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Sorry for the lack of an update yesterday, folks - I had to take an unscheduled day off for a household emergency involving my attic and a neighbour's escaped ferret.

Steph, FBorFW Website Developer

I could not be more bored with Elly's body issues. You never see her do anything to try to improve herself. And she doesn't blame the massive amounts of high fat, high calorie food she ingests for her problem. Of course it is because she martyred her body for her family.

I would like to see Elly get a bit more proactive and stop complaining about everything in her life. Maybe then she will become healthier and stop living vicariously through her children.

Anna, New England

I hope we don't to endure another week of Elly and Connie complaining about the messes they got themselves into and going out of their way to duck the responisibility. That's the problem I have with most of the people in this strip; when they make mistakes or do or say stupid things, they don't fess up and clean the slate. Watching the Pattersons try to wriggle off the hook is like looking at the children from "Family Circus" tell their Mom and Dad Ida No and NotMe did things.

Anonymous, Southern New Brunswick

April is 17 today! I wish today's strip had been about her. She's one of my favorite characters since she and my daughter are the same age. It's been fun to follow April's development as I've raised my own daughter.

Carol G, Tennessee

Ah...carrying it all on our shoulders...that does explain a lot. Bad knees, feet that get bigger, sore hips, etc.
So, it's not old age catching up to me. Thanks! I like this explanation better.

Pam, Needham MA

Your characters have literally been like family to me for many years. I have relived so many of my own life experiences since the first strip I read. My children are close to the same age as Micheal and Elizabeth, but my third child is a boy. He even has some of the traits that April has! There have been so many similarities in your strips and our life. I am so glad that you do not plan to quit altogether.
I have been so concerned about Elizabeth's happiness. I am so delighted that she and Anthony are planning to get married and I hope that nothing disrupts their plans. Others may see Anthony as dull and unimspiring but I see him as a very strong and stable man that will always be there to support and care for his family. Warren will never be dependable. He is the type to act first and think later and when he misses his flying will be off again. Not knowing what he wants may be exciting, but Elizabeth deserves better. She has made a wise decision. Thank you!

Paula G, Oak Ridge Tennessee

My cup of Joe is raised in salute to Lynn & the Pattersons, thanks for the memories, old & new!

Maggie S, Salem OR

Thank you so very much for the new strips on Anthony and Elizabeth. For those of us who have read this strip for almost 30 years now we have watch this friendship grow in strength since they (LIZ and Anthony) were still young teens. I have been waiting for this for a LOOOOng time. I love Lynn and her team. You all bring true emotion to your readers and we are so grateful to you. I was so glad to hear something of Lawrence we miss our old friends sometimes.Thanks for my tears over the past few weeks and for years of reading. Wearing her grandmothers dress was a great touch by the way:-)...God Bless...Kim

Kim, Greensburg PA

My wife and I really appreciate your "Jim" episodes - especially the ones lately where he seems to be responding to the wedding dress and the birthday cake. You obviously have some experience along that line! Great work! Keep it up!

WM, Idyllwild, CA

Connie's diversity training is obviously failing her. Even if Lawrence wasn't gay, there'd be no guarantee his bride wouldn't wear jeans and carry nothing at all. And just because Lawrence is gay doesn't mean that he and a future husband couldn't wear white, carry flowers, and get married with all of the usual pomp and circumstance. Why is Connie's perspective so narrow?

Besides, doesn't she have two step-daughters? Have they shown signs of becoming old maids, or don't they count in Connie's bride-in-white world?

Christa T, Beverly MA

I've admittedly always taken issue with some of the politics in this strip -- I feel like the relationship between Liz and Anthony is anti-feminist, Elly's views are often selfish and overly traditional, etc. But at the end of the day, it's not my strip to write, and I can't penalize its author for holding views separate from mine. With that said, today's strip greatly bothered and offended me. I'm a young gay man, and to hear Connie selfishly prattle on about how she'll never be the mother of the bride -- as though it's at all even about her -- because of her gay son, and how his ceremony won't even be a traditional one... well, it sickens me a bit. Not to mention it plays on the worst fear and insecurity every gay son and daughter has about coming out to his/her mother: that we'll always be seen as *different* and somehow fall short of what our parents wanted. I think differences should be celebrated, not snottily dismissed over coffee with one's equally stodgy, smug friend. Don't you?

Taylor, Vancouver

Connie only has one child - a son - so she will NEVER be a mother of the bride. Doesn't matter if he's gay.

And what the heck is Elly saying about owning the horses - is she still wanting control over her ADULT children?

Beth, Ohio

wow elly and connie always have the funniest conversions! i love the way the two of them have been friends ever sice they meet back in university.There friendship as be through a lot with connie moving away to thuder bay but luckly she came back.it really shows you that you can stay friends with someone even if they to live farway,all you have to do is try.

Bridget Q, New Glasgow NS

My response to the strip on 3/31/08 is to hope that Lawrence (and everyone else) will be able to legally marry the partner of their choice some time during my lifetime. The clock is ticking but judging from the attitudes of the younger people I know there is hope!

Sydney P, Tucson AZ

That's right, Elly! Your children can do whatever they want and be whatever they want, as long as it's what you want them to do and be! Anything goes, as long as you can maintain your total control over every aspect of their lives!

"You can have any color you like, as long as it's black." - Henry Ford

John A, Moose Lake MN

Poor Anthony and Lizzie. Their closely guarded friendship has blossomed into a beautiful relationship at times in their lives where they may have needed each other the most. This isn't an abuse of vulnerability, it's a realization that this person is finally mature enough to realize that I work for her and she works for me. It's a nice mature step in the right direction.
I don't know if Therese is the wronged one in the Anthony/Therese situation. She left for whatever reasons, but she left Francie behind. If she was wronged by Anthony, in any way, don't you think she would want to reach out for her daughter more? Unless, she's working on that as we speak....

Congrats to Anthony and Liz, wherever life takes them. Wearing the dress in front of Grandpa made it easier for him to understand what Liz wanted of him. It was a beautiful, poignant strip. I love this stuff. Keep it going!

George F, Carbondale PA

Liz's thoughtfulness for wanting to ask Grandpa Jim for permission to wear Grandma Marion's wedding dress was touching. I guess you wouldn't normally drive to a nursing home in the dress. However Jim's not IN a nursing home, Iris is his faithful and loving caretaker, in their own home. And may I say you've given Grandpa Jim a life so full and complete. He has been given the greatest gift of giving and receiving the love of two wives. How lucky is that!

After reading many of the comments in coffee talk I noticed there are a lot of men reading, enjoying, and loving this strip. How refreshing!!

Love your insight Lynn!

Nancy, TN

Real life sometimes means that you move apart then back together. I honestly do not think that Anthony married his first wife with less than honerable intentions. I don't think he forced/guilted her into having Francois. I think that she turned out to be a different person than he thought she was. Bravo to Anthony for being a great dad and for being there. Bravo to Anthony and Elizabeth for finding their way back to each other (even if they didn't know they were looking)...With friendship as the base of their relationship, they should have a lifetime of love and happiness!

Annie, Hunterdon County NJ

I'm so glad that Lawrence and his relationship are back in the strip, even if it's only by mention. After that monumental series 15 years ago when he "came out," Lawrence has only made an annual cameo appearance or two. And his personal life has been so sketchy since then that I wasn't even sure until today that he and Nicholas were more than business partners.

I would really love to see an in-depth update about him before the series ends.

Andy B, Illinois

My mother and I follow the touching Patterson saga daily. Even though I'm away at school, I still call Mom regularly to discuss major developments in Elizabeth and Anthony's relationship. My dad mocks our faithful devotion to the comic strip, but the Patterson's lives are as real to us as those of dear friends. Who needs trashy T.V. storylines when you can follow this simple, heartwarming story?

Amy, Augusta GA

Saw today's strip (31-03-2008). Made me want to boil your bunny. Not only do we have to deal with the Elizabeth/Anthony situation and the realization that all of Liz' hopes and dreams mean squat when compared to having her fulfill her "true" destiny by being an instant wife and mother but now you've diminished the progress that the great country of Canada has made with regard to all of its citizens by stating that Lawrence marrying Nicholas is "not the same." No white dress... oh, so if two women got married and both wore white dresses would that be double happiness?

Jeff, Breinigsville, PA

Very interesting strip today (3/31). Because the strip takes place in Canada, Lawrence and Nicholas CAN get legally married, with all the rights and responsibilities that Michael and Deanna have, which is something U.S. same-sex couples can't do (even a Massachusetts marriage is not valid in any other state).

Of course, when two men or two women get married, much of the pagan fertility ritual elements that give traditional weddings their emotional force are lost, as Connie observes. But the traditional wedding was originally a ceremony in which one man gives possession of a woman to another man, which isn't the greatest model in the world either.

Brendan T, Scotia NY

Today's strip "says it all" for me! Here's to owning the horses!

Mona P, Watertown NY

Hi Lynn & Crew ...

Kudos to Lawrence's Mom for being true to her feelings but still accepting of her son. I thought today's strip was done very well.

Donna, New Haven CT

Didn't need to here Ellie's P.c. remarks about Lawrence and Nicholas finding the right person and completing the circle.

Mike S, Kentucky

Hello, everyone! Wow. What a wild ride the last couple of weeks have been. I found myself vexed, bored, happy, thoughful, and wondering what life is all about. Your strip, Lynn, has managed to bring forth many many emotions and view points. Here's a quick synopsis of what I think about Liz and Anthony. I might as well jump on the opinion poll. (grins)!
First thing. Liz has been developed into an adult. Sure, we say that we would like to have tons of adventures. (I'd say she's had her shares)But Liz is a teacher now. I think that you have developed a character who has a deep abidding sense of responsibility. Think on it. She teaches children all day long. Not only do they have to impart government indoctrinated approved content, they have to deal with many personalities of humanity in the class room! Not only does she have to impart knowledge, Liz has the silent roll of 'walking the talk'. If she believes in wanting to teach, she must also have a philosophy that you are as you 'act'!. It would only be natural for her to accept Francois as part of her new growth and want to 'be there' for her. Lucky Francois! Do you know how many adults out there think of only themselves???
I wish This strip many more successful years, Lynn, if you can swing it!
Keep up the good work!

Natalie A, Arnprior

Today's strip 31 March, obviously pushes the envelope for gay marriages or says that such 'unions' are OK. And the idea is in my opinion contrary to the otherwise good values upheld by the Patterson family. The coffee's burning!

Dominiq, Southwest Africa

Hi Lynn,

I've been reading your strip since 1979. As an artist in the animation field, I understand the need to step back a bit and take a break from the merry go round of endless deadlines. But I wanted to let you know that although I understand that priorities shift in life, and that there are more things than staring hunched over a drafting table all day (I think!)...the biggest concern I have is that what you've spent such a large part of your adult life shaping might possibly start regressing.

Especially in the past 10 years, you have become such a compelling storyteller, and you have grown tremendously as an artist since the strips I used to read as a teenager. I grew up watching you branch out as an artist, and then in the last several years you have really kicked into high gear with your ability to weave such relevant and multi faceted stories. You really have mastered the art of not just providing a little punchline every day but making that part of a very large and compelling story.

So I have to admit, I'm completely spoiled. I've loved watching your style and ability bloom, so it's disappointing to log on here the days an old strip is running. I know it's a good way to compensate for wanting to shift your life around, I understand that. Less time at the drawing table. But the artist in me howls in protest! You've come so far! I've really grown to enjoy the details you toss in..every strand of hair, socks (you like socks!), the bare winter trees against the snow, how you'll place someone in shadow when they're being spoken to, just the generally more cinematic way of handling character placement. Each panel is a pleasure to look at.

So I guess this is just a long winded note to say thank you thank you thank you for the many years of joy and laughs and I do indeed hope you find the will and desire to continue to add to the special world you've created.

Also one last thing..I have always LOVED the hilarious names you put on the cereal and snack boxes. I don't know if anyone's ever told you that!

Cynthia, Burbank California

The expression on Grandpa Jim's face in the last panel of the 3/3/2008 Sunday Strip touches my heart. I made it my laptop background because I like it so much. I am SURE he knows what day it is!! It makes me miss my Grandpa...

Rachel G, Illinois

Hi, Lynn!
I've read your comic for a long time and it's the first one I read every morning. I think I started before Elly was pregnant with April, but definitely got hooked about that time. I love that you have Elizabeth & Anthony 'finding' each other! I'm very sorry that you will be retiring this year, although I can certainly understand you wanting to cut back on work a bit. Just wanted to let you know how much I've loved your comic for many years. I'll miss the Pattersons. In many ways, it's been a reflection of my life. Here's a toast that I wish for you personally(it's from Spain): Salud, amor y pesetas, y tiempo para gastarlos. (Health, love and money, and time to spend them all).

Sincerely

Becky, Aptos CA

Lynn-why can't you take the stand that LOVE is what makes a family, not this narrow heterosexual viewpoint? A romantic wedding doesn't require a bride. Or a groom. Just two people in love.

Cristin, Washinton

Check out our section all about Lawrence for a history of his character!

Interesting research article in the latest copy of Counseling Today. It caught my eye because Lizthony is all about choosing the "bad boy" who treats them badly and ignoring the "good man" who is nice and dependable. .

So, we all know Eric was supposed to be the "bad boy" Liz fell in love with, and that Warren and Paul were supposed to be somehow too unstable for the oh-so-stable Lizzie. But Granthony...he's just such a good guy...

Well, in the article the researcher talks about the obvious leather-jacket wearing, motor-cycle, love-em and leave-em guys. Women low in self-esteem may be attracted by the thought of adventure, excitement, and being able to "tame" the bad boy through love. But the article also identifies the other "loser" women choose: the "sugar-daddy", father figure, controlling, emotionally withholding man who is usually MARRIED. Women may be attracted by the thought of someone who will take care of them--not seeing the difference between "caring" and "controlling" behaviors, and winding up being in an uneven relationship, where she is treated like a child.

So, Eric was the bad boy.Warren was sort of a bad boy (footloose, not committing)until Lynn turned him nuts.

So since Anthony is neither of those things, that makes him the "good man". But Liz really wasn't all that crazy about Anthony--until he "got himself" married; began to look just like her father, acts older than her father, and has been subtly controlling in his actions. So Liz is picking the daddy figure; someone she thinks will "take care of her" but who will ultimately control her.

And let's see, Paul? Well, he had a stable job, he expressed his love, he was willing to do anything to stay close to Liz, he drove her all the way to Milbo so he could meet her family, and he wanted her to meet his family.

So Liz is still picking the "losers"; guys who treat her badly and throwing away the good guys.

DJ, TX

Thank you for your wonderful comic strip. It reflects my life in so many ways! Your loving compassionate views on aging are deeply appreciated. Thanks again.

Penny R, Sydney Australia

I am so glad I noticed the website written between the cartoon frames - and thus the adventures and history of Lynn and the Johnstones!!
I LOVE this cartoon - it is by far my favourite (or even favorite). There aren't enough superlatives for this fabulous cartoon. Thank you Lynn for EVERYTHING! Long may you find things to adjust in your cartoons and then to re-present them to all your fans.

Alison B, Queensland Australia

Dear Lynn,
You do really hit buttons, don't you? So I'm a sook, I love a sentimental but very, very realistic story and I think you are handling the Anthony/Liz story brilliantly, particularly with Marian's wedding dress and Jim's reaction.
My mother had to borrow her wedding dress, so no chance of re-using it, a gorgeous 1929 silk and lace, knee length, but her wedding veil was used by two of her daughters. One of my niece-in-laws was married in her mother's wedding dress & veil, and though both had yellowed a little to a nice cream colour she looked wonderful. And I have a family christening dress, reputedly first worn in 1853, that is in excellent condition, other than the tear created by one small boy when he was christened in it in 1979.
So much family tradition has been lost to us, it is nice to see something being recovered by your strip.

Shirley C, Australia

3-30-08 your sunday strip
brought tears to my eyes.
My mom is in a nursing home
she lives in Tn. She had
a massive stroke and cannot
talk also cannot use rt hand
and cannot walk. Her mind is
good so she knows everyone and knows what is going on.
My daughter and I read your
strip and called the nursing
home and the nurse took the
phone to her and we talked to
her. I always read your strip its the best. Thanks for being so caring.

Joyce B, Green Bay WI

O.K. hereit is; Jim and Iris this story line cannot go much further, I'm sorry but it is so very depressing and in my humble opinion should not be on a "COMIC" page, there is no humor in this form of dementia brought on by a stroke. Your character Iris is so very sickening sweet she must be the second coming of Mother Teresa !

Jan V, NC

How lucky Jom is to have had two devoted, loving wives in Marian and Iris. It's nice to see people of all ages taking "for better or worse, in sickness and health" seriously. Iris did not get much time with a healthy Jim but she is standing by him just the same. It was a very touching Sunday strip.

Nikki, NJ

Hi Lynn,

My father passed away in 2006 due to complications from a stroke suffered years before. Sunday's strip brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad Iris realizes that just having Jim alive is reason to celebrate. I speak from experience. Thank you for such a positive comic strip today.

Katherine W, PA

The last two days the story of Elizabeth and her grandmother's wedding dress has brought tears to my eyes -- remembering my sister Betsy (our Elizabeth!) wearing our first mother's wedding dress. Our mother died when Betsy was 2 (I was 8)and our wonderful second mother, Ellie, suggested that Betsy wear the dress. It was perfect, and a great memory 25 years later.
Your stories always hit close to home -- I think my own kids are about the ages and stages of yours. I've been following them since the strip started. Keep up the good work!

Eileen K, MA

Long story on a short tether: My mother spent the last four years of her life aphasic & paralyzed on her right side. It tore Dad up to see her that way. He went first, just before Christmas '82. Mom was gone barely two years later. I've been left with memories of my father trying to teach me how printing works and my mother having taught me & my sister to read before we got to kindergarten.
The life stories you've written in a comic strip are so touching and so close to my heart that I just had to write this one time to thank you. You've given life to a list of memories for me - and I'd bet for millions of other readers -that brings me smiles & to the edge of tears.
When Cindy & I got married, Cid wore her mother's wedding dress. We have it cached downstairs in such case any other female child wants to wear it for her wedding. (My two sons probably won't have a need for the dress.) Cindy & I had planned on moving to Canada 35-odd years ago but the birth of our eldest son scotched those plans. Worked out fine anyway. And the parallel resonances between your story line and our lives has been wonderfully touching. Today's strip that ends with Grandpa Jim thinking "We were so happy" says everything there is to say about life & our perceptions of ourselves.
Thank you.

Nils R. B. Y, Ohio by way of Texas & Indiana