They are before Family Responsibilities. Back when the worst that could happen (because we sure would never get a serious disease) was that we would have to sleep in a doorway somewhere.
Halcyon remembrances are what is left after taking the rough stones of the events of your youth and embellishing and polishing the stories into fine gems of heroic tales.
Two black guys, according to Esquire in 1969, were graduating from Dartmouth. One said to the other, in 20 years we’ll look back on this and think about what a good time we had. The other guy said, maybe you will, but I’ve got a better memory than that. Halcyon days are the property of those with lesser memories.
I’ve wondered this myself lately (not in response to this strip), but more generally, as I’m now 51.
I think it was when I was around 6 or 7, before we started to move house (and town) as my father chased promotion and those visits stopped as we were too far away, and as a bad trade I instead had no friends and was increasingly bullied by characters like Moe.
The grandparents I would ever meet (my fathers dad died when he was 14) were still alive when I was that age (7), we would on a regular interval go to one of their houses for the weekend. I’d see cousins (occassionally), older relatives who have since died, visit their houses, get to experience a kind of family I now no longer know about as it’s gone.
I can see why older people (and I’m increasingly that way) are tired, they’ve lost so much in the process of getting there.
I don’t remember any halcyon days in my youth. Where the heck do I apply for them? I looked in Amazon but all I see is motorcycle and boat stuff or star wars. …well, maybe that’s about right
One Saturday, when I was seven, I watched the sun going down. I thought about all the fun I’d had that day and how the next Saturday was a whole week away.
Calvin, your halcyon days are weekends, holidays, and all other days when there is no school – that is, at least while you’re still young enough not to have homework spilling over into what would otherwise be halcyon days.
Halcyon was denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful, which you can’t determine until you are not happy and peaceful…ie Adulthood.
BE THIS GUY over 2 years ago
You will realize when your halcyon days were after you have your first kid.
Charles Barr Premium Member over 2 years ago
Mom and Dad’s halcyon days were way back in B.C. (before Calvin).
codycab over 2 years ago
Either way, you’ll be really disappointed, Calvin.
flagmichael over 2 years ago
They are before Family Responsibilities. Back when the worst that could happen (because we sure would never get a serious disease) was that we would have to sleep in a doorway somewhere.
oldpine52 over 2 years ago
For once, dad is completely right.
Bilan over 2 years ago
The halcyon days are when you learn great words like Halcyonity.
But in truth, the halcyon days are only such because you forget about the bad parts.
Zykoic over 2 years ago
Halcyon remembrances are what is left after taking the rough stones of the events of your youth and embellishing and polishing the stories into fine gems of heroic tales.
Robin Harwood over 2 years ago
I’m still waiting for them. If they ever turn up, they’ll be the halcyon days of old age.
Ivy Valory Premium Member over 2 years ago
Dad just stated a cosmic principle, right there!
GeorgeInAZ over 2 years ago
Two black guys, according to Esquire in 1969, were graduating from Dartmouth. One said to the other, in 20 years we’ll look back on this and think about what a good time we had. The other guy said, maybe you will, but I’ve got a better memory than that. Halcyon days are the property of those with lesser memories.
orinoco womble over 2 years ago
My halcyon days started after I was 21.
The marauders over 2 years ago
2 4 6 8 who do we appreciate if dad can’t do it Mom can
rshive over 2 years ago
Mom will say pretty much the same, Calvin.
saywhatwhat over 2 years ago
These are “the good old days”.
Susan00100 over 2 years ago
Does Dad actually think that “halcyon days” come when a person becomes an adult and moves out of his/her parents’ home??
Well, yes—I agree; as long as said adult remains single and child-free!!
chuckcork1 over 2 years ago
I’ve wondered this myself lately (not in response to this strip), but more generally, as I’m now 51.
I think it was when I was around 6 or 7, before we started to move house (and town) as my father chased promotion and those visits stopped as we were too far away, and as a bad trade I instead had no friends and was increasingly bullied by characters like Moe.
The grandparents I would ever meet (my fathers dad died when he was 14) were still alive when I was that age (7), we would on a regular interval go to one of their houses for the weekend. I’d see cousins (occassionally), older relatives who have since died, visit their houses, get to experience a kind of family I now no longer know about as it’s gone.
I can see why older people (and I’m increasingly that way) are tired, they’ve lost so much in the process of getting there.
bbenoit over 2 years ago
My wife, when she doesn’t get the answer she wants form me, go’s and askes U-tube.
More Coffee Please! Premium Member over 2 years ago
Dad nails one!
jagedlo over 2 years ago
A little early to be asking that, isn’t it, Calvin?
Redd Panda over 2 years ago
We lived in Halcyon when I was a kid, then moved to Buffalo.
Prey over 2 years ago
Halcyonity is relative? Aunt, Uncle, Cousin – which one is it?
sandpiper over 2 years ago
Apparently lots of interesting uses for that word.
A Hip loving Canadian... over 2 years ago
Wait, who is this Hal guy again? And who is he related to?
uniquename over 2 years ago
halcyon: denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.
You may be idyllically happy Calvin, but I’m not so sure about the peaceful part.
petermerck over 2 years ago
Also known as your salad days. But in Calvin’s case the salads usually attack him.
KEA over 2 years ago
“Happiness isn’t something you experience; it’s something you remember.” —Oscar Levant
Daltongang Premium Member over 2 years ago
jrankin1959 over 2 years ago
Been reading the dictionary again, Calvin?
!!ǝlɐ⅁ Premium Member over 2 years ago
Halcyonity is relative. So, is relativity halcyon? (By Calvin logic.)
Plods with ...™ over 2 years ago
Oh good. Calvin’s related.
mistercatworks over 2 years ago
My Dad was better with providing pertinent questions, such as, “What will you do when she leaves you, son?”
“The same thing as when the others left. Thanks for asking.”
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member over 2 years ago
I don’t remember any halcyon days in my youth. Where the heck do I apply for them? I looked in Amazon but all I see is motorcycle and boat stuff or star wars. …well, maybe that’s about right
chromosome Premium Member over 2 years ago
I’ve noticed Calvin has a killer vocabulary… he seems like some kind of savant, brilliant, yet always getting into trouble.
Bruce388 over 2 years ago
One Saturday, when I was seven, I watched the sun going down. I thought about all the fun I’d had that day and how the next Saturday was a whole week away.
That was a halcyon day.
VICTOR PROULX over 2 years ago
“You only remember the losses.” – John Madden “You only remember the regrets.” – Breeze Labonte.
robhanold over 2 years ago
Calvin"s dad is a genius of detachment. Just like my dad—hiding behind a newspaper or book.
dsom8 over 2 years ago
Since I gave up hope I feel much better.* My halcyon days have begun anew.
*Ashleigh Brilliant
dbradway1 over 2 years ago
Actually, this is a pretty philosophical question.
Troglodyte over 2 years ago
I suspect Mom will just sigh and get a dreamy, faraway look in her eyes, Cal. :D
The Wolf In Your Midst over 2 years ago
Oh boy, we have a halcyon contamination. Break out the hazmat gear.
Komix Lover over 2 years ago
Comics are so educational, constantly expanding my knowledge and vocabulary.
Marty241 over 2 years ago
Does Dad ever PLAY with Calvin?
Ka`ōnōhi`ula`okahōkūmiomio`ehiku Premium Member over 2 years ago
Mom would know.
coffeeturtle over 2 years ago
This is one of the times that Dad is actually right and not just pulling Calvin’s leg.
Scott S over 2 years ago
Just in time to be too late!
g04922 over 2 years ago
Halcyonity is not exactly a defined word… But I think we all get Dad’s comment.
Realimaginary1 Premium Member over 2 years ago
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now
Mediatech over 2 years ago
I’m still waiting for my Halcyon days. Either that or I was out of town, and missed them.
EMGULS79 over 2 years ago
Calvin, your halcyon days are weekends, holidays, and all other days when there is no school – that is, at least while you’re still young enough not to have homework spilling over into what would otherwise be halcyon days.
HodgeElmwood over 2 years ago
Every weekend and every summer until you get your first job, kid. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Caeruleancentaur over 2 years ago
I like the new word “halcyonity”, but spellcheck won’t recognize it.
Sailor46 USN 65-95 over 2 years ago
Halcyon was denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful, which you can’t determine until you are not happy and peaceful…ie Adulthood.
Otis Rufus Driftwood over 2 years ago
Dad is being wise, but Calvin isn’t old enough to see that.