Cartoon Day

When I was a kid and had not yet learned the days of the week, I used to ask my mom every day if it was cartoon day.

For those of us old enough to remember, there were only three major networks and a handful of local channels. We turned the channel by getting up, walking to the tv and turning the knob. My parents were on a second shift schedule so I had to be quiet when turning that big knob to keep it from making that loud clunk noise.

Each Saturday on the three major networks, they would show different cartoons from 8:00 AM until Noon and then at Noon, ABC would show their Weekend Special. It was an hour long, usually live action program that told an interesting story. All said and done, I would spend five hours each Saturday in front of the tv and it was delightful.

Bugs Bunny / Road Runner, Flintstones with Captain Caveman and the Shmoo, Pink Panther, Spider Man and His Amazing Friends, Johnny Quest and Scooby Doo were all on tap for that day.

Saturday was the greatest ever. It was what I looked forward to every single day of the week. Sadly, cartoon day has given way to infomercials and news. It’s a crime against humanity. I still have things I look forward to as much as cartoon day. Things I can’t wait to do, see and be a part of. Part of the joy of childhood is the anticipation of something good.

What is a part of your week that you look forward to so much you can’t hardly stand it? If you can’t think of anything, you need something.