I got holiday greetings from 3 of the 08 hopefuls — click on 08 Hopeful Postcards for full sized shots. If you got one from any of the others you can upload it or email it to me.
08 Demabees
Susan’s dinner
Susan had us for dinner on Saturday and made the most amazing dinner. It was delicious! First, we had stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer. They were delicious. Then we had something like pecan-encrusted trout, a delicious salad and orzo with something.
I’m starting a new category “food and recipes” in case you want to share recipes Susan.
Happy Birthday to Jon!
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Jo-on, happy birthday to you!
I hope your day is filled with many things that please you. Best wishes from your family in Virginia!
In Praise of Prince Valiant
More than forty years ago Uncle Charlie, who was Grandpa Crum’s brother, told me that he thought Prince Valiant was a wonderful comic strip. He pointed out that it had a strong narrative, character development, amazingly detailed and effective art, and wonderful historical content. I smirked, of course, and thought that he sure was stodgy.
Over the past several years, however, I have come to terms with my own stodginess.  I realized that I was beginning to approach “old coot” age when Prince Valiant became interesting. Indeed, Uncle Charlie was right! Even as a person woefully deficient in the history-appreciation department, I find that I enjoy the stories and, indeed, the history that I find on the back page of my Sunday comics each week.
One notable characteristic of Prince Valiant is the way the creators have successfully managed to negotiate the march of progress in societal norms.  For example, there are strong female characters, and major non-white characters, but there is no feeling of “diversity” being pushed.
I write today to carry on the tradition of elders giving the next generation a chance to scoff, only to find as they reach “a certain age” that the circle of life, and comics, never ends.
Hero Dog Stories
Hero dog stories are my favorite stories to read. Here’s a good one:
Evvie, Senate Intern
Evvie is going to intern in DC with Senator Menendez’s office. Yay Evvie. He has to wear business attire, but I don’t know much else about the job.
Marshall’s Jaw
Marshall had his wisdom teeth removed yesterday. The top shows “after;” bottom “before.”
