The Dinette Set by Julie Larson for February 28, 2014

I’m surprised they don’t have it say “gifts or else”

Jerry will bring a case of “Beer”…..should run him about $10 for 36.

If Verla is bringing the Prime Rib (and lets all hope it’s just the one rib). does that mean Joy only has to provide the Ding Dongs? Order a clown to do what? Make balloon animals? Probably, since Burl has never grown up. And they are having the party in the garage! Wow! A formal occasion!

Presence optional would be better for me. And registering at both Nieman’s and WalMart, that’s really covering the gift range. But let’s be real, both gifts will be imported, one from China and the other from Italy; TP and Bugatti.

Burl sure has a lot of birthdays in one year.

Leaky … “Your presents is required.”

It’s a pot luck.They’re asking Verl to provide the most expensive part…

If everyone brings a dish, with any luck, they won’t have to provide anything, themselves.

String some crepe paper streamers in the garage, tape up a package of balloons from the Dollar Tree… but only buy balloons if you can get one of those cardboard or plastic balloon pumps, too.

I suppose Joy will spring for a cake.Maybe a Sarah Lee or Pepperidge Farm frozen one?We know they do shop at a bakery sometimes….we’ve seen the boxes from (gack!) “Pinch a Loaf” … but she usually buys day old pastries.

How oh how to order a birthday cake, and somehow be able to buy it “day old.”

What if she got Marlene to order it and never pick it up….

then she could “find” it the day after ..“Oh! How nice… a birthday cake…. no, we don’t care if it says Burl on it…. for half price we’ll take it anyway…” .

I certainly wouldn’t feel obligated…unless I could bring a load of manure.

Order a clown really ??

Let me guess. The Penny’s will provide only a small bowl of Chex Mix. .(Well, not really Chex Mix. More like some Rice Chex – the last of the box, the part with the Chex dust – with some salt sprinkled on it. Not seasoned salt, mind you, but a couple of salt packets they lifted from Burger King. They would have added some nuts, but you know they would never leave any of those airline nut bags uneaten, and they sure aren’t buying any for other people.) .Nope someone give him some new Odor-Eaters and a case of Beano.

So Verla will bring Prime Rib, what carryout drive through will have that? McRib? She won’t know the difference.

I am so excited ….. I’ll bring the little pointed hat for BURL to wear…..and look JOY found her GBwOF…. ! ! !

I surprised the Pennys didn’t order the pot-luckers to bring tupperware so they can more easily store the leftovers.

Forget the clown, I heard he wondered into the tiger cage and they ate him, one tiger saying to the other " does this taste funny to you ? "

Why spend extra money on a clown? Burl’s already there!!

Joy wants a clown to amuse Burl; what’s funny is that she thinks it’s worthwhile.