Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for September 24, 2012

What an odd strip, especially since J.J.’s shown A&J at parties several times, and usually everywhere BUT the kitchen.

Is another shoe getting ready to drop?

agreed Tony. are they still at the reception? as i said before doesn’t look like the extended family on Gene’s side were even invited to the wedding\graduation party. A&J are sitting all by themselves and don’t appear to know anybody but the immediate family of the bride. maybe the Grandparents and other relations are all dead and Arlo and Janis and Gus are it. seems kindda strange otherwise to invite all your co workers to your party and almost none of your relations especially if the families are paying the food and drink tab.

Years ago I had a boss who was a retired marine officer. He was always a very focused person, except the week before and after his daughter was married. He found it all a bit surreal. Perhaps we are getting to experience some of this through this couples eyes.

RE the questions about Gene’s extended family being there. If you will recall even Arlo and Janice didn’t know until they got there, and the wedding was the next day, so there was no time to get anybody else, And yes, they are still at the reception, in their time only about an hour has passed.

As the mother of the groom (3 months ago) it is a different experience. Remember, mothers were once “the bride” and know the planning involved and look forward to when their child also marries. When the child is a male, and it is over, there is sort of a surreal feeling. I know something big has just happened but somehow we’re on the outside just observing. The important thing to remember is how you all move forward – not just “regret” how things happened. It is their wedding and if the groom was unhappy and didn’t speak up that’s his problem. It is quite possible that things were planned the way the couple wanted it or agreed about. Good luck all!

Also, most people that work in a family owned restaurant become part of the “family”. Gene and Mary Lou are friends with these people jointly!

what! extended families aren’t invited to big events like graduation parties??? i think the grandparents are dead and and all the characters were single children so no siblings to be involved with. most likely Meg will continue the streak growing up alone.

You guys read way too much into this.