Commodore Sloat & the Little Lost Bear

 

Twenty years ago, I accompanied my wife on a business trip to Monterey, California. While she was stuck in meetings that week, I explored the seaside town. Although we'd only have two days this time around, I looked forward to showing her the sights.

Our first stop was at the Presidio, where we found the military museum closed. We walked up a hill to check out an old monument.

 

 

In 1846, with the Unites States at war with Mexico, Commodore John Drake Sloat directed his fleet to Monterey. Despite a strong British naval presence, he secured California for the United States, and then briefly served as the territory's first military governor. Given the region's importance, California would become a state a mere three years later.

This monument, erected in 1910, commemorates Commodore Sloat's accomplishment.

 

As we made our way back to the car, my wife noticed a forlorn teddy lying in damp, freshly mowed grass. She picked him up, and cleaned him as best she could. Later that evening, she lavished more attention on him.

She posted photos of him on several Lost And Found websites. So far, no one's claimed their little lost bear. I wonder: does that mean he's found a new home?

Dragon Dave

Don Quixote and Pea Soup

 

I remember eating at Pea Soup Andersen's during my childhood. Given that my family lived in the Los Angeles area, we likely visited the original restaurant in Buellton, California. Every time I see a restaurant-like building with a windmill, I think of Pea Soup Andersen's.

Yes, there was also the Van de Kamp's coffee shop chain. I remember stopping at those a few times with my parents too. Those restaurants looked entirely different, and for whatever reason, I don't recall our visits there with any fondness.

 

The Pea Soup Andersen windmills rise like landmarks in my memory. Far from viewing them as enemies, like Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes' famous novel, I view them as old friends. If only I had specific memories of dining there.

All I recall is a fragment: my father telling me that we were just ordering the soup, nothing more. But then, I also remember my father telling me we were just ordering chili once when we went out to a Marie Callender's restaurant. So is my Pea Soup Andersen's fragment genuine, or an incident my mind pasted into the gap to enhance my recollections?

Recently, while returning from visiting a family member, we stopped for gas along an unfamiliar stretch of road in the northern California town of Santa Nella. 

And. There. It. Was. Pea Soup Andersen's!

It was morning, we'd already eaten breakfast, and we were on a schedule. Alas...

After my father left us, I have very definite memories of eating canned split pea soup. Usually it was Campbell's, but sometimes it was Andersen's. I guess the variety became something of a favorite for my mother and me. So, not often, but occasionally, I saw those famous windmills on a can in the family cupboard.

 

My mother also took me and my grandparents on a driving trip along the California coast after my father passed away. We could have stopped at the location in Santa Nella (or for that matter, the one in Buellton). I don't know if did, but for some irrational, inexplicable reason, I want to think we did.

Dragon Dave

Nervous Rex #1: Covers & Ordering Information

 

Nervous Rex #1 Cover A

If you haven't noticed yet, Previews is finally listing the first issue of Nervous Rex from It's Alive. Here's the description from the Previews website:

Rexford the T. Rex is back in print after 37 years! This was the first comics work from animator William Van Horn, who would go on to make a name for himself at Disney, drawing Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge comics! 

Mild-mannered tyrannosaur Rexford doesn't really fit in with the Jurassic age, as he'd rather just eat oatmeal and hang out with his friends. His wife Dearie is always after him to be a more aggressive meat-eater and add to the fossil record. Also featuring a backup story starring the diminutive King Billy. Featuring a retro cover, along with an all-new variant cover by original creator William Van Horn and original colorist Barbara Marker!

In Shops: Sep 14, 2022

SRP: $5.99

 

Nervous Rex #1 Cover B

In case you need them, here's the Previews codes:

Cover A is JUL221688 and 

Cover B is JUL221689.

I suggest ordering these well ahead of publication date, not only so It's Alive can decide how many copies to print, but also because It's Alive is a small publisher, and your local retailer may not order copies for the store unless customers request them. I'm looking forward to reading this. I'm betting it's going to be lots of fun!

Dragon Dave