The OM NOM NOM starts here.

I love it! Now I want a groundhog to keep my hedgehog company.

I remember Hodgepodge Lodge! Actually, I had forgotten about it, but I definately watched it as a kid.

On a black and white set.

Uphill, both ways.

At about the same age of that kid, around the same time as the video, I shoplifted a Chunky bar, the only thing I've ever stolen.

The day before, I'd been in the little corner store perusing the candy options when the neighborhood bully came in. I scooted back to an un-seen corner of the store and bided my time until he left, furtively glancing up front now and then to see if he was still there. After the kid left, the store manager came over to me and sternly lectured me about shoplifting, how he knew I was up to something because of how I was hiding in the back of the store and checking to see if anyone was looking. My 8-year-old self (yeah, we were allowed to just wander the neighborhood in those days) tried in vain to defend himself, to no avail.

I went home and told my mom what happened. Well, she put me in the car and drove back to the store (Minut Market, I think?) and told the poor guy off, telling him in no uncertain terms that I wasn't the kind of child to do such a thing. The guy was totally unconvinced, and Mom drove home in a huff.

The next day, figuring I didn't want to get blamed for something I didn't do, I went back to that Minut Market and stole a Chunky. Seemed logical at the time. I remember getting the bar home and cramming it all in my mouth at once, wanting to hide the evidence, and wanting that sweet, sweet chocolate, too.

I don't think I've ever had another Chunky--too much baggage.