Life has taken quite the turn – moreso than usual. Of course I have the daily 9to9, but have been wrapped up with Wigg’s new medical developments (they found a growth they need to biopsy – fun fun! He’s going to be a surgery regular at his vet hospital at this rate) and cooking for me hasn’t been as much of a priority as it has been cooking for him. The dog goes through about 5 pounds of chicken a week – let’s not even calculate the amount of rice that has to be made. Anywhoo, as I was saying, it’s been a busy summer here for this gal. Any cooking I have done, it’s either been recipes I have already spotlighted here that I can whip up in a jiffy or items for friends’ parties and BBQs.

I do have a bit of an off-topic event that has been consuming my attention for the past few weeks. For many Philly peeps, the town has been all abuzz about the Dancin’ on Air Marathon that is set to run on PHL17. For those of you not familiar with Dancin’ on Air, well, it was a regional show that was filmed locally in Philly during the 80s which eventually went national under the name Dance Party USA. Pretty much, Dancin’ on Air (and, in turn, Dance Party USA) is looked upon fondly in this part of the woods. I can’t tell you how many people tell me that they had a cousin, brother, sister, mother, neighbor dance on the show. As I often joke that my days on the set of Dance Party helped hone my PR skills (I hated being on camera), my days on set gave me a family of friends that I treasure to this day.

A (huge) group of former dancers headed to PHL17’s studios a couple weeks ago to tape retrospectives of their memories and time on the set, lessons learned, funny stories and it was like one huge catch-up fest. Granted many of us get together for birthdays, weddings, home again parties, cocktails, etc. but this time we saw faces that I can say I haven’t seen in 20+ years. It was so good to catch up in those hallways and on the studio stage of PHL17 – so many memories from being “pulled” (when we weren’t allowed to dance on set because of some infraction of some sort – talking, gum chewing, attitude, looking at the camera too much), “roll call” and just getting reacquainted with the camera (and for those that know me KNOW I detest that daggone camera! *LOL*)

So, with PHL17 airing 4 vintage eps of Dancin’ on Air from their vaults, you know we had to pull out the stops. The Piazza at Schmidts with the Dancin’ on Air and Dance Party USA Alumni is hosting a “Viewing Party” in Northern Liberties on Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 8 – 10 and there will be so many familiar faces from shows past. It’s going to be a GREAT time and we’ve been basically running ourselves ragged planning it. I have to give major kudos to Romeo, Annette, Liz, “Princess” and Niecy for giving this their all 🙂 They are a dream team I’m thrilled to work with and I’m seriously looking forward to tomorrow’s festivities. I’m hearing its the “talk of the town”.

So – those in Philly – c’mon on down and watch some vintage eps with us!   I’m hearing there might even be a little Madonna in the mix (and some Duran Duran – who knew.  I wonder – was The Roving Stove’s Julie Anne on the Dancin’ on Air set way back then?  Small. World!)

And, for those that wanted to know about the “Rules” check out this “reflection” courtesy of PHL17!