I get a repulsive image in my mind of a box of "Cheerios" being mixed in with a gallon or so of cherry "Kool-Aid."

But no - Cheeri-Aid was A&P's version of carpet-staining flavored drink mixes.  Cheaper than Kool-Aid, and without that smug face on the pitcher.  But wait ... look closer ... and you just might see a grimacing Jane Parker staring back at you through those ice cubes.

(Jane was a bit jealous because Ann Page was getting all the attention here.  Jane never had any children, and, quite frankly, she took it out on nice, sweet Ann.  Was it Ann's fault that A&P chose Ann Page for the Kool-Aid?  The truth was, Jane Parker's attitude was beginning to cause some trouble in the happy A&P family.  After a negative performance review, she was downgraded to having her name put on ramen noodles and kitty litter.)

Unfortunately, Jane, Ann and sweet Cheeri-Aid Kid were oblivious to a disturbing wind that was beginning to roar down the idyllic residential street where they all lived.

It was called competition.  And it was bearing down on both Page and Parker households.

"Bear"-ing.  Lord have mercy, I slay myself sometimes....

What Benny Carle was referring to was WMSL's forthcoming upgrade in its facility ... and it was substantial; the station did more than increase its power and add color: they also changed cities ... and channels. 

On December 6, 1968, WMSL-TV signed off in black and white on channel 23 in Decatur ... and the next day signed on in living color on channel 48 in Huntsville!  Today, 48 is known as WAFF.  (I must say the good Mr. Carle was a bit optimistic about 48 reaching Birmingham; even with a million-plus watts, a UHF can hardly match a VHF in coverage, particularly those on the upper channels, and ESPECIALLY taking north Alabama's terrain into consideration!).