Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for April 25, 2019

Just a boy and his sock puppet.

The good thing is that the sock puppet doesn’t push him out of bed the way a real dog would.

It’s nice that Valerie keeps a sense of humor about Victor’s little friend. In fact this stretch of reruns from 2003 has had many more happy couples than we are used to seeing on Ballard Street.

Dennis, I know you’re a good guy and won’t TEASE YOUR BUDDIES.

Victor’s ankle may be sore…

but at least all that exercise has put some muscle in it.

Compare it to the toothpick ankles we so often see sticking out from loose, square pant legs around here….

and he looks positively athletic.

That probably contributes to Valerie’s devotion….

He’s still her high school Adonis, after all….

even 47 years on… and more than slightly geriatric.

She’s happy to indulge a few frivolous notions….

knowing she’s still got the former captain of the Ballard Bulldogs cross-country team by her side.

As for Ballard Street couples in general….

I’ve always admired their loyalty to each other…

their uncomplaining (OK almost uncomplaining) acceptance of a few eccentricities, some minor foibles, and a host of bizarre hobbies.

I don’t tend to see as much grouchiness in their glances as some here do…..

or to paint negative stories of their interactions.

With a few exceptions, whether in 2018 or 2003, they look to me like models for enduring relationships.

And he wonders why his dogs are tired.

When Valerie buts on her Squirrel Socks it’s pandemonium under the covers.

Doesn’t take much to keep him amused….

Socks.. bring back fond memories from when he was a young teen.

His dogs are barking.

She’s just upset because he doesn’t need her to have fun.

Puppeteer?

No, puppet foot… (all right, all right, I’m going, no need to push ☺)

Ummmm…I’m thinking he is using it as a distraction.

I wake up with a pain in ln the A$$ every morning, but I love her and have been married 33 years.

At least he’s not pussy footing…..

That just warms the cocker spaniels of our hearts.

LOLOL!

Victor does that sometimes when his foot falls asleep.