Fruit Cake Time

February 1, 1978

What decision did Brutus think he was going to make? He's a middle-aged family man in suburbia. The biggest decision Brutus has to make is what to wear to work--and the decision is always the same: White button-down shirt, black overcoat, red tie, black slacks.

We've established that Mother Gargle doesn't like to cook and is probably bad at it. It tracks that her specialty is a fruit cake.

I could've sworn I had more examples of Mother Gargle not wanting to cook food and/or being bad at it. Guess not. Just two within the last two years.

How Is This Even Possible?

January 31, 1978

Why is Veeblefester skoaling with coffee? To Brutus? What a Monday.

How about you fix it instead of just staring at it?

He can't put an artificial tree together but he can climb a house and hang lights?

Light Show But It's 'Lights No'

November 11, 1978

It'll be fine. Brutus will be back to work tomorrow. I'm very used to Gladys greeting Brutus at the door when he comes home from work, but not while holding a martini. Need more of that.

I was thinking the master switch in the house, but we're talking about the master switch on...the lights? The adapter the lights are plugged into? Either way, I feel the fire department should keep an eye on the Thornapple house.

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Danced In His Head

January 23, 1978

Let's all remember that the thought that we need to stop being childish as we grow up. You absolutely do not need to give up things you liked as a child. If anything, being an adult means you can now obtain more of what you like.

I've always considered the "put childly(?) things behind you" as more of advice on how to physically and mentally behave. You see how childish act sometimes? Don't act like that. Enjoy your video games, action figures, and yo-yos.

What is Gladys babbling on about? We're nine days away from Christmas. Why does Wilberforce need to go right to sleep? I think Gladys is three sheets to the wind. Too much holiday cheer.

There's That Hat Again

January 21, 1978

I don't like this coworker. Give me Arnie or douchey blond guy any day over generic middle-aged guy.

Where are you going? Taking Wilberforce and starting a new life without Gladys and Mother Gargle? It's about time.

Naughty Or...?

Welcome home, Guard Dog.

January 20, 1978

I feel Brutus is less "human dynamo" and more Dynomutt.

"Looks like you are getting in the spirit of the season, Chief!"

He's wearing a Santa hat. Calm down. It's literally the bare minimum.

Does Brutus really think Veeblefester is going to have Christmas spirit? You've been working for this man for 20+ years. Has that ever happened?

Happy Birthday!!

Guard Dog is going to be OK. Doozy has to wait 7 days to adopt Guard Dog to give him time to heal and for his owners to attempt to come for him. Has the 7 days passed? Is she just visiting? We still have three days in this week. Is Guard Dog going home?

January 19, 1978

I was originally going to ask "where's the funny?" but then I noticed Gladys' hair in the middle panel. It's hard to see in this scanned version.

Seems like Wilberforce got his snow day after all. And he's wearing that stupid hat again. It's still not clear if that's a tie or scarf. I'm leaning scarf but why does it look like that?

I enjoy Snowman Brutus. Much better than the original. Should've brought him to life and got him to the North Pole.

December Thornapple

January 8, 1978

Gladys is the one with Cheez-Its on her pants...

Is bringing a balloon home 1970s code for someone went drinking after work? Were balloons easier to come by in the 70s?

It's December 12. You should have gifts by now. Or at least an idea of what you are getting. Gladys is going to be completely disappointed, but I'd refuse to let her return it.

I See a Snowflake, Too

January 7, 1978

I've gone my whole life without having to come to fisticuffs. Why do we need to yell and fight each other all the time? You were disrespected? If I beat up everyone who disrespected me, I wouldn't have a job and I'd probably be in prison. Or dead. Dead's also a possibility.

What is that hat? Can't just draw a normal stocking cap? I guess it's time to come to fisticuffs.

Mother Gargle Has No Joy

May 4, 1986

I am all for using public transportation, but somehow I don't see Gladys being fine with taking the bus. Seems like it would be beneath her even though she is definitely no better than anyone that takes the bus.

For those who don't know, the joke goes "You're ugly/stupid/whatever." "You're drunk." "Yeah, but in the morning I'll be sober..."

Well, then, I guess you don't have to come eat out with us. Starve and die for all I care.

Honestly, Brutus sounds like one of those fathers who tries to make a stupid joke out of everything. "Nous prendrons une grande pizza avec les œuvres, s'il vous plaît," Brutus says with a loud guffaw at the Pizza Hut on South Taylor Road.

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