Winds of Fall

Began the morning with breakfast and the very first episode of PAW Patrol on Paramount Plus. "Pups Make a Splash" when they have to help Cap'n Turnbot get his boat off the rocks and lead him safely to shore. Rocky, who hates water, is nervous about helping. "Pups Save the Fall Festival" when a storm is coming and the farmer needs to get all her apples and pumpkins into the barn before they freeze. Chase thinks he has nothing to do, until he and Ryder realize their friends are just running around willy-nilly and getting nothing done.

Went straight into Coco after the Pups ended. I go further into this touching story of a young Mexican boy who longs to be a musician and his skeletal friend who wants to be remembered on the Day of the Dead at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Celebrating the Day of the Dead - Coco 

Worked on writing next. Cora doesn't appreciate Stephen's treatment of the hunchback, shoving him away and kicking him around. Nor does she really want to meet his hangers-on in the court, and she doesn't like him sending her parents away so quickly, either. She had hoped to consult her father further on how to find out what Stephen is really up to.

Put on Match Game '77 while eating lunch. This was the week with Greg Morris and Roz Kelly that turned up in a marathon a few weeks ago. A fan came up to the stage and kissed Kelly, who said he was much better than Henry Winkler!

Headed off to work after that ended. Work was a lot busier than it has been, likely due to the beginning of the month. In fact, it was something of a mess. I had to spend a half-hour returning cold items that someone didn't want. I had a harder time keeping up with the carts on my own, too. I never did get to the trash. I was pretty happy to hurry out quickly as I could. At least the weather has improved. It was slightly warmer and much sunnier, though it remains windy and chilly for the time of year. And I ran into Willa, who owns my old home at Manor Avenue, near the end of my shift. She greeted me warmly and even gave me a hug.

Went straight into dinner and Match Game '76 when I got in. Gary Burghoff, sweet Joyce Bulifant, and future night time soap star Susan Sullivan joined for one of the last weeks of the year. Gary yells out his answer to what the chef spray his food with, knocking Gene back a bit. Later on, the top answer to "Ronald __" on the Audience Match isn't the one you probably think it is, especially if you grew up in the 80's like me.

Watched a bit of Match Game '79 after I took a shower. Charles is so sure his answer to "Seeing __" will be right, he walks right up to the Audience Match board...and is more than happy to play for the camera when his answer turns out to be on top. And then he asks for his own show!

Finished the night at Tubi with The Swordsman after a neighbor came and took out the air conditioner. 17th century Scotsman Alexander MacArden (Larry Parks) falls for beautiful Barbara Glowan (Ellen Drew) after he passes himself as a swordsman named Donald Frazer and bests her brothers in combat. Her cousin Robert Glowan (George Macready) has no desire to share her with one of those dastardly MacArdens and sets about framing Alexander for killing one of Barbara's brothers in the hope of bringing down his whole clan.

This is actually quite nice to look at for a B-level swashbuckler. The Technicolor outdoor shooting is gorgeous, especially during the contests and in all those long shots of castles and moors, and the costuming is spot-on for the time period. Drew's all right as the feisty lady, but Parks is out of place and is way too modern to be believable as a Scottish lord of the 17th century. It's also fairly slow-moving. Things don't pick up until later, when Alexander sets out to clear his family's name and win Barbara. Worth a look at least once if you're a big swashbuckler fan like me. 

Holiday Weekends and Matches

It was just cloudy and humid when I got up early this morning...but by the time I was getting dressed and having breakfast, we were in the middle of a full-blown, noisy thunderstorm. Obviously, I wasn't riding to work in that weather. Thankfully, it took nine minutes for the driver to arrive, and less than five to arrive at the Acme. 

Work wasn't a whole lot more fun than yesterday. Though the sun did come out later in the morning, we were still insanely busy. We had enough help, for once, and we were still busy. It's a holiday weekend and the beginning of the month. At least two other people came in early with me, and more arrived later in the afternoon, and the lines were still long. There were a few cranky people, but most were in much better moods, probably because the rain didn't linger.

I was supposed to be done at 2 PM. Someone else left at 2 as well...and of course, they sent the one person coming in for them and didn't bother to tell me I had no relief. They finally sent a manager in for me...after I was already late leaving and had a very long line. 

It was sunny, bright, and humid when I finally emerged. I was too tired for anything but calling Uber to take me home. Had no trouble getting a driver; they arrived within six minutes and got me home even faster than that.

After I got in and changed, I checked my phone. One neighbor called; another texted. Apparently, there was a stabbing in the parking lot of the Acme, and they were worried about me. What?! I had no idea. One of my customers mentioned about an hour or so before I left that there were police cars in the side lot near Arby's and it was taped off, but he didn't know what happened, and I didn't, either. I was inside all day, and not really paying attention by the time I got off. 

I tried to find out more information, but there seemed to be nothing online besides a couple of Facebook posts that didn't know what happened, either. Finally got fed up and went down for a much-needed nap at 3. Rolled out of bed at almost 5, still dead tired.

Called Mom to wish her a happy 4th of July; ended up talking to her for over an hour. She's officially moving to Virginia on the 28th. Keefe and Julia will come down the 27th on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry with his truck. She'll drive Mom's car and a rented UHaul back; he'll take Mom and anything that doesn't fit in the UHaul. They're going mid-week to beat the traffic going to the Shore and the beaches in Delaware and Maryland. 

We're both still really frustrated about Rose. I haven't heard from her since that one call on my birthday. Apparently, Rose didn't say much when she saw her at Lilah's recital a few weeks ago, and they left early anyway because her five-year-old daughter Finley got fidgety. No one's heard from her since, not even Anny and Keefe. 

I've gone from upset to flat-out angry at her. To paraphrase Balki in the first Perfect Strangers Christmas episode, Rose gives great advice, but when the tables are turned around, she acts like a big baby. Mom and I couldn't have afforded to live together, even if I could have figured out how to get down there. We don't make enough money to rent a house at the Shore. The area is very expensive; always was, even going back to my childhood. It's the reason we moved from rented house to rented house every year or two, because we'd be constantly looking for ones we could afford. 

Rose's idea of "sacrifice" means "doing what's good for her, not anyone else." I'm tired of her snubbing Mom and bossing me around. I'm not a child, and she needs to stop treating me that way. She threw a fit last fall when she said I wasn't planning well enough to get an apartment...and then turns around and gets angry because her plan doesn't work out? Why does everyone have to do everything her way? She's a lawyer and a mother. She should know better than to act less mature than her five-year-old daughter. 

Mom suggested I write her or call her. I'm not sure I'm up to either. I'm afraid I won't know what to say at all, or say things in the heat of anger that we'll both regret. I just want her to understand why I stayed here and to talk to Mom. Mom's in excellent health for a 66-year-old, but she's still not going to be around forever. She's only hurting everyone around her by cutting herself off like this - her family, her children, her mother, me, herself. Considering Mom still isn't speaking to a lot of her family, you'd think she would understand that better. 

It was past 6:30 when I finally broke for dinner. Ate a quick leftovers meal while listening to America the Beautiful. I put on this Reader's Digest collection of patriotic-themed songs and pieces the Sunday before every 4th of July. Most of my favorites are on side 2, record 1. I love the clip-clopping rhythm of the Grand Canyon Suite and hearing people sing along to familiar George M. Cohan tunes during a medley at a Boston Pops concert.

Finished the night on YouTube after a shower with rare and underrated Match Game episodes. I haven't seen a Match Game run yet I haven't enjoyed. I even like the few remaining episodes from the 60's version and what little I've seen of the recently-ended Alec Baldwin run. (Granted, I haven't seen the notoriously cheap 1998 version yet.) 

The show ended on CBS in the spring of 1979 and immediately moved to syndication later that fall. Some of the syndicated episodes are as funny as anything that turned up on CBS. (In fact, there's syndicated episodes that are supposedly so ribald, they're banned or lost due to humor that was offensive even then.) The ones I went with here are the hilarious show that began with Charles Nelson Reilly in the contestant's seat, claiming he's Art Fennbach, a 29-year-old father (to which Brett answers "You wish!") and the first episode to feature Betty White and Trotter, the sweet black mutt who belonged to Gene Rayburn's daughter Lynne. 

Likewise, other than showing the goofy episode where Gene Rayburn wore that really hideous green plaid suit, Buzzr hasn't run a lot of Match Game '73. Granted, some early episodes are lost or damaged, and there's at least three that are banned for offensive answers (including the second pilot), but there's a also lot more that are as funny as anything that turned up later. Likewise, they've never shown any of the PM episodes from 1975 and '76. Gene spends a lot of these episodes dealing with equipment malfunctions on the stage, including a turntable going the wrong way in '73 and Joyce Bulfant's microphone coming loose in a 1975 nighttime episode. 

Loved finally getting to see Match Game '90 from late 2020 through last summer. Many fans ignore this version because Gene's not the host, but it has a lot going for it. Charles is back as a regular, and Brett appears for a few weeks around Halloween. I honestly like the host, Ross Schafer. He's charming, handsome, and a lot funnier than people give him credit for. Other enjoyable semi-regulars here include Betty White, Marcia Wallace, Fred Travalena, comedian and voice artist Joe Alasky, Pam Stone, Brad Garrett (who did a dead-on impression of Charles), Sally Struthers, Jimmie Walker, Stuart Damon, Vicki Lawrence (who started a feud with Ross late in the run), and Ronn Lucas and his dragon puppet Scorch. Showcased the premiere episode here and Brett's first show, revealing that she and Charles are still having more fun than anyone else around them.

If you're looking for something different in your matches, check out these rarities!

Match Game '73 - Episode 111 (Turntable Trouble)

Match Game '73 - Episode 112 (Gene's Burt Reynolds Pose)

Match Game PM - Episode 3 (Gene the Handyman)

Match Game PM - Episode 10 (Gene's Microphone Falls Apart)

Match Game Synd - Episode 80 (Charles Is a Contestant?)

Match Game Synd - Episode 221 (Betty White Meets Trotter) 

Match Game '90 - Episode 1 (Premiere)

Match Game '90 - Episode 26 (Brett Somers Returns!) 

Little Summer Showers

Began the morning with breakfast and sunshine. It was still pretty nice when I headed out, sunny and more humid than yesterday, but nothing out of line for early July. Ran into one of my former neighbors in Oaklyn on my way to work who mentioned she heard about an apartment that was renting for $950. That was nice of her, but I don't think they'll take me. As I tried to explain, it doesn't matter how much money I have in the bank. I just don't make enough at work for most renters. I need to find a better job before I can find a better home.

I was supposed to be cashiering today, and I did start out doing that, until around 2. Then, they pulled me to take carts. The afternoon bagger was late, and the morning bagger needed help. I continued doing carts until quarter of 6, after which they pulled me again to take customers. One of the cashiers went on break. Doesn't help that we're at the beginning of the month, and a lot of customers aren't in the best of moods. Heavy clouds gathered and it showered later in the day, but nothing heavy, and it was long gone by the time I finished. 

Picked up shortbread cookies and more of those on-sale date bars after work. Mixed feelings on my schedule next week. My hours on the 4th of July aren't bad at all, and there's no 8 1/2 hour days...but I also have an extra-early day on Sunday and my next and only day off is Friday. I really hate this working 7 and 8 days straight through business. I know I'm not supposed to complain, since people in hospitals and factories work 60 hours a week around the clock, but...it's still tiring. 

I was bone-weary when I got off. Went straight home and into dinner Match Game PM. Fannie Flagg is delighted to flirt with an older former Air Force soldier throughout much of the episode. Dick Martin, sweet little Sarah Kennedy, and the others are more content to figure out what a much-married person has on their towels and and "Game of __" on the Audience Match. (Oh, and fantasy fans, the answer isn't what you think...)

Finished the night at Paramount Plus after a shower with The Love Boat. Everyone's gambling on love during a big casino-themed cruise in season seven. The woman who organized the cruise (Celeste Holm) has to deal with bailing out her troubled brother (Richard Jaeckel) yet again when "The Buck Stops Here." Her brother is the one who convinces a newlywed (Leah Ayres) to throw her money and her husband's (Shea Farrell) to the wind for a big payout that could leave them with more for a new house "For Better or for Worse." A man about to sell a rare coin (McLean Stevenson) says "Bet On It" when he and his girlfriend (Jo Ann Pflug) spend the weekend glued to a slot machine after she uses the coin in it. 

(Oh, and it looks like Let's Make a Deal with be making at least a temporary return to Buzzr this summer! In good news, there will be a marathon on the 18th. In annoying news, starting that Monday, it replaces Match Game PM. At least it's a show I really like and admittedly have missed seeing on the channel. Hey Buzzr, while we're bringing back old favorites, how about dragging Family Feud off the weekends, bringing back the Monty Hall Split Second, or putting Blockbusters back in the mornings?)

Golden Slumbers

Began a cloudy morning with a quick breakfast and a ride to work from a neighbor. I got in with plenty of time...but as it turned out, I could have been infinitely late. It got a little busy around 12:30-1 PM. Other than that, we were dead almost the entire day. I spent the first couple of hours pushing the five carts outside that needed to be done and the rest of my shift filling spray bottles with cleaning liquid, returning cold items, and standing around bored. 

At least it wound up being a nice day to push carts. By the time I got off at 3, the sun was out, and it was a hot and windy day. Took me a little while to get Uber, 13 minutes, but they were on time when they did get there. No traffic either way; I was home within five minutes.

As soon as I got in, I went straight upstairs and into bed. I am still so wiped out. It's been a long couple of months. I'm definitely appreciating that I'm finally getting more chances to rest. Napped for almost two hours and felt a bit better afterwards.

Did some writing after that. Charles and Brett follow the Jabberwock to a cave in the side of a mountain. Neither especially want it to burn them to a crisp, but they also want to find the Vorpal Sword and get out of Limbo. Charles leads Brett in while Brett laments the state her clothes are in.

Broke for dinner at 6:30. Watched a very cute episode of Match Game '74 while eating leftovers. One of Allen Ludden's answers were so bad, Gene tore it up and handed it to Betty White and her mother Tess in the audience! Later, Allen proved to be a man way ahead of his time with his answer to "Walking __" in the Audience Match. It may have been a little obscure to audiences then, but nowadays, thanks to a certain hit show on AMC, would likely be the top answer...

Started to make my bed and strip the sheets during Match Game PM. I have no idea where they kept digging up these really tall contestants. In this case, we had a contestant who was 6'8. Gene quickly told him when he asked him if he wanted A or B, he could have anything he wanted! 

Finished putting the summer sheets and quilt on the bed while watching another new episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. The Neighborhood of Make Believe just got a pool, and Daniel's very excited! Queen Sarah, Mrs. Tiger, and lifeguard Prince Tuesday remind him and Prince Wednesday about how rules keep us safe and why "Daniel Follows the Rules of the Pool." He's also excited about joining Queen Sarah, Katerina, and Miss Elaina for "Daniel's First Swim Class," especially getting to blow bubbles in the water! Katerina's upset when a storm rolls in and they have to clear out before she can blow bubbles, but as Prince Tuesday reminds them, being in the water during a thunderstorm really isn't a good idea.

Another neighbor came over and got the chain back on my bike while the show was on. He wasn't able to tighten it, though. I probably will have figure out how to get to Cherry Hill for that. 

Finished the night online after a shower with The Love Boat. Gopher's singing "The Spider Serenade" when he falls for a lady (Jill St. John) who begged him to squish a spider in her cabin, before he realizes she's married. A young man (James MacArthur) wonders if having a "Next Door Wife" is such a bad thing when his ex (Joanna Pettet) gets the room next to him and his fiancée (Susan Buckner). Two cruise ship executives and former middleweight champs (Milton Berle and Alan Hale Jr.) fought each other years ago, but knocked out the referee. They want to settle things now...but learn that "The Harder They Fall" when Captain Steubing ends up in the middle of their feud. 

Happy Birthday Matches

Started a gorgeous day with a very quick yogurt-and-peanut-butter breakfast with two oranges. At this point, it was sunny, bright, and very warm out. It had to be in the upper 70's by 10:30, when I headed out. Mom mentioned that the best way to combat disorder of electrolytes was with Propel, so I stopped at WaWa on the way to Barrington for a watermelon, along with a tasty chocolate protein bar with the least sugar and ingredients I could find.

Pulled in at the Barrington Antique Center around quarter after 11. This is a huge barn of a place on Clements Bridge Road. It's rabbit warren of tiny rooms are stuffed full of every possible even mildly vintage thing you can think of, from 100-year-old china sets and figurines to DVDs and toys from four or five years ago. 

You could probably spend a whole day exploring the place, but I only had an hour. Finally found a pretty and unique 18-inch doll sitting with a few other mid-century toys upstairs. Her sales tag said she was from 1966. She had badly matted rooted blonde hair pulled back in a messy ponytail with a rubber band, but she was otherwise in perfect shape for a nearly 50-year-old doll. Her hard plastic body had no cracks or blemishes, the very mod makeup and blue eyeshadow was bright and sultry on her rubber head, and her purple paisley minidress, underwear, and stockings had no snags. She even had her white soft plastic shoes. To my surprise, she was only 8 dollars, marked down to $6.82 with their store-wide 20% off sale.

Rushed across the street to lock my bike at the rack next to the pizza parlor and pick up the bus on Clements Bridge Road. For once, they were right on time. Despite it being past 12:30, there was no traffic anywhere, not even in Deptford or on the Black Horse Pike. I spent the 20 minute trip listening to two old men chatter loudly about local events.

Since the bus lets you off right next-door, I had lunch at Red Robin. They were so busy with the tail end of the lunch crowd, I ate next to the bar. Kept things simple with an iced tea, a grilled chicken sandwich, and steak fries. The fries were perfectly seasoned and crispy. The sandwich was too salty and way too dry. Too bad they didn't have the Salmon Burger again. That was so much better. 

Round 1 Entertainment is two doors down from Red Robin. Spent the next hour running from giant Bust-a-Move to giant Space Invaders to giant Pac Man to Skee Ball to a bean bag toss, and having a marvelous time doing so. Tried several cranes, including one that had big stuffed Lunas from Sailor Moon, but wasn't able to win anything. Also did two carnival wheels that required you to turn them with your own power, one with a pirate theme. Didn't turn my points in; I'll wait until Lauren visits to see how much I have. 

Walked around a bit after that. The Deptford Mall FYE is primarily for pop culture knick-knacks and doesn't have the DVD or music selection that the larger ones in Lauren's area did. Didn't see anything I really needed at another pop culture store, Box Lunch. Bought new pants for work from JC Penney and socks from Boscov's. 

Picked up the bus at 4:30. Once again, it was right on time, and there were no problems getting back. Good thing, too. Dark clouds gathered, even as the bus chugged along Clements Bridge Road. By the time I unlocked my bike, they were thick, black, and nearly overhead.

Stopped briefly at WaWa again on the way back for more Propel and a salad for tomorrow...but I wasn't able to outrun the storm. It started raining hard as I rode through Audubon. Waited ten minutes at the entrance to Legacy Diner, then just moved on and got wet.

One of my neighbors invited me over for a birthday dinner while I was at the Antique Center. Alas, I ended up being ten minutes late. I actually passed her car as I rode furiously down Newton Avenue. She was going to come and get me. I parked my bike in her garage and dried off there with one of her towels instead.

Had chicken Parmesan, baked ziti, and salad with my neighbor, her elderly mother, and two other women from the neighborhood. They gave me cards and an ice cream cake and sang "Happy Birthday." I got to show them Candy and tell them about my adventures and how I'm doing in my new home. The rain was already stopping when I arrived. By the time I headed out, it was long gone and sunny again, though windier and much chillier. 

Watched Match Game PM as I brushed Candy's blonde tresses and tied them back with a piece of white yarn. Bubbly Betty Kennedy took Brett's spot while she was doing a play in St. Louis. Swedish jokes abounded here when Gene discovers that the male panelists speaks that language. Charles is more nervous about answering "__ Sprout" while that UCLA crowd hoots and hollers.

Finished off the night with even more Match Game. I enjoyed that favorite episodes marathon I did on my birthday last year so much, I did a second round of more episodes I love. Started with the one in 1973 when McLean Stevenson appeared naked from the waist up on the show except for a bow tie. McLean borrowed clothes from the other male panelists that week, and apparently they wouldn't loan him anything else. Richard makes a crack about having to get him to the Largo, a then-popular strip club in LA.

Betty White appears in many of my favorite episodes. Of course, I had to include the one from 1974 when everyone celebrates her birthday in the end. (Incidentally, by my calculations, she was 52. Not 73, as Brett suggests! At least, not then.) 

I also love the episode from the end of the week in 1975 where she and her beloved game show host husband Allen Ludden appeared on the panel together. Gene said "I've had Betty" in response to the contestant calling on her in the Audience Match, prompting her husband to come down for a little chat. Said contestant was supposed to belly dance if she won, but the music department played "Stars and Stripes Forever." Not that this stopped Brett and Betty from showing their own versions of belly dancing!

1975 was also the year of Richard's infamous answer of "Trench Hand" to "Trench __" in the Audience Match. He and Gene joked about eradicating "Trench Hand" for the rest of the episode, and they'd refer to this several times over the years. Richard did better a year later helping an older woman win money with an especially difficult Head-to-Head, "__ Ball." Charles was less amused when he did his own imitation of him a little earlier in '76.

By 1977, Richard was hosting Family Feud and was quite fed up with appearing on a show where he had little control over the proceedings. The School Riot was one infamous incident when he argued with the judges over an answer. He argued over his answer of "baggie" for "bag" later that year, and though he was equally incensed over being turned down, his protests didn't come out as well this time. 

Richard's departure in 1978 threw the spotlight on other members of the panel. Brett was reunited with her maybe-ex-husband Jack Klugman when he appeared on the panel in late 1978, after the set changed and the Star Wheel came in. By the last episode of the week, they were arguing next to each other, and the remaining panelists held a mock wedding for them. Sweetly silly Joyce Bulifant got to show off her early dance training by doing an awesome jitterbug with a former champion dancer in an episode from 1979.

One of the most memorable contestants ever on the show appeared during two 1979 syndicated episodes. Ginger was a very nice lady who gave some of the strangest answers I've ever heard. Her answer to "100 legs and __" was "accordion." She somehow managed to win and give "Cuckoo, Friend, and Ollie" for "Cuckoo __" in the Head-to-Head, to the utter frustration of Robert Walden, who was supposed to match her. Her answer literally sent everyone onstage falling over laughing. Gene ran around in goofy shock, spinning the Star Wheel and yelling "Run for your lives!"

Things could get even rowdier on the nighttime show. Marcia Wallace's answer to where a guy lost a couple of inches was censored on an episode in 1977. It's easy to tell from the expression of mixed shock and amusement on Richard's face when he saw her answer that he couldn't believe she said that, either. 

Here's all of tonight's Match Game episodes, including the one from Buzzr, so you can celebrate with some of the wildest people to ever hold a birthday bash!

1973 - McLean Is Shirtless

1974 - Betty White's Birthday

1975 - "I've Had Betty"

1975 - Trench Hand

1976 - Richard Imitates Charles

1976 - Richard Plays "Hard Ball"

1977 PM - Marcia Wallace Is Censored

1977 - Richard's Baggie Riot

1978 - Jack and Brett's Wedding

1979 - Joyce's Jitterbug

1979 Synd - The Accordion Answer

1979 Synd - Cuckoo, Friend, and Ollie

1981 PM - Betty Kennedy Sits in for Brett

And here's my review of Sister Act 2: Back In the Habit, which I watched yesterday. 

Sister Act 2: Back In the Habit

Spring Has Sprung

Awoke to a trilling phone. Mom finally got back to me after I called her last night. I'm still upset about Rose ignoring me and saying she's done with me. Why? If she's having problems, why can't she talk to me? She also keeps taking on the legal work for the entire clan, without considering the toll that takes on her and her relationships with us. I also later found out from Craig on Facebook that her 15-year-old miniature pincher Kelsey just died after a long battle with kidney disease, too. Kelsey was Rose's first dog she had as an adult, and she was as much her baby as her human babies. 

Still...we're sisters, barely a year apart. We've shared a lot over the years. I know we're as different as can be, but that doesn't mean I don't love her. Is she afraid she'll end up taking care of me? Why? I'm an adult. I can take care of myself. Why can't she trust me? Because she doesn't think I can change? Because she's angry I didn't move in with Mom? Why did she think that was a great idea in the first place?

I want to prove I can change. In addition to the doctor's appointments, there's other medical examinations I've put off. Next on the list after the physical along with the neuropsychologist is an updated eye exam and finally buying new glasses. I had my previous exam in February 2020, less than a month before the pandemic began. By the time I had money for glasses, the pandemic was in full swing, and I wasn't sure they were even open. Haven't been to the gynecologist since 2018, either. I had extensive dental work done last year, so my next check-up will be put off until the late spring-early summer, but it will get done. 

After I finally got off with Mom, I spent the next hour and a half finishing The Life (and Wife) of Allen Ludden, then had breakfast. Ate it fast, then took my tea upstairs to watch the end of Supermarket Sweep. Came in just as a trio of daughters were running the Big Sweep for their moms. 

Spent the next hour and a half doing research and checking around my blog. I did finally call the Clinical Neuropsychology Associates office in Voorhees. They need to check my insurance and see what I can pay before they give me an appointment; said it'll be a few days. 

Had a quick muffin-and-fruit lunch before heading out. It was way too nice to sit inside. I've spent too much time inside lately anyway. Spring has certainly sprung in Camden County. Daffodils blossom like frilly yellow suns in the front yard; new dark green grass pushes through old, brittle yellow patches. Buds push their way through the branches on the trees bobbing over the bottle-green lake. 

Headed down the dirt path, intending to come out at Bettlewood...but maybe that wasn't the best idea. The path was still muddy and slippery from the heavy rains and snow we had earlier in the week. I mostly walked on either side of the path until I got closer to the entrance and was on firmer footing. 

Made my way down Bettlewood after I left the park, then across the White Horse Pike. I was hoping to have a chat with some of my neighbors about Rose, Jodie, and the house. Ran into Maria and her darling granddaughter Piper as I came up to Manor. While Piper played in one of the new patches of grass and counted the planes flying overhead, she told me Jodie left for good earlier in the morning. The new owners won't be moving in until May, though. Jodie only refinished the floors and painted the house. It requires far more extensive remodeling than that. 

Another neighbor drove up as we talked. She had a pile of clothes she got off a friend whose sister died and thought I might want. Most of the pants were too small, and while I appreciate her fondness for L.L Bean's shirts, they tend to run small too. I did find a pair of shorts that might work and several shirts, including two Hawaiian shirts. 

We ended up at her mother's condo on the other side of Bettlewood on the way home. Her mother is a tiny, frail older lady in her 90's who moves around with a walker. She kept insisting my neighbor buy her ballpoint pens, even though she apparently bought her pens earlier. She left her mother looking for care options online when we left and she took me home. 

Watched Whew! as I made a to-do list of everything I need to get done in the next few weeks. Rita Moreno and Richard Kline were the celebrities helping their contestants charge through pun-filled statements in this episode. Rita and her lady had no trouble getting to the top, and even less difficulty holding off the guys. 

Let Match Game '76 run as I finished up my list. Towards the end of the episode, Gene mentions Richard's starring in a new show called Family Feud in the fall. Everyone congratulates his good fortune...but Richard's involvement with Feud will cause many headaches for all concerned in the coming months as the demand of starring in two game shows takes a toll on him.

Worked on writing for an hour after I finished. Everyone's out of breath but a lot happier after doing "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush" with Patti and Donald. They somehow have the energy to recite "The Walrus and the Carpenter," too. Their good humor won't last much longer, though...

Switched to Match Game PM while getting leftovers for dinner. A good-looking Naval officer played a pretty Israeli woman who didn't speak English that well and didn't seem to really understand the game. Charles has more luck with "__ Electric" in the Head-to-Head.

Finished the night after a shower exploring online. I re-signed with HBO Max. Yes, on one hand, they're a bit pricier than the competition...but they also have TCM movies, plus a decent selection of Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, and Scooby Doo shows and shorts and most everything DC put out, and frankly a far better selection of old and new movies than Paramount Plus. I mainly wanted them for the TCM movies I can no longer get without cable. 

Settled for an episode of old favorite Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman after I finally got on. Clark and Lois are about to consummate their marriage in the fourth season when H.G Wells (Terry Kieser) shows up and tells them they're under a curse. Bad things will happen if they make love. They have to go back in time, first to a medieval era where Clark is a Robin Hood-esque outlaw and Lois is the lady he loves, and then to the Wild West, where Clark is pretty much the Lone Ranger and Lois is a local reporter whose parents were kidnapped by bandits, to end the curse and prove why they're "Soul Mates." 

Getting to Know You

Began my first day off in my new home by sleeping in and reading Devonshire Scream. I quickly wrote in my journal, then changed while watching Match Game '75. Soap star Trudi Wiggins of Search for Tomorrow marked her first and only week on the show. Ron Pallio and Nipsey Russell got to join in as well.

Had to run errands anyway, so I decided I'd get a quick bite to eat. Wanted to buy thank you cards for all the ladies who helped me move last week, but they didn't have them at Family Dollar. They did at Dollar General, though. I also got some snacks for later, a sparkling water, and a soft cooler to keep drinks and snacks in (and keep ants out). Got a soft pretzel and a hot chocolate at WaWa, along with a muffin for work tomorrow.

Finally caught my neighbor Brittany at home and was able to give her the money I borrowed for the movers. I feel really guilty about how bad I'm doing. She says I'm not, but...I am. I haven't reconciled with Rose or gotten my dolls back from her. I haven't gotten close to organizing my rooms yet.  I should have called my doctor, so I can make that neuropsychologist appointment, and I haven't. I feel like a teenager who can't do anything for herself anymore. 

My family moved a lot from 1980 until we finally ended up in slightly more suburban North Cape May in 1994. Cape May was expensive even then, and my parents could only afford to rent homes. Once the house got too expensive for them, they argued with the owners, or the owners decided they wanted it, we'd have to leave again. I'm tired of having to leave. 

No more living with relatives, either. For one thing, I'm out of relatives to live with. Rose and Anny want to move their broods to Hammonton. Mom's going to live with my brother in Virginia. Jodie's going to finally get her house at the Shore after mid-March. Jessa and Joe are the only ones who have any intention of staying here, and they live in a small, overstuffed condo in Deptford. Rose said she was willing to find or build a house with a mother-in-law suite for me, but I'm wary of that idea after what happened with Jodie. I'd rather have my own space away from the family.

I'm really overwhelmed. There's too much to do and going on. And all of this on top of work and the continuing pandemic. I was hoping to prove how well I could do things on my own, and now I feel more like a child than ever.

Went right upstairs when I got home. Put on the 1999 animated The King and I for review on Amazon Prime while having a bag of nuts and dried fruit for lunch and shelving hardback adult novels and self-help books in the back room (when I wasn't reading them). I go further into this notorious version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein show at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

Animation Celebration Saturday - The King and I (1999)

Switched to Sheriff Callie's Wild West when I finally did get to having leftovers for dinner, and then as I unloaded the CD binders on the shelf behind my bed. Toby and Peck are worried that it's "The Long Adios" and that Sheriff Callie may leave them when she substitutes for Frida Fox for a day on her wild west show. They do everything they can to keep her from leaving. The town makes a "Fire Engine Fuss" when some of them use their new vehicle for regular chores. They learn why the engine is intended for fires only when they have to work together to put out a fire, and the engine is broken.

Finished the night on Kanopy with another German fairy tale movie, The Devil With the Three Golden Hairs. In this case, a young miller gets help from bandits when he has to win a lovely princess and snatch the title objects from a rather goofy devil. This one is from 1977, and it's more like one of the Canon Movie Tales, with it's obvious and cheap special effects and over-the-top performances. I do give them credit for adapting a Grimm's Fairy Tale that's rarely seen outside of literature, even if it's not a 100 percent adaptation. (For one thing, the king had a slightly worse fate in the original story than the bandits beating up on him and his court for the trouble they caused.)

Adjustments

Actually, I started off my first morning in my new home with a very quick breakfast. Someone must have dumped out the whole wheat flour cannister before we left yesterday...which really gets me angry. That stuff is expensive. And I still can't find my lunch bag. I grabbed the lunch bag I used to carry snacks on the trains.  At least I still had cereal left.

Hurried out to work shortly after. Even with having to cross the White Horse Pike, I actually arrived five minutes early. Work was off-and-on steady, nothing terrible for a Sunday. It did pick up a little later in the afternoon during rush hour, but other than that, it wasn't bad. Sunny but gale-force windy weather and it being close to the beginning of the month were probably factors. 

Brittany appeared at my register just before my relief arrived. I ran out this morning and left my cell phone in my room. I had no idea Melissa invited me to her birthday party. I was too tired to say no. Besides, Melissa was a huge help with moving. I ended up riding my bike back to Hilcrest when Brittany couldn't fit it in her car. Jodie said I could put it in her garage. (She somehow managed to convince the realtor to let her stay until March 14th!) 

Melissa and Janice's small house was teeming with people when we arrived. Melissa is Italian and wanted Italian dishes for her birthday. We had yummy baked ziti, chicken Parmesan, sausage, and giant meatballs. I appreciate that Melissa thought of me and thinks so much of my writing, but I didn't know many of the people there and felt awkward. I had more fun playing Trouble with a neighbor and Brittany's kids Savannah and Ryan. (I won the first game, Ryan the second after he took my neighbor's spot.)

When I got home, I finally changed, set up the record player next to the TV, and went online. Watched Playmobil: The Movie to make up for missing last night's review. I go further into this action-packed tale of a sister and brother who are whisked into the world of the German toy line at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

Animation Celebration Saturday - Playmobil: The Movie

Movin' Out

Began the morning by calling out of work. Beyond having to move today, I'm not crazy about being stuck working nine days in a row again. I had to call twice because the manager wants to hear that 

with breakfast and the first episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. It's "Daniel's Birthday," and he's excited about the cake he helped decorate with Baker Aker. His delight turns to disappointed when he brings it home, and it's smushed. His dad helps him find something good about it anyway. Dan and his friends Miss Elaina and Prince Wednesday are excited about "Daniel's Picnic." First, their ball deflates...but it helps them discover a new game. Then they're chased inside by rain, but decide you can have a picnic inside, too. 

Put music on YouTube as I bustled around, trying to get everything done. Washed the dishes, then packed them. Threw anything that was still loose into boxes and taped them. Striped the sheets and bagged them and the remaining stuffed animals. Packed up the laptop and its accessories. 

I was still working when my neighbors arrived. One came earlier and swept around the front steps, so no one would slip. We started making piles of what would go into storage and what I wanted to take. There was no way around calling a storage facility. I wouldn't need my kitchen things in two small rooms, and my Christmas things wouldn't fit. (I did point out that we're close enough to Easter to bring my spring decorations bin, and I only have one small bag for the summer and patriotic decorations anyway.) Even the children of my neighbors next-door and across the street helped.

Kevin the mover and his partner arrived around quarter of 10. For slender guys, they sure were strong. They loaded everything I wanted to take into their big square truck. The little boys were fascinated by that truck, until they ran down the street to play other games. Jodie, her son TJ, and his husband Eric would take anything that didn't fit or wasn't needed to my new storage room in Lawnside later.

Yes, I now have a storage unit. It's the smallest one they have. This wasn't super-cheap, but it was also the closest option for storage. Most storage facilities in this area are in Cherry Hill or Maple Shade. My neighbor across the street helped me get through to them and sign everything. 

Melissa, Brittany, and I left Jodie waiting for her sons and followed Kevin and his truck to Cindy's. She was more than happy to chat with the ladies while Kevin and his friend did the lifting, with occasional help from me. (I do heft 35 count containers of bottled water for a living!)

It took almost over a hour and a half to get everything in. Thankfully, the desk did fit...but the futon did not. I finally decided not to keep it. My remaining furniture consisted of shelves, a table, and the long, narrow entertainment center and fit just fine. If anything, height was more of a question than getting them through the door. More than three-fourths of the boxes and bins wound up in the closet. 

I organized the spices while they finished. I took out some bottles she didn't have or only had small amounts of, like ginger and orange peel. Gave the rest to Kevin, who said he liked to cook, to thank him for doing so well (along with his regular pay). 

We went back over to Jodie's around 12:30. TJ and Eric only just arrived and finished loading the truck. Melissa, Brittany, and I took a quick side detour to Dollar General. We couldn't find a lock there, but we did get soda. I tried the new Coca Cola Starlight. I thought it tasted metallic...until I realized I grabbed the Coke Zero version instead of the regular. Oh well. I probably don't need that much sugar.

 It took us a while to get everyone going in the right direction, but we did manage to get there. The series of low white and green buildings were near the cemetery and Dunkin' Donuts. We stopped in to ask the young lady at the desk about getting in and if we needed a lock. They provided the locks, but I did need to get my number to open the gate from the information they sent me online. 

Turns out, I should have been more discriminate about who packed what and what they packed. I retrieved several items I knew would fit at the other house, including tea and bag of important folders I kept under my desk. I didn't want records in the small space I rented, because I wasn't sure they'd fit or survive being in a small cramped room. TJ and Eric said they'd keep the remaining box of records at their house outside of Philly until I was ready for them. 

Brittany and I stopped for Chick Fil'A on the way back to Oaklyn. I ate a grilled chicken sandwich while she took us to her house next-door to Jodie's. I went in to clear out the refrigerator. Some half-empty condiments I got rid of, but I did bring others, frozen and fresh vegetables, and the two packs of chicken. 

We were eventually joined by another neighbor, who offered to pick up my bike and go out to dinner with me. Everyone else had other plans. After briefly stopping so my neighbor could visit her feisty older mother, we went out to eat. We were going to invite everyone, but the others were all busy. Truth be told, I was tired of dealing with crowds anyway. I was fine treating my neighbor to a mararita and taco at Jalepeno's Bar and Grill. I had the same iced tea and veggie quesadilla as I did when Lauren ate there in September. We enjoyed our meal and marveled at the two enormous men who had six beers between them.

She finally dropped me off around quarter of 6. Having moved my things off of it, they deemed my old mattress too far gone and got rid of it.

After we took the mattress downstairs and my neighbor left, I made the bed, unloaded the stuffed animals, and went through the closet. I couldn't find my work lunch bag, and I needed it! It was the one thing I needed that I just couldn't find. Everything else missing reappeared. My neighbor threw the electrical safety strip into one of the entertainment center cabinets. I put the remote control for the TV in my purse so it wouldn't vanish. Unloaded a few boxes with questionable items, some of which should have been discarded, donated, or put in storage. Took more boxes to the bedroom. I went over every inch of that darn closet, and I just couldn't find it. I'll try again tomorrow.

It was so late by the time I got in the shower, I only had the time for a Match Game '76 episode before the Super Password premiere on YouTube. Talk show host Mike Douglas turned up in the opening, jokingly asking if he went in the wrong studio and congratulating the panel for the show being such a hit. Brett was delighted to have someone else around to flirt with. Gene wasn't as happy, though, adding to the gag by claiming Douglas hit him on the head. 

Weathering the Storms

Began the morning with breakfast and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. "Mickey's Handy Helpers" break down right before they're supposed to make a huge dinner for the Disney crew. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto go below the Clubhouse to the Handy Helper Machine to find out what's making the squeak inside it.

It poured cats, dogs, and chickens as I quickly rounded up my lunch and changed. There was no way I could ride to work on the bike. Called Uber and waited for them on the porch. I took me a while to find someone, but I still managed to get to work just in time.

Work was on-and-off busy, mainly because we continue to be short on help. They just didn't have anyone else they could assign to the morning shift. I did manage to shelve candy between customers.

I was not happy with my schedule at all. On one hand, relatively short shifts, all cashiering...but I don't get another day off until next Saturday! My last day off was Thursday. I know, a lot of people are out of work and I shouldn't complain, but it's a lot. How the heck am I going to organize my new rooms or get my laundry done or start looking for a job? 

Thankfully, by the time I got out of work at 4, the weather had greatly improved. The rain vanished in the late morning; the sun came out around 2-3PM. I still had a hard time finding an Uber at the start of rush hour. And I was supposed to be meeting the ladies at my apartment so we could see what we could take over! It took me 10 minutes to find a ride, and another 20 for them to arrive.

They came in as I tried to start packing more items. There are just some things I'm not going to be able to take with me. Books and DVDs and dolls, yes...kitchen things, no. One woman gave the rest of us a number for a moving company she knew...but for some reason, it kept connecting us to a Mediterranean restaurant. We must have called those people six or seven times. I felt sorry for them. They probably didn't know what was going on. She did finally get through to the guy and convinced him to help move my furniture. 

And I'm worried. I love my desk, but I'm not sure it'll fit. The opening to that attic is so narrow. I didn't think I had so much stuff. I've gotten rid of a lot of over the past two or three years, and actually just handed more over to the ladies to be donated. I was hoping I could get all my holiday stuff with me, but the Christmas stuff might have to go into storage. There's also some of the shelves may be too tall for the room. The apartment at Manor also had a low ceiling, but that had a very high center section. Not only is the front room big, but not that big, but the center section isn't quite as high.

And they say not to feel bad, but I can't help it. This is so unorganized! I thought I was an organized person, but I've been panicking for weeks now. I've been trying to get everything done, too busy and scared to even sit down and write a list. When I moved to Hilcrest in July 2020, I had two and a half months to do it, thanks to that busted left elbw. Dad recruited half the family to get my things to Oaklyn in 2006, and I had almost three months to get ready. 

The ladies headed out after an hour to find boxes and have dinner. Switched on Match Game '77 to cheer myself up while I figured out what to do next and had a quick egg dinner. Two gorgeous female contestants named Tom and Chris turned many heads in an episode, including Richard's and Dick Martin's. Brett's more interested in handsome soap star Tom Hallick on her left. 

They returned shortly after I'd changed and cleaned up from dinner. They boxed up kitchen supplies and brought in anything that I wanted to keep in the bedroom. Anything that went into storage would go into the living room/kitchen. There's still a lot of loose items in bags they had me put in boxes to be moved tomorrow. (I did convince them to let me keep the spring and summer decorations out. I don't have as many of them as I do fall and winter decorations anyway.) 

And...they sat me down and talked to me about trusting them and being hard on myself. I've had too many people in my past say they'll help me, then get fed up with me, decide they can't handle me, or just have other things to do and walk out. All of them said they read my blogs, liked my writing, and thought I was very smart and talented. That's so sweet of them. 

Finished the night packing what I could, and repacking a box of media history books that fell out when I moved them. One of the women brought sturdier boxes than what I dredged up from Dollar General, anyway. When I finally broke to (belatedly) chat with Lauren, I watched the Match Game PM episode I missed earlier. Brett was even happier to be between TV drama hunks Robert Walden and Bart Braverman. Bill Daily was a lot more nervous about having to answer "Opening __" on the Head-to-Head for $20,000.

Been trying to make my way through TV show episodes featuring one or more Match Game panelists. Richard Dawson turned up on a chilling 1964 episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour from its second season, "Anyone for Murder?" A psychiatrist (Barry Nelson) puts an ad in his local paper claiming he knows how to commit murder. What he really wants is to get his cheating wife (Patricia Breslin) and her young lover (Dawson) out of the way. He convinces a colleague to take her out...before the lover comes to him asking to get rid of the wife, too. Turns out this cold-as-ice twosome are more in love than they believed...and it's the lover who may end up taking the fall. 

A Big Step for Health

Started off a sunny morning with breakfast and, since I'd be getting a shot later, Doc McStuffins. Count Clarence the Magnificent is "The Flimsy Grumpy Bat" when the cardboard toy tries to fly on a windy day and ends up in the wading pool at the park. Doc and the others first try to make him feel more positive about his predicament, then figure out how to dry him off. Rockstar Ruby is a singing toy with a microphone Doc got from a yard sale. She's ready to form "Rockstar Ruby and the Toys," but can't sing when her microphone won't work. She won't admit the problem at first, until the others get her playing and remind her of what she was created to do.

Went into Match Game '74 as I did the dishes. For some reason, Buzzr always skips the last day of the Don Adams week. They went straight into the next week, with comedians Morey Amsterdam and George Kirby and comediennes Jo Ann Pflug and Betty White. The first episode features a few really interesting answers about what Dumb Dora thought the porthole on an ocean liner was and a couple of cracks at Gene's bow tie. Brett makes more clothing jokes about the comedians on either side of her and their colorful jackets and ties in the next episode. Richard has less luck with "__ Rogers" in the Head-to-Head.

Went on the computer for an hour after that to look over my blog. I wanted to see what I missed in the past few months, where I went wrong, and why I couldn't find a place sooner...and not upset my family doing it. This has all been extremely frustrating. On one hand, I really appreciate everyone in the community stepping up to help. On the other hand, I didn't mean to upset Rose or leave her out, but she's the one who hasn't texted me since last week. I wish she'd just reply. I'm hoping she's out of town.

Hurried out for my booster shot appointment around ten after one. Got to the Acme just in time. No wonder I had two days off in a row. There was no line, either at the pharmacy or the registers. Once the pharmacist found my information from when I was vaccinated last April, I sat down, got my shot, and got out in less than five minutes.

I wanted to buy more get well soon cards. In addition to my friend Kristie and her broken leg, another friend of mine is going through rough times at the moment. Linda Young's husband James just had a toe amputated and fractured bones on his spine. I originally took advantage of the wild 72 degree temperatures to check out Five Below, but they only had birthday cards. I ended up riding over to Dollar General for them, with a brief stop at WaWa for a Mint Matcha Smoothie.

Went straight home after that. I'd been texting Brittany and the owner all day. I'm going to sign the lease to officially move at 2 tomorrow. Brittany, one of my next-door neighbors, will come with me as a witness. Why not Rose, the lawyer? Because I still haven't heard from her. Another neighbor said she or Melissa would deal with her. 

I really should deal with her myself...but I'm also not up to her anger right now. On one hand, I shouldn't leave her out. She helped me early-on with organizing everything, dealt with Jodie's lawyer, and did get me the two extra months. On the other, she's the one who threw a fit when I wouldn't move in with Mom. I understand she's concerned about me, but why was that her solution? Because she thought if I haven't changed before now and gotten to a neuropsychologist, I never will? She doesn't think I'm responsible enough to take care of myself, because I relied too heavily on her and Dad for support and didn't manage my money better. 

It was past 3:30 when I finally had a strawberry-banana smoothie for lunch. Watched the second half of Tattletales while I tossed fruit, yogurt, milk, and peanut butter into a blender. One of my favorite couples, goofy Charlie Brill and Mitzi McCall, were the big last-minute winners over the more glamorous George Hamilton and his wife Alana and James Brown and his lady Deidre. 

Press Your Luck got kind of wild today, with no one getting a lot of spins either time and one guy being slammed with Whammies in the first round. It came down to the previous champ and another lady in the second. The older lady won at the last second when she picked up a trip to Tokyo. 

Whew! switched to a celebrity-contestant pairing in November 1979 to jazz up ratings. Southern belle Mary Anne Mobley and Linwood Boomer of Little House on the Prairie paired with the contestants, alternating answering the questions with them and running the Gauntlet. It was a nice try, but I can see why this didn't work. The alternating made an already-complicated game even more hard to follow and the pairs added nothing to the show.

Finally got to working on my fanfic after the show ended. Patti Dee and Donald Dum do not appreciate being poked like waxworks. They're the guardians of the 4th Square for White King Gene, but has no problems letting the others pass...as long as everyone listens to Donald's new comedy compositions, and no one sees a broken rattle on the floor....

Broke for dinner at quarter of 7. Heated up fish and roasted veggies while watching Match Game '77. Beloved Broadway star Ethel Merman and Dodgers pitcher and future Atlanta Braves announcer Don Sutton. Gene jokes with Don about his pitching career in the opening. Don's not overly happy with an answer to "__ Practice" in the Audience Match, either.

Cleaned up and cleared out older pans I couldn't use anymore while Match Game PM ran. Charles finally got to kiss a guy on the cheek when he helped him win an Audience Match. Brett's hoping to do just as well with "__ Do You Do" in the Head-to-Head.

Did another favorite Backyardigans episode while packing pans and appliances. "Samurai Pie" from the second season is arguably the most creative episode of the entire series. Master pie maker and samurai Tyrone teaches eager young recruit Austin how to make The Great Pie and please demanding Empress Tasha. Ninjas Uniqua and Pablo will do anything to get that pie, including dodging all the traps set up around the bakery.

Finished the night online after a shower with Carmen: A Hip Hopera. I go further into this MTV movie and the debut film of Beyonce Knowles at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Musicals On TV - Carmen: A Hip-Hopera

A Little Drop of Rain

Began a gray and gloomy morning with breakfast and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. "Daniel Visits School" for the first time and brings quite a few things to remind him of home. Teacher Harriet assures him that they can have just as much fun at school as he does at home. "Daniel Visits the Doctor" for his first check-up at her office. Doctor Anna  and his mom explain what a doctor does and how she helps make sure he's healthy.

Found a couple of e-mails from my neighbor after breakfast. She wanted to show me the room that night. That was fine. It would have to be late, after 7, but at this point, all I wanted was a room. 

Headed out to run errands next. It was warm and very windy - so warm, I went back in to get my purse and ended up exchanging my heavy winter coat for a lighter raincoat. The laundromat was busy with people trying to get their clothes done and avoid the weather. I threw my clothes in the smaller washer that took less time, then dashed to Family Dollar. Wanted to get my friend Kristie in North Cape May who offered me that room a get well soon card. Poor girl broke her leg shoveling snow on New Year's Eve. I don't intend to live with her, but I do appreciate the thought and would still like to visit. 

Next stop after the laundromat was the Oaklyn Library. Bad news there. The borough is shutting them down as of April 1st. It's supposedly temporary, but the librarian didn't sound to sure about it. The building is so small, and with the virus, there's fewer people using it. I hope someone can convince them to change their minds. The library is a lot more important to the community than they want to believe. I did end up with two more of the Laura Childs books they were getting rid of for free.

Headed home just as a light shower began. Put on Match Game '74 as I defrosted black bean dip for lunch over lettuce. The first episode opens with Brett showing off a doll that holds liquor someone in the audience gave her. Elaine Joyce just wishes she'd hush and let her talk for once. In the next episode, Gene is delighted when one of the contestants speaks Serbo-Croatian like he does. 

Spent the next hour and a half on the computer to find apartments...but frankly, I'm done. I'm worn out and frazzled and have had enough. The condo was $1,000, cheap for here, but still a lot. If the rooms and their owner were even half-way decent and didn't mind Lauren's week and a half visit in June, I'd take them. 

Called Uber for a ride to work. Even if I wasn't going to see the two rooms afterwards, the rain came down harder by 2:30. It was no day for a bike ride, no matter what I was doing afterwards. The driver took a little longer than they have; I just got to work on time.

Between the weather and us being between holidays again, the Acme was quiet for most of the night other than at the height of rush hour. It never got more than a little steady. More help, too. I got to meet a very pleasant new cashier who just transferred from the store in Mt. Laurel. Today was also "Supermarket Employee Appreciation Day," so there were lots of goodies in the back like mini-muffins, candy, cookies, bags of chips, fruit salad, and a hoagie tray.

Another one of my neighbors picked me up at 7. The one who was supposed to pick me up had some trouble and asked her to do it. We headed across the White Horse Pike to the second block of East Clinton Avenue. I cut through there to Collingswood all the time, plus they usually have a neighborhood yard sale in the spring. We had to park some ways away, but we did find the small 20's-era house. 

An older lady met us at the door with a cat on her heels. The house, while larger than Rose's similar layout, still isn't huge. There's a laundry room, too...and unlike Jodie, she doesn't mind sharing that as well. She mostly lives downstairs. 

The room turned out to be two rooms, one large, one smaller. It was mostly used for storage. She intended to clear out the junk and repaint it. She doesn't eat carbs, but I can eat in my room, and she has streaming. She has no trouble with my two best friends visiting, either, especially since we really don't spend that much time at home when they're here. 

Frankly...I'll take it. Between the two rooms and two closets (one large, one small), I should be able to get all of my things in. The walk-in closet is big enough for my linens, holiday decorations, and the dolls' boxes. I wanted to get rid of the kitchen table and the two black shelves, anyway. I've had the kitchen table since I moved here, and it's a cheap piece Rose and Craig bought from Walmart. Bought the shelves for DVDs, and now that they're in slimmer cases or boxes, I don't need them anymore. 

My only concern, besides my kitchen things, is my bike. I could keep it on the porch, or even bring it in the living room during inclement weather. 

And in all honesty, I'm not planning on staying for that long. I intend to give it at least a year, then see how I'm doing, how the housing market is doing, and how the world is doing. It'll be no more than two to four years tops, and certainly nothing like my 15-year stay at the apartment on Manor. I only intended to stay three to five years at Dad and Jodie's. This was intended to be a stopgap measure to get me out of Manor and a chance to figure out my next move.

Finished the night online with the Match Game PM episode I missed tonight. Dallas alumni Steve Kanaly and comedian Richard Paul joined in for a racy joke about what a modern snake offered Eve in a revised version of the Bible and a less obvious one about what Lawrence Welk counts to get him to bed. Charles tries to convince the world to go Kosher while helping the contestant with the Audience Match "__ On White."

Looking for Signs of Spring

Began a sunny, beautiful President's Day morning with breakfast and Mickey and the Roadster Racers. Mickey and the gang help Commander Heist "Stop Lazlo!" when his cat steals Professor Ludwig Von Drake's Smarty Hat and uses it to steal the secret formula for Hot Dog Hills hot dogs. Minnie, Daisy, and Cuckoo Loca help groom pooches for "The Hot Diggety Dog Show," including Ivy Beaglesnoot's prize pooch Champ. Cuckoo Loca does her best to keep a cat from riling up the contestants while Daisy and Minnie try to do something about Champ's fur when a trim gets a little out of hand.

Went straight online after that. Called two local realtor companies to see if they use third-party guarantors and got an e-mail from a third. Friedman Realty Group, owners of the Audubon Arms, does; SEBRealty, owner of The Residences at Whitehead in Stratford, do not. Left a message with the owners of Oak Terrace in Oaklyn and Oak Ridge in Runnemede. The Audubon Arms does have an apartment open, but no room outside for my bike. My neighbor texted me right before I left to say the apartment they wanted to look at was too expensive and didn't allow animals. Denise has a support dog.

Continued to look up and call companies at work; left more messages. Work was steady for pretty much the entire afternoon. Between absolutely gorgeous, sunny weather, it being in the 50's, and this being the last major holiday weekend for a month and a half, most people were probably on vacations, or at least on day trips. Switched to express mid-way through the day when the cashier there went home. Other than my first break being a little late, there were no major problems, and my relief was right on time.

I was still feeling lousy when I got home, though. I have less than a week to find an apartment, and my family is falling apart. Hearing Jodie bawl again about how she feels sorry for me but has to serve me eviction papers on the 26th if I'm still here whether she likes it or not didn't make me feel any better. I don't WANT to block the sale of the house. She can have the house. The movie producers can have the house. I don't want the house. I want a little home of my own. 

Jodie continues to insist that I should move in with Mom or Rose. Rose stopped talking to me because I wouldn't move in with Mom. Mom's angry at Rose because Rose won't let me move in with her. I understand they want to move on, too, but I wish they'd see the big picture. Everyone lives in a small space and can't spare the room or aren't allowed to have roommates. Period. No ifs, no ands, no buts. 

And Rose can get me moving to Cape May County out of her head right now, too. That is not what I need. There's no help for me there. There wasn't in 2006, and there isn't now. I'll visit my friend Kristie in the late summer or fall after things get settled. I need the things they have here - better public transportation, resources, and internet. Just because I haven't made use of those things before doesn't mean I can't now. 

Not to mention, how the heck would I and my stuff get down there? I can't make a car appear out of thin air. And if I went down there, it wouldn't be for a few months, like Rose thinks I can do. I'm not hiking down there, then back up here in a few months. Not going to happen.

Put fish, carrots, and broccoli and cauliflower in the oven while Match Game PM ran. Had southwestern-crusted tilapia with roasted carrots and broccoli and cauliflower for dinner. When Gene read a joke about Allen Ludden being out of touch with things, Betty's very offended by the contestant's answer! (For the record, Password Plus out-ran Match Game Syndication by a couple of months.) We also get the panel starting off a question about a chain gang with a song and Patty Duke helping the contestant with "__ Twister" on the Head-to-Head.

My neighbor texted me while dinner was still in the oven and wanted me to come over to talk about seeing apartments. I made it over there by quarter of 8, soon as I cleaned up after dinner and did the dishes. She settled me down in front of the roaring fire in her brick-enclosed living room and said she, Melissa, Denise, and half of Oaklyn put out feelers for me everywhere they could. They asked church ladies if they had a room. They asked cops. The asked apartment buildings. 

Trouble is...following leads is going to take time I don't have. That's a big part of why I've been so upset. I should have switched tactics and started asking about church ladies and cops ages ago, but I'm not good at problem-solving. It's easier to keep doing what you're doing than change to something else. I wish I'd been able to sit down with Rose and Jodie and discuss all this sooner. Because...while I'm glad I was there for Dad when he died, I wish things hadn't gotten so messy afterwards. 

Oh, and I heard from Melissa Martelli later in the night. Seems they might have found a room for me. At this point, I'll take just about anything. 

What Is Home?

Started off a brisk, sunny morning with a knock at the door. The neighbor who held the party on Thursday was there. She said she'd look up more apartments for Denise and I online and make a few phone calls in the neighborhood. I'd look up apartments as well later. 

Went into breakfast and two episodes of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. "Daniel Visits the Dentist," who happens to be his new neighbor Dr. Platt. She shows him her equipment and explains how she'll clean and polish his teeth to alleviate his fears. Jodi's Nana has a hair salon in part of her home. "Daniel's First Haircut" makes the cub a little nervous, so he watches Prince Tuesday get a trim and Miss Elaina go for adorable braids before he jumps in her moving chair. 

Katarina is sad when Margaret opts to play with her brother instead of her, as she's an only child. Mrs. Tiger reminds her to "Find What Makes Your Family Special." She gets her mother Henrietta all to herself and appreciates the time she spends with her. Dan tries to figure out what makes his family special when he has to talk about the branch for the family tree he created for "Family Day" at the library.

Went online for a few hours after that to do research and find more apartments. My neighbor called twice as I worked. I related the addresses to her. Apparently, she hadn't heard from the other lady who wanted to share a house, but was willing to go apartment hunting today.

It was almost 2 when my neighbor called again. She just came back from helping her mother and wanted to know if I was able to look for apartments. Sure! I didn't have any other plans. I met her at her house as it clouded over and settled in her cozy, dark 70's-esque living room. Showed her the two-bedroom apartments I looked up that morning. One in Oaklyn was already taken, and we needed the busy older lady to see the other two.

She also said for me not to compare myself to Rose or anyone else. I can't help it. She's a lawyer, even if she's not a working one, and I'm not. She had a decent job, at least, and I work at a grocery store. She has a life, and I don't. I don't really want kids (I can barely take care of myself), but I do want a home of my own and a decent job. 

Flurries fell lightly from a pewter sky when we headed out, but the sun was already coming out, even as she pulled down Manheim. By the time she stopped a cop she knew at City Hall to ask him about whether Jodie could legally throw me out, the snow vanished, and the sun was glowing in a watery blue sky. (The short answer, by the way, is no. She'd have to take me to court, and that could take as long as three years to figure out. Which is why I don't want it to get that far.)

We then spent the next hour pulling into the parking lot of almost every apartment building from Oaklyn to Haddon Heights to write down or photograph their numbers or try to talk to their offices. Unfortunately, with neither of us having kids or travel plans, we forgot that this is a Saturday and a holiday weekend. No offices were open. One place did have a room open, or almost open, the Audubon Arms. I need to apply for them. I've applied to and been rejected from most of the apartment buildings in Audubon and Oaklyn. I don't make enough money for them. The only three buildings we saw in Haddon Heights were for seniors.

On the way back, she pulled in at two churches, the Hispanic church in Audubon and the Baptist church in Oaklyn. She pointed out that, not only are church ladies one of the best offline sources of information about a community, but one of them might have an apartment or room I could rent. We did get someone at the second church. They didn't know of any rooms right off, but they'd ask around tomorrow.

Made a quick smoothie lunch while watching the most recent - and last - Muppet Babies episode. "The Muppet Babies Show" has the kids putting on a production for Nanny and their friends on the last day before summer vacation. Kermit does enjoy playing MC, but first he's upset when the kids keep changing their acts, then tries to prolong the show to keep them all from leaving him. 

(And yes, this does appear to be the series finale. Too bad. I was hoping this would run longer than the  original cartoon. The episodes were more consistently entertaining, often better-written, and made more use of other Muppets besides the ones in the '80's show.) 

Went back online, this time to get caught up on writing down everything I've seen or e-mailed or phoned over the past few weeks. It's a lot! And there's things I still haven't gotten to, like looking up more on the Audubon Arms apartment that's available and applying to Scribbr.

Had dinner while watching The Backyardigans. "The Legend of the Volcano Sisters" from the second season is one of my favorite episodes of the series. Luau Brothers Tyrone the Strong, Pablo the Swift, and Just Austin have to appease the angry Volcano Sisters (Uniqua and Tasha), or they'll make the volcano blow its top! Tyrone and Pablo dash off in search of lavish gifts, but it's Austin who knows what the girls really want.

Called Mom after eating pizza from the other night. She's glad I now have more help in the neighborhood finding apartments. She also agreed with my neighbor that once I settle in, I might try checking out some local churches. Religion and faith are very hard for me. I like things you can see and touch. You can even see air when it's windy like today. Faith has never seemed to do me much good. It's hard to believe in anything when you're always making trouble like this. I did try church in Wildwood, but it was mostly families and old people, and I had no one to talk to. Plus, I usually work on Sunday mornings.

Finished off the night online after a shower with The Fearless Four. I go further into this animated adaptation of the "The Bremen Town Musicians" from Germany at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

Animation Celebration Saturday - The Fearless Four

Winds of Change

Started off a quick morning with breakfast and the last Backyardigans episode I hadn't seen in full. Rodeo cowgirl Uniqua and jockey Pablo each insist their horse is the fastest. They compete in a race to see who is the better rider...but all their "Horsing Around" may end with them losing to Farmer Tyrone and his slow but steady burro Molasses. 

Dashed off to work after that. I got incredibly lucky. It poured last night, but despite the heavy and wild wind, the rain was long gone by the time I went to work. Good thing, too. I pushed carts for most of the morning. The sun gradually came out, even as I was pulled inside after another bagger arrived. Spent the rest of the afternoon on a register, dealing with chilly folks looking to avoid the massive gales. At least a manager suggested her son, a real estate agent, might be able to help (even though the listing she mentioned already rejected me). 

I made the mistake of checking my texts during break. I figured Rose would be thrilled that I finally had help, and it wasn't her. Nope. She was angry I still hadn't found an apartment, and now wants me to handle Jodie's lawyer myself. What the heck am I supposed to tell him? I can't say anymore than I have. I am looking for a place. I am doing my best. I'm sorry I can't run off and live with Mom like she wanted, or squeeze into Rose's house. I seriously regret letting this get so far. If we'd all worked together from the start, including Dad before he died, we might have had a better idea of what to do now. 

Went straight into a little bit of grocery shopping after work. I mostly just needed fruit for the week. Strawberries are on a good sale with a digital coupon, and they still have blood oranges. Found a bag of almonds and dried blueberries on the clearance rack. Restocked fish, milk, yogurt, canned pineapple, and bananas. 

Weird schedule next week. In good news, two days off in a row...but they're not until Wednesday-Thursday. A lot of late days, including one until 7:30. And if things get really bad on the 26th, I may have to call out. 

Once again, I didn't want to go straight home. My phone went off three times while I rode down Kendall, but I didn't answer it. I should talk to Rose, but I just couldn't deal with her anger. It's cowardly of me, I know. I'm the one who shut her out. She wanted to see apartments with me, but I figured it would be easier for me to see them myself. I'll bet she could have convinced three or four of those owners to consider me. 

I continued to be frustrated and angry with myself when I called Mom back. As I figured, Mom was not able to persuade her landlord to let her take me in. The previous residents of her house did too much damage. Not to mention, she still intends to go live with my brother Keefe in Virginia sometime before August. I don't know why Rose thinks that's selfish of her. I see it as sensible. Her family is down there, she gets along far better with Keefe than she ever did with Anny, and Keefe has the money to take care of her as she grows older.

We talked so long, Match Game PM was on by the time I got to putting my groceries away and making baked fish and roasted broccoli and cauliflower for dinner. Eva Gabor would be happier to help a contestant from the Air Force with "__ and Proper," if he didn't accidentally kick her toe and take off her toenail while they did it! Meanwhile, Gary Burghoff nearly takes off after the audience boos his answer to what a deli owner puts on all the doorknobs and Eva argues with her answer as to which of his wife's garments a husband would wear on his honeymoon. 

Made oatmeal cookies while watching more Match Game episodes on YouTube. My neighbor called as I pulled the oatmeal cookies out of the oven. They were all out by the time she came over. She basically said the same thing Mom did between cookies. Most of this is not my fault. The Camden County side of the family are dealing with their own problems and can't really do much to help mine. Jodie, Mom, and Rose being at each other's throats has nothing to do with me, either...but I'm caught in the middle. Jodie can't legally throw me out, and even if she can, if this goes to court, it will drag on for ages. I don't want court or dragging or anyone to be angry. I just want an apartment. 

I just wish I knew how to explain all that to Rose. I still haven't called her back. I keep hoping I'll have something concrete to tell her. 

Finished the night with Purple Rain at Tubi. I go further into the first vehicle for 80's pop star Prince at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Purple Rain

Making Friends

Began a quick morning with breakfast and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Prince Tuesday is "Daniel's Babysitter" when his parents go out for the evening. Dan's nervous about them going, but Prince Tuesday distracts him by playing jungle. Even when Dan can't find his beloved Tigey stuffed animal, Prince Tuesday reminds Dan that "grown ups come back." "Daniel Goes to School" and helps Miss Elaina and the others find her missing locket, a reminder of her mother when she's away.

Hurried off to work after that. At least it was a nice day for pushing carts. South Jersey was off-and-on sunny and in the mid-60's. I was able to wear my fleece jacket to work and was actually too warm. Didn't get out as often later when a teen arrived after school to help with the carts. Ended up in a register twice, once for someone's break, and again for a half-hour when we were really busy during the evening rush hour. 

Texted Mom during my first break and told her about the woman I talked to about a room. I was so excited...until I checked my text and saw that Linda gave the room to a friend who was giving up her apartment. Darn it! That's the second room or apartment someone lead me to believe I had, then gave it to a friend at the last minute. I just can't compete with everyone's friends needing homes. 

I was depressed the rest of the afternoon. Everyone keeps saying I'll find something. I told customers at work and my co-workers I need an apartment in a week. They all say they don't know anyone who has a room, or they're looking for one, too. You'd think someone would know something!

Made a lot of phone calls in the back room. Called the Housing and Urban Development office; left a message. I've checked them a hundred times. They never have anything but housing for seniors, the disabled, and families listed, but someone gave me their number, so I called it. Called another number that also turned out to be assistance for seniors; left a number anyway. Called the agent in charge of an apartment I saw listed on the White Horse Pike, across from WaWa. Checked my e-mail after work. Somehow, the apartment was already leased, even though I only saw it listed yesterday. 

I'd had enough. I couldn't go home. What home? I don't have a home. I rode back to Oaklyn after work, hoping I'd see a "For Rent" sign somewhere, or a sign in someone's window, or something. A neighbor said he thought he saw a for rent sign across from the post office in Oaklyn. Though it was getting dark, I still rode across the White Horse Pike to see if I could find it. Didn't see anything, even though I rode up and down the block. It was just getting too dark.

Ran into a neighbor riding by on my way home. She invited me to her house to discuss my troubles. It turned into a party when she invited several friends in the neighborhood, including one lady who came with most adorable corgi named Louis who ate pretzels under the table. The ladies had margaritas; I had white cranberry juice. We all shared pepperoni and mushroom pizza. There were multi-grain chips out, dried fruit, nuts, pretzels, and cheese. 

Turns out that one of the ladies had a sister who also needed a place to stay. Two can live a lot more cheaply than one. At this point, I don't care. I just want an apartment. They looked at two-bedroom homes in Oaklyn while I chatted with the others and told them everything that's been going on. She's hoping we'll be able to see houses together on Saturday, my next day off. 

I got in so late that I didn't have the time to review a musical, but it was worth it. At the very least, I now had something to tell Rose. I don't know how happy she is about it, but it's better than nothing. At the very least, the ladies genuinely wanted to help, and talking to them did make me feel a heck of a lot better. 

Matches for Two Birthdays

Awoke to howling winds and gloomy gray skies this morning. Even with no snow on the ground, it was still no day for running around outside. Read material from the Colliers Harvest of Holidays anthology instead. Dr. Martin Luther King was still alive when it was published, but the material from the now-seldom celebrated United Nations Day worked just as well. King and the United Nations both worked for peace and equality. Did part of Dorothy Canfield Fisher's "A Fair World for All," "Prayer for a Better World" by Stephan Vincent Benet, and several poems.

After I finished with my journal, I rolled right into making Pineapple-Coconut Pancakes while watching the first of two Betty White-themed game show marathons on YouTube today; switched to them fully after I ate. Betty White's 100th birthday would have been today, and Match Game Productions celebrated with two separate runs. 

Betty appeared occasionally on the short-lived but enjoyable 1990-91 version of Match Game on ABC. Many people complain about this one because host Ross Schafer is in charge rather than Gene Rayburn. I think he's just fine, especially dealing with his wacky celebrities. Betty certainly had enough fun, playing along with Charles Nelson Reilly, then-popular comedians Joe Alasky, Brad Garrett, Vicki Lawrence, and Fred Travelena, and soap stars Stuart Damon, Lauren Marie Taylor, and Perry Stevens. 

Betty's final appearance on Match Game had her in the original sixth "comedienne" seat during the Gameshow Marathon special in 2006. Ricki Lake hosted this series of vintage CBS game shows with celebrities playing for charities. Most game show fans complained about Ricki's hosting. I thought the panel had more fun. George Foreman in particular did surprisingly well, helping Kathy Najimy move on to the last show.  

Check out Betty in the 90's and new millennium in her final appearances in the franchise! 

Betty White: A Life Well Lived - Match Game '90-91 and Bonus Episode

Threw together a quick Orange-Banana Smoothie for lunch and made Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Cookies while watching Buzzr. They had their own marathon for Betty White this weekend. They were doing White's appearances on Whew! when I made lunch. The wild and wacky Whew! proved to be a little too unique for most audiences. In an attempt to boost ratings, they switched to a format with celebrities helping regular contestants. Betty helped get her contestants to victory at least once, and unlike the last few contestants I've seen on the show, beat the Gauntlet with time to spare. Even she was no match for a feisty little old lady who helped Richard Kline get up the board in record time!

Betty did better on Trivia Trap. This generational trivia battle also had trouble attracting an audience in 1984. By '85, they also switched to an all-celebrity format. Here, the elders-vs-youngsters format was dropped in favor of men vs women. Betty joined Jayne Meadows and her close friend Vicki Lawrence to play against Jamie Farr, Bill Cullen, and Tom Poston. The ladies wiped the floor with the guys, winning both of the games I saw (though they missed the bonus round). 

As I prepared to watch the Betty White Birthday Match Game Marathon, I saw flashing lights outside my bedroom window. Paramedics and police officers rolled one of my next-door neighbors onto a stretcher and into an ambulance. I have no idea what that was about. Heard Jodie yammering about our neighbor having a stomach virus and possibly getting Covid, but I don't think that would require a stretcher and a trip in an ambulance.

Threw chicken legs coated with Italian seasoned bread crumbs and a sweet potato in the oven around 5:30. Added steamed Brussels sprouts when they came out an hour later. Watched Super Password while I ate. Betty was on the final week of the series in March 1989. She was joined by Christopher "Mr. Belvedere" Hewett, who did quite well against her. They both lead their contestants to the Super Password round; Betty's won with several seconds left. She also got to have her revenge on the Ca$hword mini-game no one liked when she threw the question holder on the ground after losing the final game!

Finished the night online for Betty's 100th Anniversary birthday celebration. Admittedly, most of the episodes I caught tonight - Betty's first appearance on the show proper with Brett and Charles, the week with her and Allen when Gene said "I've had Betty," the PM episode where Betty imitates Charles and Richard does Brett, the syndicated episode with the blind contestant and his service dog Princess, the two appearances of Gene's daughter Lynne's dog Trotter on the show, the one where Betty makes her entrance in a short dress in flaming red and shows off her legs - were seen in previous marathons. 

Episodes we hadn't previously encountered include Betty and Richard getting wound up in Gene's microphone wire, Gene telling the panel about his trip to China and showing up in a real Chinese outfit (it looked more like he was going to drive everyone to the airport), Richard giving Gene "direction" for a question, Betty, Gene, and Richard "frisking" poor producer Roger Dobowitz, and Gene flubbing a question and putting a word in the blank.

Celebrate what would have been Betty White's 100th birthday with a collection of her absolute best appearances on the show! And while I'm probably not going to watch it, if you're a fan of the original America's Funniest Home Videos, the owner of the Match Game Productions channel will be doing a marathon of that for Bob Saget, who died shortly after White over the New Year's holiday, at 5 PM tomorrow!

Betty White's 100th Birthday Match Game Celebration