@KitKat -- to follow up on Tiny Fork's post, when you want to post a comment and you see a COLLAPSE ALL COMMENTS prompt or link or whatever, click on it. You will get to the comment box much more quicklier (at the expense, of course, of skipping over all our previous brilliance). This should work unless we're operating in different mysterious digitalverses. -- Scottie
Miss Scarlet: You must be confused. That was not the cocktail selection for Estelle’s wedding—-that was the list of beverages I was drinking that evening.
Judging by the number of ghostly purple people in the background, Santa Royale must have a lot of veterinarians. If they’re all at the convention, who’s handling any emergencies? Is it all on Jared?
Oh, I like the look of Dr. See. She’s probably accomplished and level-headed, the anti-Estelle, if you will. This could get interesting—or as interesting as MW ever gets, but I’ll take it.
So you're Ed's fiancee?! I occupied that spot once, but then I learned his idea of a 'day out' was going to a veterinary convention, and I found myself a nice HVAC repairman to snuggle up to.
So, cat got your tongue, Estelle? You didn't know women could become vets? Women can also color their hair and go braless. (thanks for pointing that out, @hmmm).
I am intrigued by the hesitant "Er." Why on earth would she say that? Something's up. I'll bet Estelle just became insanely jealous. We'll see. -- Scottie
Fun fact: Ed and Estelle’s love language is Pig Latin. Estelle was just about to say: ‘Er-hay air-hay is-way eird-way” when Ed pokes her sharply in the ibs-ray.
What kind of veterinary convention is this? It started at 11 a.m., and everyone's standing around making small talk, drinking coffee, and, judging by Ed's tiny plate, what appears to be one strip of bacon. After a bathroom break, I suppose they'll have lunch. Is there no programmimg? Why is no one reading his/her dull paper? Where are the panel discussions? Where are the vendors trying to drum up vet business for their products while giving away ball-point pens, samples of dog treats, etc.? Meanwhile, Dr. See contemplates throwing the contents of her cup in Larry's face after he made an off-color remark.
Once again, any potential drama nipped in the bud. No real plot here, rather it’s become more like a series of brief tableau’s illuminating Estelle’s insecurities, all quickly extinguished before they become engaging.
Insecurities is right! It's not like these two are young. Did Estelle think Ed had never dated anyone else? Whew! Missed a bullet there - or we might have some other questions for Mr. Ed.
@Please KitKat; the last thing we need is a boring vet paper. This is dull enough already.
Pet Care Magazine is too popular and nonprofessional. Why not publish in something like the New England Journal of Feline Opthalmology, Dr. See? (See what I did there?)
Good grief, Estelle's acting like met her boyfriend's former girl friend at the sock hop. What a bundle of insecurities! No wonder she was easy pickings for an online romance scam.
Labor Day is not a holiday in Santa Royale. Happy Labor Day to all of us in the rest of the nation!
Why can't the Kents take their Rottweilers to Dr. See's clinic themselves? Does Ed offer animal transportation to his clients? Does he have insurance in case of an accident? (I realize this is KM's clumsy way to get Estelle and Sheila together again, where something will happen to trigger Estelle's insecurities.)
All these people showed up for a half-day convention? What, are they selling the answers to the veterinary licensing board exams or something? -- Scottie
Little does Estelle know that Rottweilers Killa and Dilla Kent were among the canines rescued from the dognappers last year. They still remember Noodle/aka Greta fondly, and have been seeking her ever since . At last! A clue! The smell of Charterstone and its denizens is strong to their Rotty noses. And when they get in Stell’s car, the scent is overwhelming! Crash, Bam, Bang! I am sorry to inform you that Meg’s brain has just been involved in a dangerous crash. This story has been discontinued. This is a recording.
@meg, you have a greater grasp of KM's plots than KM herself. I suppose that's damning with faint praise, but I for one am impressed!
Animal Hospital is a mess, with overcrowding and farming animals out to other vets - eesh. And look at the untrained people who work there! The Santa Royale Veterinary Association should investigate instead of wasting time with monthly "conventions" where they stand around gabbing.
Something is definitely going to happen with Estelle and the Rottweilers, but it won’t be the pups’ fault, because, as we all know, dogs are good. It will, however, be embarrassing for Estelle and Dr. See.
I think somethings gonna happen with Dr. See. The dogs are just a vehicle to get Elaine to See's vet practice. Then what?
See says she still is in love with Dr. Ed? See make a pass at Estelle? Dr. See, Estelle and the dogs have a fore-some? Dr. See offers Estelle a job? Estelle gets lost on the way and never makes it to Dr. See's office?
Dr. Ed's practice doesn't have room for Rottan and Wiella because instead of keeping track of his patient load, his nitwit assistant has spent all her time picking out costume beagle ears and owl beaks. -- Scottie
Maybe Estelle should take a nap because, since nothing else is happening, I could really use one of her nightmares about now. Maybe one where she and Ed have a baby, but it’s a puppy with Dr. See’s face and has a giant diamond ring on its tiny paw.
Grateful for the comments today: I laughed out loud!
Ooh, an Estelle nightmare sounds promising, @Tiny fork. Maybe Arthur/Arther could have a cameo.
Procedures at Dr. See's seem awfully lax. No information taken on the Kents' dogs? Will they just be kept indefinitely in the back room? Will the Kents ever see them again?
"Well, Estelle, Ed and I are friends with benefits. Why do you ask?"
OMG, she actually did it! Wow. Well okay, she already asked Ed if there's anything going on, and now she's asked Sheila if there's anything going on. Soon she'll be hiring Keith Willend to investigate the entire town to see if there's anything going on. Normally she'd save money and just ask Mary to snoop around, but she knows that Mary would just try to foist Wilbur back on her. -- Scottie
Estelle must have been so blinded by the sparkle on her left hand that she's lost all ability to filter conversational speech. What will Sheila say?
How dare you! What are you implying? Oh, you are just as dumb as Ed said you were. After my relationship with Ed, I decided to be a lesbian. Good luck! My husband and I do have Ed over for the occasional three-some.
As the world’s homeliest cat (sorry, Libby, you’ve been dethroned) looks on while awaiting her appointment to have her embarrassing cat handle adjusted, Dr. See seems to know something not good about Dr. Ed. Well, whut izzit? Is he the Zodiac killer? A Morris Dancer? A Red Sox fan? A snoring schnorrer? Or just gassy? I can’t wait!
There's nothing clients like to see more than vets standing around engaging in personal chit-chat while they're waiting for their animal to be examined.
@meg, I agree, that is one ugly cat. In the cat's defense, that Cleveland Browns sweatshirt must have shrunk eleven sizes when the cat's owner kept it in the dryer for three hours on the hottest setting. I expect when that guy and his cat finally see Dr. See, the guy will say, "Doctor, Hortense is struggling to breathe!"
"But Stell...how well do you REALLY know Ed? Has he told you he used to be called Edwina?"
Dr. See does understand the use of the thought bubble, and now we have the fun of speculating about Ed’s deep dark secret. Is he into kinky cosplay? A serial jaywalker? Spends his Saturday mornings in footie pajamas, eating Cocoa Pebbles and watching VHS tapes of his favorite cartoons? Or is he just a workaholic who never really has been present in relationships.
Oh, @ fauxprof, as much as I love the footie pajamas and Cocoa Puffs scenario, I think you've hit it with the workaholic label. Estelle doesn't know this because she works with him all day anyway, and thinks that she's with him then. Ed doesn't know how, or care to, take time off. If Estelle works in his office and sleeps in his bed, all of his needs are cared for. Hope Estelle doesn't mind. Maybe she won't actually notice.
For goodness sake, Dr. See and Estelle, speak louder! The receptionist is only hearing 75 percent of what you're discussing, and the people sitting near the door can barely hear anything.
Yes, I expect that Ed is married to his job. There's also the fact that Estelle's hair reminds him of a sheepdog he had as a boy. (Sheila's hair reminded him of a skunk he had as a pet in veterinary school.)
Sheila: Yes, Estelle. Even after Ed and I parted and I found my true soulmate, he and I remained great friends. We're so close that it gives me great pleasure to ruin whatever bit of happiness he now finds.
Judging by Estelle’s bug-eyed shock in the final panel, this is not welcome information. “Ooooh Noooo! I want all the attention on Meeeeee!” Bet she gets in her car (now covered in Rottweiler hair and drool) and runs straight to Mary. I can smell the underbaked muffins from here.
Sheila is "on good authority" - whatever that means. I don't suppose that Estelle will want to talk about this with Ed. I'm not sure about a visit to Mary. Are they really that close? Mary may end up saying, "Ed who?".
The frankness of Sheila and Estelle's discussion has made Sheila's earrings migrate onto her cheeks.
Yes, Estelle, Ed does a bang-up job balancing his professional and personal lives. Just recently he tuned you out as you were blathering about your bizarre wedding plans. Everything is great! When you return to the overcrowded Animal Clinic, be prepared to take a St. Bernard to another clinic 47 miles away.
Hey, where is everyone? Has this riveting plot lulled you to sleep? Aren't you leaping out of bed each morning to read what Estelle is thinking? Today she even tossed in an equine play on words, with Ed giving her the reins. Funny, yes?
Is Estelle's car supposed to be a Saab? Will the wedding venue she's visiting be the Santa Royale Zoo?
Estelle thought balloon: "Maybe he'll join me later on."
Ed thought balloon: "Well, Ed old boy, you dodged another one. But pretending you're busy can be almost as exhausting as actually being busy." -- Scottie
Wedding venues…this could get fractious. It may have to be the parking lot at the vet clinic. Unless the Karaoke bar is available. I guess a church is out of the question?
Estelle to fancy reception place hostess: ‘You look strangely familiar. Do I know you?” “I get that a lot. You must have met my twin brother Larry at the veterinary convention on August 29.”
Why is Estelle looking so startled? Of course a wedding venue requires a deposit. I realize she blew all her savings on Arthur/Arther, but did she expect Ed to pay for the Major Nuptials? (This is my new favorite term for Big Wedding.)
Fauxprof I like your take on the nuptials. I predict General Chaos will be there. Meg, good catch. Sorry I haven't posted much. I have to use my phone. Take care all.
I believe that Estelle established her status as rich widow when she was explaining to Mary that she could afford to send Arthur/randomspelling $10K and it was none of Mary’s dern business and she could just stuff it up her muffin if she (Mary) didn’t like it. Mary then swore under her breath and put a curse on Estelle and introduced her to Wilbur, even though that’s just repeating myself.
Thank you @Meg. That makes so much sense now! I must say the speed that the which wedding prep is going is giving me a head rush. Lemon! Whew!
Anyway, who paid the venue deposit? Having married off a couple of sons in the last few years, that can be very tricky, especially with covid and work-aholic vets.
Wonderful comments today, everyone! The Snark Meter is setting record highs!
@meg, I knew we could count on you. I had a vague recollection of some explanation when KM brought in Estelle, but I didn't remember if she was a widow or a divorcee. I do remember that she was an airhead from Day One, and that hasn't changed one iota. Unlike Mary, who still mentions Dear Jack every now and then, Estelle remembers the wedding cake but practically nothing about Old What Was His Name.
Hey, gang, did I miss something? Did they ever set a date? If not, is she asking the venue and the bakery to reserve all the dates in the next six months? Tiny Fork is right, a wedding planner would be a help. Also a couples counselor.
Estelle may have forgotten that she already talked about this with Ed and he told her to “take the reins”. Talking to him again isn’t likely to change him, but it might cause Estelle to rethink this whole deal. Maybe she just wants to be a vet receptionist with benefits.
A wedding planner AND a couples counselor? Just call Mary. She'll even bake mini muffins for the human guests and treats for the animal attendants. I expect that Pierre is going to walk Estelle down the aisle, and Libby will be the meow of honor.
@fauxprof, you're right about no discussion about the date for Major Nuptials. Maybe that's part of Estelle's taking of the reins. Trouble brews when the date Estelle chooses conflicts with yet another convention of the Santa Royale Veterinary Association.
I see that Estelle has now moved on to Costume Store and she's talked two of the personnel into demonstrating how it is possible to eat cake while wearing masks.
On Friday, September 13, 2024, 15:27, mtrehub@aol.com wrote:
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Friday, September 13, 2024, 15:21, mtrehub@aol.com wrote:
W hen Estelle met Ed, he’s perfect she said! I wonder if he’s single and ready to mingle. L ove can be tricky, but I’m not too picky. B ut after previous bad dates, I want a good mate! U nless someone better comes along… R eally, Mary can help me, she’s never wrong.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Friday, September 13, 2024, 15:21, mtrehub@aol.com wrote:
W hen Estelle met Ed, he’s perfect she said! I wonder if he’s single and ready to mingle. L ove can be tricky, but I’m not too picky. B ut after previous bad dates, I want a good mate! U nless someone better comes along… R eally, Mary can help me, she’s never wrong.
@meg, look at the mountains, eat some chocolate, and enjoy yourself. And compose some more poetry, we’re not getting anything poetic from KM via Estelle.
@meg, you get the Above and Beyond Award for commenting from Europe! Switzerland must have inspired your poetic muse. Please continue composing! I visited Geneva and places around it many years ago (in the previous century) and did not want to leave (sigh).
@Scottie, "Dithers" - hahahahaha!
Shouldn't Grover be blue with a pink nose?
Yes, Estelle, now would be an ideal time to call Ed and give him a piece of your mind, especially since he missed out on a piece of cake. If you're lucky, he'll be suturing a St. Bernard at the time.
As this dreary storyline continues, I’m going to throw a rose to June. Today she drew a cute little dog, who has no purpose other than to be a cute little dog. The nose on its owner is a bit much, but, hey, artistic license.
Thanks for the encouragement, fauxprof and KitKat, but you’ve interrupted my Swiss indoctrination session…..’cows are good. Chocolate is good. Mountains are good. Watches are good. Milk is good. Cheese is good. Trains are good. Dirndls…yodeling…’
Is Ed trying to run the place on his own? Doesn't he have any veterinary technicians? Who's caring for all the animals in his overcrowded facility? Animal Hospital should be investigated.
Hmm, a neighbor at Charterstone to accompany Estelle in her wedding planning. How about Wilbur? Sampling catered food, wedding cake, and booze would be right up his alley. Or how about Mary? Hilarity would ensue when she and Estelle are mistaken for an engaged couple.
Ed's pink lab coat makes him look so cuddly and cute.
Oh boy, Estranged Cousin Pam is coming to town! Apparently the family she's visiting is not related to Estelle, who had never mentioned any family anywhere until Pam's name came up. I hope that Pam is a femme fatale (some of us remember Entertainer Esme, right?) who makes a play for Ed, who reciprocates.
Will it just be Ed, Estelle, and Pam at the engagement dinner? Or will Wilbur and Mary show up? How about Toby and the Prof? Is there an Engagement Dinner Restaurant? So many questions.
@KitKat Cousin Pam making a play for Ed would certainly work for me. However, as Moy seems to have developed an aversion for extending any potential drama for more than two or three day, I am not kicking that football that Lucy is extending yet again.
Will the engagement dinner wind up conflicting with a commitment Ed’s has already made to some work-related activity? It’s a tossup.
I'm really hoping that Pam will turn out to be a veterinarian. Maybe specializing in exotic animals. No way will Estelle be able to keep up with that lingo.
Hmmph! Ed the great animalitarian, only treats small animals (even the twin Rottweilers looked pretty skimpy to me). I’d like to see him treat some large farm animals like the vet at the farm across the way from our Swiss rental. Why, that vet is stripped to the waist and has his big brawny arms all greased up, and he’s approaching a mammoth heifer’s hindquarters, and…oh, I think I just got this confused with All Creatures Great and Small and Me. Meanwhile, back to Tricki Woo’s emergency gall bladder surgery…
Yes, @meg, don't confuse Ed Harding with Siegfried Farnon. Speaking of Ed, was "Wouldn't you rather we get ready together at MY place?" an offer to play footsie? How awkwardly put, in more ways than one.
I wonder if Estelle will run into Mary at Charterstone. "Why Estelle dear, you're all gussied up! What's the occasion?" "Gussied up" makes me think of Minnie Pearl. Estelle should wear her straw hat with a dangling price tag.
Estelle truly is dense as a box of rocks. Perhaps her months? (years?) with Wilbur warped her sense of expectation. It seemed obvious long ago that Ed is a workaholic. If Estelle had any insight, she would have scheduled the wedding at the end of a yoga session, accompanied by their beloved pets and would have had said pets provide the witnesses for their event. Getting married seems less of a tribute to her and Ed's relationship and more of a trophy for Estelle to fling at anyone who comes near. Figuring Wilbur is waiting in the wings to pick up the pieces when Ed ends the engagement, having to run out to treat an animal community bout of stomach flu..
In spite of Lucy holding that proverbial football, I think the party will be all set on Sunday, the cousins all assembled, but Ed will have to attend to Tricky Poo’s emergency toe nail extraction. Sobbing will ensue, with Pam gleefully looking on.
We're all shocked -- SHOCKED! -- that Ed's going to be MIA at the engagement party. Who could have seen this coming, other than everyone other than Estelle? Apparently there are no emergency animal hospitals in Santa Royale. The SR Vet Association should discuss this at its next convention.
Estele's going to have a hard time walking if she continues to try to put her shoe's heel strap on top of her foot.
Ed, of course, never shows up, and all the cousins are embarrassed for Estelle. Except Pam. “Oh, sure, Estelle, you’re engaged to a handsome veterinarian. Like we haven’t heard all that before.” (Pam is soon to be re-estranged.)
Mitzi Fitz, the poodle? Hahahahahahahaha etc. What is Ms. Fitz's given name, maybe Trixie? KM has flipped the script from imitation "All Creatures Great and Small" to canine "Call the Midwife."
Estelle, it's time to give back the ring and say bye-bye to Ed.
I don't know, KitKat. I think we're still tuned in to All Creatures Great and Small. After however many weeks (months?) of Estelle hysterics and Ed stoics, will we find Estelle helping Ed deliver Mitzi's puppies. Estelle will be covered in happy tears and puppy ick, but finally agreeing with Ed that puppies are so much more important than cousins. I hope her little black dress is washable.
We’re burying the lede here. Ed makes house calls? I can understand a vet having to go out to a farm to treat a large animal, but that’s really going above and beyond.
Just noticed: could “Ms. Fitz” equal Misfits? Can’t imagine what that would imply unless she has a secret (or not so secret) yen for Ed who does not feel the same.
You're correct, @fauxprof. House calls? I have seen advertisements for some mobile vet services who come to homes for routine exams and services, but Ed speeding to a client's home like this is preposterous. I guess KM's middle name is Preposterous.
“Ms Fitz is hysterical! You know she’s always brimming with madcap humor and creative Mitzi Fitz puns, getting to see her improv during her poodle’s premature labor is an opportunity not to be missed! It’s gonna be a goldmine of material for my new book which is totally not based on All Creatures Great and Small. Anyway, just order a Bloomin’ Onion for the table, I should roll in around 11.” Estelle, the only stall tactic that could work here is to get a table next to a literal horse stall, ideally where the occupant is a mare in heat stricken by an emergency case of mastitis and mud fever.
Additional problems ensue when Ed, after delivering Mitzi's puppies, mistakenly goes to Subrosa Restaurant, where he's the only patron. Meanwhile, waiting at La Rosa, Estelle and Pam have plenty of time to recall why they became estranged.
Estelle consoles herself that she still has better hair than Cousin Pam. Pam’s hair is thin and brittle because of all the years of bleach, while Estelle kept her natural…what the heck color is that? Grayish-purple-brown?
BREAKING NEWS! Estelle's late husband actually had a name. Who knew?
@fauxprof, all the years of bleaching her hair has made Pam's entire head elongated and narrow. BTW, our hopes for a big showdown between Estelle and formerly estranged Cousin Pam were for nought. Pam, and the local cousins Estelle has never mentioned, are just bit players in KM's clunky plot. Now we'll have to hope that Estelle storms out of La Rosa (Pam and cousins will all say "?"), bursts into Animal Hospital, and screams like a banshee at Ed and Ms. Fitz.
The man in panel 3, who is staring so soulfully at a piece of bread, is practicing for his toast- with a piece of toast! Oh, those wacky Santa Royaleans!
Delightful! We haven’t seen an incandescent rage-head of this caliber since Helen Moss. Estelle’s punctuation adds a certain flair (“THAT’S. THE. LAST STRAW!” indeed!), though going by the storied history of Stellbur there are plenty more straws, weepy breakups and maudlin reconciliations over BBQ in store.
Love the depiction of Estelle’s transformation into Mz. Furious! June Brigman’s comics background shinning through in that last panel. Burning through, actually, with the fire of a thousand suns. Oh Ed, you are toast…
I was going to do an old person reminiscence about a monthly column in The Ladies Home Journal called “Can This Marriage Be Saved”, when I realized that the modern version is a Reddit AITA post. Anyway, no, it can’t be saved, nor should it be. As to who’s the (family friendly bleep), both of them, though saving the poodle takes precedence over dinner.
And now, friends, tune in for another episode of “Disappointing Denouement Theater”, wherein the most boring possible ending winds up this story. Ed’s formerly shiftless nephew has had a “Come to Siegfried” moment and rediscovered his original love of veterinary medicine. He will become Ed’s junior partner, enabling Ed and Estelle to …uh…do whatever it is they want to do on weekends and at night. Best of all, Ed and Estelle and their unattractive pets will disappear into married life as is traditional in MW, and we’ll never have to see them again. Meanwhile, Wilbur has lost weight and gained hair, and is waiting to step back into the spotlight.
Estelle will be driving home all week, folks. Let’s catch a nap in the back seat, and hope she is not blinded by her milky tears and poorly suppressed rage.
I have a sneaking feeling that Estelle is going to run into Mary. The sneaking feeling is not specifying if that will be in the parking lot tonight or in the lobby tomorrow morning.
Let's see. Estelle is angry, driving at night. Will she have an accident putting her in the hospital? Will Dr. Ed rush to her side? Will he have an epiphany and realize there's more to life than work? fauxprof, I like your idea better.
I know this won't happen, but I would love to see Estelle go on a 20-minute (one week in MW time?) tirade and just tear into Ed for humiliating her at the dinner, and then taking his ring and forcefully shoving it up his nose while Libby and Pierre cheer her on excitedly. -- Scottie
First, congratulations to Anonymous who's in Munich spending time with his/her twelve-day-old granddaughter! Is that you, @meg? You were in Switzerland last week. Second, I remember Old What's Her Name who crashed her car into Chinbeard many years ago. She ended up marrying Old What's His Name (they connected over piano playing and singing old, boring songs) and moved to somewhere else -- Sunset Gardens? Autumn Meadows? (MW & Me veterans, what was that place?) Anyway, I figure Estelle is in the grip of road rage and might not see the purple-garbed Mary.
I just can’t let it go. I may be wrong, but forever since I can remember, Estelle has worn two white circles for ear wear, which i assumed represented pearls. For the last few days (or eons?) however, they have become yellowish orange circles, perhaps representing gold. Why? Why now?
I looked it up, and Wikipedia said that June’s spouse does the inking and coloring, so this can’t be random. Should I take the red pill or the blue pill? Since this is the Worthiverse, I guess I’ll have to settle for the purple one and wait for the inevitable Muffining. There can be only many.
No, KitKat, I’m not the grandma in Munich. I’m still just a vacationer in the Swiss Alps. Anyway, my husband’s lederhosen has a hole in the seat, and my dirndl is, as ever, in a twist, so don’t bother scanning photos from Oktoberfest- you won’t find us there.
Ah, a chance to perform my good deed for the day...
KitKat - I believe the names you're looking for are Hannah Dingdon and Sean Hastings. They married and settled in at a senior's residence named Somerset. Many thanks to Wanders' wonderful, hysterical archives!
Tiny Fork - Regarding Estelle's earing color. You're right. They've almost always been white. But in past strips, whenever she "gussies up" they always turn to gold. Go figure. Anyway, I remember reading that when June first took over drawing the strips, it was her husband who did the coloring. But then a year (or three??) ago, around the time that Uncle Joe Giella died, I read that his son had taken over the coloring duties.
@hmmm Thanks for clearing that up! Personally, I think Estelle looks much better with pearls. Having her two ear wear options the same shape and size is, perhaps, just to keep the workflow flowing faster. From Wikipedia, I learned she has several other recent projects; she’s busy.
Meanwhile from NASA: “New close-up images reveal the surprising snowman shape of "potentially hazardous" asteroid 2024 ON, which tumbled safely past our planet on Sept. 17.”
Asteroid 2024 ON is made up of two spheres, one somewhat larger than the other, that have become connected together. After the 17th, the next time Estelle’s ear wear was visible, they had become gold. Perhaps that’s what triggered my tiny obsession.
Meanwhile, as Estelle sits in the Charterstone parking lot, Libby has a fit of the zoomies. Unfortunately, her lack of depth perception causes her to overturn several small ornaments and to knock herself unconscious against the liquor cabinet. Pierre, who has impaired breathing due to his brachycephaly, has an asthma attack while trying to revive his cat friend. Will Estelle return in time to call Ed with her own pet medical emergency, resulting in new understanding and reconciliation? Or will she call Dr. See, only to be told that no vet makes house calls?
Excellent comments yesterday, friends! That was serious snark!
@hmmm, thanks for combing through Wanders's archives. How could I have forgotten names like Hannah Dingdon, Sean Hastings, and Somerset? I remember Hannah and Sean's wedding at City Hall, conducted without the aid f a wedding planner.
Libby and Pierre are very little help. They always say "Meow!" and "Woof!" Even if it's Libby woofing and Pierre meowing, that doesn't go very far. However, I expect Estelle's sobs are spreading throughout the building and making Mary's Meddlersense tingle. Start the Muffin Mobile!
Translating for Estelle: “it’s all about meeeee! Everything is all about meeee!” (Come to the Worthiverse for the most dislikable characters in all of fiction.)
Thanks @KitKat, my granddaughter is now 15 days old. Her parents won‘t allow her to attend Oktoberfest (smart people that they are) but I will visit for my third time today. Gotta do something besides adore the baby, after all.
Meanwhile, Estelle will continue crying her egotistical tears until it dawns on her that if she breaks up with Ed there won‘t be a wedding! Zounds! Can‘have that. What would wedding planner think?
Hearty congratulations, @MissScarlet! Going from your precious newborn granddaughter to the sobbing Estelle is truly going from the sublime to the ridiculous.
There's Estelle and her tiresome pets on a deserted, not particularly well-lighted path, distracted, self absorbed, and crying. Tomorrow: Remember the Central Park Troll, who once accosted Mary (she was rescued by Former Broadway Star Ken Kensington)? The Troll was released from the slammer after serving his sentence and relocated to, of all places, Santa Royale. In retirement he's tutored local hooligans, one of whom is just around the bend.
Tired of hearing Estelle so distraught in her bedroom, Libby says to Pierre, "Look, Dawg, I don't wanna listen to this all night, and I'm sure you don't either. So let's harness up and take the drama queen out for a walk. Maybe it will tire her out." -- Scottie
I’ve never seen anyone taking a cat out for a walk on a leash, but I suppose it’s possible. Would never attempt with our own cat, of course, unless wearing full body armor, something I have never done and have plans on ever doing. Ok, yes, we tried it *once*.
Estelle, you're best rid of Ed, and his ways. His staying out well past midnight at bars, gambling his money away, his endless fishing trips, his planting himself in front of the TV for a weekend of beer, taco chips, and sports, not to mention his flirting and who knows what else.
Hang on a minute that was Ned, that guy you briefly dated years ago before you moved to Charterstone. Yes, Ned, not Ed! But Ed and his constant efforts to reduce the suffering of animals and, indirectly, their owners, yes, that just about as bad. I, mean, what about your suffering? You’re well rid of Ed.
"As Stell vents her anger by confiding to her pets..." -- yes, Libby and Pierre vowed to keep Estelle's angry rants in strict confidence. No blabbing to others or posting on social media.
Well, Estelle now thinks she doesn’t want a wedding. Handy, since deposits were never actually discussed. I wonder what Ed will say to change her mind. Maybe there will be a cairn terrier emergency that Estelle will have to handle and she will be bitten by the all-vet-all-the-time bug.
When Mary gets involved (as she inevitably will, her name is in the title and all), perhaps she will ask Estelle if she wants a wedding, or a marriage. If it’s a marriage, then round up a couple of witnesses and head down to the courthouse. If not, then back to either Wilbur or online dating. I wonder if we’ll get there before Christmas. Meow. Woof.
I would like to spare JB having to illustrate Estelle's "sob!" tears one more time, so bring on Mary, who will handily show up at the Charterstone mailboxes just as Estelle is heading out to work tomorrow. I'm voting for fauxprof's thought about a quickie, quiet wedding at Courthouse with Mary as witness, or else it's out to sea on a cruise with Mary so Estelle can sob endlessly about her lousy luck with men... Getting married is NOT going to solve the Ed being AWOL at important moments issue...
Who is that person acting as the receptionist? Has Estelle been fired already? Meanwhile, that little Chihuahua is going to swallow Estelle‘s ring and Ed will have to rush in to….pump his stomach? X-ray him? Emergency surgery?
@MissScarlet, you beat me to it. That head balanced on the counter is the receptionist? Where did she come from?
By all means, Doc Ed, discuss your private life in the waiting room so clients can get an eyefull and an earfull. That should be great for business. (Like MissScarlet, I figure that peculiar chihuahua will snarf down the ring.)
Note that Estelle climbed into the Wayback Machine and returned with a pair of hiphugger jeans and belt from 1976. I bet they're bellbottoms to boot.
Anyone who didn't read th strip yesterday missed out on the bg breakup action scene.
Compounding her problems, Estelle gets pulled over by a police officer and issued a citation for violating Santa Royale Ordinance #8746627, Driving Impaired Due to Sobbing.
We knew her return was imminent, and here's Mary with her daily workout: lifting full muffin pans using only her little fingers.
Yes, Pierre and Libby, mommy has broken up with daddy. Not only are you now living in a broken home, mommy is not about to share that ice cream with you.
Extra points to whoever deciphers the second word of the ice cream flavor. The first looks like "chocolate" to me.
Anyone know where Wanders left his recycling bin? That same pint of ice cream has shown up every time Estelle cried over Wilbur, Arthur, Wilbur... You'd think it would have some serious freezer burn by now.
Enter Mary and her underbaked muffins. Seriously, who else could finesse the oven temperature and baking time to render the best part of a muffin so unappetizing. C’mon, they’re supposed to be brown! Woof! Meow!
@meg, I knew those muffins reminded me of something - bingo. Mary's come roaring back from her weeks on hiatus filled with the spirit of Halloween. Those revolting muffins are intended for any trick-or-treaters unfortunate enough to cross her path.
" 'Woof,' 'Meow.' 'Woof,' 'Meow.' 'Woof,' 'Meow.' Yes, I know! I heard you the first hundred times! That's all you ever say! 'Woof,' 'Meow.' You two are worthless!" -- Scottie
Estelle agrees (we know she has no choice) she sounds awful. What will Mary say? Go back to Ed. Go back to Ed and beg his forgiveness. Go back to Ed on your hands and knees and beg his forgiveness.
@MissScarlet, can we add "Go back to Ed on your hands and knees and beg his forgiveness and give him a baker's dozen of my apple cinnamon muffins"?
Mary needs to see a mental-health therapist to seek help for her muffin-making compulsion. It's gotten WAY out of control. She bakes obsessively, then looks for victims to foist those disgusting objects on.
Estelle is so distraught, muffins are not doing the trick. Mary springs into action with alternate offerings of succor:
Estelle, have a muffuletta. You look cold. Here’s a muffler. Try sitting on a tuffet, just like…. Who’s your favorite Mark Twain character: Mine’s Muff Potter from Tom Sawyer. Cold hands? Here’s a nice raccoon fur muff- can you smell the mothballs? Did you see Aaron Judge muff the ball in the outfield last night? Cold ears? Going so soon? Here, take a plate of muffins for Ed! Humph! She didn’t even say goodbye and thanks. And she left her pets. Here, Libby and Pierre, have a snack of dog muffins and catnip.
We have established the hierarchy, here. You come to Mary. Mary doesn’t come to you. (Okay, she did go over to Wilbur’s condo, but that was because she thought he was dead.) Anyway, I’m glad Libby and Pierre are invited, so we won’t be deprived of their insight. Woof. Meow.
Once everyone is settled in on Mary's couch, she opens the discussion. "So, tell me what's going on." "SOB" "Woof" 'Meow" "Hmmm, I see. And how does that make you feel?" "Woof." "SOB" "Meow" "Look, you're gonna have to meet me halfway here, okay? So can you be a little more specific?" "Meow" "Woof" "SOB" "Okay, I see that you're not ready yet. So take two dozen muffins and call me in the morning." -- Scottie
I‘m way too old to understand all the modern meanings of current trendy vocabulary, but I thought ‚ghosting‘ meant stopping all contact. Didn‘t Ed call at least twice to explain the emergency? Pierre breaking the fourth wall there, and looking straight at us, suggests to me that at least he is wise to Estelle‘s histrionics.
You're correct about "ghosting," MissScarlet. Per Oxford Languages (via the Google), it's "the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication." Hey Estelle, stop misusing the kids' language!
This would be a fine time for Pierre to have an accident and Libby barf on the sofa. Bonus points for making some of it dribble onto the rug.
Stell, I know you might not be as hip to Gen Z slang as Mary is, but ghosting generally means suddenly ending all communication without explanation. Ed texted you in advance and during the meal that he was doing emergency surgery. You drove your car around for over a week while repeatedly calling Ed an SOB, then abruptly broke up with him. As poetic justice, I call for the rancid apple muffins to trigger a Wilbur-themed fever dream in the style of A Christmas Carol, where Stell is haunted by the literal ghost of Mitzi Fitz’ pregnant dog, who Ed left bleeding out in an alternate reality in order to join you for appetizers.
I am deeply disturbed by Libby and Pierre’s silence on this important matter. I think Mary has intimidated them by threatening to serve them her special mini-muffins.
@Ian Cameron, PhD, yes, that would be perfect! We are long overdue for a dream sequence and, let’s admit it, Estelle’s are second to none. Maybe the boxing baby Wilburs could at least have a cameo?
As Estelle is so self absorbed to the point of being delusional, Mary’s getting a softball pitch with this one:
• As noted by everyone else, no Estelle, you were not ghosted. • You worked at Ed’s clinic for months (years?) so you could not possibly have missed his long hours and single minded devotion to his calling, that is, caring for pets, including your own. • Up until your wedding planning obsession, almost every strip with Ed and you includes him telling you how much he loves you. You, you, you. • You apparently want Ed to ignore his practice for weeks, letting other people’s pets suffer and die so he can help you as an event planner in spite of his making it clear from the beginning that he has no interest whatsoever in that?
Not a great way to begin a marriage. But Mary will set you straight most likely (and more gently) by muffining you into a semblance of an epiphany. Or, even better, a dream sequence later, along the lines suggested by @Ian Cameron, PhD could seal the deal. Then, happiness, wedding, happiness, goodbye.
By the way, according to Wanders’ impeccable records, Estelle is 65. 65, and acting like a ditsy teenage bride, planning her wedding. She goes to the wedding planner and chooses a Social Security Theme for her wedding.
Has anyone ever said "You don't understand, Mary!" and lived another day? Petulant Estelle is living dangerously - she might exit wearing a muffin hat like good ol' Ted Miller (what a character!) or getting a few muffins stuffed into her mane.
Maybe Ed will pay more attention to Estelle is she confines her vocabulary to "Meow! Woof!"
It’s going to take some time for Mary to talk Estelle around to the proper way of thinking (perhaps until Thanksgiving, possibly Christmas). We’re gonna need more muffins.
Great use of "muffin" as a verb, everyone! It does seem to me that This Engagement Cannot Be Saved (the companion to that long ago column in Ladies Home Journal "Can This Marriage Be Saved"), which I used to read with relish as a teenager, learning absolutely nothing about relationships, which seems to fit Estelle's deal here. I predict, unfortunately, a return to karaoke with Wilbur for Estelle.
Goes back to the 1930s. Includes an economical, yet significant, amount of laudanum.
On October 1st, while Estelle cried into her ice cream, Pierre couldn’t seem to repress a smile hearing the wedding was off. I put it down to his breed not being able to do anything that looks like they’re NOT smiling. Yet, here, when he hears that Ed said the animals take priority, he looks shocked and sad, as does Libby. Seems fishy.
Is the something else X rated? (Okay, maybe R rated is all KM can muster. Or PG-13?) I'd like to see the face of a shocked Mary. Meanwhile, down below, Pierre vomits up a hunk of muffin while Libby coughs up a hairball.
Fearing the Estelle is about to tell her some intimate details, Mary covers her ears and chants NAH-NAH-NAH-NAH-NAH-NAH-NAH I CAN'T HEAR YOU NAH-NAH . . . -- Scottie
Some sort of Mary serum in those muffins gets people to automatically agree with her and forget their resentment and frustration. I think it was first disovered in the Stepford Wives...
Oh boy, a flashback to the life of Estelle and the late Jimmy! I expect Estelle to have the same hairstyle except she'll be blonde instead of gray. She'll be whining about being neglected because Jimmy's a shyster lawyer always attending to his client, a sleazy wealthy guy code named "Mr. Big Shot." But will there be pets?
E: “Ed Redmond’s me of my late husband Jimmy. Let me tell you about my previous marriage…” M: “Oh… erm… Stell I have to dash, I’ve just learned one of my carrot muffins needs emergency surgery. It was nice seeing you; enjoy spinsterhood!”
Ladies and Gentlemen, there will be a delay in landing. Please relax while the flight attendants distribute calming muffins. We may be in a holding pattern for a while. Thank you for flying Worthy Airlines, where your backstory is important to us, no matter how boring it may be.
Any guesses on what happened to Husband Number 1? Heart attack? Tripped over one of Estelle's pets and cracked his skull? If Estelle was smart, she'd go ahead and marry Ed since it appears her connection to workaholic husbands has resulted in a fine nest egg. It will likely take a few days until she gets to the story of Hubby Number One's demise.
Hey, I’m all in favor of dropped, new information, especially in this strip. But as the Comics Curmudgeon points out, did we know Estelle was a widow? I don’t think so. If Jimmy was a cop, no matter how dedicated (unless he was taking on the side - not that we would see that in MW) then the widow’s estate was probably because he was killed while on duty.
Meanwhile, I guess Estelle has a “type”. You think she might have noticed this earlier during all the months she worked with Ed before. Nothing to do now but take out the biggest insurance policy you can get and patiently wait for the inevitable.
Argh, KM has made a grammatical error that's #1 on my list of pet peeves: Estelle should be saying "My late husband, Jimmy, and I were very much in love!" Put in the commas, KM! Or did Estelle have multiple late husbands? Then she could say "my late husband Jimmy," "my late husband Waldo," "my late husband Melvin," etc. Grrrrrr!
No flashback, huh? Just Estelle's reminiscenses, Mary's color commentary, and Pierre looking heavenward. Pierre, you didn't even know Jimmy!
@MissScarlet, I think @meg confirmed a while back that Estelle was described as a widow when she first appeared on the Charterstone scene. Somehow she always has money to burn.
I checked the archives (thanks, Wanders, we miss you!) and found that Estelle entered the strip in February 2019. On February 19, Estelle told Mary, "It's been a little over a year since Jimmy passed away. I miss having a man around." So, Estelle (whose last name hasn't been revealed) was trawling for a man not long after Jimmy's demise.
Speaking of Jimmy, he looks like he stepped out of an old sitcom. "Car 54, Where are You?," anyone?
Bali? Fiji? The Maldives? On our retirement pensions from a state university, realprof and I went to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Different aspirations, I guess.
Thanks for doing all that legwork, @KitKat. I vaguely remember Estelle saying something about ‘Jimmy passing’, now that you mention it. And you nailed the ‘Car 54’ reference! Was Brigman too lazy to find a more current toon or was it that many years ago that Jimmy was a cop? Time in MW is always so confusing.
Mary's keeping Libby on her lap so she gets lots of cat fur and dander on her clothing. That will keep Jeff away if he tries to get a bit frisky with her. Ah-CHOO!
2,587 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 2201 – 2400 of 2587 Newer› Newest»@KitKat -- to follow up on Tiny Fork's post, when you want to post a comment and you see a COLLAPSE ALL COMMENTS prompt or link or whatever, click on it. You will get to the comment box much more quicklier (at the expense, of course, of skipping over all our previous brilliance). This should work unless we're operating in different mysterious digitalverses. -- Scottie
Miss Scarlet: You must be confused. That was not the cocktail selection for Estelle’s wedding—-that was the list of beverages I was drinking that evening.
@tiny tuba at 1:12 p.m. yesterday, thanks, and keep posting! Your posts most certainly are "worthy," as Mary Worth herself would remind you!
Haha, that Larry is such a card! He can come to the wedding wearing a hyena mask.
I think it's significant that Ed does not mention his fiancee's name.
First, Ed's idea of a day out is going to a convention? Estelle wasted no time announcing the upcoming wedding. These two deserve each other.
Judging by the number of ghostly purple people in the background, Santa Royale must have a lot of veterinarians. If they’re all at the convention, who’s handling any emergencies? Is it all on Jared?
@Meg; save some for me!
@KitKat; I love the idea of Larry wearing a hyena mask. Let's introduce him to Wilbur. Seems like a match to me.
Ed is popular! Who'd a thunk it?
@KitKat hooray!
That off-panel, “Ed!” could mean that the long-awaited monkey wrench is about to bonk Ed and Estelle. The tension is barely noticeable.
Uh oh...Whoever shouted "Ed" is likely to be his vet school girlfriend...
@Miss Scarlet, Wilbur came to my mind also when I saw Larry. I bet Larry likes fish.
Ed: "Sheila, this is my volunteer receptionist, uh um um, Ste..., Ste...."
Estelle: "Er, nice to meet you. What the heck happened to your hair?"
Oh, I like the look of Dr. See. She’s probably accomplished and level-headed, the anti-Estelle, if you will. This could get interesting—or as interesting as MW ever gets, but I’ll take it.
Well, how will Estelle color code THIS situation?
Too late to tuck in your bra strap, Estelle. Dr. See saw it.
Great call on Estelle's bra strap, @hmm. Eagle eye!
Dr. Sheila See: Sees all, knows all, especially about Ed Harding.
So you're Ed's fiancee?! I occupied that spot once, but then I learned his idea of a 'day out' was going to a veterinary convention, and I found myself a nice HVAC repairman to snuggle up to.
So, cat got your tongue, Estelle? You didn't know women could become vets? Women can also color their hair and go braless. (thanks for pointing that out, @hmmm).
I am intrigued by the hesitant "Er." Why on earth would she say that? Something's up. I'll bet Estelle just became insanely jealous. We'll see. -- Scottie
Fun fact: Ed and Estelle’s love language is Pig Latin. Estelle was just about to say: ‘Er-hay air-hay is-way eird-way” when Ed pokes her sharply in the ibs-ray.
Testing…
What kind of veterinary convention is this? It started at 11 a.m., and everyone's standing around making small talk, drinking coffee, and, judging by Ed's tiny plate, what appears to be one strip of bacon. After a bathroom break, I suppose they'll have lunch. Is there no programmimg? Why is no one reading his/her dull paper? Where are the panel discussions? Where are the vendors trying to drum up vet business for their products while giving away ball-point pens, samples of dog treats, etc.? Meanwhile, Dr. See contemplates throwing the contents of her cup in Larry's face after he made an off-color remark.
Once again, any potential drama nipped in the bud. No real plot here, rather it’s become more like a series of brief tableau’s illuminating Estelle’s insecurities, all quickly extinguished before they become engaging.
Open and honest communication is a great thing in real life, but it doesn’t do much for the storyline of a soap opera strip.
@Meg; Pig latin!! I love it!!
Insecurities is right! It's not like these two are young. Did Estelle think Ed had never dated anyone else? Whew! Missed a bullet there - or we might have some other questions for Mr. Ed.
@Please KitKat; the last thing we need is a boring vet paper. This is dull enough already.
Pet Care Magazine is too popular and nonprofessional. Why not publish in something like the New England Journal of Feline Opthalmology, Dr. See? (See what I did there?)
Good grief, Estelle's acting like met her boyfriend's former girl friend at the sock hop. What a bundle of insecurities! No wonder she was easy pickings for an online romance scam.
Maybe Dr. See’s article was about how to craft matching ear and necklace jewelry out of cat treats.
Now we have an insecure geriatric Bridezilla. Mary’s spidey-senses must be tingling. Somewhere, out there in her web, a major meddle awaits.
@fauxprof, Mary is currently attending the Santa Royale Meddlers' Muffin Squad convention, which is in the ballroom next to the vets' convention.
Labor Day is not a holiday in Santa Royale. Happy Labor Day to all of us in the rest of the nation!
Why can't the Kents take their Rottweilers to Dr. See's clinic themselves? Does Ed offer animal transportation to his clients? Does he have insurance in case of an accident? (I realize this is KM's clumsy way to get Estelle and Sheila together again, where something will happen to trigger Estelle's insecurities.)
All these people showed up for a half-day convention? What, are they selling the answers to the veterinary licensing board exams or something? -- Scottie
KitKat, I imagine the conversation was:
Ed: Take the Rottweilers to Dr. See.
Estelle: Why?
Dr. Ed: They are much too healthy for me to put down.
Oh oh! Dr. Ed told Estelle to give the tranquilizers to the dogs, but it looks like Estelle took them instead.
Little does Estelle know that Rottweilers Killa and Dilla Kent were among the canines rescued from the dognappers last year. They still remember Noodle/aka Greta fondly, and have been seeking her ever since . At last! A clue! The smell of Charterstone and its denizens is strong to their Rotty noses.
And when they get in Stell’s car, the scent is overwhelming! Crash, Bam, Bang!
I am sorry to inform you that Meg’s brain has just been involved in a dangerous crash. This story has been discontinued. This is a recording.
@meg, you have a greater grasp of KM's plots than KM herself. I suppose that's damning with faint praise, but I for one am impressed!
Animal Hospital is a mess, with overcrowding and farming animals out to other vets - eesh. And look at the untrained people who work there! The Santa Royale Veterinary Association should investigate instead of wasting time with monthly "conventions" where they stand around gabbing.
Something is definitely going to happen with Estelle and the Rottweilers, but it won’t be the pups’ fault, because, as we all know, dogs are good. It will, however, be embarrassing for Estelle and Dr. See.
I think somethings gonna happen with Dr. See. The dogs are just a vehicle to get Elaine to See's vet practice. Then what?
See says she still is in love with Dr. Ed?
See make a pass at Estelle?
Dr. See, Estelle and the dogs have a fore-some?
Dr. See offers Estelle a job?
Estelle gets lost on the way and never makes it to Dr. See's office?
Yes, I do know how to spell 'for, 'four', 'fore'.
Dr. Ed's practice doesn't have room for Rottan and Wiella because instead of keeping track of his patient load, his nitwit assistant has spent all her time picking out costume beagle ears and owl beaks. -- Scottie
Estelle: "He surprised me with this gorgeous ring!"
Sheila: "It's beautiful! It's remarkable how sparkly cubic zirconia are nowadays."
Estelle: "He surprised me with this gorgeous ring!"
Sheila: "It's beautiful! It's almost as big as the one he gave me."
Something has to happen, right? I mean, how long can a story go absolutely nowhere…oh, sorry, I forgot that this is Mary Worth. Never mind.
Maybe Estelle should take a nap because, since nothing else is happening, I could really use one of her nightmares about now. Maybe one where she and Ed have a baby, but it’s a puppy with Dr. See’s face and has a giant diamond ring on its tiny paw.
Grateful for the comments today: I laughed out loud!
Ooh, an Estelle nightmare sounds promising, @Tiny fork. Maybe Arthur/Arther could have a cameo.
Procedures at Dr. See's seem awfully lax. No information taken on the Kents' dogs? Will they just be kept indefinitely in the back room? Will the Kents ever see them again?
"Well, Estelle, Ed and I are friends with benefits. Why do you ask?"
OMG, she actually did it! Wow. Well okay, she already asked Ed if there's anything going on, and now she's asked Sheila if there's anything going on. Soon she'll be hiring Keith Willend to investigate the entire town to see if there's anything going on. Normally she'd save money and just ask Mary to snoop around, but she knows that Mary would just try to foist Wilbur back on her. -- Scottie
Thought bubble, Estelle, thought bubble! That’s what it’s there for, so you don’t say the quiet part out loud.
Estelle must have been so blinded by the sparkle on her left hand that she's lost all ability to filter conversational speech. What will Sheila say?
How dare you! What are you implying?
Oh, you are just as dumb as Ed said you were.
After my relationship with Ed, I decided to be a lesbian. Good luck!
My husband and I do have Ed over for the occasional three-some.
As the world’s homeliest cat (sorry, Libby, you’ve been dethroned) looks on while awaiting her appointment to have her embarrassing cat handle adjusted, Dr. See seems to know something not good about Dr. Ed. Well, whut izzit? Is he the Zodiac killer? A Morris Dancer? A Red Sox fan? A snoring schnorrer? Or just gassy? I can’t wait!
There's nothing clients like to see more than vets standing around engaging in personal chit-chat while they're waiting for their animal to be examined.
@meg, I agree, that is one ugly cat. In the cat's defense, that Cleveland Browns sweatshirt must have shrunk eleven sizes when the cat's owner kept it in the dryer for three hours on the hottest setting. I expect when that guy and his cat finally see Dr. See, the guy will say, "Doctor, Hortense is struggling to breathe!"
"But Stell...how well do you REALLY know Ed? Has he told you he used to be called Edwina?"
Dr. See does understand the use of the thought bubble, and now we have the fun of speculating about Ed’s deep dark secret. Is he into kinky cosplay? A serial jaywalker? Spends his Saturday mornings in footie pajamas, eating Cocoa Pebbles and watching VHS tapes of his favorite cartoons? Or is he just a workaholic who never really has been present in relationships.
Seeing that Ed and Estelle have been together for a year and a half, wouldn't you think any major flaw of his would have become evident by now?
Estelle does not know the word "tact".
Oh, @ fauxprof, as much as I love the footie pajamas and Cocoa Puffs scenario, I think you've hit it with the workaholic label. Estelle doesn't know this because she works with him all day anyway, and thinks that she's with him then. Ed doesn't know how, or care to, take time off. If Estelle works in his office and sleeps in his bed, all of his needs are cared for. Hope Estelle doesn't mind. Maybe she won't actually notice.
For goodness sake, Dr. See and Estelle, speak louder! The receptionist is only hearing 75 percent of what you're discussing, and the people sitting near the door can barely hear anything.
Yes, I expect that Ed is married to his job. There's also the fact that Estelle's hair reminds him of a sheepdog he had as a boy. (Sheila's hair reminded him of a skunk he had as a pet in veterinary school.)
“But at the same time…he doesn’t always come when called, and I couldn’t keep him off the couch.”
It turns out that The Big Reveal is a Big Nothingburger [zzzzzzzzzzzzz].
Sheila: Yes, Estelle. Even after Ed and I parted and I found my true soulmate, he and I remained great friends. We're so close that it gives me great pleasure to ruin whatever bit of happiness he now finds.
Judging by Estelle’s bug-eyed shock in the final panel, this is not welcome information. “Ooooh Noooo! I want all the attention on Meeeeee!” Bet she gets in her car (now covered in Rottweiler hair and drool) and runs straight to Mary. I can smell the underbaked muffins from here.
Sheila is "on good authority" - whatever that means. I don't suppose that Estelle will want to talk about this with Ed. I'm not sure about a visit to Mary. Are they really that close? Mary may end up saying, "Ed who?".
Mary not know Ed? Mary has the white pages from every town in California, and studies in the religiously.
The frankness of Sheila and Estelle's discussion has made Sheila's earrings migrate onto her cheeks.
Yes, Estelle, Ed does a bang-up job balancing his professional and personal lives. Just recently he tuned you out as you were blathering about your bizarre wedding plans. Everything is great! When you return to the overcrowded Animal Clinic, be prepared to take a St. Bernard to another clinic 47 miles away.
Hey, where is everyone? Has this riveting plot lulled you to sleep? Aren't you leaping out of bed each morning to read what Estelle is thinking? Today she even tossed in an equine play on words, with Ed giving her the reins. Funny, yes?
Is Estelle's car supposed to be a Saab? Will the wedding venue she's visiting be the Santa Royale Zoo?
Estelle thought balloon: "Maybe he'll join me later on."
Ed thought balloon: "Well, Ed old boy, you dodged another one. But pretending you're busy can be almost as exhausting as actually being busy." -- Scottie
Wedding venues…this could get fractious. It may have to be the parking lot at the vet clinic. Unless the Karaoke bar is available. I guess a church is out of the question?
Estelle to fancy reception place hostess: ‘You look strangely familiar. Do I know you?”
“I get that a lot. You must have met my twin brother Larry at the veterinary convention on August 29.”
@meg, I knew that Wedding Venue woman looked familiar - bingo. She has Larry's sense of humor, too - she's hiding a hamster in her hair.
The negotiations for booking the wedding are speeding along. Estelle hasn't even seen the interior.
When Estelle returns to Animal Hospital: "Ed, I used your Visa card for a deposit at Romance Rendezvous. It's $10,000."
Why is Estelle looking so startled? Of course a wedding venue requires a deposit. I realize she blew all her savings on Arthur/Arther, but did she expect Ed to pay for the Major Nuptials? (This is my new favorite term for Big Wedding.)
Fauxprof
I like your take on the nuptials. I predict General Chaos will be there.
Meg, good catch.
Sorry I haven't posted much. I have to use my phone. Take care all.
Did Estelle already put together a guest list for Major Nuptials? She's making decisions at a frantic pace, costs be damned.
Aha, so there IS a former marriage in her past. We demand the details, KM! Deliver flashbacks and floating heads!
I believe that Estelle established her status as rich widow when she was explaining to Mary that she could afford to send Arthur/randomspelling $10K and it was none of Mary’s dern business and she could just stuff it up her muffin if she (Mary) didn’t like it. Mary then swore under her breath and put a curse on Estelle and introduced her to Wilbur, even though that’s just repeating myself.
Thank you @Meg. That makes so much sense now! I must say the speed that the which wedding prep is going is giving me a head rush. Lemon! Whew!
Anyway, who paid the venue deposit? Having married off a couple of sons in the last few years, that can be very tricky, especially with covid and work-aholic vets.
Great comments. Estelle should look on the bright side. She will get the wedding she wants while Ed works to pay for it. Win-win.
Estelle, those color coded folders aren't much help now, are they?
Missed a comma on that last sentence, but it’s also seems true (fish burial at sea, etc.) the way it is.
Sigh, I meant, a comma is missing from the next to the last sentence of my first post today.
Wonderful comments today, everyone! The Snark Meter is setting record highs!
@meg, I knew we could count on you. I had a vague recollection of some explanation when KM brought in Estelle, but I didn't remember if she was a widow or a divorcee. I do remember that she was an airhead from Day One, and that hasn't changed one iota. Unlike Mary, who still mentions Dear Jack every now and then, Estelle remembers the wedding cake but practically nothing about Old What Was His Name.
Hey, gang, did I miss something? Did they ever set a date? If not, is she asking the venue and the bakery to reserve all the dates in the next six months? Tiny Fork is right, a wedding planner would be a help. Also a couples counselor.
Trouble on the horizon as Estelle interviews bands: polka, DJ, cover band doing oldies from the 1980s? Animal themed music? So much to decide!
Estelle may have forgotten that she already talked about this with Ed and he told her to “take the reins”. Talking to him again isn’t likely to change him, but it might cause Estelle to rethink this whole deal. Maybe she just wants to be a vet receptionist with benefits.
A wedding planner AND a couples counselor? Just call Mary. She'll even bake mini muffins for the human guests and treats for the animal attendants. I expect that Pierre is going to walk Estelle down the aisle, and Libby will be the meow of honor.
@fauxprof, you're right about no discussion about the date for Major Nuptials. Maybe that's part of Estelle's taking of the reins. Trouble brews when the date Estelle chooses conflicts with yet another convention of the Santa Royale Veterinary Association.
I see that Estelle has now moved on to Costume Store and she's talked two of the personnel into demonstrating how it is possible to eat cake while wearing masks.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Begin forwarded message:
On Friday, September 13, 2024, 15:27, mtrehub@aol.com wrote:
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Friday, September 13, 2024, 15:21, mtrehub@aol.com wrote:
W hen Estelle met Ed, he’s perfect she said!
I wonder if he’s single and ready to mingle.
L ove can be tricky, but I’m not too picky.
B ut after previous bad dates, I want a good mate!
U nless someone better comes along…
R eally, Mary can help me, she’s never wrong.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Friday, September 13, 2024, 15:21, mtrehub@aol.com wrote:
W hen Estelle met Ed, he’s perfect she said!
I wonder if he’s single and ready to mingle.
L ove can be tricky, but I’m not too picky.
B ut after previous bad dates, I want a good mate!
U nless someone better comes along…
R eally, Mary can help me, she’s never wrong.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Sorry for the multiple comments. I’m in Switzerland, and they’re monitoring me!
@meg, look at the mountains, eat some chocolate, and enjoy yourself. And compose some more poetry, we’re not getting anything poetic from KM via Estelle.
Estelle's maiden name must be Dithers. -- Scottie
Ed has a job and you do not, silly Estelle.
It seems the "Major Nuptials" may be reduced to the rank of "Private Nuptials".
@meg, you get the Above and Beyond Award for commenting from Europe! Switzerland must have inspired your poetic muse. Please continue composing! I visited Geneva and places around it many years ago (in the previous century) and did not want to leave (sigh).
@Scottie, "Dithers" - hahahahaha!
Shouldn't Grover be blue with a pink nose?
Yes, Estelle, now would be an ideal time to call Ed and give him a piece of your mind, especially since he missed out on a piece of cake. If you're lucky, he'll be suturing a St. Bernard at the time.
As this dreary storyline continues, I’m going to throw a rose to June. Today she drew a cute little dog, who has no purpose other than to be a cute little dog. The nose on its owner is a bit much, but, hey, artistic license.
She says, “my wedding” not , “our wedding.” Ed, there’s a bullet with your name on it that you need to dodge.
@LouiseF -- Ha ha, you nailed it. And she will be able to blame it all on General Apathy. -- Scottie
Thanks for the encouragement, fauxprof and KitKat, but you’ve interrupted my Swiss indoctrination session…..’cows are good. Chocolate is good. Mountains are good. Watches are good. Milk is good. Cheese is good. Trains are good. Dirndls…yodeling…’
@meg, fondue and raclette are good, too!
Is Ed trying to run the place on his own? Doesn't he have any veterinary technicians? Who's caring for all the animals in his overcrowded facility? Animal Hospital should be investigated.
Hmm, a neighbor at Charterstone to accompany Estelle in her wedding planning. How about Wilbur? Sampling catered food, wedding cake, and booze would be right up his alley. Or how about Mary? Hilarity would ensue when she and Estelle are mistaken for an engaged couple.
KitKat,
Brilliant! I love the idea that Mary and Estelle are mistaken for the couple. Now excuse me while I clean the coffee off my screen.
I must say, I really hope she will pick Mary to accompany her. It would be hilarious..
Ed's pink lab coat makes him look so cuddly and cute.
Oh boy, Estranged Cousin Pam is coming to town! Apparently the family she's visiting is not related to Estelle, who had never mentioned any family anywhere until Pam's name came up. I hope that Pam is a femme fatale (some of us remember Entertainer Esme, right?) who makes a play for Ed, who reciprocates.
Ed has questions, and so do we. Why was Pam estranged? Estelle has family? What’s in these sandwiches?
I no longer care about Estelle, at all. Hey Estelle, what is your cat doing all day? Bring Libby along!
Will it just be Ed, Estelle, and Pam at the engagement dinner? Or will Wilbur and Mary show up? How about Toby and the Prof? Is there an Engagement Dinner Restaurant? So many questions.
@KitKat Cousin Pam making a play for Ed would certainly work for me. However, as Moy seems to have developed an aversion for extending any potential drama for more than two or three day, I am not kicking that football that Lucy is extending yet again.
Will the engagement dinner wind up conflicting with a commitment Ed’s has already made to some work-related activity? It’s a tossup.
I'm really hoping that Pam will turn out to be a veterinarian. Maybe specializing in exotic animals. No way will Estelle be able to keep up with that lingo.
Hmmph! Ed the great animalitarian, only treats small animals (even the twin Rottweilers looked pretty skimpy to me). I’d like to see him treat some large farm animals like the vet at the farm across the way from our Swiss rental. Why, that vet is stripped to the waist and has his big brawny arms all greased up, and he’s approaching a mammoth heifer’s hindquarters, and…oh, I think I just got this confused with All Creatures Great and Small and Me. Meanwhile, back to Tricki Woo’s emergency gall bladder surgery…
Yes, @meg, don't confuse Ed Harding with Siegfried Farnon. Speaking of Ed, was "Wouldn't you rather we get ready together at MY place?" an offer to play footsie? How awkwardly put, in more ways than one.
I wonder if Estelle will run into Mary at Charterstone. "Why Estelle dear, you're all gussied up! What's the occasion?" "Gussied up" makes me think of Minnie Pearl. Estelle should wear her straw hat with a dangling price tag.
Estelle truly is dense as a box of rocks. Perhaps her months? (years?) with Wilbur warped her sense of expectation. It seemed obvious long ago that Ed is a workaholic. If Estelle had any insight, she would have scheduled the wedding at the end of a yoga session, accompanied by their beloved pets and would have had said pets provide the witnesses for their event. Getting married seems less of a tribute to her and Ed's relationship and more of a trophy for Estelle to fling at anyone who comes near. Figuring Wilbur is waiting in the wings to pick up the pieces when Ed ends the engagement, having to run out to treat an animal community bout of stomach flu..
In spite of Lucy holding that proverbial football, I think the party will be all set on Sunday, the cousins all assembled, but Ed will have to attend to Tricky Poo’s emergency toe nail extraction. Sobbing will ensue, with Pam gleefully looking on.
We're all shocked -- SHOCKED! -- that Ed's going to be MIA at the engagement party. Who could have seen this coming, other than everyone other than Estelle? Apparently there are no emergency animal hospitals in Santa Royale. The SR Vet Association should discuss this at its next convention.
Estele's going to have a hard time walking if she continues to try to put her shoe's heel strap on top of her foot.
I don't see why Dr. See couldn't have seen to this emergency.
@hmmm…. Now where would the fun be in that? We can’t let Ed be late without fighting and weeping and a gloating Pam.
Ed, of course, never shows up, and all the cousins are embarrassed for Estelle. Except Pam. “Oh, sure, Estelle, you’re engaged to a handsome veterinarian. Like we haven’t heard all that before.” (Pam is soon to be re-estranged.)
Mitzi Fitz, the poodle? Hahahahahahahaha etc. What is Ms. Fitz's given name, maybe Trixie? KM has flipped the script from imitation "All Creatures Great and Small" to canine "Call the Midwife."
Estelle, it's time to give back the ring and say bye-bye to Ed.
I don't know, KitKat. I think we're still tuned in to All Creatures Great and Small. After however many weeks (months?) of Estelle hysterics and Ed stoics, will we find Estelle helping Ed deliver Mitzi's puppies. Estelle will be covered in happy tears and puppy ick, but finally agreeing with Ed that puppies are so much more important than cousins. I hope her little black dress is washable.
Mitzi Fitz is my new favorite drink. Melon liquor (Midori), gin, sparkling water and a lime wedge. By coincidence, it also stops premature labor.
We’re burying the lede here. Ed makes house calls? I can understand a vet having to go out to a farm to treat a large animal, but that’s really going above and beyond.
@fauxprof I think you may be on to something.
Enjoying all the comments here!
Just noticed: could “Ms. Fitz” equal Misfits? Can’t imagine what that would imply unless she has a secret (or not so secret) yen for Ed who does not feel the same.
You're correct, @fauxprof. House calls? I have seen advertisements for some mobile vet services who come to homes for routine exams and services, but Ed speeding to a client's home like this is preposterous. I guess KM's middle name is Preposterous.
“Ms Fitz is hysterical! You know she’s always brimming with madcap humor and creative Mitzi Fitz puns, getting to see her improv during her poodle’s premature labor is an opportunity not to be missed! It’s gonna be a goldmine of material for my new book which is totally not based on All Creatures Great and Small. Anyway, just order a Bloomin’ Onion for the table, I should roll in around 11.”
Estelle, the only stall tactic that could work here is to get a table next to a literal horse stall, ideally where the occupant is a mare in heat stricken by an emergency case of mastitis and mud fever.
Additional problems ensue when Ed, after delivering Mitzi's puppies, mistakenly goes to Subrosa Restaurant, where he's the only patron. Meanwhile, waiting at La Rosa, Estelle and Pam have plenty of time to recall why they became estranged.
Estelle consoles herself that she still has better hair than Cousin Pam. Pam’s hair is thin and brittle because of all the years of bleach, while Estelle kept her natural…what the heck color is that? Grayish-purple-brown?
BREAKING NEWS! Estelle's late husband actually had a name. Who knew?
@fauxprof, all the years of bleaching her hair has made Pam's entire head elongated and narrow. BTW, our hopes for a big showdown between Estelle and formerly estranged Cousin Pam were for nought. Pam, and the local cousins Estelle has never mentioned, are just bit players in KM's clunky plot. Now we'll have to hope that Estelle storms out of La Rosa (Pam and cousins will all say "?"), bursts into Animal Hospital, and screams like a banshee at Ed and Ms. Fitz.
The man in panel 3, who is staring so soulfully at a piece of bread, is practicing for his toast- with a piece of toast! Oh, those wacky Santa Royaleans!
Delightful! We haven’t seen an incandescent rage-head of this caliber since Helen Moss. Estelle’s punctuation adds a certain flair (“THAT’S. THE. LAST STRAW!” indeed!), though going by the storied history of Stellbur there are plenty more straws, weepy breakups and maudlin reconciliations over BBQ in store.
Love the depiction of Estelle’s transformation into Mz. Furious! June Brigman’s comics background shinning through in that last panel. Burning through, actually, with the fire of a thousand suns. Oh Ed, you are toast…
I was going to do an old person reminiscence about a monthly column in The Ladies Home Journal called “Can This Marriage Be Saved”, when I realized that the modern version is a Reddit AITA post. Anyway, no, it can’t be saved, nor should it be. As to who’s the (family friendly bleep), both of them, though saving the poodle takes precedence over dinner.
Estranged Cousin Pam and local cousins, including man with the roll, we hardly knew ye.
And now, friends, tune in for another episode of “Disappointing Denouement Theater”, wherein the most boring possible ending winds up this story. Ed’s formerly shiftless nephew has had a “Come to Siegfried” moment and rediscovered his original love of veterinary medicine. He will become Ed’s junior partner, enabling Ed and Estelle to …uh…do whatever it is they want to do on weekends and at night. Best of all, Ed and Estelle and their unattractive pets will disappear into married life as is traditional in MW, and we’ll never have to see them again. Meanwhile, Wilbur has lost weight and gained hair, and is waiting to step back into the spotlight.
Estelle will be driving home all week, folks. Let’s catch a nap in the back seat, and hope she is not blinded by her milky tears and poorly suppressed rage.
I have a sneaking feeling that Estelle is going to run into Mary. The sneaking feeling is not specifying if that will be in the parking lot tonight or in the lobby tomorrow morning.
I’m in Munich loving my 12-day-old granddaughter, but you all made me laugh out loud and almost wake her up!!
I agree, this relationship cannot be saved. Estelle will never be able to compete with a poodle.
Let's see. Estelle is angry, driving at night. Will she have an accident putting her in the hospital? Will Dr. Ed rush to her side? Will he have an epiphany and realize there's more to life than work?
fauxprof, I like your idea better.
KitKat: are you advocating for Estelle to “run into Mary” WITH HER CAR?
I know this won't happen, but I would love to see Estelle go on a 20-minute (one week in MW time?) tirade and just tear into Ed for humiliating her at the dinner, and then taking his ring and forcefully shoving it up his nose while Libby and Pierre cheer her on excitedly. -- Scottie
First, congratulations to Anonymous who's in Munich spending time with his/her twelve-day-old granddaughter! Is that you, @meg? You were in Switzerland last week. Second, I remember Old What's Her Name who crashed her car into Chinbeard many years ago. She ended up marrying Old What's His Name (they connected over piano playing and singing old, boring songs) and moved to somewhere else -- Sunset Gardens? Autumn Meadows? (MW & Me veterans, what was that place?) Anyway, I figure Estelle is in the grip of road rage and might not see the purple-garbed Mary.
I just can’t let it go. I may be wrong, but forever since I can remember, Estelle has worn two white circles for ear wear, which i assumed represented pearls. For the last few days (or eons?) however, they have become yellowish orange circles, perhaps representing gold. Why? Why now?
I looked it up, and Wikipedia said that June’s spouse does the inking and coloring, so this can’t be random. Should I take the red pill or the blue pill? Since this is the Worthiverse, I guess I’ll have to settle for the purple one and wait for the inevitable Muffining. There can be only many.
No, KitKat, I’m not the grandma in Munich. I’m still just a vacationer in the Swiss Alps. Anyway, my husband’s lederhosen has a hole in the seat, and my dirndl is, as ever, in a twist, so don’t bother scanning photos from Oktoberfest- you won’t find us there.
Ah, a chance to perform my good deed for the day...
KitKat - I believe the names you're looking for are Hannah Dingdon and Sean Hastings. They married and settled in at a senior's residence named Somerset. Many thanks to Wanders' wonderful, hysterical archives!
Tiny Fork - Regarding Estelle's earing color. You're right. They've almost always been white. But in past strips, whenever she "gussies up" they always turn to gold. Go figure. Anyway, I remember reading that when June first took over drawing the strips, it was her husband who did the coloring. But then a year (or three??) ago, around the time that Uncle Joe Giella died, I read that his son had taken over the coloring duties.
@hmmm Thanks for clearing that up! Personally, I think Estelle looks much better with pearls. Having her two ear wear options the same shape and size is, perhaps, just to keep the workflow flowing faster. From Wikipedia, I learned she has several other recent projects; she’s busy.
Meanwhile from NASA: “New close-up images reveal the surprising snowman shape of "potentially hazardous" asteroid 2024 ON, which tumbled safely past our planet on Sept. 17.”
Asteroid 2024 ON is made up of two spheres, one somewhat larger than the other, that have become connected together. After the 17th, the next time Estelle’s ear wear was visible, they had become gold. Perhaps that’s what triggered my tiny obsession.
(To clarify, I meant, June Brigman has several recent projects and is busy.)
Meanwhile, as Estelle sits in the Charterstone parking lot, Libby has a fit of the zoomies. Unfortunately, her lack of depth perception causes her to overturn several small ornaments and to knock herself unconscious against the liquor cabinet. Pierre, who has impaired breathing due to his brachycephaly, has an asthma attack while trying to revive his cat friend. Will Estelle return in time to call Ed with her own pet medical emergency, resulting in new understanding and reconciliation? Or will she call Dr. See, only to be told that no vet makes house calls?
@fauxprof -- Ha ha haaa, very good! -- Scottie
Excellent comments yesterday, friends! That was serious snark!
@hmmm, thanks for combing through Wanders's archives. How could I have forgotten names like Hannah Dingdon, Sean Hastings, and Somerset? I remember Hannah and Sean's wedding at City Hall, conducted without the aid f a wedding planner.
Libby and Pierre are very little help. They always say "Meow!" and "Woof!" Even if it's Libby woofing and Pierre meowing, that doesn't go very far. However, I expect Estelle's sobs are spreading throughout the building and making Mary's Meddlersense tingle. Start the Muffin Mobile!
Translating for Estelle: “it’s all about meeeee! Everything is all about meeee!” (Come to the Worthiverse for the most dislikable characters in all of fiction.)
Thanks @KitKat, my granddaughter is now 15 days old. Her parents won‘t allow her to attend Oktoberfest (smart people that they are) but I will visit for my third time today. Gotta do something besides adore the baby, after all.
Meanwhile, Estelle will continue crying her egotistical tears until it dawns on her that if she breaks up with Ed there won‘t be a wedding! Zounds! Can‘have that. What would wedding planner think?
Hearty congratulations, @MissScarlet! Going from your precious newborn granddaughter to the sobbing Estelle is truly going from the sublime to the ridiculous.
There's Estelle and her tiresome pets on a deserted, not particularly well-lighted path, distracted, self absorbed, and crying. Tomorrow: Remember the Central Park Troll, who once accosted Mary (she was rescued by Former Broadway Star Ken Kensington)? The Troll was released from the slammer after serving his sentence and relocated to, of all places, Santa Royale. In retirement he's tutored local hooligans, one of whom is just around the bend.
Today’s dialogue is the most profound and meaningful in Worthiverse history: “Woof!” “Meow!”
Tired of hearing Estelle so distraught in her bedroom, Libby says to Pierre, "Look, Dawg, I don't wanna listen to this all night, and I'm sure you don't either. So let's harness up and take the drama queen out for a walk. Maybe it will tire her out." -- Scottie
I’ve never seen anyone taking a cat out for a walk on a leash, but I suppose it’s possible. Would never attempt with our own cat, of course, unless wearing full body armor, something I have never done and have plans on ever doing. Ok, yes, we tried it *once*.
Estelle, you're best rid of Ed, and his ways. His staying out well past midnight at bars, gambling his money away, his endless fishing trips, his planting himself in front of the TV for a weekend of beer, taco chips, and sports, not to mention his flirting and who knows what else.
Hang on a minute that was Ned, that guy you briefly dated years ago before you moved to Charterstone. Yes, Ned, not Ed! But Ed and his constant efforts to reduce the suffering of animals and, indirectly, their owners, yes, that just about as bad. I, mean, what about your suffering? You’re well rid of Ed.
"As Stell vents her anger by confiding to her pets..." -- yes, Libby and Pierre vowed to keep Estelle's angry rants in strict confidence. No blabbing to others or posting on social media.
Well, Estelle now thinks she doesn’t want a wedding. Handy, since deposits were never actually discussed. I wonder what Ed will say to change her mind. Maybe there will be a cairn terrier emergency that Estelle will have to handle and she will be bitten by the all-vet-all-the-time bug.
When Mary gets involved (as she inevitably will, her name is in the title and all), perhaps she will ask Estelle if she wants a wedding, or a marriage. If it’s a marriage, then round up a couple of witnesses and head down to the courthouse. If not, then back to either Wilbur or online dating. I wonder if we’ll get there before Christmas. Meow. Woof.
I would like to spare JB having to illustrate Estelle's "sob!" tears one more time, so bring on Mary, who will handily show up at the Charterstone mailboxes just as Estelle is heading out to work tomorrow. I'm voting for fauxprof's thought about a quickie, quiet wedding at Courthouse with Mary as witness, or else it's out to sea on a cruise with Mary so Estelle can sob endlessly about her lousy luck with men... Getting married is NOT going to solve the Ed being AWOL at important moments issue...
Who is that person acting as the receptionist? Has Estelle been fired already? Meanwhile, that little Chihuahua is going to swallow Estelle‘s ring and Ed will have to rush in to….pump his stomach? X-ray him? Emergency surgery?
@MissScarlet, you beat me to it. That head balanced on the counter is the receptionist? Where did she come from?
By all means, Doc Ed, discuss your private life in the waiting room so clients can get an eyefull and an earfull. That should be great for business. (Like MissScarlet, I figure that peculiar chihuahua will snarf down the ring.)
Note that Estelle climbed into the Wayback Machine and returned with a pair of hiphugger jeans and belt from 1976. I bet they're bellbottoms to boot.
I approve of the poster for animal ADD meds in the background. We all know a few dawgs who need it. Cats not so much…
Well, fling-a-ring-ding.
Estelle, no! Not in front of the chihuahua! You know how they gossip!
And the ring hits the concrete, dog waste covered floor....clink.
Uh oh, looks like we are in for another week of milky tears followed by more crying in front of the pets. Sob sob, indeed.
Anyone who didn't read th strip yesterday missed out on the bg breakup action scene.
Compounding her problems, Estelle gets pulled over by a police officer and issued a citation for violating Santa Royale Ordinance #8746627, Driving Impaired Due to Sobbing.
I’d yell “Oh, grow up!” At Estelle, but I think it’s a bit too late for that. I also wonder how many women have thrown that ring back at Ed.
Gird your loins people. Mary is furiously churning out those muffins. Some serious meddling is headed our way.
We knew her return was imminent, and here's Mary with her daily workout: lifting full muffin pans using only her little fingers.
Yes, Pierre and Libby, mommy has broken up with daddy. Not only are you now living in a broken home, mommy is not about to share that ice cream with you.
Extra points to whoever deciphers the second word of the ice cream flavor. The first looks like "chocolate" to me.
KitKat:
I believe she is eating Chocolate Apathy. And doesn’t Mary ‘s pile o’ muffins look like a Pile of Skulls?
Anyone know where Wanders left his recycling bin? That same pint of ice cream has shown up every time Estelle cried over Wilbur, Arthur, Wilbur... You'd think it would have some serious freezer burn by now.
Enter Mary and her underbaked muffins. Seriously, who else could finesse the oven temperature and baking time to render the best part of a muffin so unappetizing. C’mon, they’re supposed to be brown! Woof! Meow!
@meg, I knew those muffins reminded me of something - bingo. Mary's come roaring back from her weeks on hiatus filled with the spirit of Halloween. Those revolting muffins are intended for any trick-or-treaters unfortunate enough to cross her path.
" 'Woof,' 'Meow.' 'Woof,' 'Meow.' 'Woof,' 'Meow.' Yes, I know! I heard you the first hundred times! That's all you ever say! 'Woof,' 'Meow.' You two are worthless!" -- Scottie
Estelle agrees (we know she has no choice) she sounds awful.
What will Mary say?
Go back to Ed.
Go back to Ed and beg his forgiveness.
Go back to Ed on your hands and knees and beg his forgiveness.
@MissScarlet, can we add "Go back to Ed on your hands and knees and beg his forgiveness and give him a baker's dozen of my apple cinnamon muffins"?
Mary needs to see a mental-health therapist to seek help for her muffin-making compulsion. It's gotten WAY out of control. She bakes obsessively, then looks for victims to foist those disgusting objects on.
"You sound TERRIBLE [says to herself 'Yes!']."
“You sound terrible”, says Mary, an absolutely delighted smile on her face.
NOOOOO!!! Leave Pierre and Libby in your apartment, Estelle! We already know what they'll say.
Estelle is so distraught, muffins are not doing the trick. Mary springs into action with alternate offerings of succor:
Estelle, have a muffuletta.
You look cold. Here’s a muffler.
Try sitting on a tuffet, just like….
Who’s your favorite Mark Twain character: Mine’s Muff Potter from Tom Sawyer.
Cold hands? Here’s a nice raccoon fur muff- can you smell the mothballs?
Did you see Aaron Judge muff the ball in the outfield last night?
Cold ears?
Going so soon? Here, take a plate of muffins for Ed!
Humph! She didn’t even say goodbye and thanks. And she left her pets.
Here, Libby and Pierre, have a snack of dog muffins and catnip.
We have established the hierarchy, here. You come to Mary. Mary doesn’t come to you. (Okay, she did go over to Wilbur’s condo, but that was because she thought he was dead.) Anyway, I’m glad Libby and Pierre are invited, so we won’t be deprived of their insight. Woof. Meow.
Once everyone is settled in on Mary's couch, she opens the discussion.
"So, tell me what's going on."
"SOB"
"Woof"
'Meow"
"Hmmm, I see. And how does that make you feel?"
"Woof."
"SOB"
"Meow"
"Look, you're gonna have to meet me halfway here, okay? So can you be a little more specific?"
"Meow"
"Woof"
"SOB"
"Okay, I see that you're not ready yet. So take two dozen muffins and call me in the morning."
-- Scottie
I‘m way too old to understand all the modern meanings of current trendy vocabulary, but I thought ‚ghosting‘ meant stopping all contact. Didn‘t Ed call at least twice to explain the emergency? Pierre breaking the fourth wall there, and looking straight at us, suggests to me that at least he is wise to Estelle‘s histrionics.
You're correct about "ghosting," MissScarlet. Per Oxford Languages (via the Google), it's "the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication." Hey Estelle, stop misusing the kids' language!
This would be a fine time for Pierre to have an accident and Libby barf on the sofa. Bonus points for making some of it dribble onto the rug.
Stell, I know you might not be as hip to Gen Z slang as Mary is, but ghosting generally means suddenly ending all communication without explanation. Ed texted you in advance and during the meal that he was doing emergency surgery. You drove your car around for over a week while repeatedly calling Ed an SOB, then abruptly broke up with him. As poetic justice, I call for the rancid apple muffins to trigger a Wilbur-themed fever dream in the style of A Christmas Carol, where Stell is haunted by the literal ghost of Mitzi Fitz’ pregnant dog, who Ed left bleeding out in an alternate reality in order to join you for appetizers.
I am deeply disturbed by Libby and Pierre’s silence on this important matter. I think Mary has intimidated them by threatening to serve them her special mini-muffins.
@Ian Cameron, PhD, yes, that would be perfect! We are long overdue for a dream sequence and, let’s admit it, Estelle’s are second to none. Maybe the boxing baby Wilburs could at least have a cameo?
As Estelle is so self absorbed to the point of being delusional, Mary’s getting a softball pitch with this one:
• As noted by everyone else, no Estelle, you were not ghosted.
• You worked at Ed’s clinic for months (years?) so you could not possibly have missed his long hours and single minded devotion to his calling, that is, caring for pets, including your own.
• Up until your wedding planning obsession, almost every strip with Ed and you includes him telling you how much he loves you. You, you, you.
• You apparently want Ed to ignore his practice for weeks, letting other people’s pets suffer and die so he can help you as an event planner in spite of his making it clear from the beginning that he has no interest whatsoever in that?
Not a great way to begin a marriage. But Mary will set you straight most likely (and more gently) by muffining you into a semblance of an epiphany. Or, even better, a dream sequence later, along the lines suggested by @Ian Cameron, PhD could seal the deal. Then, happiness, wedding, happiness, goodbye.
By the way, according to Wanders’ impeccable records, Estelle is 65. 65, and acting like a ditsy teenage bride, planning her wedding. She goes to the wedding planner and chooses a Social Security Theme for her wedding.
Bravo Ian Cameron PhD! But can we skip any references to Wilbur? Please?
Has anyone ever said "You don't understand, Mary!" and lived another day? Petulant Estelle is living dangerously - she might exit wearing a muffin hat like good ol' Ted Miller (what a character!) or getting a few muffins stuffed into her mane.
Maybe Ed will pay more attention to Estelle is she confines her vocabulary to "Meow! Woof!"
It’s going to take some time for Mary to talk Estelle around to the proper way of thinking (perhaps until Thanksgiving, possibly Christmas). We’re gonna need more muffins.
Great use of "muffin" as a verb, everyone! It does seem to me that This Engagement Cannot Be Saved (the companion to that long ago column in Ladies Home Journal "Can This Marriage Be Saved"), which I used to read with relish as a teenager, learning absolutely nothing about relationships, which seems to fit Estelle's deal here. I predict, unfortunately, a return to karaoke with Wilbur for Estelle.
Well, sure, I want him to be all selfless-ey and compassionate-tey but only if my needs come first!!
“I used an old tried-and-true recipe!”
Goes back to the 1930s. Includes an economical, yet significant, amount of laudanum.
On October 1st, while Estelle cried into her ice cream, Pierre couldn’t seem to repress a smile hearing the wedding was off. I put it down to his breed not being able to do anything that looks like they’re NOT smiling. Yet, here, when he hears that Ed said the animals take priority, he looks shocked and sad, as does Libby. Seems fishy.
Carl Jung and Mary’s special calmative muffins. Better than Xanax.
A nice "gulp" of crow for Estelle... Wait a minute, that crow could be a patient of Ed's...
But wait! There‘s more! Ed doesn’t want to plan the wedding either!
Is the something else X rated? (Okay, maybe R rated is all KM can muster. Or PG-13?) I'd like to see the face of a shocked Mary. Meanwhile, down below, Pierre vomits up a hunk of muffin while Libby coughs up a hairball.
Fearing the Estelle is about to tell her some intimate details, Mary covers her ears and chants NAH-NAH-NAH-NAH-NAH-NAH-NAH I CAN'T HEAR YOU NAH-NAH . . . -- Scottie
Some sort of Mary serum in those muffins gets people to automatically agree with her and forget their resentment and frustration. I think it was first disovered in the Stepford Wives...
Oh boy, a flashback to the life of Estelle and the late Jimmy! I expect Estelle to have the same hairstyle except she'll be blonde instead of gray. She'll be whining about being neglected because Jimmy's a shyster lawyer always attending to his client, a sleazy wealthy guy code named "Mr. Big Shot." But will there be pets?
E: “Ed Redmond’s me of my late husband Jimmy. Let me tell you about my previous marriage…”
M: “Oh… erm… Stell I have to dash, I’ve just learned one of my carrot muffins needs emergency surgery. It was nice seeing you; enjoy spinsterhood!”
Ladies and Gentlemen, there will be a delay in landing. Please relax while the flight attendants distribute calming muffins. We may be in a holding pattern for a while. Thank you for flying Worthy Airlines, where your backstory is important to us, no matter how boring it may be.
“ Yes, there are thousands and thousands of uses for corn, all of which I'm going to tell you about right now!”
Any guesses on what happened to Husband Number 1? Heart attack? Tripped over one of Estelle's pets and cracked his skull? If Estelle was smart, she'd go ahead and marry Ed since it appears her connection to workaholic husbands has resulted in a fine nest egg. It will likely take a few days until she gets to the story of Hubby Number One's demise.
Uhhh... the "Anonymous" comment above is mine.
Hey, I’m all in favor of dropped, new information, especially in this strip. But as the Comics Curmudgeon points out, did we know Estelle was a widow? I don’t think so. If Jimmy was a cop, no matter how dedicated (unless he was taking on the side - not that we would see that in MW) then the widow’s estate was probably because he was killed while on duty.
Meanwhile, I guess Estelle has a “type”. You think she might have noticed this earlier during all the months she worked with Ed before. Nothing to do now but take out the biggest insurance policy you can get and patiently wait for the inevitable.
Argh, KM has made a grammatical error that's #1 on my list of pet peeves: Estelle should be saying "My late husband, Jimmy, and I were very much in love!" Put in the commas, KM! Or did Estelle have multiple late husbands? Then she could say "my late husband Jimmy," "my late husband Waldo," "my late husband Melvin," etc. Grrrrrr!
No flashback, huh? Just Estelle's reminiscenses, Mary's color commentary, and Pierre looking heavenward. Pierre, you didn't even know Jimmy!
@MissScarlet, I think @meg confirmed a while back that Estelle was described as a widow when she first appeared on the Charterstone scene. Somehow she always has money to burn.
I checked the archives (thanks, Wanders, we miss you!) and found that Estelle entered the strip in February 2019. On February 19, Estelle told Mary, "It's been a little over a year since Jimmy passed away. I miss having a man around." So, Estelle (whose last name hasn't been revealed) was trawling for a man not long after Jimmy's demise.
Speaking of Jimmy, he looks like he stepped out of an old sitcom. "Car 54, Where are You?," anyone?
Bali? Fiji? The Maldives? On our retirement pensions from a state university, realprof and I went to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Different aspirations, I guess.
Thanks for doing all that legwork, @KitKat. I vaguely remember Estelle saying something about ‘Jimmy passing’, now that you mention it. And you nailed the ‘Car 54’ reference! Was Brigman too lazy to find a more current toon or was it that many years ago that Jimmy was a cop? Time in MW is always so confusing.
Mary's take: It sounds like he was a dedicated public servant.
My take: It sounds like he couldn't stand being at home anymore.
To play off @fauxprof's words, different inspirations, I guess. -- Scottie
Mary's keeping Libby on her lap so she gets lots of cat fur and dander on her clothing. That will keep Jeff away if he tries to get a bit frisky with her. Ah-CHOO!
Post a Comment