By now, Jeff is so used to rejection that Mary's response, "What did you ask me?" doesn't even phase him. After the most romantic proposal in the world, in which Jeff drafts out their articles of incorporation, Mary seems quite surprised. As was pointed out yesterday by Punky, this is what is called a segue as we prepare for the next so-called story. There are three segue conventions used in Mary Worth: 1) Toby and Mary gossiping over coffee, 2) Jeff and Mary reflecting over coffee while they read on the couch, and 3) Jeff proposing to Mary. The marriage proposal is starting to feel a little over used.Now, wait a minute... I know many of you are wondering, "Hey, Wanders, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be hiking 50 miles on the Appalachian Trail?" Yes, that was the plan. We hiked for two days and had a great time being together, but after about 17 miles, my son and I had a little discussion. The trail was not what we had expected at all. We were hiking into the south end of Shenandoah National Park. If you've ever driven on Skyline Drive, you have some idea of the spectacular hike we expected this to be. Stunning views from above the Shenandoah Valley to the west, and rolling piedmont to the east. In fact, one mile into the hike we climbed up onto Humpback Rock and, indeed, the view was spectacular. But from there on, it was basically a green tunnel through nothing but trees. It was boring as heck. Every time my son stopped to wait for me (yes, the rocky trail and my 47 year old knees, meant I was much slower than I was as a teenager), I could see on his face that he was as bored as I was. After two days, we talked it over. We decided that the hike was dull, the available camping locations disappointing, and the water scarce. We had climbed a mountain, camped, and hiked quite a ways. We figured it was time to call the hike a success and go to Dairy Queen, where I had a banana split and he had the Oreo Brownie Earthquake and a double cheeseburger for dinner.
Today's Full Strip
31 comments:
I'm sorry to hear of your hiking underwhelmnence (shut up, it is SO a word), particularly so as I am likewise underwhelmed that Mary will tell the old fool that she really, really doesn't like his "kindle."
Not "the happiest man in the world" (isn't that what most guys would say?), just "the happiest man in Santa Royale." Or maybe the happiest man in this corner of the room?
Oh, that is too bad about the underwhelmence (I like that word, think I'll use it a bit...) But probably better to cut bait and run while you're still having fun together.
Speaking of fun together, Mary would you please say yes already?? I'm sure Jeff won't force you to view his reading device.
Dr. Jeff wants to marry Mary for one reason only: fear of becoming obsolete. BUT, if married, he will have access to more "comic strip time" in which he can promote his stupid Peace Village project. Yall remember how little we see of him now -- he and his pet projects take the back burner to those of the writer and cartoonist. However, if they wed, Moy and associates will be forced to negotiate directly with Dr. Jeff on salary, story line, face time or accept the possibility that Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Corey may leave Moy for another writer. Makes sense.
Welcome back, Wanders! Between your story and "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson (one of the funniest books ever), I know never to attempt the Appalachian Trail. Now if only Dr. Jeff could wise up a little.
Mary, You beat me to it. I was just going to say that this adventure reminds me of "A Walk in the Woods."
In the 2nd panel Mary is holding her cheek exactly like my mom used to do if she bit into a plum pit or piece of gristle. That doesn't bode well for Dr. Jeff.
p.s. Son of Wanders: nice lid--go Tribe!
Prediction: Dr. jeff will become the "Susan Lucci" of wedding proposals, always up for the big award, but never quite taking home the trophy...
Welcome back. So glad you had fun with your son - that's the most important thing. I have two boys - 31 and 29 - and they still remember the trips we took together. It's called "being a parent!".
Anyway, why do Dr Jeff and Mary remind me of HW Bush and his mother, opps, wife, Barbara?
One must be grateful for Mary saving Jeff from himself.
If they do indeed get married -- and in Worthiverse time, that should probably coincide with the U.S. tricentennial -- would the strip's name change to Mary Cory?
Now, you'll have to forgive my ignorance about the back back story, but wasn't Mary married a long time ago? Wouldn't that be just rad if at the wedding, her first husband, or some sort of ex-husband that no one knew about, showed up to announce that they were indeed still legally married.
Just think of the face touching!
Mary was presenting herself as "a widow", living in a New York apartment building when I first read the strip during the first Eisenhower administration. By my reckoning, she is at least 130 years old and looking younger than ever, the shape-shifting old biddy. And whatever happened to her "son", whom she often mentioned but never received a visit from? Something wicked this way comes...
@James in ND: That's what I said the last time Jeff proposed to Mary--and that it'll never happen. Who would take advice from someone named Mary Cory? It's too nursery-rhyme-y.
@James in ND, sadly Mary is a widow. Her beloved "Jack" left her "comfortable" though, financially speaking. He also left her two glass swans which in another story, alcoholic Rita Beglar SMASH
ED TO PIECES while drunk! Broke Mary's heart it did. (I hafta' admit, that was one time I actually felt sorry for Mary, as she was QUITE upset.)
Mary acts like she's never heard Jeff's proposals before!
It goes like this, Mary: you say "Oh, Jeff,you're such a dear friend, let's just leave things the way they are" and then Jeff goes "well you can't blame a guy for trying".... and then it's on to another dull story...
Right you are, Vicki! That's the pattern we know and love....loathe...love.... Well, you know what I mean.
As usual I find myself more fascinated with the background characters than with the "action" in the foreground. What wild and crazy swing dance is the couple on the left doing, for him to have his arm extended so? Or maybe he's doing his patented "SAY, what's a gal like you doing in a dump like this? Want to head out for salmon squares?" lean against the wall. And I believe if you twirled around the lavender-smocked lady, given that hairdo, she'd look a lot like Doris Day. Way to stay current, Joe.
Dr. Jeff's continued auditions for the Question Poppin' Daddies aren't going any better than the proposals. And it's getting a bit embarrassing for the band crew, frankly.
Welcome back, Wanders! Nice pic.
Let's face it, we all know Mary is going to shoot Jeff down, again. It's all just a matter of how she'll do it this time-
''But Jeff, I'm so happy with the way we are now. Why change things?''
''Oh, Jeff! That's just the music and moonlight talking, not you!''
''You know, Jeff... this reminds me of a story...''
''Ooh, look over there! Jill Black apparently has drained the punchbowl, and is doing a strip-tease version of the Macarena!''
Clever fundraiser! Invite a bunch of rich old folks to a boring dinner dance, lull them to sleep, and then pick their pockets. By the time they wake up (and find that they're footing the bill), you're back in Vietnam, opening another fly-by-night "clinic".
I am so fascinated by the crowd of Lawrence Welk Show characters that I don't even care to hear Mary's third? fifth? umpteenth? polite refusal to Jeff. That lavender-frocked blonde with the bun is easily late 40s-early 50s. Come ON, Giella! THIS is the way to go to a society benefit: http://media.photobucket.com/image/lady%20gaga/Daninho_1991/Spearsogaga.png?o=61#!oZZ1QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fmedia.photobucket.com%2Fimage%2Flady%20gaga%2Fcashmere098%2Flady_gaga.jpg%3Fo%3D1
Jeff asks like he's never asked Mary before, and Mary acts like she needs hearing aids. Are we sure they're not partying it up in the assisted living facility?
Mr. Wanders, I believe you have left out the 4th segue... the Charterstone Pool Party Where Nobody (Except Ian) Swims.
Charlie, at first I included the Pool Party, but then it seemed like the Pool Parties always introduce a new story rather than just filling time between stories... but I certainly agree that when we have a pool party, a new story is on its way.
Isn't it interesting that Mary constantly peddles hetero-normative marriage but refuses to participate on her own? Well, maybe 'interesting' is too strong a word for the Worthiverse.
WANDERS! YOU ARE INDIANS FANS?! AWESOME!!!!! ITS TRIBE TIME NOW!!!!!!
Hey Wander guys, Sr. & Jr., 17 miles? Good for you! A lot longer than I would have been able to hold up. Now for the real marathon... Dr. Jeff and Mary's relationship. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that she's going to say "yes" this time. We should do a pool ... yes or no... and on which day.
@ hmmmm -- I vote "no" b/c Mary looks too horrified at the prospect of marriage to Jeff. (Prolly has a lot to do with those loser adult kids of his!) And... she's likely still crushing on Ron Amalfi! If ONLY Ron liked seafood...
Why can't we stay like we are *a little longer*? Then...what? Marriage, big fight, or death?
Great pic! Used to live in Charlottesville, and loved the Skyline Drive. I'm impressed that you did 17 miles!
Why does Dr. Jeff's shirt have no buttons? Does this open the door for Nasa to come swooping in and sell him some?
--Beagle Vet
Hey!! Love the Indians hat!!! Wahooooooooooo!!! Go Tribe!
I'd rather have dinner with you guys than Mary and Jeff at the Bum Boat. Then again, I'd rather have dinner with Hannibal Lecter than Mary...
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