Pickles by Brian Crane for January 22, 2021

That’s a little harsh don’t you think Opal.

Continuing from yesterday (part 2-also had this occur in Rose Is Rose)…

The dog is doing his business while Earl is just sitting on the porch.

I know of another (fictional) 6yo boy who tries to make plans for himself, but his parents and other peers say otherwise: Calvin.

Opal dear…at least you are not as bad as Maggie in Bringing Up Father. I am delighted that you do not go after Earl with a rolling pin!

Old age is the time to rest from the activities of our youth. I’d be willing to bet that when Earl was Nelson’s age, he was lucky enough to be a free range kid who found his own adventures instead of being over-scheduled by a mom who stifles her son’s sense of adventure with countless planned events.

Wow, only 6 and his mom has him in a ton of activities with little room for free-play and hanging out with his grandparents? I’ve never understood households like that. My parents had us in things but only one activity per kid per season (I suspect it was more for their sanity and financial situation than it was for our mental wellbeing). So I always had time to play with my friends, go out bike riding and exploring, etc.

I hope Earl wasn’t expecting sympathy from Opal.

Earl you do control the power of change ;-)

I aspire to be Earl.

At least Nelson gets out, a lot of kids spend all their time playing video games, and not enjoying reality, and I do not think that is healthy!

Well, if you didn’t sit on the couch for three days with a lampshade on your head, you might find things worth doing!

Roscoe’s checking his Pmail.

Earl, Model Airplanes! Good for Gramps, fun for the boy.

but no joke, kids are WAY over-scheduled these days. It can’t end well.

Now that is an insult!

She is mean , but the Precious Roscoe is in the forth panel and he has a happy tail . All is forgiven Brian , for that today . Keep up the great work with Roscoe in all of the scripts now and for ever . I wonder what or who wizzed on the bush ?

His Mom? That’s a funny way to refer to his daughter.

“A busier schedule than the dog….” as do my cats.

This arc is subtly pointing out an unfortunate truth about many retired men. Unless the retiree has hobbies or interests or occupies his days with activities with friends, family, or even by himself, there is a malaise that sets in – a feeling of being unwanted and unneeded. The angst can often lead to drug abuse, alcoholism, and even suicide.

For many men, especially as they age, and attrition has taken its toll with friends and family, it is difficult to find the motivation to get out of the retirement rut. Not everyone is fortunate to have a spouse, friends, family, interests, or activities that will keep them motivated and moving.

When people get ready to retire, they need to make sure they have a hobby or something that will keep them busy.I didn’t and it was a rude awakening. We moved to another state the day I retired and after I spent the first 6 months doing things to and around the house, I was SO bored, I went out and got a job. I was 53 . My husband, who was 43 at the time, started a job at the local high school a week after we moved and is still working 16 yrs later. My job lasted only 18 months until the housing market went belly up. (I worked for a builder) By then, I had other interests and didn’t care. My point is, Earl needs to find something besides his grandson to keep him busy. Opal knits and I think she has a book club.

So go watch the kid in his sports and activities.

Just wondering, on April Fool’s Day, would Brian Crane let Earl smack her just once?

Earl goes to the park and sits on the bench and feeds the birds and talks to the other old guys.

As for me, since 2K I don’t do schedules.

It’s all about choices.

Little boys have to stay busy.

Being idly retired is a talent that Earl has mastered.