I see the falling leaves in the beautiful landscape. I am eager for autumn, but Saturday here is supposed to be almost 90 degrees. None of the leaves are turning by me yet, but I noticed all the monarch butterflies seem to have migrated. It’s supposed to be cooling off by the end of the week, and I just bought my first flannel shirt in ages, so I am ready.
I saw the Halloween candy in the stores and got so excited. Then Thanksgiving and then Christmas. I’m already planning menus.
Wish my mail carrier/neighbors was so considerate. Many a time I have gone out to the community mail box only to find a notice that mail could not be delivered because someone parked within the 30 feet limit. And then I will look around… and no cars whatsoever.
My grandpa Lester was a NYC mailman for forty years. One morning he wasn’t feeling well and didn’t go to work. My mother was surprised to see him at the kitchen table so “late” in the morning and asked what was wrong, and he quipped, “The gloom of night finally got to me.”♥
My parents mail carrier saved my Mom several years ago when she fell in the snow and couldn’t get back up because of her hip and knee replacements (both sides). She tried to call my brother (who lives close by, unlike me) but it went to voicemail and then her battery died. She managed to open her car door and honk her horn, but nobody came (my father is hard of hearing and often doesn’t put in his hearing aides, I don’t know how to excuse the neighbors). Finally the mail carrier heard the honking and found her, helped her get up and into the house and under blankets. There was even a write up in the paper! I believe in Mail Carriers!!!!!
And are we going to see this masked man change his clothes in a telephone box? I think not. He may be a mail carrier, but so far no proof that he is The Mailman.
This strip is absolutely beautiful. Today for us here on the Mississippi Lock 10 pool will be near 80 even tho leaves are starting to turn so still short sleeves today. But tomorrow the temps start to drop. We could still get an October warm spell but until then temps will be brisk….my favorite Autumn weather. The last of the prairie flowers are still blooming, assorted asters and goldenrod, and the tall grasses are wearing autumn colors and abundant seed heads. Note: goldenrod is not an allergen, the Fall sneeze maker is ragweed which blooms at the same time.
Completely off topic: Home schooling great-granddaughter
Well, we have finished and survived first week of her home schooling. I don’t know about Saphira, but I was totally exhausted by Friday noon. I found out on Monday that she has been diagnosed with ADHD. Keeping her focused was virtually impossible during the first part of the morning. She was more willing to engage during the second part, but still had difficulty focusing.
Does anybody have anything helpful to say on how I could help keep her focused? It would be very much appreciated.
In regards to the unofficial “motto” of the Postal Service, I found this and thought it was an interesting bit of history:
“While the Postal Service has no official motto, the popular belief that it does is a tribute to America’s postal workers. The words above, thought to be the motto, are chiseled in gray granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office on 8th Avenue and come from Book 8, Paragraph 98, of The Persian Wars by Herodotus. During the wars between the Greeks and Persians (500-449 B.C.), the Persians operated a system of mounted postal couriers who served with great fidelity. "
Let us also not forget that the USPS is still under attack from the top. It is a vital service to all who realize it or not and crucial to America. DeJoy ran a business before becoming the Postmaster General, which conflicts with its operation. Enough cronies and “privitization” of vital services. We all need the USPS.
AMEN – a very timely reminder, Georgia. All storms end and we will get through this one … but if you can spare a few prayers, I have some family members that have been exposed. One was very sick but should get to come home soon; the others are waiting for their test results.
National Situational Awareness Day —Situational awareness is a skill that has to be learned. Unfortunately, we live in a society that actively discourages it. It is so bad that Randy Cassingham, of “This Is True” fame, invented a word for that portion of the population: “Obliviot.” Don’t be one. Be awake. Be aware. Eternal vigilance is not merely the price of liberty. It is the price of life, itself.
National Hunting and Fishing Day —Loved hunting, whether successful or not (“success” being defined as bringing home FOOD.) Great way to develop situational awareness. Hunting has been described as “Freezing to death while waiting for something barely adequate to come just out of range.” In other words, “a fine and pleasant misery.” Fishing, not so much—hours of staring at nothing, getting eaten alive, while you learn the average fish is smarter than you are. I’ve never considered either a “sport,” but rather a quest for something tasty. Yes, I’m an unashamed carnivorian.
National Rabbit Day —Except in Australia, where rabbits are illegal. Robin can tell you why. Hint: there is no bag limit on rabbits there. They may even tell you to go out and get more. (Yes, Australian rabbits are deadly.)
Fish Amnesty Day —Not sure what crimes they have committed, but I’ll forgive them. Perhaps the crime is aiding and abetting grand theft. After all, fishing tackle is expensive, and designed primarily to catch “sport” fishermen.
Museum Day —Sigh. I guess it’s time to go visit my relatives …
National Better Breakfast Day —As far as I’m concerned, a “better breakfast” is described under the next holiday.
Lumberjack Day —When you work like they did, you need a “better breakfast”: flapjacks, fried eggs, bacon, ham, steak, more flapjacks, more eggs, more bacon, more ham, lots of hot coffee (which you stir with your thumb, not being a common bum), and a waffle for desert. (continued)
Lumberjack Day —(continued) “What’s for dinner?” you ask. “It’s a surprise," comes the answer. Those who are true hivernants and denizens of the wild now know that if you complain about the food, you get to cook. MTP: a pie with a thick, flaky crust, containing certain “fruits of the forest.” The woods-savvy will all proclaim: “It’s good, though!”
OT: I thought for a while before I said anything, but…
A few comments above are creeping into the “politics zone” that we try so hard to avoid here. I know no one is doing it maliciously- but I’d just like to take an opportunity to gently remind us all that we don’t want to start these debates for a reason.
Thank you, Orb, for always being a place of kindness, respect, and mutual support. We all need that, and I know we all want to keep it that way.
OK, I just started reading BCN in the spring of this year. I have gone back to the beginning on this site to try to figure out all the characters and who they belong to, but I am still TOTALLY CONFUSED! (Put it down to old age). So Puck, Lupin, and Elvis live with the Man and Woman. They adopted an outdoor cat last Christmas, who is orange. Is that Goldie? Then Beatrice belongs to the bookstore lady? And can anyone direct me to a month and year where Puck had some sort of adventure with a mailcarrier? Thanks, Cat Lovers!
Adults over a certain age in this country know the song “The Mail Must Go Through”. I propose the lyrics be changed since, the US Post Office literally stops delivering at 8PM.
Le'letha Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Hear, hear! Words to live by, for all of us indeed. (And I spy Burt in the background, and such a gorgeous background too!)
maggijoseph Premium Member almost 4 years ago
That is a lucky mail carrier to have such a scene on his route—and complete with decorative cats!
marni.bennett almost 4 years ago
SO INSPIRATIONAL!!!!!!
DennisinSeattle Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Is romance brewing between Mail Carrier and Bookstore Woman? Stay tuned!
JLChi almost 4 years ago
I see the falling leaves in the beautiful landscape. I am eager for autumn, but Saturday here is supposed to be almost 90 degrees. None of the leaves are turning by me yet, but I noticed all the monarch butterflies seem to have migrated. It’s supposed to be cooling off by the end of the week, and I just bought my first flannel shirt in ages, so I am ready.
I saw the Halloween candy in the stores and got so excited. Then Thanksgiving and then Christmas. I’m already planning menus.
I Mad Am I almost 4 years ago
Wish my mail carrier/neighbors was so considerate. Many a time I have gone out to the community mail box only to find a notice that mail could not be delivered because someone parked within the 30 feet limit. And then I will look around… and no cars whatsoever.
tkstuber almost 4 years ago
Is the “That goes for all of us” balloon that seems to go to the rock fence spoken by the carrier? Or hidden creatures (like mice?)
Lifeflame almost 4 years ago
Brilliant! Georgia you’re Brilliant. Stating much needed wisdom in a beautiful wsy
OliveO'Sudden almost 4 years ago
My grandpa Lester was a NYC mailman for forty years. One morning he wasn’t feeling well and didn’t go to work. My mother was surprised to see him at the kitchen table so “late” in the morning and asked what was wrong, and he quipped, “The gloom of night finally got to me.”♥
Jungle Empress almost 4 years ago
I have to quote a character from a video game here…
“Remember that bad times are just times that are bad.”
shirins Premium Member almost 4 years ago
My parents mail carrier saved my Mom several years ago when she fell in the snow and couldn’t get back up because of her hip and knee replacements (both sides). She tried to call my brother (who lives close by, unlike me) but it went to voicemail and then her battery died. She managed to open her car door and honk her horn, but nobody came (my father is hard of hearing and often doesn’t put in his hearing aides, I don’t know how to excuse the neighbors). Finally the mail carrier heard the honking and found her, helped her get up and into the house and under blankets. There was even a write up in the paper! I believe in Mail Carriers!!!!!
shirins Premium Member almost 4 years ago
OT (Off Topic) – Nushi and me
Robin Harwood almost 4 years ago
And are we going to see this masked man change his clothes in a telephone box? I think not. He may be a mail carrier, but so far no proof that he is The Mailman.
Aspen_Bell almost 4 years ago
Say, look! He left this fluffy kitten!
Who was that masked man anyway?
… Well, somebody had to say it!
ikini Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Awwwwwwwww.
WelshRat Premium Member almost 4 years ago
An inspirational fellow. Bea will probably be telling his stories soon. Fan fiction and all that.
cat19632001 almost 4 years ago
♥️ back to you, too, Georgia Dunn. ️
Gent almost 4 years ago
Terrible tumultuous tempests thunder and turbulently tumble away, but stop us not.
ikini Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Both Puck and Beatrix are waving goodbye to the Mail Carrier.
dadoctah almost 4 years ago
Anyone want to take bets on whether Georgia wrote that line from memory or had to look it up? Most people think it mentions “sleet” for some reason.
cat19632001 almost 4 years ago
Puck toe beans!
arolarson Premium Member almost 4 years ago
OT, Yen
arolarson Premium Member almost 4 years ago
This strip is absolutely beautiful. Today for us here on the Mississippi Lock 10 pool will be near 80 even tho leaves are starting to turn so still short sleeves today. But tomorrow the temps start to drop. We could still get an October warm spell but until then temps will be brisk….my favorite Autumn weather. The last of the prairie flowers are still blooming, assorted asters and goldenrod, and the tall grasses are wearing autumn colors and abundant seed heads. Note: goldenrod is not an allergen, the Fall sneeze maker is ragweed which blooms at the same time.
ladykat almost 4 years ago
Completely off topic: Home schooling great-granddaughter
Well, we have finished and survived first week of her home schooling. I don’t know about Saphira, but I was totally exhausted by Friday noon. I found out on Monday that she has been diagnosed with ADHD. Keeping her focused was virtually impossible during the first part of the morning. She was more willing to engage during the second part, but still had difficulty focusing.
Does anybody have anything helpful to say on how I could help keep her focused? It would be very much appreciated.
ladykat almost 4 years ago
This has been a wonderful story arc. I’m so glad Beatrix is back safe in the arms of her woman.
lasoderman almost 4 years ago
Thank you from a retired USPS employee
Ravioli's Gale Premium Member almost 4 years ago
In regards to the unofficial “motto” of the Postal Service, I found this and thought it was an interesting bit of history:
“While the Postal Service has no official motto, the popular belief that it does is a tribute to America’s postal workers. The words above, thought to be the motto, are chiseled in gray granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office on 8th Avenue and come from Book 8, Paragraph 98, of The Persian Wars by Herodotus. During the wars between the Greeks and Persians (500-449 B.C.), the Persians operated a system of mounted postal couriers who served with great fidelity. "
-Source: https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/mission-motto.pdf
Kitty Katz almost 4 years ago
From the Pirates of Penzance: Poor Wandering One
Poor climbing one
Though thou hast surely strayed
Too far advance, on the high branch
Poor climbing one
Poor climbing one
Know that you’re never alone
Thimble and ’Style, can help thee smile,
And the mail carrier takes thee home!
…….
Take heart, no danger affords
Take any heart of the orb,
Take heart, fair days will shine
Take heart, all will be fine
Take heart, no danger affords
Take any heart it is yours
Take heart, the bookstore is there
Take any heart, all’s fair!
sugordon almost 4 years ago
I’m glad to see that Burt is no longer being held inside against his will. It must be nice for him to get back to his rounds.
Hungry_Ghost almost 4 years ago
The cats are into the onions again…actually not really, onions are poisonous to kitties. Guess I’m just weepy.
Display almost 4 years ago
Let us also not forget that the USPS is still under attack from the top. It is a vital service to all who realize it or not and crucial to America. DeJoy ran a business before becoming the Postmaster General, which conflicts with its operation. Enough cronies and “privitization” of vital services. We all need the USPS.
Michael G. almost 4 years ago
“They call it ‘Stormy Monday’ but Tuesday’s just as bad.” – Aaron Thibeaux “T-Bone” Walker (May 28, 1910 – March 16, 1975)
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member almost 4 years ago
You know that there had to be someone walking the wall.
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Mom would have been 85 today.
grrltomboy almost 4 years ago
Thanks Georgia/postal carrier. I needed that
Miss Mina almost 4 years ago
Burt on the stone wall!
rs0204 Premium Member almost 4 years ago
One more storm indeed, Georgia. We understand, and in turn, will stand together.
DorseyBelle almost 4 years ago
I spy Burt! I don’t see Homestyle and Thimblefist.
dwagon55 almost 4 years ago
After escaping the box canyon…
besuper almost 4 years ago
Yes, this mail carrier is a real person, the way Georgia has depicted him. Thank you, Georgia, for your very nuanced art!
scyphi26 almost 4 years ago
I really like this mail carrier. He’s a good guy. :D
Santana almost 4 years ago
Another Saturday night
And we ain’t got no party
We got no money ‘cause we don’t get paid
Now, how we wish we had something to do
We’re in an awful way
Let me tell you ’bout it, lookie here
We got shut down 6 months ago
We seen a lotta Netflix since then
If we could get snacks, we’d eat ’em
And so yes we been diet cheatin’
That’s why we’re in the shape we’re in
Now, another fella told us
Everything was gonna be just fine
Instead of being our deliverance
His words had a strange resemblance
To a bigly dose of hydroxychloroquine
Here, another Saturday night
And we can’t have no parties
We got some hope though ’cause we still can pray
Now, how we wish everyone will feel better
Lookin’ forward to brighter days
(Sam Cooke)
everett_r0 almost 4 years ago
Wish I could be so politically optimistic….
tremor3258 almost 4 years ago
Awww
tweety6677 almost 4 years ago
I love all the “hidden” cat drawings in the bushes in the last panel.
GSD Mom Premium Member almost 4 years ago
AMEN – a very timely reminder, Georgia. All storms end and we will get through this one … but if you can spare a few prayers, I have some family members that have been exposed. One was very sick but should get to come home soon; the others are waiting for their test results.
serenasakitty almost 4 years ago
It is now official. This is definitely one of the best.
scaeva Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Today is:
National Situational Awareness Day —Situational awareness is a skill that has to be learned. Unfortunately, we live in a society that actively discourages it. It is so bad that Randy Cassingham, of “This Is True” fame, invented a word for that portion of the population: “Obliviot.” Don’t be one. Be awake. Be aware. Eternal vigilance is not merely the price of liberty. It is the price of life, itself.
National Hunting and Fishing Day —Loved hunting, whether successful or not (“success” being defined as bringing home FOOD.) Great way to develop situational awareness. Hunting has been described as “Freezing to death while waiting for something barely adequate to come just out of range.” In other words, “a fine and pleasant misery.” Fishing, not so much—hours of staring at nothing, getting eaten alive, while you learn the average fish is smarter than you are. I’ve never considered either a “sport,” but rather a quest for something tasty. Yes, I’m an unashamed carnivorian.
National Rabbit Day —Except in Australia, where rabbits are illegal. Robin can tell you why. Hint: there is no bag limit on rabbits there. They may even tell you to go out and get more. (Yes, Australian rabbits are deadly.)
Fish Amnesty Day —Not sure what crimes they have committed, but I’ll forgive them. Perhaps the crime is aiding and abetting grand theft. After all, fishing tackle is expensive, and designed primarily to catch “sport” fishermen.
Museum Day —Sigh. I guess it’s time to go visit my relatives …
National Better Breakfast Day —As far as I’m concerned, a “better breakfast” is described under the next holiday.
Lumberjack Day —When you work like they did, you need a “better breakfast”: flapjacks, fried eggs, bacon, ham, steak, more flapjacks, more eggs, more bacon, more ham, lots of hot coffee (which you stir with your thumb, not being a common bum), and a waffle for desert. (continued)
scaeva Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Today is (continued):
Lumberjack Day —(continued) “What’s for dinner?” you ask. “It’s a surprise," comes the answer. Those who are true hivernants and denizens of the wild now know that if you complain about the food, you get to cook. MTP: a pie with a thick, flaky crust, containing certain “fruits of the forest.” The woods-savvy will all proclaim: “It’s good, though!”
Natarose almost 4 years ago
Brilliant words Georgia!
Kit'n'Kaboodle almost 4 years ago
OT: I thought for a while before I said anything, but…
A few comments above are creeping into the “politics zone” that we try so hard to avoid here. I know no one is doing it maliciously- but I’d just like to take an opportunity to gently remind us all that we don’t want to start these debates for a reason.
Thank you, Orb, for always being a place of kindness, respect, and mutual support. We all need that, and I know we all want to keep it that way.
jemelvin almost 4 years ago
OK, I just started reading BCN in the spring of this year. I have gone back to the beginning on this site to try to figure out all the characters and who they belong to, but I am still TOTALLY CONFUSED! (Put it down to old age). So Puck, Lupin, and Elvis live with the Man and Woman. They adopted an outdoor cat last Christmas, who is orange. Is that Goldie? Then Beatrice belongs to the bookstore lady? And can anyone direct me to a month and year where Puck had some sort of adventure with a mailcarrier? Thanks, Cat Lovers!
almost 4 years ago
Spoken like a true mail carrier.
Daeder almost 4 years ago
Thanks for this one, Georgia. We all needed it! <3
ajwaldtwo almost 4 years ago
Georgia Dunn, YOU are the BEST. Thanks for the perspective!
catmom1360 almost 4 years ago
The mail carrier says “one more storm to get through” and waves his letters at the same time. What does that mean?
JamesBaird almost 4 years ago
He’ll return with the mail in ballots.
knight1192a almost 4 years ago
Nope, never say stays this courier. And as I said some time agian, the old saying is becomeing largely untrue, at least around here.
NyahNyahNyah almost 4 years ago
“That goes for all of us.”
✨❤️✨
jimmjonzz Premium Member almost 4 years ago
It’s coming this Friday!
asrialfeeple almost 4 years ago
How very true this is. “Just one more storm to get through” I am reminded of Psalm 34:20
just another cat lover almost 4 years ago
Words to live by, valiant mail carrier
StoicLion1973 almost 4 years ago
Adults over a certain age in this country know the song “The Mail Must Go Through”. I propose the lyrics be changed since, the US Post Office literally stops delivering at 8PM.
zensolo Premium Member almost 4 years ago
I keep hearing that motto in Laurie Anderson’s vocoder-processed singsong…
GSD Mom Premium Member 3 months ago
I STILL love this strip. Thank you, Georgia, for shining a light when the orb needed it so much.
Fennec! at the Disco about 1 month ago
Burt!