The heat is on!

It's supposed to be up to 100 today. I hope nobody chases me!

Spiritual attributes

One from the Dr.

What Pet Should I Get was just released yesterday, the first Dr. Seuss book to come out in 25 years. The manuscript and illustrations were found shortly after he passed away in 1991, then rediscovered in 2013. I can't wait to read it!

My favorite little-known fact about Dr. Seuss is that he was a political cartoonist (WWII-era) before making it big in children's literature.

The only thing I don't get about this cartoon is, why is that little girl reading a newspaper? What's up with that?

The yellow tie rides again!

The Tour de France just came to an end. Missionaries get a different type of tour.

For those nit-pickers, Roen is more in the middleish of the France Paris mission, so really it's only about half a tour, but you get the idea...

Sketchbook: Taste test on the trail

OK, this is it! It's probably the last pioneer gag for this year!

Unless, of course, another good gag happens to pop up. Then all bets are off!

But with joy wend your way

Which is more difficult to endure? A 1,300-mile trip across the plains or three kids under the age of five with a disrupted nap time?

Today's gag comes courtesy of Mary S., who hopes to be able to endure all things!

It's what makes a good meal great!

I found this old cartoon in my files. As I put the finishing touches on it, I realized it was derivative of similar to another of my cartoons that also deals with food during pioneer times.

At least it's of a different ilk than the gag Mormon Cartoonist Arie Van De Graaff did!

Pioneer Day with a rim shot, please!

This guy is obviously the ancestor of Henny Youngman. I thought about having it say, "Take my handcart — please!" but that didn't seem to have the right ring to it.

They sang, but they didn't smile

Seriously, was anybody happy to have family photos taken back in the day? Everyone always looks so cranky!


I know it was a function of how photography worked back then, but surely someone could have grinned a bit, right?

Trailblazers

There are those who led the way, and there are those who led the way leading the way!

We're all pioneers

At this time of the year, many Mormons share stories of their ancestors, particularly those who came across the plains in wagons or by handcart. Well, they're not the only ones proud of their forebears! 

Sketchbook: Handcart company requirements

I usually try to steer clear of polygamy jokes. However, during this summer carnival season I've seen a lot of rides that have height requirements. What if there was some similar standard you had to meet before forming a wagon train?

That familiar smell

If you've ever driven a load of Scouts home from camp — especially a week-long camp — you know that the smell won't leave your vehicle until several weeks afterward. The Scout camp smell tends to cling to the kids as well.

Just like home

It doesn't take long to think of one's tent as one's home.

Size matters

As the kids get older, the tents get smaller. 

Keeping it in balance

This is more true than you may know!

Cardboard dinner

On a lot of campouts, the first meal is often a foil dinner: meat and vegetables wrapped in foil. The scouts toss them into the fire, then take them out and eat them when they're done when they're tired of waiting any longer. There are some kids, like this one, who opt for something different!

Customized trail mix

This really isn't too far fetched. I've seen Scouts pack all kinds of things!

Sketchbook: Distractions

How many times does it happen that you're just going to look up one thing on the Internet, and that one thing leads to a billion others? Some call it the Pinterest Effect.

Sunbeam schizophrenia

Yep. That's Primary!

Make that to go

Miracle worker

Some secrets are best left unknown.

Waiting for the call

I know this isn't really true, but there are a lot of former district leaders who would swear by it.

It's the wave of the future

Actually, I think it would be interesting to sit in on a PPI where someone gave a detailed report of their drone teaching.

Deservedly so, I would say!

I did this cartoon a few years back, but at that time it was in black and white. I had a special request that I do a colorized version.

Here it is! Now can I say I've done my contribution toward Girls Camp this year? 

Sketchbook: Pres. Packer memoriam

In memory of Pres. Packer's passing, I thought it would be fitting to go back through my notes from some of his most recent talks from General Conference. He was an amazing man who lived and incredible life and was a valiant witness for the Savior.

Situational learning

Isn't that the way it goes?

Reasons to celebrate!

Happy Independence Day! Celebrate wisely — let's be careful out there!


Editor's note: For those who want to know, the background photo is from my photog pal, Gary Weber. It's of the Oregon City Arch Bridge. Cool!

Bombs bursting in air

Our neighborhood is filled with smoke from fireworks on the Fourth of July. Several families buy tons of fireworks — including mortars (which aren't quite legal here). It's quite a display...and quite a mess afterward!

It's a worldwide church, right?

Half of this is true for us.

What day is it?

Happy Canada Day! We're going to go out and catch us some poutine, fry it up with some Canadian bacon and smother it in Roger's Golden Syrup. Maybe some moose on the side. Mmm!