42 Comments
User's avatar
Chris Erskine's avatar

Thank you for the so-called "re-stacks."

Cookie's avatar

What a wonderful column, so full of love! Puddles is adorable, as are the other lucky grands. I think in my next life I might come back as one of your grandchildren...

Judith Cannavo's avatar

What a tender tribute to Puddles! And all that gorgeous red hair!!! Happy 4th!!! Since today is obviously not a holiday in Sicily, my Sicilian friends and I are going to celebrate those things that make America great, among them, immigrants.

Ed M's avatar

Strollers that fold like most MLB bullpens were the best!

Was always partial to The Giving Tree book.

Sandy's avatar

Puddles gets his due!

leslie ostrin's avatar

-oh the memories you are crest!!Happy 4th to all

leslie ostrin's avatar

meant to say creating!

Susan Cord's avatar

Love you to happy tears, Chris Erskine! ❤️🤍💙

Laura Hastings's avatar

Yay, Puddles! 😊 And, yay Grandpa. Isn’t it the best, knowing that Puddles and his sis and their cousins will have those memories forever? ❤️ What a gift. Thanks, Chris. 💙

Have a good weekend.

Kathy Haruf's avatar

That just kinda says it ALL-always a wonderful way to start the 4th🇺🇸🙌🏻

Beverly Froelich's avatar

What a lucky guy Puddles is to have so much love from you.

Denise De La Torre's avatar

This made my heart melt!

Happy 4th of July.

Caroll Schwartz's avatar

Way to go, Chris. I can't even highlight my favorite lines because they ALL are. Such a signature blend of chuckles, social commentary, nostalgia and love. It's these daily life family traditions that have made America what it is. Thanks for reminding us we are, first and foremost, a nation of families and neighbors and friends. Happy Fourth to you and your wonderful family and friends.

Chris Erskine's avatar

Yes, we are a nation of families and neighbors and friends. In fact, we are a world of that. Those things are stronger than any government. Cheers to that. And to you, for being such an eloquent supporter of my stuff.

Caroll Schwartz's avatar

And we sure are extra blessed to be here in So Cal, enjoying magnificent weather for our celebrations. My heart goes out to most of the rest of our country for a sweltering Fourth. But Americans are intrepid, hearty folk who will still celebrate and sweat with gusto.

Chris Erskine's avatar

True. I remember July Fourths in New Orleans. It was brutal. But people still got out.

kr's avatar

thanks chris ~ sweet and funny as always ~ I hope you are taking moments here and there to actually print these up somewhere on ancient parchment with a quill so that the grands will have an actual book someday to read of your poignant observations about them ~ ~ ~ just precious ~ granny k ~

Kay Arnold's avatar

I'm not sure how much, if anything, I can add to all the kudos and words of praise that have already been written. Ditto?

I agree with you about these strollers on steroids. They take up as much space as a wheelchair on public transit. Whenever I see one on the bus or light rail, I get nostalgic for those simple, fold up umbrella strollers that you mention. Once, one of my carpoolers back in the 1980s commented on why she used an umbrella stroller. I always think of her whenever I see one of those huge strollers, which I am sure have their advantages.

Elle's avatar

Our 250th is a great time to bring back “all those outdated concepts”.

Mary Naughton's avatar

Happy July 4 from soggy and over baked Lake Co IL !

Always love those pictures.