Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for November 17, 2023

Come now, Nancy, when was Rory ever on the level?

Lower than a snake’s belly? No, lower.

Gee, this should be fun, I haven’t sank that low in a long time.

Rory is searching for the Lowest Common Denominator, they can work up from there.

In other words, misery loves company.

I thought that Rory’s discomfort might have to do with his new rhomboidal pants inserts from Dennis’ emporium.

Down or up depending on which one you believe.

What makes Rory grumpy is that his wish has been granted. It’s called “fall”, the leaves are all down, and now he has to rake them all up before the snow hits.

“No, just you…”

The truth, Nancy, is that we are all at Rory’s level, imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. A century later, none of us will be a memory to anyone.

Rory’s discomfort is in his bottom as a stubborn stool has failed to “come down”.

Good morning Balladeers!

And.. it’s not a pleasant place to be given Rory’s history of constipation.

Rory knows from his work that all carpenters work on the level.

Yes. Leveling works best that way, silly.

You see a lot of that lowest common denominator thinking with political pack leaders.

You can’t sink any lower than Rory’s mood at the moment.