Didn’t Tommy tell Brandy that he didn’t see Iris much because she spent a lot of time with Zak the Amazing?
It’s clear that Mary’s only interested in dirt on Tommy. She didn’t ask Iris what classes she’s taking and when she’ll finally graduate (like Dawn, Iris is a perpetual student). Mary doesn’t ask for details about Zak’s amazingness, either. It’s on to “How’s your son [the ex-con who can’t hold even a low-skill job who’s still sponging on you]?”
Mary, before we proceed with much more of your nosiness disguised as genuine interest, would you happen to have any butter for this restaurant-style basket of bread or some dressing for this whatever this green stuff is?
Lunch may be lawn clippings and dry bread, but Mary has decorated her table with a classic Fiesta-ware salt and pepper set. (I was cleaning out the cupboards when I was first married, and found just one shaker. I asked realprof if he knew where the mate was, and he said, “Oh, toss it out, I broke the other one doing dishes when I was twelve.” I’ve been trolling antique malls ever since!)
Yes, this looks super duper delicious Mary. It’s just that, um, when Toby has me over to lunch we usually start with a couple of vodka tonics. What’s up with this single tumbler of water? Noreen
Another gem, Nance! I don't know how you manage to do it every day. I tried doing the "Meanwhile in beautiful Italy" thing every day and ran out of steam after a week.
You too, Wanders. Sustained excellence.
And yeah, what's with the whole loaf of dry bread and the Heap O' Dry Salad? Is this the Santa Royale Diet, guaranteed to make you lose weight provided that you don't rush out to McDonald's right afterward?
Someone recently pointed out his/her distaste for the overuse (resulting in meaninglessness) of the word "amazing", a twin to the also-abused "awesome". To reduce the cheapening of meaning here, how about "average" or (pushing it) "above average" to more accurately describe Zak? Clearly Iris' ability to discern among adjectives has been impaired by exposure to this youngster, and she needs help from us.
I dunno, Iris brought down an early twenties hunk with a successful software startup who make the time to spend with her pursuing their love of vigorous outdoor pursuits such as camping.
Excellent observational skills by @fauxprof regarding the salt and pepper shakers. And "lawn clippings " - hilarious! When I looked at the strip more closely after my first glance early, I noted that Mary and Iris are seated right on top of each other. It's a small table with four chairs, so why aren't they sitting across from each other? Is Mary going to help Iris cut up her lawn clippings? Or offer tto floss Iris's teeth after Iris consumes those clippings?
Nance, your haiku title today sums up Iris perfectly.
On another note, I'm surprised at this Early Mary Appearance. No one is in Very Dire Straits: there's no relationship or personal mess to clean up, Iris isn't really aware of any Tommy Problems, and Mary herself is tip-top as usual. She even approves of Amazing Zak.
Perhaps she wants to borrow a whimsical coffee mug.
This strip has been edited. After showing the strip to a focus group of MW fans, KM removed a panel between Iris enthusing about Zak and Mary asking about Tommy. The missing panel showed Mary in close-up, smiling pleasantly, and a large thought balloon next to her head that said, "Good grief! Now she's going to go on and on about Zak for the next twenty minutes! SO BORING! ... Hmmm ... I wonder if Iris will notice that the bread is store-bought and slightly stale? Will she notice that I used the supermarket brand of olive oil in the salad dressing? ... I hope she likes my specialty 'ghost pie'! I haven't served it in ages, and for some reason, I'm tired of serving muffins. ... Wait! Iris stopped talking! ... QUICK! ... Think of something, Mary!"
THURSDAY In Wednesday's strip, Mary and Iris were sitting next to each other and there were two unoccupied chairs. Today they are eating their Three-Weed Salads (thanks, Scottie McW.!) while sitting across from each other, and the other two chairs are nowhere to be seen. Maybe the Ladies Who Lunch are playing musical chairs.
For Pete's sake Mary, why is Tommy going gaga over someone he just met "wonderful"? Are you even listening? When Iris Beedie is more sensible than the Mother of All Meddlers, something is askew in the Worthiverse.
It looks like in today’s strip, they’re now sharing a three weed salad.
Is Mary going through the motions of caring about what Iris is telling her? Iris is basically telling Mary that Tommy is a loser in the employment and romance department. Instead of saying that Tommy needs a swift kick in the pants and that he’s acting like a lovesick 13 year old, Mary says “Maybe this time things will work out”. Mary, you’re slipping.
WWMD (No, not worldwide weapons of mass destruction ... "What would Mary do?") Are you sure that they're eating salads now? In the version I saw, the food is grey. What would Mary do? I think she'd serve beef stroganoff as the second course of this amazing gourmet luncheon! YUM!
FRIDAY Boy, KM has given very little material to Nance for today’s boldface haiku. Four measly words!
I agree with @Chester the Dog that Tommy’s employment at Freda’s may be numbered. He’ll shelve the canned kelk with the Splak while stalking Brandy, and Freda will ax him. I picture Freda as the female equivalent of Jerry.
Denizens of the Worthiverse seem to have as much trouble holding canned goods as they do phones. And are we sure Tommy's ogling Brandy here, or is he just gazing approvingly at Pony Tail Lady's purchase of a six-pack of Charmin?
I love Scottie McW's theory that Tommy isn't so much romantically interested in Brandy as he is in making sure she doesn't see him stealing the canned goods. And proof of Tommy's stupidity - it might be easier (not to mention more comfortable) shoving ramen noodles down your pants than cans of peas.
Heh, so Tommy's thing with Brandy is in its early stages. That makes it sound like cancer - it is treatable initially, but it eventually becomes malignant, painful and quite terrible. I hope Brandy gets away while this this is in its early stages!
Freda: Brandy, PLEASE ... DON'T SQUEEZE the Charmin! Just look at Tommy! See how delicately and gently he handles the canned goods? THAT'S how to do it!
Hey, why are we back in Mary’s apartment instead of watching Tommy drop canned goods all over Freda’s floor, causing ponytail woman to trip?
By “young,” Mary means anyone 25 years younger than her (and she’s pushing about 117). Tommy has to be in his late 30s at least. Are there any words as ominous as “ We’ll help him if he asks”?
40 comments:
Didn’t Tommy tell Brandy that he didn’t see Iris much because she spent a lot of time with Zak the Amazing?
It’s clear that Mary’s only interested in dirt on Tommy. She didn’t ask Iris what classes she’s taking and when she’ll finally graduate (like Dawn, Iris is a perpetual student). Mary doesn’t ask for details about Zak’s amazingness, either. It’s on to “How’s your son [the ex-con who can’t hold even a low-skill job who’s still sponging on you]?”
Mary, before we proceed with much more of your nosiness disguised as genuine interest, would you happen to have any butter for this restaurant-style basket of bread or some dressing for this whatever this green stuff is?
Lunch may be lawn clippings and dry bread, but Mary has decorated her table with a classic Fiesta-ware salt and pepper set. (I was cleaning out the cupboards when I was first married, and found just one shaker. I asked realprof if he knew where the mate was, and he said, “Oh, toss it out, I broke the other one doing dishes when I was twelve.” I’ve been trolling antique malls ever since!)
Today's Boldface Haiku is titled
"Iris Prefers Her Dressing And Her Parenting On The Side".
Thanks lunch!
Pleasure. Are?
Good. Amazing! Make.
Should! Son?
Yes, this looks super duper delicious Mary. It’s just that, um, when Toby has me over to lunch we usually start with a couple of vodka tonics. What’s up with this single tumbler of water?
Noreen
Today's one of those days where I hit refresh on the comments page until Nance's Boldface Haiku is posted.... Nance, you are on your game as always!
I'm will to cut some slack on the detailed work on the salads. The only other practical choice there is the universally derided salmon square.
Another gem, Nance! I don't know how you manage to do it every day. I tried doing the "Meanwhile in beautiful Italy" thing every day and ran out of steam after a week.
You too, Wanders. Sustained excellence.
And yeah, what's with the whole loaf of dry bread and the Heap O' Dry Salad? Is this the Santa Royale Diet, guaranteed to make you lose weight provided that you don't rush out to McDonald's right afterward?
-- Scottie McW.
Oddly enough Mary can't remember Tommy's name.
Someone recently pointed out his/her distaste for the overuse (resulting in meaninglessness) of the word "amazing", a twin to the also-abused "awesome". To reduce the cheapening of meaning here, how about "average" or (pushing it) "above average" to more accurately describe Zak? Clearly Iris' ability to discern among adjectives has been impaired by exposure to this youngster, and she needs help from us.
I dunno, Iris brought down an early twenties hunk with a successful software startup who make the time to spend with her pursuing their love of vigorous outdoor pursuits such as camping.
He sounds pretty dreamy to me.
Excellent observational skills by @fauxprof regarding the salt and pepper shakers. And "lawn clippings " - hilarious! When I looked at the strip more closely after my first glance early, I noted that Mary and Iris are seated right on top of each other. It's a small table with four chairs, so why aren't they sitting across from each other? Is Mary going to help Iris cut up her lawn clippings? Or offer tto floss Iris's teeth after Iris consumes those clippings?
Nance, your haiku title today sums up Iris perfectly.
@KitKat
I think that's Mary's famous Three-Weed Salad.
-- S. McW.
@Scottie
@TimP
@KitKat--Thanks, everyone! You're amazing! ;-)
On another note, I'm surprised at this Early Mary Appearance. No one is in Very Dire Straits: there's no relationship or personal mess to clean up, Iris isn't really aware of any Tommy Problems, and Mary herself is tip-top as usual. She even approves of Amazing Zak.
Perhaps she wants to borrow a whimsical coffee mug.
Mary makes an appearance! YAY! I, for one, am glad she glosses over the "AMAZING" Zak and moves on to a more interesting topic ... the Tomster!
Do Iris and Dawn ever take classes together at UC Santa Royale? ... Awk-ward!
Is Mary talking to Tommy or Iris in that panel? I guess I'll have to read the actual strip. GROAN!!!
What an odd perspective, like we are standing right behind them, listening...intently...
This strip has been edited. After showing the strip to a focus group of MW fans, KM removed a panel between Iris enthusing about Zak and Mary asking about Tommy. The missing panel showed Mary in close-up, smiling pleasantly, and a large thought balloon next to her head that said, "Good grief! Now she's going to go on and on about Zak for the next twenty minutes! SO BORING! ... Hmmm ... I wonder if Iris will notice that the bread is store-bought and slightly stale? Will she notice that I used the supermarket brand of olive oil in the salad dressing? ... I hope she likes my specialty 'ghost pie'! I haven't served it in ages, and for some reason, I'm tired of serving muffins. ... Wait! Iris stopped talking! ... QUICK! ... Think of something, Mary!"
Then Mary says, "As you SHOULD! How's your SON?"
THURSDAY
In Wednesday's strip, Mary and Iris were sitting next to each other and there were two unoccupied chairs. Today they are eating their Three-Weed Salads (thanks, Scottie McW.!) while sitting across from each other, and the other two chairs are nowhere to be seen. Maybe the Ladies Who Lunch are playing musical chairs.
For Pete's sake Mary, why is Tommy going gaga over someone he just met "wonderful"? Are you even listening? When Iris Beedie is more sensible than the Mother of All Meddlers, something is askew in the Worthiverse.
It looks like in today’s strip, they’re now sharing a three weed salad.
Is Mary going through the motions of caring about what Iris is telling her? Iris is basically telling Mary that Tommy is a loser in the employment and romance department. Instead of saying that Tommy needs a swift kick in the pants and that he’s acting like a lovesick 13 year old, Mary says “Maybe this time things will work out”. Mary, you’re slipping.
I know what the problem in the girlfriend department is --- Tommy's in love with Mommy!
Maybe this time it will be different.
Yeah, that's ALWAYS a good way to think. Sheesh.
-- Scottie McW.
P.S. Glad you like the salads, Ladies!
WWMD (No, not worldwide weapons of mass destruction ... "What would Mary do?")
Are you sure that they're eating salads now? In the version I saw, the food is grey. What would Mary do? I think she'd serve beef stroganoff as the second course of this amazing gourmet luncheon! YUM!
They're eating Gumby, dammit!
PLEASE.. PLEASE.. PLEASE.. Let's have a Mary Worth wedding!
Iris and Zak:
Mary as the (old) Maid of Honor
Toby and Dawn as Bridesmaids.
Zak's buddies and Tommy as Groomsmen.
I would buy that image for a coffee mug.
Thank you, Steve G for finding SOMETHING to focus on besides the unwelcome thought of Tommy and his bleak future.
@ Steve G
And Wilbur screaming from the choir loft, IIIIIIII-RIIIIIIIIIISSSSSS!!!
And Iris telling the priest, "Call security."
-- S. McW.
#Love Mary’s new # curtains. Are they new#?
@meg: And dig the big picture window! It makes it super easy to spy on the neighbours' shenanigans!
Tommy is a little obsessed, and he is going to lose his job.
FRIDAY
Boy, KM has given very little material to Nance for today’s boldface haiku. Four measly words!
I agree with @Chester the Dog that Tommy’s employment at Freda’s may be numbered. He’ll shelve the canned kelk with the Splak while stalking Brandy, and Freda will ax him. I picture Freda as the female equivalent of Jerry.
Friday's Boldface Haiku (Challenge) is titled
"Toilet Paper Wishes And Canned Food Dreams: Flirtation At Freda's".
Happy. For.
Early stages...
... :-) ...
Tommy creepily ogles Brandy as he steals more food off the shelves for resale at a discount to dirty convenience stores in Drugtown.
Notice that Brandy never makes goo-goo eyes at Tommy?
-- Scottie McW.
Huzzah Nance, you have met the challenge and left KM in the dust! Forget Zak the Amazing - we have Nance the Real Deal Amazing!
Denizens of the Worthiverse seem to have as much trouble holding canned goods as they do phones. And are we sure Tommy's ogling Brandy here, or is he just gazing approvingly at Pony Tail Lady's purchase of a six-pack of Charmin?
I love Scottie McW's theory that Tommy isn't so much romantically interested in Brandy as he is in making sure she doesn't see him stealing the canned goods. And proof of Tommy's stupidity - it might be easier (not to mention more comfortable) shoving ramen noodles down your pants than cans of peas.
Heh, so Tommy's thing with Brandy is in its early stages. That makes it sound like cancer - it is treatable initially, but it eventually becomes malignant, painful and quite terrible. I hope Brandy gets away while this this is in its early stages!
Freda: Brandy, PLEASE ... DON'T SQUEEZE the Charmin! Just look at Tommy! See how delicately and gently he handles the canned goods? THAT'S how to do it!
@KitKat--You're too kind. Thanks for tossing the Challenge Flag today. I was getting Lazy.
@Yahoonski--Noticed that too about the Cell Phone Grip on the cans. Makes me want to get out my old sketch pads and give it a go.
Are Tommy and Brandy working in a general store? Haven't seen a countertop like the one in front of Brandy since a re-run of "Gunsmoke"..
Saturday
Hey, why are we back in Mary’s apartment instead of watching Tommy drop canned goods all over Freda’s floor, causing ponytail woman to trip?
By “young,” Mary means anyone 25 years younger than her (and she’s pushing about 117). Tommy has to be in his late 30s at least. Are there any words as ominous as “ We’ll help him if he asks”?
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