It's a Man's World

The fall school term is about to begin and Wes and Tom-Tom are concerned over finances. And so is Howie, but for another reason - the bag with the newspaper subscription money he has just collected is missing.

Wes is uptight about his financial situation again. The grocery bill is due; Howie needs his share of the cost for a gift for the coach; and the shoes need to be picked up at the shoe repair. And if things weren't bad enough, Tom-Tom invites a stranger he met at the local bar to stay with them for a few days.

It's Wes' birthday and Irene's got a big party planned for him. Wes has to make a run to Emmett to pick up some tires for Mr. Stott. On the way back, he ends up rescuing Nora, the free spirit, who has gotten herself into quite a pickle. The afternoon turns into an adventure and it's all Nora and Wes can talk about at the party. Irene, feeling quite left out and quite dull, can't help herself when she tells Nora off for having so much fun with Wes.

This episode deals with the fellow's attitudes related to money. Wes hates to go into debt for anything (since his parents were always in debt). Tom-Tom lives vicariously as he makes a series of ""deals"" to get himself a car. Vern, though initially conservative, learns from Tom-Tom that you have spend money to make money. Howie wants his motorbike, and has to learn the lesson of making sure that, in the end, you have the money to pay for it.

Growing up is hard to do for Howie. His friends are passing on baseball to hang out with girls. And, Howie's got his own troubles with Marilyn Feeney.

It's a beautiful Indian Summer day. Irene and Wes watch as others enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities. They can only hope for just a few hours alone together. After making many arrangements, they are finally able to take the day off to travel across the river and spend the day together. But the trip is bittersweet....