A&J

Hiya Gang

Sunday afternoon I was outside adjusting the breaks on my bike, getting it ready for Wednesday's Tour De Riverdale when I heard CHING - CHING. It was Betty on her mountain bike. Wow!!! She looked HOT!!! She was wearing a new biking outfit – I think she got it for her B-day. It was yellow and white with black stripes. Way cool.

Anyway Jug talked to me before church, so I knew Betty was not mad at me. Hey, thanks for all the comments, too. I didn't know girls cry when they're happy. Weird. (I also read Betty's blog. She said a ton of stuff about me; it was really embarrassing.) Needless to say we had a great visit. She is going to help me lay out the Tour De Riverdale course. And she wants to ride with me. It's going to be the best Fourth of July ever.

Your Pal

Arch

Happy 4th of July – Have A Safe One!

Arch & Jug and All Our Friends from Riverdale

   Hi Gang

The Tour De Riverdale was a great success and everyone had a great time… except Ronnie. We started at Riverdale High and made a lap around town using the rural, low traffic roads. Then we made several passes through town hitting all the historical sights, and ended up at Riverdale Park and Jug’s cookout.

The ride was going really well. We had about 30 riders. Reggie lead the pack -except when he fell back to make fun of Ron. He was followed closely by Midge, Moose, Nancy and Chuck. Betty and I trailed the pack so we could help in case anyone broke down.

Ron was acting real funny. She tried to ride with Betty and me, but Reggie kept heckling her for riding that new expensive racing bike back with “the stragglers” – meaning Betty and me, of course. (Ron does have a very nice bike. It’s purple with red stripes. It has a carbon frame - like Betty’s - except it’s a Road bike, not a Mountain bike.)

Well, Ronnie finally got mad and took off like a bullet. When Bets and I rounded the next curve, there was Ronnie laying on the ground next to her bike. She was crying and holding her left knee.

We got her to the ER in short order. Betty, Midge, Reggie and I followed on or bikes. On the way Midge told us what happened. Ronnie was buzzing up the right side of the trail – which is the wrong side to pass on - when a little girl pulled in front of her on a small bike. Ronnie missed the little girl, lost control of her bike, hit the curb… and the rest is history. Midge said all Ronnie needed was a ching-ching bell and the little girl would have known she was coming.

Ronnie is gonna be fine. She missed Jug’s cookout and will have to wear a leg brace for the next few weeks, but nothing was broke. Reggie took her bike back to R&D Cycles to get it repaired. Between you and me, I think he felt bad for egging her on.

I’m hoping to make this ride a regular part of Riverdale’s July 4^th Celebration!

Your Pal,

Archie

Jug Here

The cookout was a lot of hard work but, boy, did I have fun! I’m not sure how much food we grilled. I did try every one of your suggestions though and you’re right - grilled lobster IS the best! Pop Tate got a sun burn on top of his bald head – THAT never happens in the restaurant. And Archie’s dad SANG while he cooked. 70’s disco, no less. Pretty weird.

Two things went wrong. Well, one thing went wrong and we did one thing twice - never mind – here’s what happened.

The cookout was sort of “dual purpose” – we celebrated the 4^th and it was also a birthday party for Midge. My idea. I thought it was a good one. Moose had this huge ice-cream cake and we all brought gifts. Well, when the bikers showed up after the ride, we started singing the birthday song for Midge - only thing, she wasn’t there. She had gone to the hospital to check on Ronnie.

So when Midge finally did show up, we sang happy birthday AGAIN. This really mixed Moose up. He thought he should get her ANOTHER ice cream cake because the first one melted in the sun. Unfortunate. But Midge talked to him - in the way only Midge can - and Moose was fine.

What went wrong? I burned Ronnie’s veggies. You just can’t see through those tin foil bags. She didn’t make it though, so all was cool.

After the cookout we all took Ron a bowl of melted ice cream – which was once Midge’s cake. Then we sat around and told her she would be fine. Ron can be a tad melodramatic from time to time.

I hope YOU had a tasty 4^th.

Juggy

Hi Gang

I want to thank you all; I just love this blogging. I now know why Ronnie was mad at me. The truth is I never got her a birthday gift. Those license plate frames? They were for Valentine’s Day. I remember now, she and Betty were out of town for Ronnie’s birthday - I think that was weekend they were trapped at an airport because of weather. And to be real honest, I was broke at that time anyway.

So I made up with her today. I went over to her house. Ronnie was out by the pool trying to work on her tan, which is a little hard with one leg in a brace.  Anyway I took her a little gift and I won't get into any of the detail, but she loved it and we made up. As soon as she and Betty get back from Hawaii, we are going out. CAN”T WAIT!!!

Your Pal

Archie

Jug Here

Boy, am I beat! After I washed all the tablecloths (Mom helped – thanks, Mom) I took them back to Mr. Bee with a big thank you and a piece of Midge’s refrozen birthday cake.

That was about it. I basically napped the rest of the day.

I guess outside of eating, napping is one of my favorite things. I mean, I like to do other stuff, like hanging with my friends and cooking - HA HA - but my Number ONE Thing would be –

EATING.

You know mine, so what is the Number ONE Thing YOU like to do?

Let me know.

Jughead

Hi Gang

On the fourth when we took Ron to the ER, I ran into Riverdale’s newest resident and my new friend, Raj. Raj is from India (Way cool, huh!) Anyway his Dad is a doctor at the hospital and Raj was waiting for him in the parking lot.

Raj is an aspiring film-maker and he videoed us bringing Ronnie to the ER. I have to get a copy for her. She loves to see herself on the screen, or in the paper, in a mirror, in a photo… well she just likes to see herself. Anyway I introduced Raj to the gang and we became quick friends.

So keep your eyes open. I’m sure you’ll be seeing Raj in the comics.

Your Pal

Archie

Jug Here

When I talked to Patty at the cookout on the Fourth, she told me The Reg is just about ready to launch his blog. Know what he’s calling it? "Reginald’s Corner" - is that a HOOT or what!? I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I mean it could be just fine… NOT!!! HA HA.

Can’t wait to see it.

Jughead

Boy is it boring around here. I really miss Betty & Ronnie!  I mean Jug and the rest of the gang are here and they’re all great. It’s just… well… I’m not saying my world revolves around the girls… but then again, maybe it does.

You know when you see someone all the time you kind of take them for granted. But when they’re gone - and even though you know they’ll be back in a short while - you still kind of get this hole in your heart where they should be.

Your Lonely Pal

Arch

Jug Here

I just got a quick glimpse of the cover of Betty & Veronica Digest #153 with Nick the Jerk. I’m getting a little tired of him.

Yawn

Juggy

Jughead Here

I’m just way too excited… and for someone who does not get excited, that’s saying something. YOU KNOW WHY? YOU KNOW WHY? The Riverdale Fair is next week and I have to go into training. Yep… Me. Training. I'm entering three contests:

• The pie eating contest (boy, I hope it’s not rhubarb again)

• The ice-cream eating contest (can you say BRAIN-FREEZE?)

AND LAST, BUT NOT LEAST…

• The hotdog eating contest (I should have won last year, but who knew Takeru Kobayashi was in town?)

I’m going over to see if Pop Tate will sponsor me this year.

Jughead

Hi Gang

Ronnie broke our date. I called her Monday to find out what time she would like me to come by. Ron told me she was sorry, but I was just way too immature and had no direction in my life. She said she needed someone who could make her feel safe and secure.

I’m not real sure what she means. She is the richest girl in Riverdale… how much more secure can you get?

I’m going over and talk to Dilton. He’s the smartest person I know. Maybe he can help me find a direction (or at least tell what that means.)

Your Sad Pal

Archie

Jug Here

Pop Tate is going to sponsor me in the in the Pie Eating Contest AND the Ice-cream Eating Contest. But he said to be fair to everyone, he’s going to sponsor Moose in the Hotdog Eating Contest. Oh well, two out of three ain’t bad.

Now, down that rigorous road of training…

See You Around

Juggy

Hi Gang

Well, I spent the whole day talking with Dilton. That can be an adventure itself. While I was there, I saw:

• two explosions

• a cat disappear from one place and rematerialize in another (though it did have a spare tail)

• his father’s car float six inches off the ground before exploding (that was one of the two explosions)

• and a lot of other very unusual things.

But he did help me a lot.

I now know what Ronnie meant when she said I needed “direction.” Dilton told me I was in high school and a good student, so therefore I did not need much direction at this stage in my life.

He shared a bunch of other stuff too - most of which I did not understand - but I do feel better about myself. I’m heading over to Jughead’s to help him do ice-cream time trials for the fair next week.

Your Pal

Arch

The Riverdale fair is next week and there is going to be a talent contest. So, I thought I would get the band back together and enter. How mature is that? Oh well, got to go talk to the gang.

CY

Archie

Jug Here

Guess What??? You’re not going to believe this. Not only am I in all three of the eating contests - I’ve been asked to judge the Jam & Jelly entries in this year’s “Home & Garden Show” at the fair. How COOL is that? ME A JUDGE!!! Jughead the Judge!!! That even sounds cool!

Thanks for the Read

Jug the Judge

Hi Gang

Ronnie thinks it’s too immature. Jug is way too busy - he’s already in three contests and judging another. Reg has already entered the talent contest and is doing a solo. So Betty and I are doing a duet. We’ll be practicing all week. The Talent contest is Saturday night.

Wish us luck.

Archie

Hi Gang

Betty and I doubled dated with Moose and Midge for Moose’s Birthday. We decided not stay in town and went over to Midvale to see Josie and the Pussycats. They were HOT as always. We brain stormed with Josie during intermission and got some great ideas for our duet. Can’t wait to try them.

Wish us luck.

Archie

Jughead Here

Well, with Archie’s help I’m up to my eyeballs in training. Pop Tate told me I could redeem myself from my Akron fiasco (Jughead #182) by winning the ice-cream or the pie eating contest. If I win, he will still tear-up my tab.

I said, “But what about the hotdog eating contest?”

Pop said NOPE! Moose was his guy in the hotdog contest. Then he told me that famed competitive eater, Dave "Coondog" O'Karma is going to be there and I did not have a chance anyway.

Pop may be right, but as many of you know, no one can take a brain freeze like The Jug, so the ice-cream eating part is in the bag. And as long as I don’t get a rhubarb pie, Coach Clayton will be my only real competition in the pie eating contest.

WISH ME LUCK!!!!

Juggy

 Hey Gang

Guess what?

Ronnie called me last night and wants to join the group. I said, “Of course! The more the better,”… or something like that. She said she would see Betty and I at tonight’s practice and that she had some great ideas. Can’t wait till tonight… being with both my favorite girls. This ought to be fun.

Your Pal

Archie

 Hey Gang

Just a short note to congratulate Josie & the Pussycats for coming in 4^th in “AOL's 10 Coolest Cartoon Rockers”. And Congrats to us (The Archies) for coming is 3^rd. Sorry, Josie. I’m just glad you’re not competing in the Riverdale talent contest because if you were, none of us would have a chance.

Patty posted some of our famous songs here!

Your Pal

Archie

Click on this 'groovy' drawing to see a larger one! Wow! Pureheart, you're quite an artist!

  Hi Gang

Boy, I’m not sure what happened. Betty and I were practicing the song for the contest when Ronnie showed up. (I may have forgot to tell Betty that Ron was back in.)

Anyway Ronnie had this new song that she would sing lead in… and Betty and I were suppose to sing back-up. Well, Betty looked at me then at Ronnie. I’m not sure if I saw a tear or just anger but all she said was, “I’m done.” And left.

Needless to say, the rest of the night was a downer. Ronnie tried to act like all was okay, but it wasn’t.

Your Clueless Pal

Archie

 Jug Here

Sorry I haven’t posted much. I’m in “serious training mode.” My stomach is in top competitive form now and I’m feeling pretty good about my chances.

Keep those good thoughts comin’ my way!

Jug

 Hi All

Veronica just fired me.

It would appear there was not one thing I could do right. I know I was down because of Betty quitting but I was still pretty good, (I think?)

Ronnie’s on her own now.

My great plan to get the band back together has blown up in my face. Betty and Ron are both mad at me, Reg has a solo going, and I’m OUT of everything.

Jughead is still my pal. I’m heading over to his house. If I’m not competing in anything at least I can help Jug win his contests.

Bye All

Archie

  Jughead Here

Congrats to Moose for his terrific win in the hotdog eating contest. And congrats to Coach Clayton for his great victory in the pie eating contest. GREAT JOB GUYS!!!

You all knew I was judging the “Jelly and Jam” entries in the Home & Garden Show at the fair. Well, I gave the Gold Cup to the Lodge’s chef, Gaston. Oh my Gosh!!! His “Tropical Ambrosia Marmalade” was like… well words escape me. It was the most perfect thing I will ever eat this side of Heaven. WAY TO GO GASTON!!!

Hats off to Betty! She took 1^st place with her Riverdale Pet’s Scrap Book and a very close 2^nd place win with her Apple Crumb Brown Sugar Pie, (from first hand experience, it was delicious).

I would also like to congratulate Ethel for winning 2^nd place, and Dilton for his 3^rd place win in the talent contest. Dilton’s dancing robot looked like the tin man in the Wizard of Oz. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, Reg won 1^st. I guess he was okay.

And yes, I won the Ice Cream eating contest. I would like to thank Archie for all his hard work while coaching me. And last, but always FIRST PLACE in my book, I want to thank ALL OF YOU!!! Without your support it would have been a hollow victory.

Juggy

 Hi Gang

I’m not sure if you heard the whole story on Jughead and his contests at the fair.

He won the ice cream contest hands down. No one even came close. As a matter of fact Juggy could have stopped eating a gallon and a half before he did and still won… what a guy.

Unfortunately this backfired on him in the hotdog eating contest. These contests were back to back and Jug went into the hotdog eating contest full of ice cream. Can you guess what happened? Yep, Jughead had a “reversal of fortune” and lost to Moose. (Congratulations Moose)

In the pie eating contest latter that day, Jug’s forth pie was his worst nightmare. YES it was rhubarb!. Stopped him dead in his tracks. So… congrats to Coach Clayton for his first ever 1^st place finish in pie eating.

I’m glad Betty’s scrapbook won, and her apple pie came in 2^nd. When she is talking to me again I’ll tell her.

Ethel was great and Diton’s dancing robot was a hoot. Fantastic 2^nd and 3^rd place winners. And yes, Reggie was very good. I’m glad he won 1^st. You could tell he put a lot of hard work into it. I’m still not sure what happened to Ronnie.

Your Pal

Archie

J-Man Here… (thanks Monica)

Pop is the best. He tore-up my tab for winning the ice-cream eating contest. I WAS wearing one his t-shirts, but so was Moose and Coach Clayton.

All three of us are doing a photo shoot at Pop’s on Thursday. I’m not real good at this publicity stuff (more up Ronnie’s alley) but anything for Pop.

I want to thank you all again for the great support you showed.

YOU'RE ALL THE BEST!!!!

Thanks again

J-Man