Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for October 07, 2022

Herb needs new glasses.

Herb thinks that’s R2D2

When he finally gets to work, he has several conversations with his desk, chair and a long one with his computer. His boss, old Mr. Karumpfelder is about ready to have the final conversation with him. Third job this month.

“… I have a hat just like that.” … (feels head) … “I had a hat just like that.”

It’s probably a good thing that Herb is going so slowly – he might actually be sober by the time he finally gets to work.

Yippee! I get to be the first one to say it. . .

“I’m plugging along.”

this is one VERY lonely man

“Remember”, continues Herb, “It’s important to stay hydrated…”

I think Herb knows perfectly well that he put his own hat on that hydrant!

He’s a playful, friendly fellow, in the true spirit of Ballard street… and a darn nice guy.

Nothing wrong with that!

 

Who says he’s late to work?

Maybe he leaves home at seven, to have time to talk to the hydrants, play with the dogs, and sing with the birdies…

Oh yeah… And smell the roses.

 

This isn’t Chicago or Kansas City or Manhattan…

Well, true, Ballard Street runs through all of them, and through your neighborhood too.

But we escape from the rules we live with, and from negativity and judgement, by taking a happy walk down these sidewalks instead.

 

Enjoy the zany antics of your Ballard street neighbors, both the humans in the forums and the toons in the strips: human, canine, simian and otherwise.

Instead of labeling them, UN-label yourself…

Instead of judging them…

breathe in the heady air of freedom.

Poor Herb, he’s been a middle school teacher too long.

“Hey, where’s the fire, buddy?”

“Oh, I’m in one of my Jekyll and Hydrant moods…”

“Ready to gush at any moment…”

“Say, have you seen my Stream?”

Herb is stubborn….he wants an answer!

I’m amazed he ever makes it back home. :)

So many friends.. not enough time.

It’s because he keeps losing his hat.

I’m under a lot of pressure!

Is that you Mueller?