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It's so great to see you addressing what it's like to come into the life of a child who does not have both parents in their life for one reason or another. I am a stepmom of two children and even after four years it is still the hardest job I have ever taken on. Divorce hits children so hard and to accept another adult into their life as a parent is very difficult for them.

Holly, Ohio

I wish Liz and Anthony would go their separate ways already.
They really bring out the worst in each other, plus they are more boring as a pair then when they are apart.
Besides Liz isn't ready yet for a serious relationship, especially one that involves a small child.
She didn't handle her break-up well with Paul. She played the 'just friends' game with Warren but then she spat on the phone because she couldn't handle that he had to work. Then almost as an afterthought she asked Anthony to their friend's wedding, but after he told her he asked someone else, she berated herself as she drove home, (granted he could have let her known that he and Julie were just friends.).
Anyway, Liz shouldn't change her life for Anthony anyway. It really seems like he married a woman with mental health issues so people would feel sorry for him. He even waited for her to divorce him, even though he told Liz the marriage was over long before then, just so he could play victim. This guy definitely likes to fish for both pity and, by the way he often boasted about his parenting and home skills, compliments.
I definitely think Liz needs some more time as a single woman to let herself grow up a little more and really understand what she needs and not simply be needy.
She just got out of one overcrowded dysfunctional situation, she doesn't need to jump into another.

Stori, US

When Anthony and Liz dated in high school, it seemed as though they were bored and tired of each other by the time they broke up. Which made it very realistic; they were just the first person each one had dated and they just were'nt into each other that much.

So now, they have a second go at it. Guess what? They still seem bored and tired of each other. All their conversations are stilted, their attempts at "romance" are embarrassing and unnatural. This is so much a contrast to the way Liz acted with Paul; she seemed happy and like a young girl. Now she seems old and resigned to her boring life with a boring man.

Deb, TX

I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading the biographies of the characters. It's wonderful to hear about their lives leading up to their presence in the strip and in the lives of the Patterson family. It's the first thing I check for each time I get the newsletter - to see if there are any new biographies. Thanks so much to Beth for all her research and creativity!

Cheryl F, London

This comes from a person who really doesn't read blogs, but FBorFW is just different so today I gave in and called up Coffee Talk. You have lots of fans for many good reasons...the first of which is your characters have all become people we know and some we love. I do not read your strip first...I hoard it till last. I even skip over it and come back to it because I know then I will end with the best drop of humor or wisdom I can possibly get out of the funny papers. Thanks for being so honest and caring with your characters and viewers.

Harriet C, Knoxville TN

I really liked today's strip. Why? Because I want to know more about Liz and Anthony and where they are now. The reaction of Anthony's daughter is right on! How will they handle this situation. Liz made the right move to leave Anthony alone with his daughter to work things out. I must admit I am not happy with the new format. I want to continue with the story lines and know more about these people I have known for so many years. I will continue reading but I hope I can wade through the memory lane with enough patience to find out what is happening in their lives today.

Lois B, Oklahoma

About the "hybrid" strip?

I think it's great...I've been a FBOFW fan for the past 14 years and never read the early ones! I also think that you are making this transition quite seamlessly. I get just enough new stuff to feel happy that you are still spinning stories about these beloved characters...I am a huge fan of the strip and this sure beats Lynn retiring completely! I hope she's feeling like her load has been significantly lightened with this hybrid strip...and that she's having some fun in her semi-retirement.

My only question: will there be a little joy coming around for Grandpa Jim and Iris? Might he be able to have just a tiny breakthrough with his communicating and/or health?

In any case, thanks again for all you do to bring smiles and warm thoughts to us every day.

From your fan and
Canadian wannabee,

Beth C, Port Townsend, Washington (just south of Victoria, BC)

I've been wondering, how did Weed and Carleen make out with the investment in Mike and Dee's old place? It seemed like a risky deal at the time, what with all of the damage. Renovations and new relationships don't always work out so well.
I like Weed. He's that unconvenional friend that I never had. Carleen is the girl that I like in high school, and never had a chance with.

Joe D, Ontario

I absolutely have LOVED this column the first time I ever saw it!! I cannot think of another that compares with it. The characters are so real, the stories so true-to-life that anyone can relate to in real life. My favorites, though very sad, were when Farley died (I bought the Farly angel figurine), and when Elly's mom died (I lost my own mom around that same time). I could go on and on, but suffice it to say I feel a real connection to both the strip and the author!

Diane M, Blue Point NY

Hi Lynn,

Just wanted to thank you again for coming to the Lynn Valley signing. While I was in line, I was so nervous, thinking, "What am I going to say? What am I going to say?" hahaha...and when I got to you, I just watched you sign my book and how you drew! I felt so bad not being able to say anything... So I just wanted to write you here and say that I love your comic SO much!!!!! My husband actually drove me to the mall just to see you. (and trust me, he NEVER drives me to the mall around Christmas time...lol) So he knows how much influence you have on me. haha. I hope you have a great visit back "home"... Happy holidays, Lynn! Love you...and keep up the awesome work that you do! Cheers! ps. I'm really enjoying the "hybrid" comics...! :)

Chika M, West Vancouver BC

Hi Lynn
It took me a long time, but I finally tripped over the website so I can get my daily dose (rather than catching up each December when I buy my daughter the collection for Christmas and read it first. She has ALL of them.)

You've heard this from many people, I guess, but the Patterson events reflect me and my family, almost day by day. My daughter Heather is in lockstep with Michael, and while I sat in the birthing room at TEGH waiting for my grandson to make his appearance, I picked up the paper and read the strip where Robin was born.

Anyway, I have to mourn the thought of no more growth. We all grow. It won't feel right if we readers and our kids and grandkids move on, while Elly and her family remain frozen in a time warp. I will feel as if we're leaving them behind on some iceberg while the ship of life sails past them.

However, maybe you're reconsidering? Francie made a prediction/promise in today's strip, so will it come to pass?

Yours, whatever comes,

Susan in Milborough-- er Scarborough.

Lynn Johnson - you rock! For 30 years I have enjoyed every strip, every day. You have never been afraid to deal with life's issues: death, unplanned pregnancy, gay rights, spousal abuse,aging parents, sickness and normal, ordinary human things. It is because you see life through ordinary eyes that we can laugh and cry together. It is so nice to know that other people are going through the same things and handling it in different ways. Keep drawing, keep laughing and keep helping us to love life.

Suzannah G, Victoria BC.