Nov 20th 2009 08:45 am Never satisfied
This cartoon ran ten years ago today. I really can’t think of much else to say about it, but hey! It’s Friday! And I did post!
Posted by jimmyjohnson / Vintage A&J
94 Responses to “Never satisfied”
This cartoon ran ten years ago today. I really can’t think of much else to say about it, but hey! It’s Friday! And I did post!
Posted by jimmyjohnson / Vintage A&J
Blinky The Wonder Wombat on 20 Nov 2009 at 9:01 am #
Must be a teenager in the house.
Now when Janis finds a pair of reading glasses in the frridge, she can look to Arlo.
sandcastler on 20 Nov 2009 at 9:26 am #
Never a problem with milk being left out here. Now, glasses with milk in the bottom, empty coke cans, wine glasses with a drop left, and dirty dishes is another story. Moral of this woe, never become an innkeeper or a parent.
Steve from Royal Oak, MI on 20 Nov 2009 at 9:51 am #
Hey I resemble this strip. In truth, I cannot blame old age as I have done dumb thnigs like this for years!
My wife does not yell at me when I do this, she just rolls her eyes. However, when she happens to do something like this, she gets worried that she is losing her mind. I told her that she offiically lost her mind when she agreed to marry me.
Bill in Paducah on 20 Nov 2009 at 10:38 am #
JJ > “It’s Friday! And I did post!”
Bill > Looking outside to see if Armageddon is approaching…
(Have a great weekend!)
Mindy on 20 Nov 2009 at 10:40 am #
I always enjoy Arlo & Janis, daily in the newspaper and here, but yesterday’s “real time” offering with the “rain check” was hilarious! I saw that before Mork since I couldn’t sleep and grabbed the paper as soon as it arrived but when he finally exited the cavern, grunting and scratching as all males do [joke!] I presented him with the highlighted strip and waited for it to sink in. When he started laughing I knew the humor was shared. So my work yesterday was to prepare His & Hers rain checks, sequentially numbered, using the same criteria as Arlo used but with the caveat that they had to be redeemed within 90 days. This is going to be fun and I thank you. And, no, I will NOT say if a rain check was handed out last night! Keep it up, Jimmy, you never cease to amaze and entertain and I still can’t help but think you’re peeking through our windows or hiding beneath the furniture — in a good way, of course!
Jeff in Ann Arbor on 20 Nov 2009 at 10:42 am #
This vintage strip goes beautifully with today’s. Together, they illustrate the difference between complaining and commenting.
Janis was complaining, and justifiably. Arlo was commenting, but Janis took it as complaining. This happens in our house all the time. My wife interprets my comments as complaints. [Ducks]
Glen on 20 Nov 2009 at 10:52 am #
I don’t know why she bother’s to ask… we always know who left the milk out. This has never been the real question!
Mindy on 20 Nov 2009 at 11:50 am #
Women are allowed to ask rhetorical questions, Glen. It’s a subtle way of communicating.
Lillian on 20 Nov 2009 at 11:51 am #
Ah, Life at our house!
David on 20 Nov 2009 at 11:58 am #
Mindy–not so subtle communications.
The rhetorical question is really a statement. It means, “why did my husband leave the Milk(or whatever) out, would you please stop doing it, and why do I have to always clean up after you? Not saying it isn’t valid…just that it isn’t subtle.
Jayne in Richmond, VA on 20 Nov 2009 at 12:44 pm #
sandcastler said:”Never a problem with milk being left out here. Now, glasses with milk in the bottom, empty coke cans, wine glasses with a drop left, and dirty dishes is another story. Moral of this woe, never become an innkeeper or a parent.”
Your list should include elderly parents. Since my mother-in-law moved in with us, we’ve never had a sink free of dirty glasses with milk in the bottom or bowls crusted with dried cereal.
And my co-workers tell me my husband brags about deliberately leaving messes on the kitchen counters so I will “have something to do.”
Jayne
Ghost Rider 6 on 20 Nov 2009 at 3:06 pm #
Mindy:
I too thought the rain checks were a great idea. Unfortunately, they didn’t go over all that well when I tried handing them out at work. (Just kidding.)
Jim from Winnipeg on 20 Nov 2009 at 4:09 pm #
RE: Yesterday’s strip (rain check), I love the way that “adult” themes are handled in A&J. It does, however, pose the problem of how to explain it to the kids when they say “I don’t get it”. One evening, years ago, I was baby-sitting my sister’s young boys. We were watching Mary Tyler Moore when she said the phrase “consummated the marriage”. When they asked what “consummated” meant, I finally stuttered out “it’s a kind of soup”. OK. Not my most shining moment but it did avoid an awkward conversation.
Anonymous on 20 Nov 2009 at 4:34 pm #
Hi, Jimmy — according to the page source, your version of WordPress is getting pretty out of date at 2.3.2. I don’t know if there are any exploits out there for this version, and I know you’re very busy along with anyone that might be helping you maintain the site, but I’d recommend catching up to a later version for safety’s sake. I’d hate to see your site get hacked.
Scott
Mary in Ohio on 20 Nov 2009 at 5:14 pm #
I fully expected someting in the new strip about “grounds for divorce.” The sarcasm is much truer to life.
emeritus Minnesota biologist on 20 Nov 2009 at 5:46 pm #
Jayne. I had a mother-in-law. Not a bad person, but not given to thinking through the implications of certain behaviors, such as checking surfaces for dust within minutes of beginning a visit with us. She was convinced that my wife would not be able to hold on to her husband unless everything were always neat as pin. (It’s been 57 years.)
Mary. If that sort of thing were grounds for divorce, who would still be married?
emeritus Minnesota biologist on 20 Nov 2009 at 5:48 pm #
Jayne. I forgot the second part. I took to putting things out of place just for her to pick up. Depending on one’s theology, she probably knows that now. I am not worried.
Steve from Royal Oak, MI on 20 Nov 2009 at 6:22 pm #
GR6: If you handed the rain checks out at cocktail parties, I bet that you would get wet!
sandcastler on 20 Nov 2009 at 9:22 pm #
Jayne, mother-in-law only gets to stay if she pays the daily rate; an inn will go broke if you let the relatives stay for free.
spot on 21 Nov 2009 at 12:38 am #
sandcastler I was taught that if I can’t say anything nice, I shouldn’t say anything at all
…
…
…
debbie on 21 Nov 2009 at 3:17 am #
I kinda think, possibly, GR6 is not actually kidding……..
Jean from Dahlonega GA aka Trapper Jean on 21 Nov 2009 at 8:37 am #
The kids were always pretty good about not leaving the milk and orange juice sitting out, but it took a but of nagging to get them to quit putting empty bottles back in the fridge.
sandcastler-I don’t have a problem with glasses left in the sink now that the kids are grown and out, but what dishes there are I have to wash by hand as my husband and I don’t use enough to put in the dishwasher.
Steve from Royal Oak, MI-I only worry about losing my mind when I start putting dinner on the table and find my pan of biscuits in the fridge instead of the oven. Yes, I’ve done that.
eMb-Congratulations on 57 years!
Just read today’s (Saturday) strip. Wonderful play off of a current movie!
Ghost Rider 6 on 21 Nov 2009 at 10:52 am #
You never know, debbie. I once innocently commented on a co-worker’s nice tan and suddenly found myself getting to see much more of it than I would have ever expected. I guess she was proud of it.
Bob, near Mark on 21 Nov 2009 at 2:23 pm #
GR6,
That tan experience reminds me of the time a neighbor of my grandparents showed my uncle where a horse bit her.
Ghost Rider 6 on 21 Nov 2009 at 4:15 pm #
Bob, near Mark:
I’m guessing the only missing detail in that story is which one it was.
Bob, near Mark on 21 Nov 2009 at 7:03 pm #
GR6,
I don’t know which one. I wasn’t there at the time. My mother told me about it, but it was about 55 years ago, and I don’t remember if she said which.
spot on 22 Nov 2009 at 8:26 am #
janis and arlo appear to be on completely different wavelengths
Rick in Shermantown, Ohio on 22 Nov 2009 at 8:42 am #
46 years…
Daniel Griscom on 22 Nov 2009 at 8:44 am #
Today’s strip (a good one!) shows the back of Arlo’s head, which I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. Is this the first time you’ve drawn the back of his head? Did it take some time to figure out?
John in LA late of PNS on 22 Nov 2009 at 9:44 am #
RE: Sunday 22 Nov strip. Hey Jimmy J. GREAT JOB. Excellent cartooning and art work. I especially liked panel two where Arlo was in the desert. Was it Monument Valley? Perhaps Coconino County? Regardless I was muy impressed. I almost thought I’d see Krazy and Ignatz walk out from behind a Hoodoo rock.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Great stuff. WoW!
Jim in SE Mississippi on 22 Nov 2009 at 9:59 am #
Rick in Shermantown, Ohio:
Walking from a chemistry class to the student union building to eat lunch, when someone on the path broke the news. The fall foliage suddenly seemed much duller. It’s true we’ll never forget where we were when we heard, isn’t it?
Steve from Royal Oak, MI on 22 Nov 2009 at 10:12 am #
John in LA:
Interesting art work, but can you enlighten the rest of us on the meaning of the strip? I watched Bugs and Daffy faithfully until my young adulthood and I do not get the strip.
Bob, near Mark on 22 Nov 2009 at 10:22 am #
Steve from Royal Oak, MI,
See the Wikipedia entry at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_Amuck
Steve from Royal Oak, MI on 22 Nov 2009 at 10:33 am #
Bob, near Mark:
Ah Yes. now I remember.
Anonymous on 22 Nov 2009 at 1:11 pm #
My first thought when I saw today’s (Nov. 22) strip was “Screw Ball!!” as I wondered if Arlo would, indeed, show up as the flower-headed creature with the flagpole tail. Oh, Jimmy, I noticed your signature in the first panel. Very nice!
Bob, near Mark-I remember when my grandfather, who was a cavalryman in WWl, told me of the day his horse bit him. It was during inspection on a windy day, and his cap blew off. As he bent to retrieve it, the horse bit him. No, I don’t know if it left a scar.
Jean from Dahlonega Ga aka Trapper Jean on 22 Nov 2009 at 1:12 pm #
My first thought when I saw today’s (Nov. 22) strip was “Screw Ball!!” as I wondered if Arlo would, indeed, show up as the flower-headed creature with the flagpole tail. Oh, Jimmy, I noticed your signature in the first panel. Very nice!
Bob, near Mark-I remember when my grandfather, who was a cavalryman in WWl, told me of the day his horse bit him. It was during inspection on a windy day, and his cap blew off. As he bent to retrieve it, the horse bit him. No, I don’t know if it left a scar.
Jean from Dahlonega Ga aka Trapper Jean on 22 Nov 2009 at 1:14 pm #
You know, as I read through the comments it occurs to me that I posted a comment yesterday that was up for moderation, and now I don’t see it. I promise there wasn’t anything naughty in it. I wonder why it didn’t get posted?
Mary in Ohio on 22 Nov 2009 at 1:44 pm #
Rick and Jim - yes, with me it was R&U Science, a freshman requirement at Akron. Lectures were on closed circuit TV to several big rooms around campus. They switched it over to CBS, so we all sat watching Walter Cronkite give way to tears. On my way home out of the city, in the gathering dusk, newsboys/men were standing on street corners selling EXTRAS. One of the last extras the Beacon Journal ever printed.
As Faulkner said, The past not only isn’t dead, it isn’t even past.
Bob, near Mark on 22 Nov 2009 at 2:04 pm #
Jean from Dahlonega Ga aka Trapper Jean,
Luckily, I’ve never been bitten by a horse. There have been attempts made, but never successful.
One horse I used to ride 40-something years ago never tried to nip, but he enjoyed tossing his head back and trying to hit you in the head with his.
I did have one somewhat comical experience one weekend camping in the mountains in New Mexico. The cinch came loose, and I found myself hanging on upside down under the horse.
debbie on 23 Nov 2009 at 1:51 am #
I once watched my grandfather let a horse rear up and then slammed him down to his knees when he was coming down…I asked him why he did that, he said, the horse was acting up and he wouldn’t do it again and come to think of it, I never saw that horse act up again. I don’t remember what else was happening at the time, I was very little……but the horse was around for a long, long time……
spot on 23 Nov 2009 at 2:42 am #
does anyone get todays cartoon?
spot on 23 Nov 2009 at 4:23 am #
why is arlo lying to janis?
Leary on 23 Nov 2009 at 7:33 am #
9th grade, fourth period algebra class… Teary eyed young teacher (Mrs. Wise) came in with the news… one student stood up and cheered in some type of elation while the rest of us sat in stunned silence. If I remember correctly, the schools were let out for the rest of the day. It seemed so unreal and empty…
Dave in MA on 23 Nov 2009 at 10:14 am #
Wasn’t there for that event in 1963. Born on the same day in 1965, though.
However, there have been numerous similar episodes in my own lifetime that I recall the place I was when I heard the news.
Governor Wallace being shot.
Nixon resigning.
John Lennon being shot.
Shuttle blowing up.
Nixon dying. (not sure why, but the impact of this one was great enough that I recall it. I don’t recall where I was when I heard about Reagan dying, or Ford dying, even though I remember those events….)
Shuttle breaking up on re-entry.
9/11 attacks
Some things have such a strong impact that they seem to burn the surroundings into our memories in ways that other things just never will.
And there are also wonderful events that have had similar effects on me, but they seem to be fewer and farther between as I guess they don’t shock as strongly as the negative events do.
Dave
Bob, near Mark on 23 Nov 2009 at 11:26 am #
At work in New Mexico. Heard the news report of the shots. A co-worker (federal government employee, no less) said, “I hope the (expletive) dies!”
Jim in SE Mississippi on 23 Nov 2009 at 2:42 pm #
With a vital young President cut down, and with Vietnam looming on the horizon (even if we didn’t fully comprehend what that meant at the time), November 22, 1963, was truly the end of childhood for many of us…and maybe in a way, for the country as a whole.
Jayne in Richmond, VA on 23 Nov 2009 at 3:26 pm #
sandcastler on 20 Nov 2009 at 9:22 pm said, “Jayne, mother-in-law only gets to stay if she pays the daily rate; an inn will go broke if you let the relatives stay for free.”
So true. If they had any money left. Sadly, my MIL gave all her money away to 2 of her ne’ver-do-well sons (not my husband). Ne’er-do-wells wants nothing to do with her now.
Jayne
John in LA late of PNS on 23 Nov 2009 at 3:30 pm #
Steve from Royal Oak, MI on 22 Nov 2009 at 10:12 am #
John in LA:
Interesting art work, but can you enlighten the rest of us on the meaning of the strip? I watched Bugs and Daffy faithfully until my young adulthood and I do not get the strip.
Steve:
Really can’t speak for Daffy et al but I liked the 2nd panel because it reminded me so much of George Harriman’s art work. Desert areas were his Harrimans’s favorite background–but this strip, in refering to Daffy, was like Krazy because the back-ground changes from panel to panel.
I guess it happened to Daffy also but I never liked Daffy. But I sure like Krazy Kat.
Rick in Shermantown, Ohio on 23 Nov 2009 at 4:03 pm #
Fifth grade.
My comment of “46 years…” was an allusion to Jimmy’s strip of 1988, in which Arlo is looking pensive and thoughtful for the first three panels. In the fourth panel, he thinks to himself, “25 years…”
John in Richmond Texas on 23 Nov 2009 at 5:26 pm #
My latest A&J moment came when my wife was draping the garland on the mantle. While nestling in the international Santas, nativity set and festive pig figurines, we place the Starship Enterprise prominently among everything. When I show her the strip of A&J placing their pink flamingo on the mantle, she says “no wonder you like this strip”.
Yes, Duck Amuck is a classic, but I prefer the more realistic trilogy of Rabbit Seasoning, Duck, Rabbit, Duck and Rabbit Fire.
Oddly enough, the same thing that happened to Daffy and Arlo happened to me once, when I took some Dayquil too soon after some 4-Way nasal spray.
Yeah, it’s a little early to decorate, but we have visitors this week, so figured it would be nice to be decorated.
spot on 24 Nov 2009 at 7:58 am #
Re: Never Satisfied…
Arlo is showing his age >: …
Cattye on 24 Nov 2009 at 9:26 am #
So I was scanning headlines on Yahoo… and saw that our artist was the athlete of the year:
Forget Kobe, Tiger, Brady; Jimmie Johnson is today’s top athlete
http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/from_the_marbles/post/Forget-Kobe-Tiger-Brady-Jimmie-Johnson-is-tod?urn=nascar,204180
sideburns on 24 Nov 2009 at 1:26 pm #
Years ago, in a DND game, I actually pulled off that pronoun reversal, John. Everybody at the table *except* the GM (who I was talking to) heard me say, “Should we take him home and shoot him later, or just shoot you now.”
debbie on 25 Nov 2009 at 5:20 am #
I know it’s awfully close to Thanksgiving guys, but it would be sweet to have another posting….miss you, Jim.
debbie on 25 Nov 2009 at 6:42 am #
John in Richmond, Texas: I am visualizing a man running around in Christmas decorations maybe with a starship on top of the head and maybe garland wrapped around the neck…..I didn’t think guys like to be decorated, Hmmm….
Ken im Maumee on 25 Nov 2009 at 10:03 am #
Most days I feel like Charlie Brown having the football pulled away by Lucy at the last minute. I keep coming back anyway. Sigh…
John in Richmond Texas on 25 Nov 2009 at 10:39 am #
aargh (slapping my head) yeah, you’re right. Last night I shot a bear in my pajamas.
Tom from Glendora, CA on 25 Nov 2009 at 10:48 am #
Somebody’s got to say it.
John in Richmond Texas….how did the bear get in your pajamas????
Ruth on 25 Nov 2009 at 10:56 am #
I was only a year old when JFK was killed so I do not remember it. I do remember where and what I was doing when the shuttle blew up, the October earthquake hit LA, the shuttle broke up on reentry, and 9/11. Why do we remember where we were when the bad things but not the good?
On a more pleasent note, I want to wish everyone an early Happy Thanksgiving!
dAVE on 25 Nov 2009 at 12:44 pm #
Kind of slow at work today, and on the A&J site I see. Well, someone’s got to say it.
Have a happy and memorable Thanksgiving everyone!
debbie on 25 Nov 2009 at 7:13 pm #
Tom from Glendoa, CA: I wonder what kind of jammies? ya’know with feet? maybe with tribbles.
Mark in Boston on 25 Nov 2009 at 9:58 pm #
Tom from Glendora:
… but in Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
spot on 26 Nov 2009 at 4:29 am #
where is jimmy these days?
spot on 26 Nov 2009 at 5:54 am #
not that anyone probabaly cares
sandcastler on 26 Nov 2009 at 7:50 am #
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jean from Dahlonega GA aka Trapper Jean on 26 Nov 2009 at 8:31 am #
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
YooperBill on 26 Nov 2009 at 8:59 am #
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Bob, near Mark on 26 Nov 2009 at 9:10 am #
Mark in Boston,
In Alabama, the bears and the elephants have become more Enterprise-ing. They’ve bought travel trailers and have gone Mobile.
Sorry, I had to do that. One of my daughters lives in Enterprise, Alabama.
John in LA late of PNS on 26 Nov 2009 at 12:42 pm #
‘Bob, near Mark on 23 Nov 2009 at 11:26 am #
At work in New Mexico. Heard the news report of the shots. A co-worker (federal government employee, no less) said, “I hope the (expletive) dies!”’
Sad to say, same reaction by far to many in Birmingham when JFK was shot. You kinda maybe think it was racial? I would sadly predict the joyful reaction if, ODIN FORBID, the same thing happened w/ our current administration? Racial perhaps?
Bob, near Mark on 26 Nov 2009 at 1:31 pm #
John in LA late of PNS,
Coincidentally, that co-worker in New Mexico was from Alabama.
One of my daughters has been living in Alabama for a little over a year now. I hope the prevailing attitude has changed for the better.
Mary in Ohio on 26 Nov 2009 at 5:03 pm #
Believe me, folks, racism is alive and well up north here in Ohio. I wish it wasn’t. But then I wish a lot of things. I hope every one of you has something to be thankful for, even though there are a lot of hard times and sad people out there. And JJ, we are all thankful for you making things a little brighter every day (even when you don’t post here!)
Now, can one of you animation experts and/or practical jokers explain to me how the “snakes” in Arlo’s oven didn’t melt from the heat? And would this work better in a microwave?
Bob, near Mark on 26 Nov 2009 at 8:19 pm #
Mary in Ohio,
Those snakes were the rare Serpentus Asbestosia, better known as the Phoenix Springsnake.
Dave in MA on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:17 am #
John in LA late of PNS, Mary in Ohio,
Re: the JFK getting shot comment, I doubt the co-worker was saying anything racial at all. I’m sure it was based on disagreement of political point of view.
While I live in what has been deemed the poorest city in Massachusetts, and while our city is 97% minority, there is plenty of racially based distrust and such. Mostly, however, it’s the minorities who are looking at the whites with racial bias.
However, when it comes to politics, for one side to brand the other side as racist just because they strongly disagree with the current administration’s politics is ignoring the greater problem and the reality that it has nothing to do with race and everything to do with politics. The political situation in our country has devolved over the past 40-50 years to be nothing more than name calling, labelling, and distortion of facts. Both sides of the aisle cast dispersions on the others, both sides label the others as ignorant and uncaring, both sides claim the other side ignores proof / studies / facts, and both sides refuse to see the other side as human beings with intelligent points of view to bring to the table.
No one is going to bring the two parties together again, and as they move further and further apart and the name calling gets to be the standard greeting of the day, I expect things will get a lot worse in our country until something finally snaps. The problem is going to be that no matter what the motivation, everyone who likes one side will say that the other side is evil and motivated by hate and race, and everyone who likes the other side will say that it’s exactly the opposite and the other side is evil and motivated by hate and race. No one will stop and listen to each other and try to come to a common ground and so the divide will get worse and worse. It’s unfortunate.
But to be happy that JFK was shot, which is something I had never heard of before this year and then just about a month ago heard that this was not uncommon, and then to see it come up here, really surprised me. But whether or not that was a racially motivated comment by the person who said it in 1963, I seriously doubt it was.
Liberals can stay liberal, but need to move closer to the moderate position. Conservatives can stay conservative, but need to move closer to the moderate position. And people need to stop being so paranoid about others’ motives and start treating people like intelligent, responsible adults who disagree about the best way to solve certain problems.
“I would sadly predict the joyful reaction if, ODIN FORBID, the same thing happened w/ our current administration? Racial perhaps?”
I doubt that the overwhelming majority of those opposed to the current administration are so opposed because of anything racially related. Just as I have no doubt there would have been people having a joyful reaction if the previous administration had had something happen to them. That wouldn’t have been racially motivated either.
Either way, I give thanks that I live in this country, and I hope that everyone had an enjoyable, and safe, Thanksgiving.
It’s people like those in this community of fans that give real hope to the world. Hope that despite different upbringings, different beliefs, different cultural backgrounds, etc, that we can all find common ground and something to laugh at together. Life goes better with a little bit of humor in it, and JJ does a tremendous job of bringing that laughter home in ways that make us all stop and look in the mirror regardless of ideology, race, or theology. See? Another thing to be thankful for at this time of year!
Dave in MA
TruckerRon on 27 Nov 2009 at 5:55 pm #
My political point of view is simpler than conservative vs liberal — I’m all for any program, policy, or legislation that leads to more individual liberty, more respect for our fellow citizens, and limits only those who want to deny life, liberty, or property to their neighbors.
sideburns on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:24 pm #
Dave, if, Ghod forbid, something were to happen to our current President, I doubt that it would be racially motivated. I have, however, no doubt whatever that the Democrats would do everything in their power to make it look racially motivated so that they could whip up a frenzy against their opponents.
This is not because they are Democrats, but because they are liberals, and from what I’ve seen, that’s the way liberals work nowadays. Sad, but true.
BTW, this will probably get caught in the Moderation Black Hole because I’m at a convention this weekend, instead of posting from home.
spot on 28 Nov 2009 at 1:01 am #
hey jimmy, sorry about the previous post, I realise it could be taken the wrong way
Hope all is well, but enough of this - keep up the good work!
Steve from Royal Oak, MI on 28 Nov 2009 at 10:36 am #
Re: Today’s (11/28/09) strip
Arlo:
You is.
Minnesota Don on 28 Nov 2009 at 11:03 am #
Auburn almost pulled it off Jimmy! Sorry about the oh so close loss.
John in Richmond Texas on 28 Nov 2009 at 12:20 pm #
Saturday 11/28 - you’ll be OK, just do all your big eating before like 3 or 4PM, it’s the late eating before bed that keeps the pounds on
Jim in SE Mississippi on 28 Nov 2009 at 3:34 pm #
That’s nothing…I’ll have to listen to all the b—-ing and moaning from my Ole Miss alum buddies next week at work.
debbie on 29 Nov 2009 at 12:50 am #
Is this a political blog?
spot on 29 Nov 2009 at 2:03 am #
debbie, i dont think so
Jim in SE Mississippi on 29 Nov 2009 at 10:07 am #
debbie:
Good question.
Some time ago, I likened this blog to a dinner party, where the guests seemed to subscribe to the old adage that “sex, religion and politics” were not proper topics for conversation (and that “two out of three’s not bad,” since there seemed to be no way to avoid the first topic, given the content of some of JJ’s cartoons). Apparently my observation no longer applies.
Jeff in Utica on 29 Nov 2009 at 10:15 am #
Sunday Strip.
You can’t use the words “billions” and “stars” without thinking of the late great Carl Sagan.
Here is a link to the video of “A Glorious Dawn” if you haven’t seen it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSgiXGELjbc
debbie on 29 Nov 2009 at 2:06 pm #
My dear Jim in SE Mississippi:
I will do my very best to avoid these subjects in the future….let us have a meeting of the minds.
Did you have a wonderful Thanksgiving (I hope!)? I most certanly did….I saw my son for 5 minutes (just long enough to accept a plate of food and give him a kiss on the cheek and he, me.) Thankfully, he understood. No one called. No one visited. I was actually alone for a day without being asked to solve anyone’s problems. No people. I know this sounds weird, but I constantly have people around me and need some downtime. While he did bring me a plate of food and it was good, I actually celebrated with some great home-made barbecue…yummy!
Mary in Ohio on 29 Nov 2009 at 4:18 pm #
Well, I’m sure most of us can be silly with the best of ‘em (great link, Jeff!) But when JJ puts up a cartoon like today’s (new one), we can’t help but stop and think maybe one or two serious thoughts!
Today’s retro Peanuts hit home too - my outdoor beagle was VERY happy to get her fresh straw bed the other day when it finally snowed!(just to get completely off task here)
Jim in SE Mississippi on 30 Nov 2009 at 3:18 am #
debbie:
There’s no “one size fits all” for Thanksgiving. I’m glad you had an enjoyable one.
And mine was wonderful, too.
debbie on 30 Nov 2009 at 5:58 am #
Thank you, Jim in SE MI,
Actually, I usually cook and try to invite someone…Several friends had invited me out and I originally planned to go to Shoney’s or to Pizza Hut, but just could not bear the thought of being around people this year. I had accidently been in Food City and they had marked down a HUGE pork roast from $12.88 to $1.23, so I bought that, stuck it in the slow cooker, ramped it up, and voila……..
.
I miss Jimmy.
Jean from Dahlonega GA aka Trapper Jean on 30 Nov 2009 at 6:04 am #
debbie & Jim in SE Mississippi-Glad to hear you both had good holidays. Here on the Mountain we had family in (seated ten for dinner) and while it was a bit noisy it was good. Ate way too much turkey and dressing, but it was worth it.
On the subject of what to discuss at dinner parties-or in public in general-I long ago decided that sex, politics, or religion were taboo topics: people can never agree on where to do it, when to do it, or who to do it with.
debbie on 30 Nov 2009 at 6:22 am #
I am still checking back to see if that jimmy has decided to have mercy on us and saw your post Jean…I make a fabulous dressing and always make a lot of it when I fix it so I will have an extremely LARGE amount left over, but this never works out…it always disappears pretty quickly. While in the grocery store just before Thanksgiving, I ran into a friend of mine and her cart was so full (she counted up on her hands how many people were going to be there-16) she was miserable.
While on the subject of dinner parties, I use to do that too, now, I try to keep my mouth shut, but I have discovered people think you are agreeing if you do not speak up. I even find them saying, ‘as you say’ and I’m standing there saying, ‘oh no, I didn’t say that!, I didn’t say anything!’
Leary on 30 Nov 2009 at 8:54 am #
I do hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving experience… It does not have to be traditional as long as it is enjoyable. Our Creator wants us to enjoy the life He has given us…
We were a part of a household of 13 and there were 4 lively boys from 7 years to three years. For me, children always make the celebration better. No cooking or house preparation this year since we were guests. Next year may be our turn, but fortunately my wife handles the task wonderfully.
Jim in SE Mississippi on 30 Nov 2009 at 3:22 pm #
debbie and Trapper Jean:
I’m glad my favorite (alleged) “Cougar” and my favorite six-foot redhead (you did once say you were a redhead, didn’t you?) both had a good holiday. Actually, you’re the only two people I know meeting those descriptions, but you’re still my favorites.
I do miss the large family gatherings for Thanksgiving. My dad was from a family of ten, most of whom made it to my Grandmother’s house every year, along with spouses and about twenty cousins. But time has taken its toll, as it always does, and dinner was for a much, much smaller group this year. Still, I’m thankful for that and for “good memories.”
emeritus Minnesota biologist on 30 Nov 2009 at 4:12 pm #
At our frequent family TG at our younger son’s, he and his wife usually serve goose, as well as more other stuff than one should eat. They make triple berry pies and my wife makes excellent “pumpkin” (really winter squash) pies, and last weekend I gained 4 lb.
If we stay in town, we wait table at the community holiday TG meal, which rotates among large churches. We will probably do that Christmas, and stay afterward to eat. One result, desirable or not, is no leftovers.
Comments about the difficulty of staying out of unwelcome intrusions of politics and religion are well taken. If it’s not, “As you said, …”, it’s an “of course” statement that puts you in the position of tacit agreement or one of “rude” contradiction. Such tactics are perhaps best seen as bullying. One example is someone declaring it’s time to pray and then offering as sectarian a prayer as he (usually a “he”) can come up with.
debbie on 01 Dec 2009 at 6:26 am #
In regards to the last blog, the ‘of course’ comment does not bother me and expecting me to pray is okay too, but when you are actually standing there listening and someone appeals to you with ‘as you say’ one can say, ‘NO, not as I say, as YOU say’ because the kicker with the prayer comment, all you have to do is don’t bow your head, don’t close your eyes, don’t assume an attitude of prayer and don’t pray. I feels that is quite different from an ‘as you say’ comment because they think they are speaking for me and there is usually an audience listening to this remark bringing me into agreement with them when I don’t. I especially have had one person to do this constantly all the time I will be saying, “No, I did not say that. You said that.’ She would keep on saying that until I had worn her down (or vice-a-versa) by keep repeating, “I disagree. No. No. That’s not right. Etc., etc,.,’ What they are actually doing is expressing THEIR opinion and blaming it on you, mainly because they know they are wrong.