47 Comments
User's avatar
Caroll Schwartz's avatar

Well, I finally follow my husband's request that we remain in bed until a decent hour on a Saturday morning, and wake to find your fans teasing me for it? I would be offended but I love them too much. Tell Smartacus Congratulations from all your fans. I personally have followed his many adventures since his birth, and it's really amazing and heartwarming to see him crush this milestone. Can't wait to see what adventures you two will be cooking up next. Or maybe he will just start a full time childcare business for his growing gang of nieces and nephews? Cheers to you and your wonderful clan. Enjoy the hike and Afterglow today too!πŸšΆπŸšΆβ€β™€οΈπŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ

Laurie Miller's avatar

Caroll, over the many years, I've also become a fan of your insightful and beautiful words, and have admitted that, after reading Chris' column, I immediately look for your comments. No teasing, just admiration.

Chris Erskine's avatar

Laurie, me too!!!!!! Thanks for stating this so beautifully. I love this post party.

Caroll Schwartz's avatar

Laurie, I am truly honored to count myself as one of Chris's legion of fans. It really feels like an extended family and we have him and his clan to thank for bringing us all together to chuckle twice a week. I love reading everyone's comments too!

Bill Langley's avatar

So "python" is an adjective now? I gotta work it into a conversation.

Chris Erskine's avatar

Be qreat name for a sandwich place!

Michael Gilman's avatar

Agree. Ha, ha. Great column and loved the pythoning verb too. Sorry I have a conflict and will miss the hike in Descanso today, Have fun. Perfect time to go there.

Mike Matthews's avatar

Actually, I think CE used it as a verb. And a pretty good one two. I immediately pictured a sandwich-shaped protuberance in Smartacus's esophogus. I too may have to work on getting it into the sentence as an adjective and a verb.

Karsha Chang's avatar

My freshman is about to come home for the summer and I already know I’m destined to see her eating her food like a python after reading this. Another great write-up, Chris!

Chris Erskine's avatar

Enjoy every moment!

Maureen Green's avatar

What is happening? Smartacus finished college. The road trip to look at colleges was yesterday. Also, I’m posting before Carol. Clearly a wormhole is involved. Good morning, Carol.

Chris Erskine's avatar

Right? It flew by, as do all good things. The bad stuff drags. Congrats on beating Carol. You have to get up early to do that.

Dave's avatar

Seems like there bit a little more smile to that Snarky southern Irish Face!!

Chris Erskine's avatar

No question.

Forrest Gale's avatar

When's the graduation ceremony? Surely you two and the girl and maybe others will go back up for the hat toss in the air and the celebration that follows...And then there is the matter of a job using some of what he has "crushed", moving discontinuously along the path to the career, independence and maturity that ultimately makes our lives so pleasurable and rewarding. What a gift our parents gave us in unselfishly encouraging and nurturing this. He's graduating! Double wow!!

Jean K Kammerer's avatar

She didn’t know why that red light was on, either.

Jean K Kammerer's avatar

I meant mine. Smart, about the same age.

J.Agliozzo's avatar

Congrats to the Grad!

Since my youngest is about one year older than Smarticus , I have enjoyed reading about their journeys since they were both in diapers!

Wow- that went by fast

My son ( also Chris ) is graduating this month -

Lots of full hearts for us all πŸ’•

Remember when Carol didn’t reply a year or so ago?

I panicked 😱

I love all the comments after -

It’s a love & life fest Chris! ❀️

Chris Erskine's avatar

Lots of full hearts indeed. Thanks for a great note.

So glad Caroll is finally getting her moment!

virginia rae's avatar

Hearty congrats to Smarticus!! A great achievement -- my oldest grand graduates from Davis this June.......seems like she just went off!! I truly enjoyed your comments today as always ---and loved the line "Parenthood is a life sentence". -- also that great Irish joke last week.

Keep 'em comin'!!!~

Chris Erskine's avatar

Hi Virginia. Congrats on your oldest grand! Graduations are probably my favorite spring rite. Enjoy!

Laurie Miller's avatar

Congratulations to Smartacus!! Thank you for sharing not only his journey but also those of your wonderful family. Yes, it all goes by so fast...My son graduated college 14 years ago this week, and I remember it as if it were yesterday. And Disney Princess Cakes? Oh, those cheeks get me every time.

Chris Erskine's avatar

She turns 5 today. The clock keeps ticking too fast!

sheri tripp's avatar

Happiest of birthdays to beautiful Cakes!! πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‚

Pam Nothwang's avatar

One of the funniest things I saw on the internet this week was the guy who put his wife’s texts to punk/emo music. They were all pregnancy complaints. Good stuff! Also, as I’m reading this, I’m thinking β€œWow, I remember when Smartacus was born!” Time sure does fly.

Chris Erskine's avatar

Hi Pam, I saw that too. That's what inspired Smartacus to try one. It's surprisingly easy.

Laura Hastings's avatar

Such great photos, Chris! Thanks for sharing. 😎 Have a good weekend

Chris Erskine's avatar

Thanks Laura. You too!

Anne Morrison's avatar

Grand niece is graduating SDSU and I swear it took less time than high school! Congratulations to all graduates!

Chris Erskine's avatar

College is the fastest four years in the world. FYI, the lovely and patient older daughter went to SDSU. Had a wonderful experience and a jump start on her career, thanks to the networking.

Anne Morrison's avatar

Grand niece is off to London in the fall for her Masters! Love the courage and determination of these young people!!!

MB Brown's avatar

I'm definitely trying that Suno app! My friends have resisted sending me any photos of themselves because I "A.I." them and send them back to them. Nothing profane or mean, mind you--just funny stuff to get a laugh out of them. I'm a 60ish year old teenager at heart.

Chris Erskine's avatar

Good for you. I'm not for that kind of stuff but that SUNO stuff is amazing. Please let me know how it goes.

leslie ostrin's avatar

Congratulations to Smartacus. Another chapter starts for everyone!

Chris Erskine's avatar

Yep, life is a long novel. If you're lucky.

Michael Confer's avatar

As with our son, those college years sure went by fast! Now it's time to rub our hands like mad scientists and wonder what our creations that we've unleashed upon the world will do next, muahahaha!

Chris Erskine's avatar

Exactly, Michael. The world needs them, and they need the world.