Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for August 14, 2012

Finnlandia University in Houghton, Michigan…Good ol’ FU…..

You know this one, Arlo! “Starfleet Academy!”

Ah, this brings me back to when I aspired to be an officer on the USS Enterprise.

This is sweet :)

I used to be more for the high seas, myself. I told people I wanted to be a pirate captain when I grew up. They would smile and laugh, but I would tell them “No, you don’t understand. I’m really going to be a pirate captain one day. Just wait and see. I’ve already started recruiting for my ship.” (aka I drafted my friends and family pets) XD

so to sum up, the cartoonist is taking a break

I once asked my godson if he wanted to be president when he grew up. He thought for a moments and then said, “No. King.”

Growing up is optional.Unfortunately, growing old is mandatory.

Enjoy the beach, Jimmy!

Yaaaah! The old artwork is rather scary. Although when it was originally published I’m sure it seemed normal.

I’m glad he finally grew a nose…yikes!

@seldon 913: Some time back, Suomi College changed its name to Finnlandia College. In Finnish, Soumi = Finland.

George, you beat me to it.! In Marquette I stumbled on Finn Day. For some reason they line all the streets with painted chairs eh?….

Zedman, Lake Superior is one motha of a lake…

George Alexander: I thought Varnes was translating for the English-only crowd.

seldon913 said, 19 minutes ago

@George Alexander

Actually, it’s been about 25 years since I was last there, so probably a lot has changed. Do they still have that two level bridge that goes straight up and down?Yes, the lift bridge is still there and working daily!

Their lives flashing before our eyes, this always happens just before the end.

I began reading this strip when Gene was about 6 or so, and my own son was a couple years younger – and this strip has almost been a bible on what to expect with parenthood (if you have a son anyway). We went through all of that, including being middle aged in an empty next. Jimmie Johnson is incredibly perceptive and is an artist at observation. My son is now 28, a U.S. Naval aviator, and I thank Jimmie Johnson for all these years and lessons. The artist is “not” on vacation..he is continuing a line he began more than 20 years ago…letting us see how Arlo and Janis respond to growing older….reliving your child’s youth as he moves into manhood is a very human thing to do.

@JP Steve Drat! You’ve figured me out ;D

That’s great bringing back old memories from the strips.