Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for January 06, 2017

Well, it took him a while to decide.

Like many days, this one has its good points and its downsides…

Alex woke up rather depressed…

Maureen was a bit worried about him.

But as you may be able to tell by the balloon….

it helped to cheer him up when I reminded him that today is

JPSteve’s birthday!

Happy Birthday Steve!

Fenton knows to pour you a few on my tab tonight.

Maureen wishes Alex would embrace the lawn mower instead.

Maureen would be more convinced if there’d been no strings attached.

Meanwhile… the downside…

and I’m truly sorry to be saying it at the same time….

But those of you who know our good friend StelBel,

will want to know that she’s had some very bad news…..

which you can read in the comments on the Thursday Cleo & Company strip, on Sherpa…

http://www.gocomics.com/cleo-and-company/2017/01/05

RIP Ernie

StelBel, I am very sorry for your loss.

StelBel

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Please accept my deepest condolences.

I’m sure Ernie’s sudden passing was a shock.

You are in our thoughts and prayers,

JPSteve

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¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS!

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Think of it this way, you are like a fine wine – you improve with age ! [ So long as you don’t turn to vinegar ! ] (<:

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Drinks are on me at the Tiki today ! Hope you have a great birthday and many more to come.

StelBel, I am very, very, sorry for your loss.

What is the code to put an empty line in?

He’s taking “embrace the day” quite literally.

It’s good to carpe the diem… but it’s better to carpe the per diem!

Or he’s just lost his balloon…

To StelBel Losing a spouse is a life changing event, the ultimate loss. I feel tears for you. We’re all here for you when you’re ready. Many hugs to you.

StelBel, come back when you can. While minor, we offer many little bits of support. Those are sometimes the best to allow you to come to terms with your new life gently without overwhelming you with support.

First off, Happy Birthday to JPSteve.

@StelBel

I cannot say I feel your pain because I have not walked in your shoes. Painful shoes for sure. I hope you are surrounded by family and friends who can offer you a literal shoulder to cry on. Take care of yourself.

I wish i could post a birthday card here.

Susan, Linguist, Liverlips, Happy — thanks all!

I wish to convey my deep sympathy on the loss of your Ernie, Stel. :(

@StelbellSee todays Cleo.

OH DEAR! STEL, MY DEEPEST PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY!

JP Steve, I wish you a Happy Birthday, but I am sure you feel that Stel’s sorrow takes precedence, being the caring Man I think you are. At any rate, I DO wish you a wonderful BD and many more in good health and happiness!

Will do, Dry.