whatsoever either way, not even on the highway.

Put everything away when I got in, then went online. Truth be told, while I wouldn't object to doing office work, I know I don't want to work in a medical office. I know how stressful anything involving medicine is, and it doesn't interest me in the slightest. Trouble is, I'm not sure if the things that do interest me would be hiring, or how I could bring all of my weird interests and skills together. 

I do know what I want from a job. Either I work at a set time Monday through Friday, or I set the hours. I want to use all of my skills, not just dealing with customer service, but writing, reading, organizing, researching, proofreading, and editing - the things I actually enjoy doing. I want to feel more at home around my co-workers, or have no co-workers at all. I want to do a job that has some meaning. Yes, I want health insurance and a better paycheck, but I'd actually like to earn those things and not come home stressed out, angry, and depressed. 

Broke for dinner at quarter after 6, just in time for an episode of Match Game '74 Buzzr previously skipped. I don't know why they didn't show this one before. Maybe they were offended by the very skimpy yellow halter top Louisa Moritz wore. Gene's more interested in wondering why Richard was attempting to grow a rather thin beard. (For the record, he actually grew it for a movie role that never materialized.) 

The next episode is even wilder! While Louisa does cover up a bit more, things get really crazy when Jack Carter sticks markers in his mouth and pretends to be a walrus, then runs off the set all together. Meanwhile, Richard insists his chair is broken and that Betty White is all tied up (with duck tape). 

Finished the night on Tubi after a shower with Hart to Hart. Jennifer intends to celebrate Valentine's Day by giving her charity committee special heart-shaped chocolates from a local chocolate store. It turns into "The Hart-Shaped Murder" when one man is killed by the smuggling ring who needed one of the chocolate hearts for their operation, and a CIA agent dies in the Harts' living room after eating poisoned candy intended for them. Johnathan and Jennifer have to figure out how the store ties into this, and what the kindly old lady owner's son is really up to. 

Lovers and Games

Started off a sunny morning with breakfast and Unsung Musicals III. This is the last of three CD collections put out by Verasce Sarabande in the 90's that brought together material from shows that either closed quickly on Broadway or never made it there. The CD opens with the witty ensemble number "Nothing to Do With Love," from the off-Broadway revue Personals. This does sound like something that would have been performed on Friends - apparently, the writers of this show would go on to create that one. My favorites are the charming title song from a musical It's a Wonderful Life and "At the Same Time," from an earlier stage version of Freaky Friday. 

Headed off to work even before the CD ended. Work was no more fun today than it was yesterday. People just aren't in good moods. I hate explaining why they can't mix and match the soda brands or why their government cards don't cover everything they want. People don't listen, and I get tired of it. I'm sick of their whining over high prices and forgetting their reusable bags. None of that is my problem. I was so glad when it slowed down enough by 7 for me to leave with no relief and no need for one. 

After I got home, I went straight upstairs and into writing. Allen insists on calling a meeting about The Ace, who's been spotted at several high-profile warehouse burglaries and arsons of late. Richard tries to deflect  his interest onto the warehouses or the Master Magician, but Allen doesn't trust this strange person who seems to be wherever the Master Magician and his crimes are.

Broke for dinner at 7. Listened to Unsung Sondheim as I ate. This one focuses on music cut from Sondheim projects like "The Old Piano Roll" from Follies and "Multitudes of Amys" from Company, from shows that didn't come to fruition like the original Saturday Night, with its title song lamenting nothing to do on a Depression era weekend, or from little-known projects like the sweetly goofy "Truly Content" from an unproduced version of the modern Cinderella short story Passionella. I'm fondest of the gentle ballad "What Can You Lose" from Dick Tracy and the scolding "No, Mary Ann." 

Finished the night on YouTube with the great romantic couple of game shows, Allen Ludden and Betty White. Normally, Buzzr runs at least one episode featuring them for Valentine's Day. With them focusing on The Newlywed Game for the holiday this year, I decided to do a whole night dedicated to the pair. 

Allen first encountered Betty when she began playing Password in 1961...but he didn't really fall for her until a year later, when he'd begun to recover from the death of his first wife. Betty resisted his advances at first, but Allen and his three children finally convinced her she belonged with them. She and Allen were married in 1963. Appropriately, they made their first appearance as a married couple on Password, joined by their long-time friend late night host Jack Paar. 

Betty continued playing Password with her husband when the show went to color in 1967, in the now-rare ABC version from the early 70's, and during Password Plus when Allen was on in 1979 and 1980. In fact, Betty appeared in one of the first weeks of Plus with Dick Martin. They were always a delight together, whether Jack Paar teased them about their relationship, or Betty joshed Allen by dancing with handsome John Phillip Law in the beginning of Plus. 

They appeared together on other shows, too. They were on the panel together on To Tell the Truth later that year. Their friend Arlene Francis had no trouble figuring out they were the mystery guests on an episode of What's My Line. 

They're one of my favorite couples from the original 1970's Tattletales. They never failed to have a funny story or do something that would make me - and the audience - roar with laughter. And more often than not, they'd win, too, as in this episode from near the end of the original run where they're joined by Bill Anderson and his wife Becky and Patrick Duffy and his wife Carlyn. 

I really wish they appeared together more often on Match Game. The week they did in 1975 is probably the best from that year. The final episode of the week had Allen offering his fancy watch to anyone who would listen, Gene Rayburn saying "I've had Betty" in response to the Audience Match, and Betty and Brett running out and doing their own versions of belly dancing to the Star Spangled Banner! All this, and Dolly Martin puts in her first week, too. 

Sadly, their second week together during the syndicated version in 1980, and one of their last appearances on TV together, is currently lost...but the nighttime episode survives. Allen and Betty clearly enjoy sitting next to each other for the first and only time on the show. Jonelle Allen and Jimmie Walker join in for jokes about what job would be useless in an nursing home and what Dumb Donald takes when he thinks he's going "up the river." 

They were among the celebrities appearing on some of the few currently circulating episodes of the original 1980 Chain Reaction. Their long stint on Password made them a natural for this game that involved creating chains of words. They both do very well, with Allen getting his contestants to the bonus round three times in the three episodes seen here. 

Celebrate the season of romance with these shows chronicling the relationship between the most loving couple in game shows! (Chain Reaction is actually three episodes strung together.)

Password (1963)

What's My Line (1963)

To Tell the Truth (1963)

Password (1967)

Match Game (1975)

Tattletales (1978)

Password Plus (1979)

Password Plus (1979)

Match Game PM (1980)

Chain Reaction (1980)

Baby It's Really Cold Outside!

Got a late start with breakfast and the Valentine's Day episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Mickey almost forgets to make "A Surprise for Minnie" for Valentine's Day...and Donald does forget something for Daisy! They ask for help in making Valentines, then getting flowers for the girls...and getting around Pete guarding the entrance to the flower garden in Mickey Park. 

Worked on writing for a while after breakfast. After Richard finally deflects Betty's suspicion by praising her ham recipe. Allen insists he's hired, though he'll have to fly it by his boss, and reminds him that there will be a meeting for him to greet the staff that evening. Richard's more interested when Allen starts talking about how the network's reporters were trying to learn who attacked a certain fireworks warehouse in town and why...and what made the fissure in the center of the warehouse...

Broke with enough time to eat a quick lunch and call Uber. The high today was 27. Though the wind did die down quite a bit since last night and the sun was out, it remained too cold for bike riding. They driver going to work was slightly late, but nothing horrible; the one picking me up was on time. They both got me there within five minutes. 

Work was a pain in the rear. I hate ending up in the express lane. I can never keep up with the line, and I end up frustrated when things go wrong and the line's not moving. Thankfully, we had more help today, enough that there was someone to come in for me when I finished at 7.

Took Uber straight home. Ate leftovers for dinner and watched Match Game Syndicated when I arrived. There were several jokes about Richard Paul's "Show Binnis Is My Life" t shirt in the opening. Brett's so happy when the winning contestant gets her own answer to "Save __" right, she hugs her anyway! ("I want them to think I came up with it!" Brett claimed.)

Finished the night on Tubi after a YouTube Match Game marathon with The Trumpet of the Swan. I go further into this so-so animated adaptation of the E.B White children's novel at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Animation Celebration Saturday - The Trumpet of the Swan

Walk In the Wind

Awoke to a ringing phone. It was PNC Bank. They had one of those papers they mentioned yesterday for me to sign. When could I get down there to do it? I told them I'd be there this afternoon, then went back to sleep until quarter of 11. 

Finished with the journal in time for Match Game '75. Had breakfast as the Audience Match began. Gossip queen Rona Barrett and R&B singer Clifton Davis helped Betty White and the others with "Clara ___," while Gene joked about his suit and the champion's being identical. 

The second episode featured sweet Dorothy, a lovely woman in a pretty fall-colored zig-zag sweater who wept tears of joy every time she won. Richard and Betty helped her with "__ Fountain" in the Audience Match. One of the last questions revolved around whom Richard Dawson was marrying. Rona said Raquel Welch, but everyone else (including the contestant) said Brett or Charles. This is hilarious if you know anything about the show. Richard and Brett reportedly did not get along, and though I don't think he had any problems with Charles, Charles was gay, and Richard was very straight. 

Headed out on foot as soon as the episode ended and I was properly bundled up in my coat and new fleece-lined blue hat and gloves. The wind howled too hard today for a bike ride. Besides, I'm not really that far away from Collingswood anymore. Strolled through Newton Lake Park, admiring the ripples on the gray green waters and the bare brown branches as they waved in the gale and shivering in the 30-degree temperatures.

Stopped at PNC first. The young woman at the front desk grabbed the paper work right away. I signed it, and we chatted a little bit about my trouble job hunting and finding a place. It shouldn't take anyone twenty years to find a decent job. I wish I knew more people to ask about work, but I don't know anyone who is a writer or works in an office. No one in my family does it anymore. 

Cheered myself up with lunch at Sabrina's Cafe a few blocks down Haddon Avenue. By this point, it was past 2:30. I'd missed the worst of the lunch crowd. They seated me in a corner of the main room, near the entrance. I had Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes and peppermint hot cocoa. The hot cocoa was messy, with chocolate syrup and whipped cream spilling over, but very tasty. The pancakes dripped with whipped topping, lemon syrup, and berry compote. They were also tasty, but a little dry...and huge! Three fluffy pancakes were nearly the size of the plate. I barely finished half of them. 

Went straight home after that. I'm not in the mood for shopping right now, and I don't really need anything, anyway. Besides, it's too cold to linger. I walked again, this time passing equally well-bundled kids on their way home from various schools.

Settled down in bed for a while and tried to read the job books I took out the Haddon Township Library while listening to The Best of the Big Band Era, but I was too tired to focus. I need to stop staying up so darn late! I ended up taking a nap instead.

When I got up, I did some job hunting. I wish I knew what I could really do. How can you go from retail to a writing job or an office job? I have no idea what I have to offer anyone, besides writing, reading, editing, and organizing. I'd prefer a smaller office or place with fewer people. That's one of the things I hate about the Acme. I hate dealing with all those demanding people. I never know what to say, and I end up panicking. I can't multi-task, either, and I'm no good at switching gears. I'm either bored to death, or totally overwhelmed. Isn't there a job where I can have something in between? 

Finally did a little bit of writing around 6:30. Betty insists that she recognizes Richard from somewhere, possibly on TV. Richard blows it off, trying to deflect the fact that his "Ace" persona may have been caught on camera.

Oh, and I got my schedule at this point, too. In good news, more hours. Sunday's the only one that isn't late, though, and I still don't have that many of them. 

Broke for dinner at quarter after 7. Watched Match Game Syndicated while I ate. They've already started repeating episodes, having gone back to the first ones. The very first episode had Charles antagonizing the camerapeople, who focus anywhere but right on him. Charles makes fun of Brett's cheap jewelry in the second, even wearing her beaded necklace as a headband. (And I'd like to know how he got that off without ruffling his toupee.)

Moved to Jack Frost on Tubi after dinner. I went further into this Rankin-Bass Christmas/Groundhog's Day special about the title winter sprite wanting to become human at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog in February 2020.

Happy Groundhog's Day! - Jack Frost

Finished the night at PBS Kids with the Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Valentine's Day episode. "It's Love Day!" and Daniel gives all of the kids at school and Teacher Harriet hearts to show them how much he cares. He can't figure out who gave him a special boat-themed card, though. "Daniel's Love Day Surprise" at home is hiding hearts for Grandpere to find. He's upset when his baby sister Margaret finds a heart, but Grandpere reminds him she did that because she loves him and didn't know better. He does even better helping his mother make a heart-shaped pizza. 

The Groundhog Saw His Shadow

My alarm went off at 8. I closed my eyes for a few minutes...and when I opened them, it was 9:30. Yikes! I had to be in Collingswood at 10. Even with eating quickly as possible and rushing through dressing, I still arrived at PNC Bank ten minutes late.

Ironically, as it turned out, they weren't ready for me anyway. The financial manager's early appointment ran overtime. Even when I did talk to him, he didn't really have much to say. He'd only been able to make a few phone calls before being swamped with first other work, then the holidays. He did mention I'd have to sign some paperwork to get my money out of John Hancock or make it so it'll collect more interest eventually, but didn't have much else to tell me. He said he'll call back next week with more information.

Had enough time to stop at WaWa for a quick treat. Went with a simple Peppermint Pattie cappuccino. It tasted more of mint than of anything else. I grabbed it, then drank it quickly on the way home. At least the weather's still pretty decent. It was windy, but sunny and probably in the mid-upper 30's, about what it should be at this time of year. A little chilly, but nothing like it's going to be for the next few days! (In fact, considering what it is supposed to be for the next few days, I'm not surprised the groundhog saw his shadow.)

Went straight home and upstairs. I did my journal and read two chapters of A Dark and Stormy Tea, then looked over a book on finding jobs and changing careers from 40 onwards. Grabbed lunch really quick after I put the book outside, then raced out for work.

Work started out busy this time. It's the second day of the month, and between the cut hours, people getting better jobs, and several people on medical or emergency leave, we simply do not have enough help. I was often the only regular cashier open, and my line would be going down an aisle. We were so short on help, my break was a half-hour late because they had to wait for someone to arrive who could come in for me. (They did manage to pull a guy from the deli to help later.)

Went straight into grocery shopping soon as I finished my shift. Mainly wanted pads. Took a minute to find them; they were among the things rearranged early in December. Picked up grapes, granola bars, and peanut butter wafers...but forgot the yogurt. 

Had dinner after I got home while watching Match Game Syndicated. Came in just in time to see the audience give Bob Barker's answer a standing ovation. He's so delighted, he promises cars and refrigerators to the whole crowd. 

Bob had far less luck in the second episode when his chair broke and shrunk down beyond the desks. Betty White lowered herself down in solidarity with him. Meanwhile, Charles teases Bob about his studded leather vest, Gene chats with a Hungarian gentleman, and Charlene name-drops her fellow Dallas star Patrick Duffy and his then-new sci fi show The Man From Atlantis. 

Finished the night on Tubi with Juke Joint. I go further into the last B "race movie" made by pioneering black director and writer Spencer Williams Jr. at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Juke Joint

Of Dolls and Superheroes

Started out the morning with breakfast and Match Game '75. Richard's delighted to show off a puppet one of their fans made that looks like him. He treated that thing as well as he did his own beloved sons. Meanwhile, Gene praises their young producer and scorekeeper Roger Dobowitz for actually spelling the words on their cue cards right for a change. (Poor Roger! He was such a sweetie, and Gene teased him so much.)

Switched to The Backyardigans at Paramount Plus as I got organized. Tasha, Pablo, and Uniqua are a biker gang who call themselves The Do Gooders and go around helping people out. Mail-moose Tyrone has a Valentine's Day "Special Delivery" for them, but he loses his bag. The other three try to return it to him, but he thinks they're a stereotypical "bad" biker gang and attempt to out-ride them.

Headed out to run errands after that. Not only was it sunny and bright, but starting tomorrow, it's going to be too cold for walks for the next few days. Headed to Dollar General first. I mainly needed thin pads. Grabbed Valentine's Day cards and a gift for a friend, too. 

Debated what to do about lunch. Truthfully, I wasn't up to even pizza. I opted to drop by the pretzel shop about a block down the street from me. They sell cheesesteak pretzels and hot dogs wrapped in a pretzel. The gluten-free pretzel dogs were the only one left, so that and a can of Diet Pepsi were what I bought. I also wanted to pick up one regular pretzel for later...but the lady said she had too many and gave me three! 

Had lunch while watching Frosty's Winter Wonderland in honor of the cold weather arriving tomorrow. In the Rankin-Bass sequel to their Frosty the Snowman, the local kids build Frosty a wife after he admits he's lonely. Trouble is, they have to figure out how to make her "all livin'" like him...and then Jack Frost decides  he's jealous of Frosty and goes after his magic hat.

Dressed the dolls for February next. Samantha's dusky pink Talent Show Dress is so authentic, it's based on a real little girl dress from 1904 that exists in a museum. Whitney gets a pink and white felt poodle skirt with a white Peter Pan collared blouse I found on eBay and a knitted pink sweater with pearl trim from a yard sale. The pretty pink and red flowered Empire waisted gown and lace wrap Josefina's wearing also came from eBay. Felicity's in her Laced Jacket and Petticoat (which I laced up with a velvet ribbon I've had for a while). Ivy's Chinese New Year Dress doesn't really fit Jessa that well, but I like it better for her than the current Lunar New Year dress at American Girl. She wears it with Josefina's black mules. Molly wishes she could wear something more glamorous than her plaid School Jumper and white blouse! 

Barbara Jean gets the gold and white Sweet Spring Dress with the pink flower and ribbon trim, which does look something like a minidress from the mid-late 60's. I struggled to get a pink ribbon to stay on her head, maybe because it's larger than average for dolls nowadays. Ariel's in Julie's Calico Dress with the red tights and boots and bandanna to wrap around her masses of copper hair.

Switched to job hunting after I finished, but I'm still not having much luck. I'm just so nervous. Can I really do any of this? What can I do? Would all these people who want experience take someone who's worked at a grocery store for 20 years? I need health insurance, but writing jobs don't have that. Can I write and have a job that'll provide health insurance and help me make enough money to buy a condo? 

Moved on to writing around 5:30. Betty admits she's seen Richard before, but he tries to hide his face from her. He's worried she may recognize him. Allen doesn't. He introduces Richard to Betty as a member of the group and says he's hired...as long as the boss approves...

Broke for dinner and Match Game '74. Jokes abounded about the sweater Fannie Flagg wore with hands in strategic places and Gene's monumentally ugly patchwork pants. (Richard got them all singing "She's Got the Whole World In Her Hands" in the opening.) 

Returned to writing during Match Game Syndicated. Baby-faced and busty Charlene Tilton of Dallas made her first appearance on the show...but I'm not sure it was the smartest idea to put her next to Bob Barker, who spent the week ogling her. Needless to say, Gene was thrilled to give a kiss to the "new kid on the block." There were jokes later in the episode about pairing her with announcer Johnny Olsen!

The second episode kicks off with Bob showing off his orange jacket advertising his "Bob Barker's Fun & Games" road show plugging The Price Is Right. Charles plays director and insists that they show off how smoothly the turntable and wheel drop in the transition between the regular games and the Audience Match.

Finished the night on Amazon Prime with the three-part PBS documentary Superheroes: A Never Ending Battle. This look at the history of superheroes details their rise during the later Depression years and World War II, when they were patriotic blues-chasers. The enormous success of Superman in 1938 inspired scores of imitations, from the powerless vigilante Batman and his kid sidekick Robin to ultra-patriotic Captain America to kid-turned-hero Shazam (originally Captain Marvel) and the first major female superhero, Wonder Woman. 

They fell out of favor after the war in favor of darker horror, romance, and crime comics...but all comics became suspect in the 1950's after intellectuals denounced them for their violence and lack of morals. By the early 60's, all but the most popular titles had vanished, the crime and horror was gone, and comics were  considered kids' stuff. That changed thanks to Marvel hiring artists like Stan Lee, who created Spider Man, the Fantastic Four, Nick Fury, and the Incredible Hulk. Whether they were born with their powers, or gained them on accident, they were far more human and relatable than the gods and aliens at DC. This era also saw the first flowering of diversity in comics with the creation of Black Panther and the amoral mercenary Luke Cage.

DC responded by bringing Wonder Woman back to her roots, sending Batman and Robin off on campy pop art TV adventures, and throwing Green Arrow and Green Lantern together for a revealing trip across a changing American landscape. Other notable creations from this era include Black Cat, Valkyrie, Iron Fist, and the original Ms. (now Captain) Marvel. Marvel even brought Captain America back after being frozen in ice to join their own superhero team, The Avengers. 

I was born just four months after the release of the first Superman movie in December 1978. Christopher Reeve was one of my first crushes, and I loved seeing his first three movies and Supergirl on cable as a kid. My sisters and I were big fans of Wonder Woman, Spider Man, and the Incredible Hulk on TV, too, and we never missed the Spider Man and His Amazing Friends and Legendary Powers Super Friends cartoons on Saturday mornings. 

The darker characters and movies of the late 80's and 90's didn't do much for me, though. Ultra-violent titles like The Watchmen, The Crow, Spawn, Lobo, Hellboy, and Blade delighted my guy friends who went in for blood and gore, but disgusted and bored the heck out of me. The only superheroes I was interested in during the 90's were The Rocketeer, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 

That finally started changing as superheroes reemerged in the early 2000's. The X-Men movies were such huge hits, even I had to check them out. (My crush on Hugh Jackman at that point may have helped slightly.) As the world reeled from terrorist attacks and new wars, superheroes once again reemerged, this time on a larger scale. I saw movies and TV shows for characters I'd never heard of before like Iron Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Harley Quinn, Deadpool, the Teen Titans, and Pakistani teen Ms. Marvel. Others, like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, The Flash, and Nick Fury, got total rehauls to make them far more relevant to modern audiences. Even during the worst of the pandemic, local mothers told me they got their kids through binging on superhero movies on Disney Plus and HBO Max. (Which reminds me, I need to catch up on the newest ones.)