Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis for June 25, 2023

Why can’t Tom drive?

He could talk to them about scary monsters while they’re having beer. It could be interesting.

Yeah. I looked around and all of a sudden my teen-ager is over 40. Yow!

“Cats in the cradle and the silver spoon…”

Cat’s In The Cradle by Harry Chapin!

It’s good to see the apples didn’t fall near the tree. /s

My son stops by to drink my beer once in a while and my daughter stops by sometimes to bring dinner. I enjoy both.

Waiting at the airport gate for my oldest son. Texted him; “Look for an old man in a blue tee shirt.” He called me laughing at full speed, “I am also wearing a blue tee-shirt! You look for an old man in a blue tee shirt!”

He’s in his mid sixties…..I am in my mid eighties.

Father’s Day strip one week late.

Harry Chapin song, Cats in the Cradle

Very true words, Pastis!

All Glory is Fleeting ……….

There are two things far, far worse than seeing children grow old in front of you.

One is waiting so long for the right person you grow old alone.

The other is watching them die.

Always remember there is a reward for not strangling the little brats:

Grandchildren.

They really do grow up quickly.

When my daughter brought my grandsons home for Christmas last year they all piled into our biggest bed while I read her favorite bed-time story, Christmas On Bear Mountain, by Carl Barks.

Great! Now they’re old enough to bring Rat a beer.

The cat’s in the cradle …..well, you know the song.

Freeze this moment a little bit longer

Make each sensation a little bit stronger

Experience slips away

Experience slips away

Time stand still

Time Stand Still, Rush (1987)

Rat saves the strip again!

Todays guest writer: Harry Chapin

It hapens between blinks

My daughter has grey hair. She’s getting older, too.

Yeah.

Uncle Rat is so supportive.

I love that Stephan Pastis talks to his animals.

Just imagine how it feels for the kids.

Growing up sucks.

Cat’s in the cradle….

Why don’t you just join them, Steph? But leave Rat at home.

You’re old!

I am suddenly hearing Harry Chapin singing in the background.

Thanks Steph.

That’s why we must MAKE time to stop and smell the roses! ☺️

Those moments, can never be recaptured! ☹️

Yeah, how’s that go about the cat and the cradle?

Time Passages

My mother warned me!!! time is precious X

Harry Chapin nailed it in “Cat’s In The Cradle”

Yes, Steph, we senior-seniors call them strips. Tell that to your daughter and Tom before they leave. I’m going with them … no one could beat me at “science.”

This is a sad and poignant strip. Good job Stephan.

Listening to “Cats in the Cradle” will do that to your head

It’s never too late, while there is air to breath.

Why does Rat think that’s an option? (I have known a few bartenders who would be willing to let you sneak one out like that, but only for trusted regulars.)

If I had kids at the usual age, I’d be a grandfather by now. My younger brother already is.

Truely blessed is my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson right across the street.

So go have a beer with them Dad

Poor Cartoon-Boy. I feel sorry for Steph; but Rat saves the day!

I’m surprised nobody mentioned the Harry Chapin song.

My child arrived just the other dayHe came to the world in the usual wayBut there were planes to catch, and bills to payHe learned to walk while I was awayAnd he was talking ‘fore I knew it, and as he grewHe’d say “I’m gonna be like you, dad”“You know I’m gonna be like you”

[reprise] And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoonLittle boy blue and the man in the moon“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when”But we’ll get together thenYou know we’ll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other dayHe said, thanks for the ball, dad, come on let’s playCan you teach me to throw, I said-a, not todayI got a lot to do, he said, that’s okayAnd he, he walked away, but his smile never dimmedIt said, I’m gonna be like him, yeahYou know I’m gonna be like him[reprise]

Well, he came from college just the other daySo much like a man I just had to saySon, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?He shook his head, and they said with a smileWhat I’d really like, dad, is to borrow the car keysSee you later, can I have them please?[reprise]

I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved awayI called him up just the other dayI said, I’d like to see you if you don’t mindHe said, I’d love to, dad, if I can find the timeYou see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kids have the fluBut it’s sure nice talking to you, dadIt’s been sure nice talking to youAnd as I hung up the phone, it occurred to meHe’d grown up just like meMy boy was just like me[reprise]

Well,Pastis asked his kids to take over the strip one day,and they fled in terror(or was a Chrysler?)

If I could save time in bottle

The first thing that I’d like to do

Is to save everyday till eternity passes away

Just to spend them with you

Sometimes Pearls Before Swine is too real, and that’s why I love this strip