It was the best of times; It was the worst of times. — A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
What a revoltin’ development this is! — Chester A. Riley in The Life of Riley
So, how are you doing? It’s May 1, 2020 and a hell of lot different than a year ago. Here in Maine it’s spring in the manner that Maine has spring. It’s still pretty cold, it’s muddy but what’s supposed to grow is starting to do that despite the lack of a human welcoming committee.
Those of us retired like I and my wife are pretty much sheltering in place. The most risky adventure we or I should say my wife makes is a biweekly shopping trip to a supermarket. Other supplies and occasional take out meals are picked up curbside.
We know we’re lucky! I am completely aware that being born in America as part of the Baby Boom generation I’ve been lucky for 73 years so far. But this is a time of misfortune for my country and without further amplification of my own opinions why beyond the pandemic I’ll get to the point.
“What did you do during the pandemic?” I doubt I’ll live so long to be asked the question by someone who didn’t live through it their self. But if I were asked I’d say, “You know, I created cartoons.”
So here’s my output for the month of April. I intend to keep doing these every day until life returns to normal. When will that be? I think I have a lot of cartoons to create!
Cartoons for April 1 through 30
April 15 was Jackie Robinson Day, baseball’s annual tribute to him that marks the day in 1947 when Robinson became the first black to integrate the major leagues. I got to see Robinson play for the Brooklyn Dodgers in Ebbets Field when I was a kid and he had to leave that game after colliding into the wall chasing a foul ball.
The game was against the Chicago Cubs and their Hall of Fame shortstop Ernie Banks hit the winning home run. Some 40 years later I met Banks in Los Angeles.
Ernie Banks was famous for his love of baseball and a quote that encapsulated that. “Let’s play two,” is what he would say, meaning his desire was to play a double header and not just a single game. That day in LA he also displayed a fantastic memory after I told him I’d seen him hit the game winning homer on the night Jackie Robinson was injured in Brooklyn so many years ago. He thought for just a moment and then looking me in the eye said, “Yeah, I remember that game.” I have no doubt that he did.
Normally, baseball season would be well underway and I miss it. But I miss even more the example of courage and integrity that was the life of Jackie Robinson.
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pawnedaccordion 
Good to hear from Imber!!!
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Peter, these are fabulous! Any returning to Facebook in your future? My friends would love these cartoons. Happy you are both well. Same here. My daughter and kids moved in a few weeks ago after they had major damage to their house from a burst pipe. Thank goodness we all had been isolating. But the cartoons of what you could make if you saw my house! Everyone finding their niche on computers to get work done – my husband, son-in-law, teacher daughter, 6 year old grandson doing school, me doing online selling of vintage items, and dear little 2 year old happily getting to watch Thomas the Train incessantly while others are working. Throw in cooking, trying to get a slot for food pick-up, and cleaning my own house (why bother?). However, very happy we are all well and together. Stay well and thank you for being fun to play with – Words with Friends.
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Thanks so much Jan! I’m well and very glad you and yours are, too. I got off Facebook, Instagram et al. and haven’t looked back. I’m hoping to do something with these cartoons to get them published. The issue holding me back is that I can’t draw at all. The cartoons are created by my scouring the internet for imagery and then I use Apple Keynote to compose a cartoon. With both of these tools I have what I need but because I’m using other people’s images I’d have to make a fair use case to publish with them. I hope to find a good illustrator to render them and go in on whatever deal we might be able to get. I’d love to include you on my distribution list so please send me your email address to peter.imber@gmail.com
Best,
Peter
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Peter, you have talent! Thanks so much for including me on this and here’s to continued good health.
Carole Martin
207.712.8057
http://www.carolemartin.org
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Thanks, Carol! Can I put you on my distribution list?
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Peter;
So happy to hear you made it through the winter. Now we have to make it through the spring and summer quarantines. Your talent, humor and creativity ease the pain. Stay well and in touch (figuratively).
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Hi John.
Wonderful to hear from you! I see Berks has been hit pretty hard by the virus so please stay safe and well. It’s certainly an extraordinary time and I have no clue how we’re going to come out the other end of this. Fortunately, here in Maine we can minimize our contact with people and still get outside to hike and hopefully, golf (me) and kayak (my wife) as the weather turns.
All the best to you!
Peter
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