Speaking of age, a lady in Japan named Kane Tanaka celebrated her 118th birthday in January this year! She’s preparing to carry the Olympic torch in May.
I recall some obscure teaching from my elderly geography teacher. “Once you’ve climbed to the peak of the mountain – it’s all downhill from there.” As a naive kid I had thought he was speaking literally and never heard of metaphors.
There must be some hidden meaning in the artist’s drawing here but now we will never know. In the first panel the two kids are in a neighborhood. In the second panel while they are carrying out an ordinary conversation they are suddenly transported Star Trek style to a desolate field. Their feet haven’t even touched the ground. In the third panel in the couple of seconds it takes him to answer the question they are transported back to a city street. In the fourth panel he hasn’t even finished the sentence and they are back in an empty field??
On his 80th Birthday, my late partner was asked that very question. He thought for a moment, then replied in all seriousness, “No, not really. I mind being old. But getting old was fun!” I can attest to the truth of that assertion since I was lucky enough to share 44 years of that fun. I miss him.
I have an aunt who got a birthday card saying “Over the Hill.” While she didn’t seem phased, I couldn’t help but repeat Franklin’s Grandfather’s saying at that moment and she later said that quip was most welcome at that moment.
marilynnbyerly over 3 years ago
Very wise and true.
Baarorso over 3 years ago
Things beginning to pick up speed as you grow older is PRECISELY the problem we older folk face Franklin!
constantine48 over 3 years ago
It’s better than not getting old.
orinoco womble over 3 years ago
Getting old is a privilege denied to many in the world.
Cminuscomics&stories Premium Member over 3 years ago
I had a birthday this week and know exactly what Franklin’s grandfather means. Happy birthday, Franklin’s grandfather.
knutdl over 3 years ago
“When I get older losing my hair Many years from now”
bixya over 3 years ago
Getting older is a good thing. Every birthday I always think: “cheers, I won another year !!!”
Frog-on-a-Log Premium Member over 3 years ago
True dat.
Hazelnut King over 3 years ago
Speaking of age, a lady in Japan named Kane Tanaka celebrated her 118th birthday in January this year! She’s preparing to carry the Olympic torch in May.
littlejohn Premium Member over 3 years ago
The only problem is finding the oil can for those joints that don’t work as well as they used to.
gsawyer101 over 3 years ago
Better to be seen than viewed. Treasure each one.
geese28 over 3 years ago
Not the speed I’m worried about in life, it’s the sudden stop.
dcdete. over 3 years ago
I recall some obscure teaching from my elderly geography teacher. “Once you’ve climbed to the peak of the mountain – it’s all downhill from there.” As a naive kid I had thought he was speaking literally and never heard of metaphors.
dcdete. over 3 years ago
Darryl Heine over 3 years ago
Does Franklin’s Grandfather also mind getting wrinkles?
Decepticomic over 3 years ago
That’s why grandpa’s not allowed to drive anymore.
Ellis97 over 3 years ago
These words of wisdom have been brought to you by Franklin Armstrong.
txmystic over 3 years ago
I recall appreciating this one when I read it as a kid, cuz it gave me hope that aging may not be too bad…
Now that I find myself rapidly approaching the crest of said hill, well…
Otis Rufus Driftwood over 3 years ago
Always look on the Brightside.
Bookworm over 3 years ago
On his 80th Birthday, my late partner was asked that very question. He thought for a moment, then replied in all seriousness, “No, not really. I mind being old. But getting old was fun!” I can attest to the truth of that assertion since I was lucky enough to share 44 years of that fun. I miss him.
Vangoghdog01 over 3 years ago
I feel like Sissyphus, the boulder (aches, pains, etc) keeps rolling down the hill over me and each trip up is worse than the one before.
summerdog over 3 years ago
Some days I feel older than I am, and some days I feel younger than I am. I really don’t know what my real age feels like.
uniquename over 3 years ago
In that case, I must be flying.
jbruins84341 over 3 years ago
I wish it was true.
hagarthehorrible over 3 years ago
That way you kids have to climb the steep hill to reach the adult peak.
ImDaRealAni over 3 years ago
It takes longer to climb the hill than to go roll down it.
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
and I am enjoying the ride. Yee haw……
Troglodyte over 3 years ago
It’s a fast ride downhill!
JesseLouisMartinez over 3 years ago
Cause once you’re over it’s all down hill from there
Walter Parmantie Premium Member over 3 years ago
guitarpicker56 over 3 years ago
I should be doing 80 by now . . .
ChrisTrey over 3 years ago
As this comic is 37 years old, I wonder if Granddad is still alive and kicking?
sugordon over 3 years ago
I like Franklin’s grandfather
kchishol1970 over 3 years ago
I have an aunt who got a birthday card saying “Over the Hill.” While she didn’t seem phased, I couldn’t help but repeat Franklin’s Grandfather’s saying at that moment and she later said that quip was most welcome at that moment.