The sun was bright and hot.
Then the sun hid beneath the fluffy clouds.
Then the fluffy clouds turned a dark ominous color and flattened out to resemble an anvil.
Then the thunder rolled in with deep grumblings of warning.
And I knew….
I knew this day was going to be gloomy!
And wet. Especially now that the bright morning light turned to the darkness of a late evening, and rain torrents pelted the windows!!
But not on my watch, I said to myself.
Yess-sir-ree! I was going to laugh and be happy… even though Jesse James was stuck to my lap like glue, shuddering at each peal of thunder.
Hmmmmmm…what could bring happiness to this rainy, dreary day?
A pot of Ham and Northern Beans Soup simmering on the stove, accompanied by home made dinner rolls rising under a flour sack towel…., provided I could put Jesse down for a few minutes.
Yep! Comfort food always cheers me up.
And Maxine!
You have to know Maxine.
She is the cartoon character who is sassy and spouts off just what she thinks.
If you are not aware of the Maxine background, her creator John Wagner explains:
“With her drooping, grayish exterior and sour spirit to match, one particular cartoon character has made a big impression. She seems to peer through dark glasses directly at readers, scrutinizing and examining. Then the scrawny old woman utters a humdinger of a crabby comment from, of all places, the inside of a greeting card. That’s Maxine, speaking out for the older generation and making a lot of smiles in the process.
As an artist with Hallmark™ since 1970, John Wagner created Maxine in 1986 as a new character line for the Shoebox Greetings™ card division. He created a brazen older woman with a stooped back, a mop of curly gray hair and abrasive personality. Wagner’s mom, grandmother and unmarried aunts provided inspiration for the comic creation. Maxine took on an individuality of her own, taking sheer delight in making high-spirited, crabby remarks about almost everything. Though she was truly funny, the character had the staff at Hallmark™ concerned.
Spokeswoman for Hallmark™, Rachel Bolton noted in a 1997 article on the “my.com” website that, “When she first came out, we were so worried that older people might be offended. It turns out to be just the opposite. People loved her.”
Do you like Maxine or is she too abrasive for you?
I love to laugh….and I love to eat…so this day is turning into a perfect day!
Laughing and eating!
I hope you are having a great day too…
Ross says
Hi Kari I never knew she had a name, just thought I was looking in the mirror, especially when it comes to the last cartoon🤣
Hugs on this sad cold rainy day xx
Kari says
Oh my dear friend…you are so funny, I appreciate you and your humor so much.
Always hugs across the pond….xxxx
Ross says
Did you see my separate email honey with the sad news?
Kari says
Yes, I did see the news about Samira….I sent you something back. Elaine had sent out a notice. So Sad…she will be missed by all.
hugs