Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for October 24, 2022

Larry is getting tired of all the hoops that Leona puts him through.

at his age, he shouldn’t be out of home to begin with

Get his bifocals checked. That happens to me when they are off-kilter.

Have a nice trip, Larry?

Nah…Leona just moved the portal up 3 feet. She’s still mad about the “laundry” situation last Thursday.

Is that a martini between the candles? I think Larry could use it now.

Well, if he hadn’t stopped off at Roscoe’s to “have one with the boys” (or 3 or 4), he would have made it through that hoop like usual. Leona understands, and she’ll quietly disappear for a few minutes while he tries to salvage what’s left of his dignity. Dinner may be just a bit subdued this evening, but the conversation will be easy and pleasant, allowing Larry to relax after what obviously has been a very trying day.

This was fine (even fun) when Larry was younger and more limber.

But, is it still worth it to have to jump through hoops to get this reward?

They have already toned it down. Leona used to use those candles to light the hoop.

This one made me laugh out loud. It’s now my favorite Ballard strip.

Larry’s wife has been quietly and gradually reducing the size of the hoop looking forward for this day to come

It would have been much safer had he come home in a welcome wagon.

Good morning Balladeers, (((((Plods))))) and Miss Susan.

Yep, it’s time to put the hoop away but save the martini part.

Solution for Larry… make the “0” ring larger…

Larry’s having trouble tying his shoe laces after a few drinks.. and sadly this is the result.

Larry still prefers this to her “Have a Good Day at Work” Cannon…

It had originally been a Flaming Hoop of Welcome but, fortunately, he was late and the flames burned out.

My second wife never understood why I liked my cat Vivekat so much. It was very simple: Vivekat was always glad to see me when I came home; second wife – not so much. :)

Still better than what she puts up when she isn’t feeling welcoming.

Larry may be getting a little old.