Spring Is Just Around the Corner

It took longer to finish At the Back of the North Wind than I planned this morning. I had just enough time this morning to throw on a skirt, stockings, and my good black flats, grab breakfast, and call Uber. Even then, it took them 16 minutes to arrive. Thankfully, there was no traffic anywhere on the road to Marlton. I was barely 10 minutes late to my appointment at Innovative Charity Events.

As it turned out, I could have been infinitely late. They wanted me to work for commission and had no health insurance. No and no. I need the health insurance, and I want either a straight job, or one that I create. No commission. I kindly told them thanks anyway, and that I appreciated making it to their second round, even if it wasn't what I was looking for. At the least, they were all really nice about it. I called Uber when I got back downstairs. He arrived within 7 minutes, and got me back in less than 20. I wound up spending less than an hour in Marton.

Called Bryanna and told her what happened at the interview after I got in, then changed into less formal clothes. Looked up volunteer opportunities online. I'd still like to give back to my community, even if it's not actual work. 

Watched Spring for Strawberry Shortcake as I puttered online. The second of four hour-long specials that re-introduced Strawberry and her friends in 2002 operated on a somewhat similar premise as Strawberry Shortcake and the Winter That Would Not End. Once again, Strawberry and her friends have to figure out why winter is lingering. This time, it's not a stolen crystal, but a naughty fairy who would rather play in the snow than do her job. Strawberry, Ginger Snap, and Orange Blossom remind her of how important spring and the warm weather is, that working together can get a lot of things done, and that there's a time for play, and a time to work.

Headed out after the cartoon ended. The gentleman who drove me home mentioned that his favorite local pizzeria is Antonio's in Audubon. I thought I'd try them. Besides, it was too nice of a day to hang out inside. The weather remains gorgeous here. It's a little windier, but it's also sunny and warm. It was so warm, I was fine in my black cardigan when I went out.

Antonio's is next-door to the Speedy Mart and about a block from the main downtown district on Market Street in Audubon. With its chipped tan and green Formica tables and wooden paneled walls, the dining area screamed "70's" at the top of its lungs. It reminded me a bit of Figaro's Pizza, the pizzeria my family frequented in Cape May during the 80's and early 90's. (Figaro's still exists, but it's now known as Mario's Pizza.) 

I had pineapple and ham and plain cheese. The pineapple and ham wasn't bad, but the cheese....oooh. It was perfect. Good and greasy with just enough cheese. Washed them down with a bottle of Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi.

The weather was so gorgeous, I continued down Market Street, then turned down to Haddon Lake Park. Though the trees are only showing the barest signs of leaves, green grass is starting to pop up in lawns, and crocus and the beginnings of daffodils can be seen in gardens. Fountains sparkled and shot water in the air as people relaxed on metal benches around the paths. 

Took the long way home behind Goodwill, Ross, Marshalls, and Walmart, then onto Nicholson. They weren't too bad for 2:30 in the afternoon. I cut through Oaklyn so I could finally stop at Phillies Yummies. This time, they were open. I had a milkshake yesterday, so this time, I had a small coconut water ice. Oh yummy. It was perfect, sweet and tropical. I leaned on the counter outside and enjoyed my ice while watching parents stroll to the school as the kids began to get off class.

I was so tired when I got in, I went upstairs and into The Price Is Right. Bob wasn't too happy when the lady playing the Grand Game only managed to get one high-low price right, which only gave her one chance at finding $10,000. As it turned out, one was all she needed. Bob pulled out the $10,000 on his first try.

Put on One Night of Love after the show ended. I go further into the major hit opera backstage film that turned diva Grace Moore into a star at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

One Night of Love

Returned to Buzzr after the show ended for Match Game Syndicated. We meet a college student studying poetry in the first two episodes. This leads to a round of poetry jokes and attempted poetry from the panel, including Jon "Bowser" Bauman repeating the poem he wrote for the panel in 1978. Brett spends the next week lamenting to Stephanie Edwards, Robert Pine, and Debralee Scott that Charles would be leaving the show for the remainder of the season to appear in a play on Broadway.

Finished the night with disc 6 from my Reader's Digest Treasury of Operetta record set. The Student Prince is the romantic, star-crossed tale of the royal pupil of the title who falls in love with a barmaid, but has to abandon her and marry a princess he doesn't love for political purposes. The big hits here were the prince's duet with his teacher "Golden Days," "The Students' Drinking Song," and his duet with the barmaid, "Deep In My Hear, Dear." 

Victor Herbert's The Red Mill is a lot more fun. In fact, with goofy marches like "Every Day Is Ladies' Day With Me" and sprightly ballads like "Because You're You," this is more of a prototypical musical than a flat-out operetta. This tale of tourists in Denmark who gets involved with an innkeeper, his daughter, and her sweetheart produced standards in "Lady's Day" and the comic tourists' description of their hometown, "The Streets of New York."