Headed out after that with the cart. It wasn't quite as nice as yesterday, cloudy, chilly, and windy. However, it wasn't damp, or even really that cold. I had a nicely brisk walk past the glassy green lake and down to Collingswood.
First stop was Occasionette, the gift shop on Haddon Avenue. They're a lot like The Whale's Tale in Cape May, a pricey purveyor of cookbooks, fancy stationary, baby toys, and seasonal gift items. Unfortunately, their after-Christmas sales weren't that great. I did buy another set of early 20th-century-inspired Christmas cards, this one with a simple Art Deco pine tree bordered by "Noel" in red.
Strolled two blocks down to Innergroove Records after that. They were busy with record fans and teenagers looking for great music for their New Year's parties. I splurged and picked up a soundtrack album I wanted, along with two things from the dollar bins.
Rushed across the street next for lunch at the Pop Shop. I once again timed it well. They were just starting to clear out by 1 PM. I only had to wait five minutes for a table to be cleared. I had a massive "Black Friday" roast turkey sandwich on multi-grain bread, with lettuce, mayo, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. I love the Pop Shop's crispy tater tots and house-made iced tea, but that big sandwich filled me up too much for their ice cream sundaes. (Plus, I had one yesterday at Friendly's.) Even got to see the waiters and waitresses sing "Happy Birthday" to someone.
Stopped really quick at the bank next. For some reason, I couldn't get the ATM outside to work, so I went inside. Went in, got my money, and went out.
Since it closes earlier than most of my other favorite stores, I hit up Samaritan Thrift next. This time, I made sure to bring more than enough cash to pick up a few things. I found a cornflower blue shirt with a false striped collar, a paperback copy of Ozma of Oz, and a lovely canvas with an oil of a glittering American flag against a starry night and shadowy palm trees I'll put up for the Fourth of July.
Ducked across Haddon to Phidelity Records after I got out. I did even better here, despite it being almost as busy. Along with picking up dollar DVD sets featuring the Bob Hope movies Sorrowful Jones, The Paleface, Caught In the Draft, and Give Me a Sailor, I made some pretty decent record finds. Between the two stores, I ended up with:
The original Broadway casts of the Duke Ellington revue Sophisticated Ladies and the lesser-known Rogers and Hammerstein musical Allegro
Donna Summer - The Wanderer
The George Shearing Quintet - On the Sunny Side of the Strip
The original soundtrack for the Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn movie Funny Face (This was the splurge at $18. Nothing else cost more than $5.)
The Great Comedians, a 5-disc collection of radio comedy show broadcasts from the mid-late 40's
Hurried down Cuthbert, avoiding rush-hour traffic on my way to the Westmont Acme. I didn't need a ton, but I did want to restock my granola bars, yogurt, grapes, and mozzarella snacking cheese. Bought bagels for work next week and sparkling apple-cranberry juice for tomorrow night.
Cut across Newton Lake Park going home. There were a couple of kids out with their friends at rush hour on a Saturday, but it otherwise wasn't that busy. It's really winter at the park now. The leaves are long gone, exposing the last of the dried seed pods and bird's nests. I pulled the cart over the dirt path on the hill, tugging it out of mud and leathery wet leaves.
Put everything away after I got home, then had dinner while watching Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! I go further into the Peanuts gang's New Year's celebration at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.
Moved to YouTube for tonight's Match Game marathon. Host Gene Rayburn finally got the spotlight in honor of his birthday last Friday. Gene's wacky imitations and goofy "anything for a laugh" gags really made the show. One of his most notorious early episodes was the time in 1973 when he turned up in such a god-awful plaid suit, the panel wouldn't look at him when he came out. He attacked the cameramen at least twice. The second time, he actually smacked his head on the camera!
He goofed off with the panelists, too. McLean Stevenson twice chased him around the studio, trying to get a kiss. McLean once took over hosting for Gene during the syndicated series when Gene and Charles got into an argument over the merits of the miniseries Sho-Gun that ended with Charles hitting Gene and Gene collapsing on Janelle Allen. Betty White rolled up his pant legs many times. When she exposed argyle socks, Gene ended up giving them to an audience member. Richard helped him get back into his suede shoes.
Gene loved his exercise, too. In 1978, he literally came running into the studio through the audience. He once roller skated into the show, too. In 1981, he tottered in wearing a wispy white wig as the infamously randy old man character Mr. Perriwinkle. Near the end of the show's run, he sported a bright patterned tunic and cowboy hat he borrowed from Charles.
Celebrate the New Year with everyone's favorite hammy host with the most!
Finished the night with The Lawrence Welk Show. Lawrence and his cast did annual New Year's episodes framed as big parties. In 1966, one of the Lennon sisters joined a shy mailman singer to ask "What are You Doing New Year's Eve?" Jo Anne Castle has a blast pounding "Happy Days are Here Again" on her sequin-and-balloon-covered piano. Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylen catch a "Tijuana Taxi" with their lively Mexican routine. Jimmy Roberts and Norma Zimmer recall "Moments to Remember" by the fire. Jack Imel encourages a trio of tapping football players to learn dance moves that "I can guarantee you won't see at any Bowl games," as Laurence put it.
Arthur Duncan gets a rare chance to kick off the show in 1974 with "Let's Start the New Year Right." He's followed by a pair of truly talented young polka dancers. The Semonksi Sisters make their second appearance with their sprightly version of "My Melody of Love." Bobby Burgess is joined by Cissy King for a swinging "When the Saints Go Marching In." Gail Farrell and Larry Hooper get an adorable "Be My Baby Bumble Bee," while Tanya Welk and Ken Delo wishes everyone "The Merriest." The show ends with everyone, including the youngest Semonski sister and the professional polka duo, dancing in the audience for a massive polka party.
Arthur also kicked off 1981, this time with "Happy Days are Here Again." Guy and Ralna do a rather bizarre version of "Fame." Bobby Burgess and Elaine Niverton dance a far more likely "Balboa." Ken Delo joins Mary Lou Metzinger and Jack Imel for "The Hucklebuck." Ava Barber gets the charming country number "I Wish You Were Here." The highlight here is the introduction of the Queen of the Tournament of Roses Parade and her court, with each girl smarter and more attractive than the next. Lawrence pairs them up with singers and members of his orchestra, then dances briefly with the queen herself.
Celebrate New Year's with your family and Lawrence Welk's!
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