It was raining cats, dogs, pigs, and Wookies when I got up this morning. Not the most pleasant start to the day. I brightened things up a bit with breakfast and Tiny Toon Adventures. We're not the only ones dealing with bad weather. In "Rainy Daze," Buster and Babs also think of ways to amuse themselves during storms. In the first story, Buster is Montana Max's much-abused rent-a-friend, until he figures out a way to turn the tables. Babs is solo in the second story. She turns a rainy afternoon into one of adventure by just letting her considerable imagination run wild. The third segment has both bunnies escaping the constant rain by burying their way out. Like Bugs, their left turn takes them into trouble, in this case rescuing an Arctic seal from a female poacher.
Worked on writing for the next few hours. Leia helps Charles repair the Falcon while Cedric fusses over Henry's burned arm. A week later, Leia finds Henry looking over the charts, preparing their course for Cloud City. She finally gets him to admit that yes, he's the Crimson Hawk, and yes, he and Luke are the ones who rescued her and have been helping the people of Naboo. Henry rescues Wookies because Charles is his dear friend. He once saved him from slavers and is now trying to help his family. He's about to tell her why he's helping Luke when Cedric shows up unannounced. The Falcon's flying again. Henry never does tell Leia Luke's secret, but he does get a kiss on the cheek from her.
Did a few Popeye cartoons while having a spinach, mushroom, and cheese omelet for lunch. "Popeye Meets Sinbad the Sailor," the first of three Technicolor featurettes the Fleischers did with the character, has him dealing with the boastful owner of an island filled with strange monsters. When Sinbad grabs Olive, Popeye goes after him and his menagerie.
The Fleischers put Popeye on the road in two shorts about cars and travel. Tired of Bluto's bullying on his ferry, Popeye, Olive, and Wimpy set out to build a bridge instead in "Bridge Ahoy!" Bluto's fancy new car outranks Popeye's little jalopy in "The Spinach Roadster." Olive learns that cars don't make the man when Bluto tries to put the moves on her.
It was still pouring when I left for work. Rose drove me there and back. I ended up getting a lecture from her about not telling our parents what I was doing and not warning them about my financial state sooner. I wish she'd stop being a lawyer with me. She means well, but reminding me that I'm broke and have no real financial or apartment prospects is not either encouraging or making me feel better.
Spending two hours out in the rain rounding up carts didn't help, either. I didn't have a lot of help for most of that time. The head bagger had been outside literally all day and had no desire to go back out. Thankfully, another guy came in to help by 2:30. The rain slowed down a bit by then, too. I spent the second half of my shift bagging and drying off.
Rose picked me up, this time with a slightly grumpy Khai. (He'd apparently just woken up from a nap.) As soon as I got in, I changed, and decided I'd try something a little different for dinner. I found turkey legs on a good sale with a manager's coupon a while back. I rubbed two with maple-bacon spices and molasses and two with poultry spices and white cooking wine and added home-made stock to both. I think I overcooked them a little. The poultry spiced one I ate with boiled green beans for dinner tasted ok, but was a bit tough. At least the Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins I made later came out well.
Finished the night with two Marx Brothers movies. Their first movie was The Coconuts, which also happens to be the first traditional Broadway musical comedy adapted for the big screen. Groucho is the owner of a failing Florida hotel. He's hoping to make big bucks in the Florida land boom of the mid-late 20's, but con-men Chico and Harpo just make a mess of things. Meanwhile, an architect (Oscar Shaw) is hoping to court the daughter (Mary Eaton) of Groucho's only customer (Margaret Dumont), but two jewel thieves have set him up for stealing Dumont's diamond necklace/ The Marxes have to reveal the real thieves and bring the lovers together.
Monkey Business was their third movie, and their first written directly for the screen. It's also the only time we see them together as a quartet from the outset. They've stowed away on an ocean liner in herring barrels and are driving the ship's staff crazy. They only manage to avoid the brig by getting themselves hired out to two feuding gangsters. Groucho falls for the bored wife of one (Thelma Todd); Zeppo pursues the daughter of another. When the daughter is kidnapped by the rival group, all four of the Marxes spring into action!
As cute as Monkey Business is (especially in the first half), I prefer the more traditional The Coconuts, bad early talkie musical numbers and all. Neither are really top-drawer Marx Brothers, but they're fun to catch on TCM for fans of them or classic comedy.
And the rain's been off and on the rest of the night (though it sounds like it's off at the moment). There may be a little rain tomorrow, then not only are we not due to get any for a week, but it's going to get much hotter, into the 90's by late next week. Thank goodness. Lauren's visiting starting on Tuesday. A lot of what we do involves walking.
Life is a lazy river - no matter where you are. Movies, musicals, mysteries, pop culture, and lots of other great stuff.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Friday, May 12, 2017
Meddling Kids and Guardians
Got a little bit of a later start today. Ate breakfast and got organized while watching a few travel and vacation-themed episodes of Sailor Moon. "Usagi & Rei: Nightmare In Dreamland" is set right after Rei joins the Guardians in the early first season. The duo, Luna, and Ami investigate a new amusement park in Tokyo. Evidently, guests have been vanishing from the park at an alarming rate. Rei and Usagi keep bickering over every little thing, from riding the life-like robotic animals to whether or not Mamoru looks like Tuxedo Mask. They have to learn to get along in a hurry when Ami is trapped by a creepy robot princess who creates spell-binding illusions.
"I Want a Boyfriend: The Luxury Cruise Ship Is a Trap" takes the trio onto a romantic dream cruise for two. Rei wins tickets and invites Ami along for the ride. A jealous Usagi stows away with a less-than-amused Luna. Usagi's thrilled when the captain pays attention to her, but the trip loses its glamour fast when it turns out to be a Negaverse plot.
Usagi's on a more serene vacation in "The Legendary Lake Yokai: The Bond of Usagi's Family." Her parents take her and her brother to a beautiful mountain resort. The lake has a folk story about a jealous monster attached to it. A hypnotized Mamoru thinks he can use the monster...but the creature has its own ideas.
Headed out to run errands around 11:30. First stop was the Acme. I was originally going to do my grocery shopping tomorrow, but we're supposed to get torrential downpours. Despite the chilly clouds, I figured I was better off getting it done today. With Lauren visiting next week, I needed a huge order.
First of all, there's no way I'm going to make it to the Collingswood Farm Market tomorrow if it's going to rain that hard. I picked up bananas, grapefruit, apples, mushrooms, and green beans. Restocked chocolate chips, cocoa, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Graham Crackers (French Toast this time), skim milk, tuna, yogurt (one Dannon, two Chobani), shredded cheese, cake mix, peanut butter, black beans, canola oil, and pasta. For once, they were having really good chicken sales, possibly due to Mother's Day this weekend. I found chicken tenders for a good price and skinned chicken thighs with coupons on them that brought them down to a more manageable price. I had a lot of Monopoly coupons I wanted to use, too, Used one for Triscuits; tried the Dill, Sea Salt, and Olive Oil flavor. (Yum! It's delicious.)
Picked up my schedule while I was there. I'm mostly on vacation this week, with an extra day off on Monday. On one hand, I figured I'd be working Sunday for Mother's Day, and I could use even a little money when I get back. The hours are early in the morning, though, which is a bit of a pain on a Sunday.
When I finally got home, I put everything away and had lunch while watching Scooby Doo, Where are You? The Mystery Inc crew has their own monster to deal with in "Nowhere to Hyde" from the second season. The gang is shocked to discover none other than Mr. Hyde of the famous novel rooting around in their van. They follow him to a mansion, where the great-grandson of the original mad scientist insists he's been turning into him and committing robberies. In one of the trickier mysteries of the original series, the gang thinks the maid might be doing it instead...but is it really her?
Daphne gets caught in a "Mystery Mask Mix-Up" while the gang's visiting San Francisco's Chinatown. The golden mask she bought from an antique shop turns out to have been stolen centuries before from the tomb of a warlord...and now, he and his undead henchmen want it back, even if they have to kidnap Daphne to do it!
It was past 2 before I got started on the next round of errands. I needed stamps for my card for Mom in Erma. The Oaklyn Post Office was empty when I arrived. The nice lady there helped me choose some nifty Mexican food-themed stamps.
The other big thing I wanted to get done today was a haircut. My hair has been a frizzy mess for months. I totally forgot it's prom season. The salon chairs at the Hair Cuttery in Collingswood were filled with young ladies getting their hair styled into fancy updos and curls. It was over a half-hour before I was able to get mine cut and styled, but it was worth the wait. I got it cut much shorter this time, just under my shoulders. The older blond lady styled it and even gave me a conditioning treatment. It's layered, shiny, and bouncy now, and I just love it.
My original plan was to volunteer at the Haddon Township Library next, but I'd waited for too long. It was quarter after 4 by the time they were finished with my hair. I just ended up riding home.
Did some writing for the next few hours. Luke and Rusty travel down the Calamari River to Dagobah, a swampy country far downstream. It's not the most friendly country, either. Rusty's nearly eaten by a river creature on arrival. After Luke gets him out, they encounter a tiny Asian man. He tries to fool Luke, but Rusty knows him. He's fought with him. Yes, he's Liang Yoda, the wise Chinese man who had been one of the top Jedi Guards. He's worried Luke will turn out like his wayward father. Luke, Rusty, and the spirit of Sir Benjamin Kenton insist otherwise.
Finished the night with leftover tacos and sauteed spinach and mushrooms for dinner and two more episodes of Scooby Doo. "A Night of Fright Is No Delight" for Scooby when he's set to inherit a million dollars from an eccentric old man he once rescued...provided he and the other heirs can spend a night in the man's spooky old mansion. A pair of green phantoms are determined to scare all of the heirs away, including Scooby.
The gang is saying "Go Away Ghost Ship" when they help a man whose shipping company has been plagued by the ghost of a pirate who had once been jailed by his ancestor. When they explore the ship itself, they find a far more recent reason for Blackbeard to once again be plying his trade.
"I Want a Boyfriend: The Luxury Cruise Ship Is a Trap" takes the trio onto a romantic dream cruise for two. Rei wins tickets and invites Ami along for the ride. A jealous Usagi stows away with a less-than-amused Luna. Usagi's thrilled when the captain pays attention to her, but the trip loses its glamour fast when it turns out to be a Negaverse plot.
Usagi's on a more serene vacation in "The Legendary Lake Yokai: The Bond of Usagi's Family." Her parents take her and her brother to a beautiful mountain resort. The lake has a folk story about a jealous monster attached to it. A hypnotized Mamoru thinks he can use the monster...but the creature has its own ideas.
Headed out to run errands around 11:30. First stop was the Acme. I was originally going to do my grocery shopping tomorrow, but we're supposed to get torrential downpours. Despite the chilly clouds, I figured I was better off getting it done today. With Lauren visiting next week, I needed a huge order.
First of all, there's no way I'm going to make it to the Collingswood Farm Market tomorrow if it's going to rain that hard. I picked up bananas, grapefruit, apples, mushrooms, and green beans. Restocked chocolate chips, cocoa, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Graham Crackers (French Toast this time), skim milk, tuna, yogurt (one Dannon, two Chobani), shredded cheese, cake mix, peanut butter, black beans, canola oil, and pasta. For once, they were having really good chicken sales, possibly due to Mother's Day this weekend. I found chicken tenders for a good price and skinned chicken thighs with coupons on them that brought them down to a more manageable price. I had a lot of Monopoly coupons I wanted to use, too, Used one for Triscuits; tried the Dill, Sea Salt, and Olive Oil flavor. (Yum! It's delicious.)
Picked up my schedule while I was there. I'm mostly on vacation this week, with an extra day off on Monday. On one hand, I figured I'd be working Sunday for Mother's Day, and I could use even a little money when I get back. The hours are early in the morning, though, which is a bit of a pain on a Sunday.
When I finally got home, I put everything away and had lunch while watching Scooby Doo, Where are You? The Mystery Inc crew has their own monster to deal with in "Nowhere to Hyde" from the second season. The gang is shocked to discover none other than Mr. Hyde of the famous novel rooting around in their van. They follow him to a mansion, where the great-grandson of the original mad scientist insists he's been turning into him and committing robberies. In one of the trickier mysteries of the original series, the gang thinks the maid might be doing it instead...but is it really her?
Daphne gets caught in a "Mystery Mask Mix-Up" while the gang's visiting San Francisco's Chinatown. The golden mask she bought from an antique shop turns out to have been stolen centuries before from the tomb of a warlord...and now, he and his undead henchmen want it back, even if they have to kidnap Daphne to do it!
It was past 2 before I got started on the next round of errands. I needed stamps for my card for Mom in Erma. The Oaklyn Post Office was empty when I arrived. The nice lady there helped me choose some nifty Mexican food-themed stamps.
The other big thing I wanted to get done today was a haircut. My hair has been a frizzy mess for months. I totally forgot it's prom season. The salon chairs at the Hair Cuttery in Collingswood were filled with young ladies getting their hair styled into fancy updos and curls. It was over a half-hour before I was able to get mine cut and styled, but it was worth the wait. I got it cut much shorter this time, just under my shoulders. The older blond lady styled it and even gave me a conditioning treatment. It's layered, shiny, and bouncy now, and I just love it.
My original plan was to volunteer at the Haddon Township Library next, but I'd waited for too long. It was quarter after 4 by the time they were finished with my hair. I just ended up riding home.
Did some writing for the next few hours. Luke and Rusty travel down the Calamari River to Dagobah, a swampy country far downstream. It's not the most friendly country, either. Rusty's nearly eaten by a river creature on arrival. After Luke gets him out, they encounter a tiny Asian man. He tries to fool Luke, but Rusty knows him. He's fought with him. Yes, he's Liang Yoda, the wise Chinese man who had been one of the top Jedi Guards. He's worried Luke will turn out like his wayward father. Luke, Rusty, and the spirit of Sir Benjamin Kenton insist otherwise.
Finished the night with leftover tacos and sauteed spinach and mushrooms for dinner and two more episodes of Scooby Doo. "A Night of Fright Is No Delight" for Scooby when he's set to inherit a million dollars from an eccentric old man he once rescued...provided he and the other heirs can spend a night in the man's spooky old mansion. A pair of green phantoms are determined to scare all of the heirs away, including Scooby.
The gang is saying "Go Away Ghost Ship" when they help a man whose shipping company has been plagued by the ghost of a pirate who had once been jailed by his ancestor. When they explore the ship itself, they find a far more recent reason for Blackbeard to once again be plying his trade.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
The Leaning Stacks of Fruit Cups
It was cloudy and cool when I climbed out of bed this morning. Got a quick start with breakfast and the soundtrack from Goldfinger (the latter to drown out Charlie's constant and obnoxious cursing outside). The Star Wars and Superman albums I listened to last week and on Tuesday put me in the mood to dig more largely orchestral soundtracks out of my collection. John Barry did the music for this one, including incorporating the famous "James Bond theme." I didn't know Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, one of the most popular British songwriters of the 1960's, did the lyrics for the much-loved theme song.
Work was on-and-off busy, and a bit of a pain. Someone keeps stacking heavy boxes of fruit cup 4-packs too high in aisle 5. Like most buildings in this area, the Audubon Acme is on a hill. Things are going to tilt, especially if they're stacked high. I'm glad me, the self-checkout cashier, and a manager found the mess early in the morning and got it cleaned up quickly. (And according to the self-checkout cashier and another bagger, this was the third time this week it happened. Hopefully, they got the hint this time. They're losing inventory.)
I got stuck in the registers for a little while around noon, covering for someone's break. Thankfully, I spent the rest of the day rounding up carts, gathering baskets, bagging, and helping old ladies get the flowers they wanted and take them to their cars. There were otherwise no major problems. I ducked out as quickly as I could when I was done.
Had an apple and a snack when I got home. Did another Sailor Moon episode after finishing out yesterday's. Chibi-Usa's friend Kyusuke is totally fearless when it comes to sports...except for the vaulting horse. An accident when he was younger left him afraid to go near it. Tough-minded Jun Jun helps him train for the upcoming sports meet by teaching him not to be afraid. Chibi-Usa also fears the vaulting horse. It takes the need to rescue her friend to show her and Kyusuke not to let fear get in the way of their dreams.
Worked on my story for the rest of the afternoon. Henry leads them to the junkyard where the Junk Pickers worked. The shack they have there turns out to be a laboratory and headquarters, with maps indicating their next move. Henry orders them to bring his engine, grabbing their maps and any papers he can find. The Falcon is kept in a hanger deep under the trash piles. They blast out just as Vader arrives.
The man with him knows what his plans are, though. Robert Fettman tells Vader that Henry's likely heading towards Bespin, the home of a friend of his. He also admits that he lost Luke and Rusty at the Regatta. No matter, says Vader. He knows how to lure the lad out of hiding...
Did a second season episode of Wonder Woman while turning the last of the leftover Tex Mex Bean Dip into Bean, Egg, and Cheese Wraps. "The Queen and the Thief" takes Diana and Steve to Palm Beach to protect jewels belonging to the female monarch of an unstable country. Wonder Woman has to stop a charming professional cat burglar from stealing the jewels from under the queen's nose.
Played Kirby's Epic Yarn for a half-hour or so after dinner. Got through a second "training" mini game. You had to take out 20 enemies in the same amount of time. Definitely not as easy as it sounds. It took me five or six tries to manage it. Tried Yin Yarn again, and still couldn't get those extra patches.
Gave up around 7:30 and put on The Road to Zanzibar instead. This time, Bing and Bob are traveling through Africa, with Bing coming up with increasingly outlandish stunts for Bob to perform. After one of those stunts burns down the carnival they were working for, they go on the lam. First an eccentric millionaire (Eric Blore) sells them a phony diamond mine, then Bing spend more money rescuing a beautiful girl from an auction. The girl (Dorothy Lamour) and her buddy (Una Merkel) hit them up for a ride into the Congo to marry Lamour off to a rich man. The boys chase her, then get mad when they find out they've been taken for fools. They run off again...and this time right in to a native tribe who think they're gods, then want Hope to wrestle a gorilla!
My only problem with this entry is the ending, which feels rushed and anti-climatic after Bing and Bob went native. Otherwise, this is one of the better movies in the series; the opening, with all the crazy stuff Bing gets Bob to do, is especially fun.
Work was on-and-off busy, and a bit of a pain. Someone keeps stacking heavy boxes of fruit cup 4-packs too high in aisle 5. Like most buildings in this area, the Audubon Acme is on a hill. Things are going to tilt, especially if they're stacked high. I'm glad me, the self-checkout cashier, and a manager found the mess early in the morning and got it cleaned up quickly. (And according to the self-checkout cashier and another bagger, this was the third time this week it happened. Hopefully, they got the hint this time. They're losing inventory.)
I got stuck in the registers for a little while around noon, covering for someone's break. Thankfully, I spent the rest of the day rounding up carts, gathering baskets, bagging, and helping old ladies get the flowers they wanted and take them to their cars. There were otherwise no major problems. I ducked out as quickly as I could when I was done.
Had an apple and a snack when I got home. Did another Sailor Moon episode after finishing out yesterday's. Chibi-Usa's friend Kyusuke is totally fearless when it comes to sports...except for the vaulting horse. An accident when he was younger left him afraid to go near it. Tough-minded Jun Jun helps him train for the upcoming sports meet by teaching him not to be afraid. Chibi-Usa also fears the vaulting horse. It takes the need to rescue her friend to show her and Kyusuke not to let fear get in the way of their dreams.
Worked on my story for the rest of the afternoon. Henry leads them to the junkyard where the Junk Pickers worked. The shack they have there turns out to be a laboratory and headquarters, with maps indicating their next move. Henry orders them to bring his engine, grabbing their maps and any papers he can find. The Falcon is kept in a hanger deep under the trash piles. They blast out just as Vader arrives.
The man with him knows what his plans are, though. Robert Fettman tells Vader that Henry's likely heading towards Bespin, the home of a friend of his. He also admits that he lost Luke and Rusty at the Regatta. No matter, says Vader. He knows how to lure the lad out of hiding...
Did a second season episode of Wonder Woman while turning the last of the leftover Tex Mex Bean Dip into Bean, Egg, and Cheese Wraps. "The Queen and the Thief" takes Diana and Steve to Palm Beach to protect jewels belonging to the female monarch of an unstable country. Wonder Woman has to stop a charming professional cat burglar from stealing the jewels from under the queen's nose.
Played Kirby's Epic Yarn for a half-hour or so after dinner. Got through a second "training" mini game. You had to take out 20 enemies in the same amount of time. Definitely not as easy as it sounds. It took me five or six tries to manage it. Tried Yin Yarn again, and still couldn't get those extra patches.
Gave up around 7:30 and put on The Road to Zanzibar instead. This time, Bing and Bob are traveling through Africa, with Bing coming up with increasingly outlandish stunts for Bob to perform. After one of those stunts burns down the carnival they were working for, they go on the lam. First an eccentric millionaire (Eric Blore) sells them a phony diamond mine, then Bing spend more money rescuing a beautiful girl from an auction. The girl (Dorothy Lamour) and her buddy (Una Merkel) hit them up for a ride into the Congo to marry Lamour off to a rich man. The boys chase her, then get mad when they find out they've been taken for fools. They run off again...and this time right in to a native tribe who think they're gods, then want Hope to wrestle a gorilla!
My only problem with this entry is the ending, which feels rushed and anti-climatic after Bing and Bob went native. Otherwise, this is one of the better movies in the series; the opening, with all the crazy stuff Bing gets Bob to do, is especially fun.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Taco Wednesday
I couldn't believe how lovely it was when I awoke this morning. The sun was out, the birds were chirping, and the breeze was blowing. I celebrated spring with a few more Sailor Moon fourth season episodes. In the first, Rei becomes something of a local celebrity after a magazine interview overpraises her talents. Not only does she get a big head, but a shy girl with no confidence convinces Rei to hire her at her grandfather's temple, hoping to become just like her. When the girl is attacked by Jun Jun and her attack-imitating monkey, it takes Rei (and her newfound fire power) to prove to her that it's better to live your own dreams, not someone else's.
Child-like Palla Palla is upset when her sisters won't play dentist dolls with her. Elderly crone Zirconia encourages her to take her "playing" to Tokyo, where the dolls become a full-blown dentist office. She gives children cavities, sending them to her dentist...and her dream mirror-snatching monster. Usagi and Chibi-Usa have cavities for real and end up there, too. Now they have to dodge something more terrifying than even a monstrous container of toothpaste - the dentist's drill!
Spent most of the morning writing. Henry, Charles, Leia, and Cedric flee the Regatta in a rickety cart that was the first thing Henry could find. Vader and his men pursue them in carriages fitted with the Jules Verne versions of laser cannons. Charles and Leia shoot off Henry's laser guns while he skirts the perilous edges around the cliffs overlooking the river. They've just gotten away from the cliff road when a laser blast hits Henry full-on in the shoulder. Charles gently pushes him in back and takes over driving; Leia jumps in front and helps navigate.
Henry directs them to the junkyard in Lothal. The Falcon is the only thing that can save them now. He wants to go to the mountain resort town of Bespin, where an old friend of his lives in a palatial mansion and may be willing to take them in...
Broke around noon for lunch and more Sailor Moon. Minako and Makoto are at odds over a handsome kindergarten teacher. Makoto, an excellent cook and seamstress, easily impresses him and his students. Flighty Minako lacks patience to deal with young kids and can neither cook nor sew. When she accidentally ruins a teddy bear Makoto was working for a school function while chasing a bratty child, Makoto angrily insists that their friendship is through. It takes Cere Cere attacking the object of their affections to bring them together and realize that they both have talents worth noting...and that one guy is hardly worth arguing over.
Work was dead as a doornail for most of the afternoon. It was a bright, sunny, perfect day in the middle of the week, too nice for most people to be shopping. It got a little busy early on, when I was bagging, and a little more busy right as I was leaving during rush hour. Otherwise, I spent the day doing the one cart of returns and gathering carts outside. There weren't even that many carts to do, and I had help later. I just didn't feel like going back in - there wasn't much for me to do inside, either.
As soon as I got home, I took out the trash, then noticed some messages on my land line phone. One was from Jodie. Did I want to come over for tacos? Sure! I only had leftovers planned for dinner, and I needed to talk to them anyway.
I changed as fast as I could, grabbed my bike, and headed to Dad's. Dana, Rose, and Khai were there when I arrived as well. I was so hungry after doing returns for half the afternoon, I ate four soft tacos and took home leftovers for later in the week. I did remind Dad and Jodie about Lauren's arrival next Tuesday. (They also told told me that the Oaklyn School's annual Spring Fling carnival has been postponed to next Saturday due to rain. That works for me. Lauren and I can check it out after we get back from the Farm Market.) Chatted with Rose, Jodie, and some of the neighborhood parents and watched the kids run around before I headed home.
Ended the night with Kirby's Epic Yarn. Got a few more items from rounds in Dream World and played a couple of mini-games with the little tadpole creatures. I got through the bead-collecting one on the first time with no problems. The kill 10 enemies in a minute and a half game took about three or four tries, but I did beat it. Still haven't won the race game. I've gotten close a few times, but that little miss always manages to beat me there at the last minute. Didn't get close to getting enough beads from Yin Yarn for the extra patches in Dream World, either. I'll try again next time.
Child-like Palla Palla is upset when her sisters won't play dentist dolls with her. Elderly crone Zirconia encourages her to take her "playing" to Tokyo, where the dolls become a full-blown dentist office. She gives children cavities, sending them to her dentist...and her dream mirror-snatching monster. Usagi and Chibi-Usa have cavities for real and end up there, too. Now they have to dodge something more terrifying than even a monstrous container of toothpaste - the dentist's drill!
Spent most of the morning writing. Henry, Charles, Leia, and Cedric flee the Regatta in a rickety cart that was the first thing Henry could find. Vader and his men pursue them in carriages fitted with the Jules Verne versions of laser cannons. Charles and Leia shoot off Henry's laser guns while he skirts the perilous edges around the cliffs overlooking the river. They've just gotten away from the cliff road when a laser blast hits Henry full-on in the shoulder. Charles gently pushes him in back and takes over driving; Leia jumps in front and helps navigate.
Henry directs them to the junkyard in Lothal. The Falcon is the only thing that can save them now. He wants to go to the mountain resort town of Bespin, where an old friend of his lives in a palatial mansion and may be willing to take them in...
Broke around noon for lunch and more Sailor Moon. Minako and Makoto are at odds over a handsome kindergarten teacher. Makoto, an excellent cook and seamstress, easily impresses him and his students. Flighty Minako lacks patience to deal with young kids and can neither cook nor sew. When she accidentally ruins a teddy bear Makoto was working for a school function while chasing a bratty child, Makoto angrily insists that their friendship is through. It takes Cere Cere attacking the object of their affections to bring them together and realize that they both have talents worth noting...and that one guy is hardly worth arguing over.
Work was dead as a doornail for most of the afternoon. It was a bright, sunny, perfect day in the middle of the week, too nice for most people to be shopping. It got a little busy early on, when I was bagging, and a little more busy right as I was leaving during rush hour. Otherwise, I spent the day doing the one cart of returns and gathering carts outside. There weren't even that many carts to do, and I had help later. I just didn't feel like going back in - there wasn't much for me to do inside, either.
As soon as I got home, I took out the trash, then noticed some messages on my land line phone. One was from Jodie. Did I want to come over for tacos? Sure! I only had leftovers planned for dinner, and I needed to talk to them anyway.
I changed as fast as I could, grabbed my bike, and headed to Dad's. Dana, Rose, and Khai were there when I arrived as well. I was so hungry after doing returns for half the afternoon, I ate four soft tacos and took home leftovers for later in the week. I did remind Dad and Jodie about Lauren's arrival next Tuesday. (They also told told me that the Oaklyn School's annual Spring Fling carnival has been postponed to next Saturday due to rain. That works for me. Lauren and I can check it out after we get back from the Farm Market.) Chatted with Rose, Jodie, and some of the neighborhood parents and watched the kids run around before I headed home.
Ended the night with Kirby's Epic Yarn. Got a few more items from rounds in Dream World and played a couple of mini-games with the little tadpole creatures. I got through the bead-collecting one on the first time with no problems. The kill 10 enemies in a minute and a half game took about three or four tries, but I did beat it. Still haven't won the race game. I've gotten close a few times, but that little miss always manages to beat me there at the last minute. Didn't get close to getting enough beads from Yin Yarn for the extra patches in Dream World, either. I'll try again next time.
Tuesday, May 09, 2017
May Showers Bring Beautiful Flowers
After the on-and-off rain and clouds we had all weekend, I was so happy to see the sun shining when I got up this morning! I celebrated the beautiful weather with one of the later episodes of The Backyardigans. Uniqua's thrilled to be attending "Pirate Camp" on a real pirate ship! Pablo's more nervous. Captain Austin tries to teach them all the important things pirates do in the movies, but Pablo in particular can't seem to get it right. They have to learn in a hurry when Austin accidentally gets the the notorious Captain Red Boots' (Tasha) shoe stuck on his foot. They have to save their teacher from the ghostly pirate, who'll tickle you until you become a ghost!
Ran a couple of soundtrack record sets as I finished dusting the entertainment (TV/radio) area, made the bed, and began the bedroom. Since I did The Empire Strikes Back last week, I figured I might as well do the original Star Wars today. While I prefer the music from Empire, there's some classic tracks in New Hope as well. Luke's theme, "Binary Sunset," is especially nice, and of course, you get to hear the opening and closing theme for the first time. You also get the full version of the jazzy music from the cantina in Mos Eisley.
(I will add that I'm still looking for Return of the Jedi on record. I'm guessing that one didn't sell as well as the other two. I've seen it once or twice offline, and it was expensive both times.)
John Williams also contributed a fine score to Superman: The Movie. Once again, the most famous track from this one is the stirring main credits theme. My favorite music is the lovely number that plays when Superman is flying with Lois. (It was turned into a really pretty ballad by Maureen McGovern that, sadly, wasn't used in the movie.)
I put the dust rag aside around 12:30 to run a few errands. I walked instead of taking my bike. It was too nice to rush. The weather was amazing. It was in the mid-60's, sunny and breezy, a perfect afternoon in early May. Pink roses blossom on spiky bushes. The irises are out, their spicy perfume filling the air. Two women walked their fluffy black and white collie. An older man worked in his yard. The trees are really green now, the leaves almost full-grown.
First stop was the Oaklyn Library. It was too nice a day for them to be busy. There were a few old folks on the computer, and one or two came in to chat with the librarian. Two long tables were filled with comic books leftover from Free Comics Day. I chose a large magazine celebrating Captain America's 75th anniversary and shorter books featuring segments from Wonder Woman, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Hasbro's answer to Monster High and Ever After High, the DC Superhero Girls line.
Strolled down to WaWa to pick up lunch after I finished at the library. I dodged noon crowds long enough to pick up a roast beef hoagie on a whole-wheat shorty roll and a Bananas Foster smoothie. The latter was basically caramel banana, and it was absolutely delicious, creamy and sweet. I ate them at the wooden picnic tables on West Clinton, enjoying the glorious sunshine as I watched people walk to and fro.
As soon as I got in, I rested for a half-hour, then went back out. I really needed to get the laundry done. So did half the area. The laundromat was really busy when I arrived, which was not a good thing. I had a big load that included towels and my work clothes. I was in there for a while.
Spent the next few hours finishing out the dusting. My bedroom takes a while to do, even after having cleared out several books and half the Ever After High dolls. There's still a lot of stuff in there to dust under. I keep more than half my books, all of my dolls, and most of my stuffed animals in my bedroom.
Listened to the Anastasia soundtrack while I dusted. This may not be real Russian history, but it is a really enjoyable musical. The music by Stephan Flahery and Lynn Aherns is so good, there's a heavily revised stage version playing on Broadway as I type this. "Journey to the Past" was nominated for an Oscar, but my favorite song is the haunting "Once Upon a December."
Finally finished the bedroom around 5. I had just enough time to do some writing. Went back and added a few short sequences, including an exchange between Henry and Luke before they get into costume for the winner's ceremony.
The Crimson Hawk manages to escape in a rickety cart with Leia, his towering second-in-command, and Cedric the fussy butler. Leia argues over stealing the cart...before she gently addresses him as "Henry." She's already figured out who he is.
There's no time to consider what Leia does and doesn't know. Vader is on their trail. As the cart speeds down the dirt road, Luke and Rusty take back the Rogue, Wedge's ship, with the help of a few Jedi mind tricks. Luke intends to take her to Dagobah to see Yoda.
Finished the night with a Creole seasoned fish fillet smothered in cheese and roasted green beans. Decided to try something for dessert. There are several recipes for snickerdoodle bars online, but I wanted something quicker. I added melted butter and sugar to basic yellow cake mix and topped it with cinnamon sugar. Yum. It came out a little gooey - I probably should have cooked it more - but otherwise, it was tasty, nice and sweet.
Did a Police Academy double feature while I ate and baked. Assignment: Miami Beach takes the wacky cops to the title Florida city for a cop convention. Slightly senile Commandant Lassard switches his black bag with the bag being carried by a trio of jewel thieves. The thieves first try to steal back the bag, then kidnap Lassard when he fails to return the jewels. The cops have to make sure they don't leave with their beloved leader. Meanwhile, Captain Harris is gunning for Lassard's job. He tries to prove he has what it takes by stopping the kidnapping himself, but also ends up kidnapped.
Harris also makes a hash out of City Under Siege. Lassard and his crew are brought in to figure out how to stop a rash of robberies in their district. Once again, Harris is determined to make fools of them...but he may be the fool. Someone is leaking information to a "Mr. Big," who seems to know their every move. The cops have to figure out how to stop these robbers fast, before everyone's jobs are on the line.
These are two of the later, non-Steve Gutenberg films in the series. They used to run frequently on cable in the late 80's-early 90's, and I have a soft spot for both. For fans of the series or goofy 80's comedies.
Ran a couple of soundtrack record sets as I finished dusting the entertainment (TV/radio) area, made the bed, and began the bedroom. Since I did The Empire Strikes Back last week, I figured I might as well do the original Star Wars today. While I prefer the music from Empire, there's some classic tracks in New Hope as well. Luke's theme, "Binary Sunset," is especially nice, and of course, you get to hear the opening and closing theme for the first time. You also get the full version of the jazzy music from the cantina in Mos Eisley.
(I will add that I'm still looking for Return of the Jedi on record. I'm guessing that one didn't sell as well as the other two. I've seen it once or twice offline, and it was expensive both times.)
John Williams also contributed a fine score to Superman: The Movie. Once again, the most famous track from this one is the stirring main credits theme. My favorite music is the lovely number that plays when Superman is flying with Lois. (It was turned into a really pretty ballad by Maureen McGovern that, sadly, wasn't used in the movie.)
I put the dust rag aside around 12:30 to run a few errands. I walked instead of taking my bike. It was too nice to rush. The weather was amazing. It was in the mid-60's, sunny and breezy, a perfect afternoon in early May. Pink roses blossom on spiky bushes. The irises are out, their spicy perfume filling the air. Two women walked their fluffy black and white collie. An older man worked in his yard. The trees are really green now, the leaves almost full-grown.
First stop was the Oaklyn Library. It was too nice a day for them to be busy. There were a few old folks on the computer, and one or two came in to chat with the librarian. Two long tables were filled with comic books leftover from Free Comics Day. I chose a large magazine celebrating Captain America's 75th anniversary and shorter books featuring segments from Wonder Woman, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Hasbro's answer to Monster High and Ever After High, the DC Superhero Girls line.
Strolled down to WaWa to pick up lunch after I finished at the library. I dodged noon crowds long enough to pick up a roast beef hoagie on a whole-wheat shorty roll and a Bananas Foster smoothie. The latter was basically caramel banana, and it was absolutely delicious, creamy and sweet. I ate them at the wooden picnic tables on West Clinton, enjoying the glorious sunshine as I watched people walk to and fro.
As soon as I got in, I rested for a half-hour, then went back out. I really needed to get the laundry done. So did half the area. The laundromat was really busy when I arrived, which was not a good thing. I had a big load that included towels and my work clothes. I was in there for a while.
Spent the next few hours finishing out the dusting. My bedroom takes a while to do, even after having cleared out several books and half the Ever After High dolls. There's still a lot of stuff in there to dust under. I keep more than half my books, all of my dolls, and most of my stuffed animals in my bedroom.
Listened to the Anastasia soundtrack while I dusted. This may not be real Russian history, but it is a really enjoyable musical. The music by Stephan Flahery and Lynn Aherns is so good, there's a heavily revised stage version playing on Broadway as I type this. "Journey to the Past" was nominated for an Oscar, but my favorite song is the haunting "Once Upon a December."
Finally finished the bedroom around 5. I had just enough time to do some writing. Went back and added a few short sequences, including an exchange between Henry and Luke before they get into costume for the winner's ceremony.
The Crimson Hawk manages to escape in a rickety cart with Leia, his towering second-in-command, and Cedric the fussy butler. Leia argues over stealing the cart...before she gently addresses him as "Henry." She's already figured out who he is.
There's no time to consider what Leia does and doesn't know. Vader is on their trail. As the cart speeds down the dirt road, Luke and Rusty take back the Rogue, Wedge's ship, with the help of a few Jedi mind tricks. Luke intends to take her to Dagobah to see Yoda.
Finished the night with a Creole seasoned fish fillet smothered in cheese and roasted green beans. Decided to try something for dessert. There are several recipes for snickerdoodle bars online, but I wanted something quicker. I added melted butter and sugar to basic yellow cake mix and topped it with cinnamon sugar. Yum. It came out a little gooey - I probably should have cooked it more - but otherwise, it was tasty, nice and sweet.
Did a Police Academy double feature while I ate and baked. Assignment: Miami Beach takes the wacky cops to the title Florida city for a cop convention. Slightly senile Commandant Lassard switches his black bag with the bag being carried by a trio of jewel thieves. The thieves first try to steal back the bag, then kidnap Lassard when he fails to return the jewels. The cops have to make sure they don't leave with their beloved leader. Meanwhile, Captain Harris is gunning for Lassard's job. He tries to prove he has what it takes by stopping the kidnapping himself, but also ends up kidnapped.
Harris also makes a hash out of City Under Siege. Lassard and his crew are brought in to figure out how to stop a rash of robberies in their district. Once again, Harris is determined to make fools of them...but he may be the fool. Someone is leaking information to a "Mr. Big," who seems to know their every move. The cops have to figure out how to stop these robbers fast, before everyone's jobs are on the line.
These are two of the later, non-Steve Gutenberg films in the series. They used to run frequently on cable in the late 80's-early 90's, and I have a soft spot for both. For fans of the series or goofy 80's comedies.
Monday, May 08, 2017
Dreams to Dream
Got a quick start today with breakfast, then some cleaning. There are two times of year when I thoroughly clean the apartment, moving every nook and cranny I can get into - October and November, before the major late fall and winter holidays, and late April and May, in the spring. I've done the spring session later the last few years because Lauren's visited in June. This year, she's visiting in May - next week, in fact. I need to get it done under any circumstances.
(Why is Lauren coming in mid-May instead of mid-June this year? First of all, we came to the conclusion that it's way too hot here in June for all the walking we do. It's also too hot in June to keep the air conditioner off. Lauren works in a bank that keeps its air conditioning blasting from May to October and prefers fans at home. Many of the malls and attractions we visit will be less busy when the kids are in school, too.)
Ran An American Tail: Fivel Goes West as I dusted the music area, where the record player, records, CD, dry sink, and antique drawers are. Russian immigrant Fivel Mouskawitz and his family are heading out to Wyoming, where they hope to find a better life away from the city streets. His cat buddy Tiger (Dom Delouise) follows them. He's hoping to catch up with his saloon singer sweetheart Miss Kitty (Amy Irving), but he ends up among mouse natives who think he's their god. Fivel's sister Tanya also has her eye on a singing career. She's encouraged by Cat R Waul, who claims that cats and mice can be friends out west. Fivel discovers what his real plot is, but the only folks who believe him are Tiger and retired law dog Wylie Burp (James Stewart). Now he and Wylie have to turn Tiger into a real dog of a deputy, before Cat R Waul traps the entire town.
I'm far fonder of this more action-packed follow-up to An American Tail than I am of the original. It's lighter, less melodramatic, and has a more interesting and dynamic plot. There's also a bit of history here - this was James Stewart's last western and his last film role, period. If you're a fan of of the original and can accept something a tad less dark, this is one American Tale well worth the "sage" coach ride.
Switched to an episode of The Backyardigans as I finished up and got ready for work. Tyrone's taking Sherman the Worman to a "Polka Palace Party" being held for his brother in the wild west. Tyrone plays the tuba, but he doesn't have anyone to play polka with. On the way, he and Sherman encounter Uniqua and her clarinet, Pablo and his accordion, and Austin and his drum set. The kids discover they make great music together, until they run into trouble on the river. The wormen cheer them up with a surprise at the party.
Work was on-and-off busy, probably due to this being the end of a four-day sale and the second-to-last day of the Monopoly game. (You can use the coupons until the end of the month, but tomorrow's the last day to give out tickets.) I spent most of the morning gathering carts, which was fine by me. The morning was lovely, sunny and bright, if windy and a bit chilly. I got stuck in the register for a while in the afternoon when another cashier's register froze, and then when it got busy. Thankfully, it slowed down long enough for me to finish two out of three of the carts filled with returns. I grabbed toilet paper (which I forgot to pick up the other day) and a free Monopoly coupon cruller and headed home.
Spent the rest of the afternoon writing, ignoring the unseasonable chill and the return of the clouds. Vader's boys attack Leia, Cassian, Ahsoka, and Jyn when Vader realizes that Jyn took pictures of the collapsing stands and the arrival of the Crimson Hawk's men. The Crimson Hawk and his boys rescue them, only to be surrounded by Vader and his army once they free themselves from his glue substance. Jyn, Ahsoka, and Cassian distract Vader long enough for Leia, the Crimson Hawk, the Golden Eagle, Rusty, and Cedric to flee. Vader does get his hands on most of the Hawk's men, including Wedge Antilles.
Broke around quarter of 7 to have leftovers for dinner. Watched the unusual Dr. Seuss special The Hoober-Bloob Highway while I ate. Mr. Hoober-Bloob and his mandolin assistant work from a platform in space, where they "dispatch" a baby to a good family. The duo run a film to show the tyke all the ins and outs of living on Earth, and the good and bad things about being a human.
Finished out the night with Kirby's Epic Yarn. Went back to Snow Land and Space Land to try to get more items there. I finished all but one round in Snow Land (I'm now only missing the CD on the "extra" snowboarding round Mt. Slide) and all but two in Space Land.
Went back to Quilty Square and played another mini-game with the tadpole-like critters. The girl critter Carrie's name indicates what her game is. You have to carry her to a certain point at the end of a round. This is harder than it looks! You can't use her to shoot things, and you can't climb ladders when you're carrying her. You have to toss her where you want her to go. It took me at least four tries to get her to the right spot.
(Why is Lauren coming in mid-May instead of mid-June this year? First of all, we came to the conclusion that it's way too hot here in June for all the walking we do. It's also too hot in June to keep the air conditioner off. Lauren works in a bank that keeps its air conditioning blasting from May to October and prefers fans at home. Many of the malls and attractions we visit will be less busy when the kids are in school, too.)
Ran An American Tail: Fivel Goes West as I dusted the music area, where the record player, records, CD, dry sink, and antique drawers are. Russian immigrant Fivel Mouskawitz and his family are heading out to Wyoming, where they hope to find a better life away from the city streets. His cat buddy Tiger (Dom Delouise) follows them. He's hoping to catch up with his saloon singer sweetheart Miss Kitty (Amy Irving), but he ends up among mouse natives who think he's their god. Fivel's sister Tanya also has her eye on a singing career. She's encouraged by Cat R Waul, who claims that cats and mice can be friends out west. Fivel discovers what his real plot is, but the only folks who believe him are Tiger and retired law dog Wylie Burp (James Stewart). Now he and Wylie have to turn Tiger into a real dog of a deputy, before Cat R Waul traps the entire town.
I'm far fonder of this more action-packed follow-up to An American Tail than I am of the original. It's lighter, less melodramatic, and has a more interesting and dynamic plot. There's also a bit of history here - this was James Stewart's last western and his last film role, period. If you're a fan of of the original and can accept something a tad less dark, this is one American Tale well worth the "sage" coach ride.
Switched to an episode of The Backyardigans as I finished up and got ready for work. Tyrone's taking Sherman the Worman to a "Polka Palace Party" being held for his brother in the wild west. Tyrone plays the tuba, but he doesn't have anyone to play polka with. On the way, he and Sherman encounter Uniqua and her clarinet, Pablo and his accordion, and Austin and his drum set. The kids discover they make great music together, until they run into trouble on the river. The wormen cheer them up with a surprise at the party.
Work was on-and-off busy, probably due to this being the end of a four-day sale and the second-to-last day of the Monopoly game. (You can use the coupons until the end of the month, but tomorrow's the last day to give out tickets.) I spent most of the morning gathering carts, which was fine by me. The morning was lovely, sunny and bright, if windy and a bit chilly. I got stuck in the register for a while in the afternoon when another cashier's register froze, and then when it got busy. Thankfully, it slowed down long enough for me to finish two out of three of the carts filled with returns. I grabbed toilet paper (which I forgot to pick up the other day) and a free Monopoly coupon cruller and headed home.
Spent the rest of the afternoon writing, ignoring the unseasonable chill and the return of the clouds. Vader's boys attack Leia, Cassian, Ahsoka, and Jyn when Vader realizes that Jyn took pictures of the collapsing stands and the arrival of the Crimson Hawk's men. The Crimson Hawk and his boys rescue them, only to be surrounded by Vader and his army once they free themselves from his glue substance. Jyn, Ahsoka, and Cassian distract Vader long enough for Leia, the Crimson Hawk, the Golden Eagle, Rusty, and Cedric to flee. Vader does get his hands on most of the Hawk's men, including Wedge Antilles.
Broke around quarter of 7 to have leftovers for dinner. Watched the unusual Dr. Seuss special The Hoober-Bloob Highway while I ate. Mr. Hoober-Bloob and his mandolin assistant work from a platform in space, where they "dispatch" a baby to a good family. The duo run a film to show the tyke all the ins and outs of living on Earth, and the good and bad things about being a human.
Finished out the night with Kirby's Epic Yarn. Went back to Snow Land and Space Land to try to get more items there. I finished all but one round in Snow Land (I'm now only missing the CD on the "extra" snowboarding round Mt. Slide) and all but two in Space Land.
Went back to Quilty Square and played another mini-game with the tadpole-like critters. The girl critter Carrie's name indicates what her game is. You have to carry her to a certain point at the end of a round. This is harder than it looks! You can't use her to shoot things, and you can't climb ladders when you're carrying her. You have to toss her where you want her to go. It took me at least four tries to get her to the right spot.
Sunday, May 07, 2017
All the Weather In One Day
I'm glad I worked a little later than I have on Sunday for the past few months, especially after all the trouble last week. It gave me a chance to get a few things done around the apartment. I had some delicious Banana Pancakes while listening to The Pirate Movie soundtrack. I wiped down the dining area table. A snap-top container I originally bought for dried beans now holds crayons, glitter fabric markers, and extra pens. Used to keep the twist ties and the rubber bands in one stoneware container, but they got too tangled. I separated them and dropped the twist ties in the empty Talenti container. Fixed a photo on the wall so it wouldn't keep getting knocked off. Put a block of wood under one record crate to push it against the wall. (Most of the furniture in the household leans in one direction or another. We're on a hill.)
Work was pretty busy most of the day. Not only is it the end of a weekend that included Cinco Del Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, and the beginning of prom season, but as one customer pointed out, the weather wasn't really appropriate for much else. I bagged for a lot of the day. Also gathered baskets, rounded up carts, and did returns.
It must have rained earlier. The entrance to the Acme was still wet when I came out to do carts. The rain started again just as I was heading home...and heavier this time. It was gale-force windy, too. Of course, it stopped as soon as I got in. The clouds and sun played tag with each other for the rest of the evening, but it never rained again.
Did a little bit of writing. The Crimson Hawk, who was dressed as a woman, now appears before Vader. The half-man, half-machine sends his men after him, but they get stuck in a special dark glue the Hawk had lay on the ground. But Palpatine has more soldiers on the way...and they may be more than even the League of the Crimson Hawk can handle...
Had a quick but simple dinner while listening to the Bee Gees and one of my 80's CDs. The breading came off the tortilla-crusted tilapia, and it was really a little spicy for me. The green beans were much better. I just pan-roasted them with the fish. Yum! They caramelized rather nicely, bringing out their sweetness.
Work was pretty busy most of the day. Not only is it the end of a weekend that included Cinco Del Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, and the beginning of prom season, but as one customer pointed out, the weather wasn't really appropriate for much else. I bagged for a lot of the day. Also gathered baskets, rounded up carts, and did returns.
It must have rained earlier. The entrance to the Acme was still wet when I came out to do carts. The rain started again just as I was heading home...and heavier this time. It was gale-force windy, too. Of course, it stopped as soon as I got in. The clouds and sun played tag with each other for the rest of the evening, but it never rained again.
Did a little bit of writing. The Crimson Hawk, who was dressed as a woman, now appears before Vader. The half-man, half-machine sends his men after him, but they get stuck in a special dark glue the Hawk had lay on the ground. But Palpatine has more soldiers on the way...and they may be more than even the League of the Crimson Hawk can handle...
Had a quick but simple dinner while listening to the Bee Gees and one of my 80's CDs. The breading came off the tortilla-crusted tilapia, and it was really a little spicy for me. The green beans were much better. I just pan-roasted them with the fish. Yum! They caramelized rather nicely, bringing out their sweetness.
Saturday, May 06, 2017
And They're Off!
Started off a quick morning with a couple of horse racing-themed shorts and cartoons in honor of the Kentucky Derby today. Curly's along for the ride in "Playing the Ponies." A guy trades the Stooges a race horse for their greasy spoon. Turns out the horse is a dud and can barely move, until Curly feeds him his hot pepperinos!
"The Steeplechase" is a rare black and white Mickey Mouse short. Mickey's supposed to be riding the aging General's horse in the big race, but two (heavily stereotyped) stable hands got it drunk. Mickey's nothing if not creative. The horse he does end up racing is more than a little...unusual.
Porky's also stuck with an unwanted equine in another black-and-white tale, "Porky and Teabiscuit." He accidentally wins his own broken-down nag when an auctioneer thinks he's putting in his two cents. Determined to win back his father's money, he enters him in the big race.
Work was absolutely no problem. I spent the entire afternoon outside, rounding up carts and helping the floral department manager organize hanging baskets and containers of flowers to be planted. It was on-and-off busy, actually not as bad as I thought it would be on Derby Day. Wild weather may have helped. It showered lightly and briefly around 11:30-noon. Otherwise, it was cloudy, chilly, and very windy.
I had a few things to pick up that either forgot or wasn't able to get yesterday. I used Monopoly coupons to get a free doughnut and a free box of aluminum foil. Had a coupon for Grainberry Honey Toasted Oats Cereal, too. For some reason, the Westmont Acme doesn't sell the one-pound box of white sugar. Found a can of the Acme generic organic no-salt diced tomatoes on the full clearance shelves, along with piles of colorful muffin papers. Forgot the dust cleaner yesterday. I'm almost out, and I really need to dust the apartment sometime next week before Lauren visits.
Got my schedule today, too. Surprisingly, all late morning, afternoon, and early evening hours except for Thursday. I'll have plenty of time to do more writing and finish the spring cleaning, and I'll be able to make it to the Collingswood Farm Market next week.
When I made it home, I went right into more spring cleaning. Swept and organized the pantry shelves between the sink and the stove and the area under the sink where I keep my pots and pans. Scrubbed the refrigerator. It wasn't really that bad, except for some stains under the vegetable crisper.
Ran a couple of sitcom episodes as I worked. Jack and Emilia learn a lesson about gambling in "A Horse of a Different Color," the first episode of the second and last season of Jack of All Trades. Russia's Catherine the Great is incensed when her beloved white horse goes missing. Her navy will blow the island to smithereens if Governor Croque doesn't produce it within two days. Meanwhile, Jack and Emilia have blown every bit of money they had on Jack's horse-racing "system." When they find Catherine's horse, they figure out a way to use it to win their money back and avert a major naval war.
The Monkees also found themselves involved with racing in the first season episode "Don't Look a Gift Horse In the Mouth." A little boy leaves a horse in Davy Jones' care. Davy's the only one who has any idea of how to care for it, and their obnoxious landlord won't let them have animals in their beach house. They try to do chores for the kid's farmer father, but none of them are any good at it. Davy, a former jockey in real-life, finally agrees to race the horse to win the money for its care.
Balki and Larry land in a similar situation in "A Horse Is a Horse," from the sixth season of Perfect Strangers. Larry spent his and Jennifer's honeymoon money on a race horse, but the critter is literally on its death bed. Balki's hoping one of his Myposian concoctions will speed its recovery.
Worked on a little writing for a while after I finished the fridge. Leia sits with Ahsoka on the stands, where the rest of the crowds await the announcement of the winners of the Regatta. Jyn and Cassian are taking pictures and interviewing spectators. The quartet know Hux and Vader cheated. They've also noticed that most of the crew of the Rogue is missing, except for one of Wedge Antilles' buddies.
It's a hot, muggy day. Leia's drowsing on the stands, half-listening to Palpatine drone on about how wonderful his country is, when she feels the bench sway under her. Ahsoka manages to get her out of the way before the whole thing collapses...and the chaos begins.
Broke around 6:30 to have leftovers for dinner. Watched Mr. Muggs Rides Again while I ate. The second of two East Side Kids movies where Muggs as a jockey has him thrown out of the stables after being accused of cheating. Muggs is heartbroken. Not only does he love to ride, he won't be able to help kindly Ma make the money she needs to keep her prize horse Storm Cloud. He also has to keep his favorite horse, Sweet Alice, from being put out to pasture. Muggs is determined to prove his and Alice's worth, and keep Ma's niece from getting involved with a former friend who is now running around with a bad crowd.
Played Kirby's Epic Yarn for about an hour after the movie ended. Went back through most of the rounds in Snow World, picking up things I missed the first time. I still couldn't get one item in the Holiday Lift Christmas-themed round, but I got most everything else. However, there's still that Mt. Slide round it took me so long to do last time. I didn't get anything on that one. I wasn't up to dealing with it tonight. I'll do it the next time I play.
Ended the night with the Bowery Boys as I went online. They're Crazy Over Horses when a guy who owes Louie money gives him a horse instead. Turns out the horse belongs to gangsters, who want her back...yesterday. After way too many gags involving switching their gentle horse and the gangster's more aggressive one, Slip decides that the only way they'll ever get Louie's money and pay for the horse's keep is to get Sach to race her. (Beware of a couple of ethnic stereotypes mid-way through this one...although the switching gags that go on for way too long are far more annoying.)
"The Steeplechase" is a rare black and white Mickey Mouse short. Mickey's supposed to be riding the aging General's horse in the big race, but two (heavily stereotyped) stable hands got it drunk. Mickey's nothing if not creative. The horse he does end up racing is more than a little...unusual.
Porky's also stuck with an unwanted equine in another black-and-white tale, "Porky and Teabiscuit." He accidentally wins his own broken-down nag when an auctioneer thinks he's putting in his two cents. Determined to win back his father's money, he enters him in the big race.
Work was absolutely no problem. I spent the entire afternoon outside, rounding up carts and helping the floral department manager organize hanging baskets and containers of flowers to be planted. It was on-and-off busy, actually not as bad as I thought it would be on Derby Day. Wild weather may have helped. It showered lightly and briefly around 11:30-noon. Otherwise, it was cloudy, chilly, and very windy.
I had a few things to pick up that either forgot or wasn't able to get yesterday. I used Monopoly coupons to get a free doughnut and a free box of aluminum foil. Had a coupon for Grainberry Honey Toasted Oats Cereal, too. For some reason, the Westmont Acme doesn't sell the one-pound box of white sugar. Found a can of the Acme generic organic no-salt diced tomatoes on the full clearance shelves, along with piles of colorful muffin papers. Forgot the dust cleaner yesterday. I'm almost out, and I really need to dust the apartment sometime next week before Lauren visits.
Got my schedule today, too. Surprisingly, all late morning, afternoon, and early evening hours except for Thursday. I'll have plenty of time to do more writing and finish the spring cleaning, and I'll be able to make it to the Collingswood Farm Market next week.
When I made it home, I went right into more spring cleaning. Swept and organized the pantry shelves between the sink and the stove and the area under the sink where I keep my pots and pans. Scrubbed the refrigerator. It wasn't really that bad, except for some stains under the vegetable crisper.
Ran a couple of sitcom episodes as I worked. Jack and Emilia learn a lesson about gambling in "A Horse of a Different Color," the first episode of the second and last season of Jack of All Trades. Russia's Catherine the Great is incensed when her beloved white horse goes missing. Her navy will blow the island to smithereens if Governor Croque doesn't produce it within two days. Meanwhile, Jack and Emilia have blown every bit of money they had on Jack's horse-racing "system." When they find Catherine's horse, they figure out a way to use it to win their money back and avert a major naval war.
The Monkees also found themselves involved with racing in the first season episode "Don't Look a Gift Horse In the Mouth." A little boy leaves a horse in Davy Jones' care. Davy's the only one who has any idea of how to care for it, and their obnoxious landlord won't let them have animals in their beach house. They try to do chores for the kid's farmer father, but none of them are any good at it. Davy, a former jockey in real-life, finally agrees to race the horse to win the money for its care.
Balki and Larry land in a similar situation in "A Horse Is a Horse," from the sixth season of Perfect Strangers. Larry spent his and Jennifer's honeymoon money on a race horse, but the critter is literally on its death bed. Balki's hoping one of his Myposian concoctions will speed its recovery.
Worked on a little writing for a while after I finished the fridge. Leia sits with Ahsoka on the stands, where the rest of the crowds await the announcement of the winners of the Regatta. Jyn and Cassian are taking pictures and interviewing spectators. The quartet know Hux and Vader cheated. They've also noticed that most of the crew of the Rogue is missing, except for one of Wedge Antilles' buddies.
It's a hot, muggy day. Leia's drowsing on the stands, half-listening to Palpatine drone on about how wonderful his country is, when she feels the bench sway under her. Ahsoka manages to get her out of the way before the whole thing collapses...and the chaos begins.
Broke around 6:30 to have leftovers for dinner. Watched Mr. Muggs Rides Again while I ate. The second of two East Side Kids movies where Muggs as a jockey has him thrown out of the stables after being accused of cheating. Muggs is heartbroken. Not only does he love to ride, he won't be able to help kindly Ma make the money she needs to keep her prize horse Storm Cloud. He also has to keep his favorite horse, Sweet Alice, from being put out to pasture. Muggs is determined to prove his and Alice's worth, and keep Ma's niece from getting involved with a former friend who is now running around with a bad crowd.
Played Kirby's Epic Yarn for about an hour after the movie ended. Went back through most of the rounds in Snow World, picking up things I missed the first time. I still couldn't get one item in the Holiday Lift Christmas-themed round, but I got most everything else. However, there's still that Mt. Slide round it took me so long to do last time. I didn't get anything on that one. I wasn't up to dealing with it tonight. I'll do it the next time I play.
Ended the night with the Bowery Boys as I went online. They're Crazy Over Horses when a guy who owes Louie money gives him a horse instead. Turns out the horse belongs to gangsters, who want her back...yesterday. After way too many gags involving switching their gentle horse and the gangster's more aggressive one, Slip decides that the only way they'll ever get Louie's money and pay for the horse's keep is to get Sach to race her. (Beware of a couple of ethnic stereotypes mid-way through this one...although the switching gags that go on for way too long are far more annoying.)
Friday, May 05, 2017
Of Caballeros and Amigos
I awoke to rain. It was pouring like mad when I got up, and would continue pouring for the entire morning. Since I was stuck inside, I did chores and spring cleaning. I made the bed. Vacuumed everything, around all the floorboards, under as many pieces of furniture as I could move or fit the attachment into. Washed the windows and the floor-length mirror in my bedroom. Continued to re-organize my medicine cabinet and the back room.
Ran the two "Donald Duck In Latin America" movies as I worked in honor of Cinco Del Mayo. Saludos Amigos is the earlier and tamer of the two. Four shorts depict the Disney Animators' trip south of the border. Donald visits Lake Titicaca, Goofy learns about Argentinian gauchos, and we're introduced to Pedro the mail plane and his family and Brazilian parrot Jose Carioca.
Things pick up in The Three Caballeros. After three shorts about a penguin who wants to live in warmer climes, a flying donkey from Uruguay, and the wacky Aracuan bird, Donald receives presents from - and is introduced to - noisy Mexican rooster Panchito. The two and Jose sing the famous title song, dance with real-life South American beauties, learn about Mexican folk dances and Las Posadas, and check out some of the most surreal animation ever to grace the silver screen.
I prefer the more creative Caballeros, but those of you with younger kids may want to try them on the less-weird Amigos first. Either way, these underrated treats are great fun for fans of Donald, the Disney anthology films of the 40's, unusual animation, or our neighbors in South America.
Did two quick Donald shorts that come with the set as I put cleaning products away. "Don Donald" is an earlier short that introduced Daisy (as Donna Duck). Donald is a gaucho out to woo his fickle girl. His burro proves to be too much to handle, but a snazzy new car might do the trick. "Contrary Condor" is from the later 40's. Donald's an egg collector in South America, trying to grab an egg from a condor. Not only does the condor think he's her baby, but the real baby condor gets jealous and tries to eliminate Donald.
Ran a Monkees episode while I got ready to run errands. "It's a Nice Place to Visit" in the season two opener as the groovy rockers find themselves stranded in Mexico. When Davy's kidnapped by bandits who don't appreciate him flirting with the head man's girlfriend, the other three pass themselves off as bandits and go after him.
The rain had finally subsided by around 1. It was safe for me to head out for lunch and to run errands. I really couldn't have stuck around for much longer, anyway. One of Charlie's men yelled up to me and told me that the water was being turned off for a few hours. They were working on a pipe a few blocks away.
Stopped quickly at WaWa for money, then hurried across the White Horse Pike to Jalapeno's Grill for lunch. Needless to say on a Mexican holiday, they were the busiest I ever saw them. The main dining room was decorated to the nines with streamers and "Cinco Del Mayo" signs. The waitresses even sported colorful, ruffly peasant blouses. For once, my food was on time, even if it took them a while to bring me the check. The chicken quesadillas were slightly charred on the outside, but otherwise very tasty, with lots of sweet peppers and melted cheese.
My next stop was Dollar Tree. I wanted to finish reorganizing the back room. I needed containers for the towels - all of them, the older striped ones Linda Young gave me and the ones I use in the bathroom - and for placemats and cookie mats. Picked up box-like fabric containers, one in red, one in green, and a smaller one in tweed-like tan. Also bought Mother's Day cards and a colorful new tray for the kitchen. The old one I'd had since I moved to Wildwood had finally started cracking after 15 years.
I was mainly at the Haddon Township Library to return DVDs and a few books. They had plenty of kids there just getting off of school and not much going on. I shelved audio books, CDs, and new releases. Didn't take anything out this week. I want to concentrate on writing and getting ready for Lauren's visit in a week and a half.
Made a quick stop at CVS to use the last of my birthday gift card on conditioner and dish washing liquid. Since the Westmont Acme is next-door, I figured I'd get as much of my shopping done as I could. I couldn't find the grapefruit, so I ended up with blood oranges. Restocked brown sugar, bananas, baby spinach, apples, skim milk, eggs, canned apricots, shredded Mexican-blend cheese, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, and Choboni "Flip" yogurts.
Headed home across Newton Lake Park. Surprisingly for a warm, humid, and gloomy afternoon, I noticed a few fisherfolk leaning over railings, trying to catch an elusive lake-dweller. Passed several other bikers, too. The park's gorgeous now, as green as emeralds. The leaves get bigger every time I see them.
Ran a Latin-themed episode of Get Smart as I put away the groceries and organized the towels and wraps for my ankles and wrists. The third season episode "Viva Smart" has Max and 99 undercover in a South American country run by a cruel dictator, where people are shot for petty reasons every other second. They have to pass themselves off as a flamenco dancing team or face the firing squad themselves.
(Incidentally, while the water wasn't on when I got home, it was working by the time I was making dinner.)
Squeezed in a little writing before dinner. An angry Leia joins Ahsoka, Jyn, and Cassian down at the harbor. Leia and Ahsoka both felt Vader use the Force to mentally attack the men on Luke's ship. Leia knows Vader has something planned. She's just not sure what.
Broke around 6:30 to make my favorite Tex-Mex Black Bean Dip, smothered in half the bag of that Mexican cheese I bought earlier. Put on a Backyardigans episode as I ate. Uniqua and Tasha run "Chichen-Itza Pizza," the best (and likely only) pizza parlor in the ancient Mexican jungles. Uniqua wants to get a pie to the King of Mexico (Tyrone) in his Golden Pyramid. Tasha's ready to quit, thanks to her fear of heights and the long distance.
Finished out the night after a shower with The Three Amigos. A trio of out-of-work silent movie actors (Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short) travel to Mexico at the request of a young woman and her brother. They think their Robin Hood-like movie characters are real and think they can help them defeat the bandit who is terrorizing their village. Although the Amigos aren't terribly happy about all this when they figure it out, they finally decide they don't have a choice, pursuing the bandit into the desert.
Long-time family favorite was one of those smaller comedies that used to run a lot on cable in the late 80's and early 90's. Great work by all three leads, with an appropriately sweeping score by Elmer Bernstein and three fun songs by Randy Newman. (Including "My Little Buttercup," the Amigos' number in the bar. We watched this movie so often in the late 80's, Rose and Anny had their whole routine memorized, up to and including them ending up on each other's backs.)
Ran the two "Donald Duck In Latin America" movies as I worked in honor of Cinco Del Mayo. Saludos Amigos is the earlier and tamer of the two. Four shorts depict the Disney Animators' trip south of the border. Donald visits Lake Titicaca, Goofy learns about Argentinian gauchos, and we're introduced to Pedro the mail plane and his family and Brazilian parrot Jose Carioca.
Things pick up in The Three Caballeros. After three shorts about a penguin who wants to live in warmer climes, a flying donkey from Uruguay, and the wacky Aracuan bird, Donald receives presents from - and is introduced to - noisy Mexican rooster Panchito. The two and Jose sing the famous title song, dance with real-life South American beauties, learn about Mexican folk dances and Las Posadas, and check out some of the most surreal animation ever to grace the silver screen.
I prefer the more creative Caballeros, but those of you with younger kids may want to try them on the less-weird Amigos first. Either way, these underrated treats are great fun for fans of Donald, the Disney anthology films of the 40's, unusual animation, or our neighbors in South America.
Did two quick Donald shorts that come with the set as I put cleaning products away. "Don Donald" is an earlier short that introduced Daisy (as Donna Duck). Donald is a gaucho out to woo his fickle girl. His burro proves to be too much to handle, but a snazzy new car might do the trick. "Contrary Condor" is from the later 40's. Donald's an egg collector in South America, trying to grab an egg from a condor. Not only does the condor think he's her baby, but the real baby condor gets jealous and tries to eliminate Donald.
Ran a Monkees episode while I got ready to run errands. "It's a Nice Place to Visit" in the season two opener as the groovy rockers find themselves stranded in Mexico. When Davy's kidnapped by bandits who don't appreciate him flirting with the head man's girlfriend, the other three pass themselves off as bandits and go after him.
The rain had finally subsided by around 1. It was safe for me to head out for lunch and to run errands. I really couldn't have stuck around for much longer, anyway. One of Charlie's men yelled up to me and told me that the water was being turned off for a few hours. They were working on a pipe a few blocks away.
Stopped quickly at WaWa for money, then hurried across the White Horse Pike to Jalapeno's Grill for lunch. Needless to say on a Mexican holiday, they were the busiest I ever saw them. The main dining room was decorated to the nines with streamers and "Cinco Del Mayo" signs. The waitresses even sported colorful, ruffly peasant blouses. For once, my food was on time, even if it took them a while to bring me the check. The chicken quesadillas were slightly charred on the outside, but otherwise very tasty, with lots of sweet peppers and melted cheese.
My next stop was Dollar Tree. I wanted to finish reorganizing the back room. I needed containers for the towels - all of them, the older striped ones Linda Young gave me and the ones I use in the bathroom - and for placemats and cookie mats. Picked up box-like fabric containers, one in red, one in green, and a smaller one in tweed-like tan. Also bought Mother's Day cards and a colorful new tray for the kitchen. The old one I'd had since I moved to Wildwood had finally started cracking after 15 years.
I was mainly at the Haddon Township Library to return DVDs and a few books. They had plenty of kids there just getting off of school and not much going on. I shelved audio books, CDs, and new releases. Didn't take anything out this week. I want to concentrate on writing and getting ready for Lauren's visit in a week and a half.
Made a quick stop at CVS to use the last of my birthday gift card on conditioner and dish washing liquid. Since the Westmont Acme is next-door, I figured I'd get as much of my shopping done as I could. I couldn't find the grapefruit, so I ended up with blood oranges. Restocked brown sugar, bananas, baby spinach, apples, skim milk, eggs, canned apricots, shredded Mexican-blend cheese, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, and Choboni "Flip" yogurts.
Headed home across Newton Lake Park. Surprisingly for a warm, humid, and gloomy afternoon, I noticed a few fisherfolk leaning over railings, trying to catch an elusive lake-dweller. Passed several other bikers, too. The park's gorgeous now, as green as emeralds. The leaves get bigger every time I see them.
Ran a Latin-themed episode of Get Smart as I put away the groceries and organized the towels and wraps for my ankles and wrists. The third season episode "Viva Smart" has Max and 99 undercover in a South American country run by a cruel dictator, where people are shot for petty reasons every other second. They have to pass themselves off as a flamenco dancing team or face the firing squad themselves.
(Incidentally, while the water wasn't on when I got home, it was working by the time I was making dinner.)
Squeezed in a little writing before dinner. An angry Leia joins Ahsoka, Jyn, and Cassian down at the harbor. Leia and Ahsoka both felt Vader use the Force to mentally attack the men on Luke's ship. Leia knows Vader has something planned. She's just not sure what.
Broke around 6:30 to make my favorite Tex-Mex Black Bean Dip, smothered in half the bag of that Mexican cheese I bought earlier. Put on a Backyardigans episode as I ate. Uniqua and Tasha run "Chichen-Itza Pizza," the best (and likely only) pizza parlor in the ancient Mexican jungles. Uniqua wants to get a pie to the King of Mexico (Tyrone) in his Golden Pyramid. Tasha's ready to quit, thanks to her fear of heights and the long distance.
Finished out the night after a shower with The Three Amigos. A trio of out-of-work silent movie actors (Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short) travel to Mexico at the request of a young woman and her brother. They think their Robin Hood-like movie characters are real and think they can help them defeat the bandit who is terrorizing their village. Although the Amigos aren't terribly happy about all this when they figure it out, they finally decide they don't have a choice, pursuing the bandit into the desert.
Long-time family favorite was one of those smaller comedies that used to run a lot on cable in the late 80's and early 90's. Great work by all three leads, with an appropriately sweeping score by Elmer Bernstein and three fun songs by Randy Newman. (Including "My Little Buttercup," the Amigos' number in the bar. We watched this movie so often in the late 80's, Rose and Anny had their whole routine memorized, up to and including them ending up on each other's backs.)
Labels:
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Thursday, May 04, 2017
May the Fourth Be With You!
My eyes blinked open. The clock's blue face showed 6:55. Good. I was awake ahead of schedule. There would be no repeat of Sunday's mess - that was the last time I had early work. (Even if I did oversleep, Charlie and his men were outside for most of the day, working on the back yard.) I began Star Wars Day with the soundtrack from my favorite movie in the franchise (and of all time), The Empire Strikes Back. Though most people think of this one as "the soundtrack with the Imperial March, aka Darth Vader Music," there's several other lovely tracks as well, notably "Han Solo and the Princess," "The Battle In the Snow," and "Yoda and the Force."
Work was no problem whatsoever. I rounded up carts for the first 20 minutes of my shift. The rest of the day was devoted to taking care of four carts filled with returns. It didn't start getting busy until around noon-1 PM...which is about when I was leaving. I did have to wait in a rather long line to use my Monopoly coupon and get a free bagel.
When I did make it home, I ran Tiny Toon Adventures while eating a quick lunch and changing into regular clothes. The second episode of the series was a Star Wars parody, "A Quack in the Quarks." Plucky's bragging gets him into big trouble when two aliens take him at his word and make him their leader. They think he'll be perfect to take on Duck Vader and save Planet X. Buster, Babs, and Hampton grab the spaceship from Duck Dodgers and go after him.
Spent the next few hours cleaning and organizing. I was able to use the new Talenti container to clear out and organize some of the boxes of pads and band aids sitting in my medicine cabinet and back room. Threw out more expired medicine, too. Scrubbed the kitchen and the bathroom. The bathroom was especially bad, probably because I waited so long.
Put on the first Star Wars movie while I worked. Since I was going to show Lauren the prequels and The Force Awakens on vacation, I opted to run the Original Trilogy for May Fourth this year. Besides, today is the 40th anniversary of its US premiere. New Hope introduces us to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), a sweet every-nerd farmer who desperately wants to get away from his dry desert home. He gets a lot more adventure than he bargained for when he's recruited by an old former Jedi (Sir Alec Guinness) to bring the plans for a planet-destroying weapon to the Rebellion and rescue one of the galaxy's feistiest princesses (Carrie Fisher). The pirate (Harrison Ford) and his furry buddy (Peter Mahew) with whom they hitch a ride off-planet end up caught up in the adventure as well.
Did a quick short while finishing the kitchen. Even Hello Kitty Furry Tale Theater got in on the Star Wars satire. "Cat Wars" has Princess Kitty and Tuxedo Sam Skywalker coming home to Catern, only to be attacked by Darth Catnip. While Sam learns about "the powers of the fur" from Grandpa Catnobi, Catnip plots to take over Catern and the galaxy.
Broke around quarter after 4 to work on fanfiction. Revised the Regatta somewhat. Instead of using ordinary sharp metal, Hux on the ship and Vader on the shore use khyber crystal lasers and the Force to take the other boats out. Luke manages to get around Vader's messing with everyone's heads. He gets closer to winning, but still can't beat Vader.
Henry storms off as well as he can to give Vader and Hux a piece of his mind. Leia's ready to give Henry a piece of hers. She's not happy with him making deals with the enemy. Henry tells her he can make deals with anyone he darn well pleases. Unlike her, he actually has to make a living. Leia finally stomps away, getting lost in the crowds.
It was past 6:30 when I made leftover tacos for dinner, then made Dark Chocolate Fudgy Brownies from the back of the Dark Chocolate Hershey's Chocolate Chips bag. I don't know if I'll make this one again. They taste ok, but they're a little too-cake like for me, and they weirdly puffed up in the middle.
Did The Empire Strikes Back as I ate and baked. Vader's had enough messing around as we rejoin the Rebellion three years after New Hope. He's now determined to find Luke, no matter what it takes, chasing him and the others to the snowy planet of Hoth. After everyone evades Vader's grasp, Luke heads to Dagobah to continue his Jedi training with wise master Yoda (voice of Frank Oz). Meanwhile, Han and Leia are fleeing Vader in Han's beloved but dilapidated ship the Millennium Falcon. They think they can find refuge and a place to continue their blossoming romance with Han's pal Lando Calarissian (Billy Dee Williams) in Cloud City, but Vader's one step ahead of them. Luke comes to Cloud City in pursuit of his friends, only to find Vader, who has a very startling revelation about his heritage...
Finished out the night and the series with Return of the Jedi. Picking up six months after Empire, Luke is now a fully-fledged Jedi knight. He uses his talents to help Leia, Chewbacca, and Lando rescue Han Solo from the vile crime lord Jabba the Hutt. After they finish off Jabba, it's back to the Rebellion to help them eliminate a second, even larger Death Star. While Lando and Luke's pilot friend Wedge Antilles (Dennis Lawson) lead the assault in the sky, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and the droids have an encounter in the woods with the small and cute but very tenacious and savage Ewoks. Luke is determined to have it out with Vader and the Emperor (Ian McDermid). The fate of the galaxy is in his hands...if he can convince his father that there's still good in him somewhere...
Yes, I'm still fond this series, and I probably always will be. Empire remains my favorite of the Original Trilogy, but they all have things to love. If you're a fan of sci-fi, old-fashioned adventure, or any of the cast, grab one of the many versions of these available (creator George Lucas has tinkered with them since they came out) and enjoy.
Work was no problem whatsoever. I rounded up carts for the first 20 minutes of my shift. The rest of the day was devoted to taking care of four carts filled with returns. It didn't start getting busy until around noon-1 PM...which is about when I was leaving. I did have to wait in a rather long line to use my Monopoly coupon and get a free bagel.
When I did make it home, I ran Tiny Toon Adventures while eating a quick lunch and changing into regular clothes. The second episode of the series was a Star Wars parody, "A Quack in the Quarks." Plucky's bragging gets him into big trouble when two aliens take him at his word and make him their leader. They think he'll be perfect to take on Duck Vader and save Planet X. Buster, Babs, and Hampton grab the spaceship from Duck Dodgers and go after him.
Spent the next few hours cleaning and organizing. I was able to use the new Talenti container to clear out and organize some of the boxes of pads and band aids sitting in my medicine cabinet and back room. Threw out more expired medicine, too. Scrubbed the kitchen and the bathroom. The bathroom was especially bad, probably because I waited so long.
Put on the first Star Wars movie while I worked. Since I was going to show Lauren the prequels and The Force Awakens on vacation, I opted to run the Original Trilogy for May Fourth this year. Besides, today is the 40th anniversary of its US premiere. New Hope introduces us to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), a sweet every-nerd farmer who desperately wants to get away from his dry desert home. He gets a lot more adventure than he bargained for when he's recruited by an old former Jedi (Sir Alec Guinness) to bring the plans for a planet-destroying weapon to the Rebellion and rescue one of the galaxy's feistiest princesses (Carrie Fisher). The pirate (Harrison Ford) and his furry buddy (Peter Mahew) with whom they hitch a ride off-planet end up caught up in the adventure as well.
Did a quick short while finishing the kitchen. Even Hello Kitty Furry Tale Theater got in on the Star Wars satire. "Cat Wars" has Princess Kitty and Tuxedo Sam Skywalker coming home to Catern, only to be attacked by Darth Catnip. While Sam learns about "the powers of the fur" from Grandpa Catnobi, Catnip plots to take over Catern and the galaxy.
Broke around quarter after 4 to work on fanfiction. Revised the Regatta somewhat. Instead of using ordinary sharp metal, Hux on the ship and Vader on the shore use khyber crystal lasers and the Force to take the other boats out. Luke manages to get around Vader's messing with everyone's heads. He gets closer to winning, but still can't beat Vader.
Henry storms off as well as he can to give Vader and Hux a piece of his mind. Leia's ready to give Henry a piece of hers. She's not happy with him making deals with the enemy. Henry tells her he can make deals with anyone he darn well pleases. Unlike her, he actually has to make a living. Leia finally stomps away, getting lost in the crowds.
It was past 6:30 when I made leftover tacos for dinner, then made Dark Chocolate Fudgy Brownies from the back of the Dark Chocolate Hershey's Chocolate Chips bag. I don't know if I'll make this one again. They taste ok, but they're a little too-cake like for me, and they weirdly puffed up in the middle.
Did The Empire Strikes Back as I ate and baked. Vader's had enough messing around as we rejoin the Rebellion three years after New Hope. He's now determined to find Luke, no matter what it takes, chasing him and the others to the snowy planet of Hoth. After everyone evades Vader's grasp, Luke heads to Dagobah to continue his Jedi training with wise master Yoda (voice of Frank Oz). Meanwhile, Han and Leia are fleeing Vader in Han's beloved but dilapidated ship the Millennium Falcon. They think they can find refuge and a place to continue their blossoming romance with Han's pal Lando Calarissian (Billy Dee Williams) in Cloud City, but Vader's one step ahead of them. Luke comes to Cloud City in pursuit of his friends, only to find Vader, who has a very startling revelation about his heritage...
Finished out the night and the series with Return of the Jedi. Picking up six months after Empire, Luke is now a fully-fledged Jedi knight. He uses his talents to help Leia, Chewbacca, and Lando rescue Han Solo from the vile crime lord Jabba the Hutt. After they finish off Jabba, it's back to the Rebellion to help them eliminate a second, even larger Death Star. While Lando and Luke's pilot friend Wedge Antilles (Dennis Lawson) lead the assault in the sky, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and the droids have an encounter in the woods with the small and cute but very tenacious and savage Ewoks. Luke is determined to have it out with Vader and the Emperor (Ian McDermid). The fate of the galaxy is in his hands...if he can convince his father that there's still good in him somewhere...
Yes, I'm still fond this series, and I probably always will be. Empire remains my favorite of the Original Trilogy, but they all have things to love. If you're a fan of sci-fi, old-fashioned adventure, or any of the cast, grab one of the many versions of these available (creator George Lucas has tinkered with them since they came out) and enjoy.
Wednesday, May 03, 2017
Aliens and Robots Run Wild
Started a cooler, cloudy morning with Max & Ruby. Ruby is "Little Red Ruby Hood," who wants to deliver cookies to Grandma. The Big Max Wolf doesn't make that easy! "Max and the Beanstalk" has Ruby telling Max the story of the boy and the magic beans to get him to eat his green beans. Her brother has a different idea. Ruby and Louise are trying to figure out what fairy tale to perform. Max's favorite amphibian friend inspires them to do "The Froggy Prince."
Worked on my story for the rest of the morning. Palpatine arrives at the Royal box to announce the start of the Regatta. Leia overhears him hiring Solo Shipping to deliver the Death Star to Nabarrie Palace in time for the Diamond Gala Ball in a few weeks, which makes Leia question Henry's loyalties. She also sees Henry jump out of his seat, giving the lie to his injuries.
Luke's not having an easier time in the Regatta. Vader is running down every ship. His sharp-tipped poles cuts down Hera's sails and nearly takes out Wedge's ship the Rogue. He wins, to Luke and Wedge's frustration. Leia leaves the box to protest and to chew Henry out.
Did more Max & Ruby during lunch. Ruby and Louise go on "Ruby's Safari" in the back yard to find a bird to photograph for Bunny Scouts. Max would rather they photographed his toys. The girls are making their own line of "all-natural" cosmetics from fruit, but "Max's Mud Bath" may be the best natural cosmetic there is. "Max's Lost Lizard" is a chameleon that got out of its box. While the girls prepare its terrarium, Max watch it change color to fit whatever is around it.
Work was much busier than Wednesday usually is, probably because it's still the beginning of the month. Cleaned the bathrooms for the first hour, then went outside. There were a LOT of people who bought huge orders, then suddenly realized they didn't have enough to afford it all. I was a half-hour late on break putting cold items away from one such order. Spent the rest of the afternoon bagging.
When I got home, I made peanut butter pancakes for dinner (since I forgot to make them this morning) while watching two unusual sci-fi-themed Backyardigans episodes. "Pablor and the Acorns" has Pablo and Uniqua playing evil galactic warlords who are determined to find the Crystal of Power and take over the universe! Pablor demands that three Scout-like Acorns (Austin, Tasha, and Tyrone) take him to Buttercup Mountain, where the crystal has landed. He's clumsy and scared in this new world, until the Acorns show him how to help people and be brave.
Confusion is on the menu at "The Big Dipper Diner," an intergalactic greasy spoon run by Uniqua and Pablo. Tasha and Tyrone are space cops on the trail of the Blarg, a nasty little alien who shrinks everything it touches. It closely resembles Hugs, the sweet alien who has captured Uniqua and Pablo's hearts at the diner. In the end, Hugs is the one who teaches the kids a big lesson about the importance of the word "no."
Finished out the night with the less-adorable cult science fiction tale Westworld. Westworld is one of three expensive but popular theme parks, where adults can live out their every fantasy or wish in Ancient Rome, Medieval England, or the Wild West. The parks are mainly staffed by robots, who have been programmed to cater to their clientele and never harm them. The robots have been breaking down for weeks, but the owner's been ignoring the suggestion that they might have some kind of a virus. That proves to be an unwise move. The robots go rogue, killing every guest in sight. The last remaining guest is Peter (Richard Benjimin), a shy fellow who's been hanging out in Westworld with his buddy (James Brolin). When a rogue gunslinger robot (Yul Brunner) kills his buddy on sight, Peter knows this is no game...and he has to dodge this angry android, before he follows his programming and takes him out, too.
Wow, this was a weird one. You can tell Michael Crichton wrote and directed it. It's basically Jurassic Park with robots instead of dinosaurs and a darker ending. That tense final half-hour, with Benjamin doing everything he can to take out Brunner's circuits permanently, feels more like a typical thriller than sci-fi. Another great score here, too, especially once the chase is on.
Not for those who like their sci-fi on the lighter side, but if you enjoyed Jurassic Park or the TV version that debuted last year, it's worth checking out.
Worked on my story for the rest of the morning. Palpatine arrives at the Royal box to announce the start of the Regatta. Leia overhears him hiring Solo Shipping to deliver the Death Star to Nabarrie Palace in time for the Diamond Gala Ball in a few weeks, which makes Leia question Henry's loyalties. She also sees Henry jump out of his seat, giving the lie to his injuries.
Luke's not having an easier time in the Regatta. Vader is running down every ship. His sharp-tipped poles cuts down Hera's sails and nearly takes out Wedge's ship the Rogue. He wins, to Luke and Wedge's frustration. Leia leaves the box to protest and to chew Henry out.
Did more Max & Ruby during lunch. Ruby and Louise go on "Ruby's Safari" in the back yard to find a bird to photograph for Bunny Scouts. Max would rather they photographed his toys. The girls are making their own line of "all-natural" cosmetics from fruit, but "Max's Mud Bath" may be the best natural cosmetic there is. "Max's Lost Lizard" is a chameleon that got out of its box. While the girls prepare its terrarium, Max watch it change color to fit whatever is around it.
Work was much busier than Wednesday usually is, probably because it's still the beginning of the month. Cleaned the bathrooms for the first hour, then went outside. There were a LOT of people who bought huge orders, then suddenly realized they didn't have enough to afford it all. I was a half-hour late on break putting cold items away from one such order. Spent the rest of the afternoon bagging.
When I got home, I made peanut butter pancakes for dinner (since I forgot to make them this morning) while watching two unusual sci-fi-themed Backyardigans episodes. "Pablor and the Acorns" has Pablo and Uniqua playing evil galactic warlords who are determined to find the Crystal of Power and take over the universe! Pablor demands that three Scout-like Acorns (Austin, Tasha, and Tyrone) take him to Buttercup Mountain, where the crystal has landed. He's clumsy and scared in this new world, until the Acorns show him how to help people and be brave.
Confusion is on the menu at "The Big Dipper Diner," an intergalactic greasy spoon run by Uniqua and Pablo. Tasha and Tyrone are space cops on the trail of the Blarg, a nasty little alien who shrinks everything it touches. It closely resembles Hugs, the sweet alien who has captured Uniqua and Pablo's hearts at the diner. In the end, Hugs is the one who teaches the kids a big lesson about the importance of the word "no."
Finished out the night with the less-adorable cult science fiction tale Westworld. Westworld is one of three expensive but popular theme parks, where adults can live out their every fantasy or wish in Ancient Rome, Medieval England, or the Wild West. The parks are mainly staffed by robots, who have been programmed to cater to their clientele and never harm them. The robots have been breaking down for weeks, but the owner's been ignoring the suggestion that they might have some kind of a virus. That proves to be an unwise move. The robots go rogue, killing every guest in sight. The last remaining guest is Peter (Richard Benjimin), a shy fellow who's been hanging out in Westworld with his buddy (James Brolin). When a rogue gunslinger robot (Yul Brunner) kills his buddy on sight, Peter knows this is no game...and he has to dodge this angry android, before he follows his programming and takes him out, too.
Wow, this was a weird one. You can tell Michael Crichton wrote and directed it. It's basically Jurassic Park with robots instead of dinosaurs and a darker ending. That tense final half-hour, with Benjamin doing everything he can to take out Brunner's circuits permanently, feels more like a typical thriller than sci-fi. Another great score here, too, especially once the chase is on.
Not for those who like their sci-fi on the lighter side, but if you enjoyed Jurassic Park or the TV version that debuted last year, it's worth checking out.
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