Say Hello to Mr. Quiggles

You might know him as "U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley," Democratic Congressional representative from the state of Illinois' fifth District. But to us, he is "Mr. Quiggles," a kind, uncontroversial man who says things such as, "Oh Mrs. Perry, these crumpets are delightful — and your cranberry jam is extraordinary!" Mr. Quiggles spends his days riding "the trolley" to and from his job as a political science professor (some of his students and colleagues are mice and squirrels), making phone calls on a big beige rotary phone, lunching on tuna fish sandwiches and tea in remote department store cafeterias, and, upon returning home at night, playing backgammon or checkers with his talking terrier, Lemons. Sometimes he solves mysteries involving misplaced items, like that time when he found Mrs. Winters' lost spectacles (they were in the umbrella caddy — heavens!).

Mr. Quiggles is friendly to everyone he meets, so if you see him on his way to the market or "the trolley," tip your hat and say hello. And be sure to give Lemons a gentle pat on the head — we hear that he brings good luck to all who touch him.