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While I think interpreting John's "CAREFUL careful" comment as being careful about not having another suprise baby is very funny, I also remember a lot of strips dealing with Elly's hot flashes and menopause-induced insomnia. I'm guessing that pregnancy is one thing they don't have to be careful about at this point.

Kate, VA

To the people who thought Jon was referring to having another child, hasn't Elly gone through menopause? I don't think that having another child would be much of a concern, would it?

Danielle Y, Connecticut

Even the best laid retirement plans can fall short. Careful careful I assume means just that.

If Elizabeth is expecting her parents to pay for her wedding, she needs to wake up and smell the 21st century. Elly and John are retiring and will most likely contribute, but she and Anthony should share the burden of the cost. That might mean cutting back on extravegance. It might mean *gasp* using grandma's wedding dress, having bridesmaids purchase lovely (reuseable) dresses at a local store, simple, in season flowers, small guest list, and so on.

And it can still be a lovely event.

Wendy, Pennsylvania

You are right, Therese deserves someone who loves her just the way she is. And she is a manipulative cheater. The fact that she is a career woman has nothing to do with it. She knew Anthony's feelings for Liz when she decided to marry him. And she knew when she married him. She had every opportunity to say no. She thought she could change him, and she was wrong. She was unable to accept him the way he is. Instead of trying to work things out, she cheated. This is unacceptable. Anthony may have had feeling for Liz, but he never went to far as to make those feeling physical. Yes, Anthony made mistakes, and I am not saying that he is an innocent victim in this, but at least he tried to make things work with Terese, he tried to change to please her.

And as for the strip on 8/23/07, Anthony is a grown man; he doesn't need is wife to act like his mother. Therese doesn't want to be a mother to her own daughter! And who is to say Anthony was planning on leaving the house that day? To me, it looked like those shorts were boxers or swim trunks.

Why do I let myself get so worked up over comments here in Coffee Talk? I guess its just a sign of how good Lynn is, and what a wonderful strip she has made! I feel as though I know these characters!

Arrafel, MA

I have been reading FBOW for about thirty years, or from whenever it started. I've always loved it and I related to it very well, since I was about the same age as Elly when it started and I had three children as well. My complaint is that I don't think they're letting Elly age very well. She's just too frumpy and I agree that Liz and April are a bit frumpy too. I don't care for a lot of the revealing styles that girls wear these days but they certainly could do with a litle sprucing up. People tell me I look great for my age and I don't dress too young, I just try to be a little more stylish than my 50'ish counterparts. Also, I don't think Anthony is right for Liz either. There really is not the chemistry there that is suggested. It just doesn't seem like the right fit. Thanks for letting me comment!

Donna S, New York

What a wonderful story line to have April graduate and John Patterson retire at about the same time. It's great to see that connections and relationships are extremely important to us, but can have the most humor and honesty embedded there!

Helen M, Columbia, South Carolina USA

My family has enjoyed FBOFW since it began all those many years ago - and still do! I have all the books and they're the perfect pick-me-up on a "blue" day or rainy day, so they get re-read often. We're happy tht Liz and Anthony are getting together and we love watching April grow into womanhood! Thanks for the memories!

Ruth S, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Yesterday's column about being careful, very careful with money made perfect sense to me as my husband and I are there now. We are about the same age the Pattersons are supposed to be and trust me, having a child now is not the careful part. Elly and I experienced "personal summers" about the same time so I know the baby factory may be closed! My take is that they have money but John is looking at the future and the fact they will probably live 35 more years and will need the money to stretch.

Denise, Dallas TX

Rather than speculate about the Patterson's finances, it might be a good idea for people to think about their own situations. Perhaps the Pattersons made good investments or received an inheritance which they used wisely. Perhaps they pay their credit cards off monthly rather than making minimum payments.

Living frugally in a home filled with love is not a bad idea--even for those with with adequate finances. That's why they have no money problems!

Retirement doesn't come with age. It comes with what you have in your pocket. My biggest concern is that John may be bored, as my husband was when he retired at 58. We had excellent work ethics, but were short on balancing it with fun. His retirement lasted 5 weeks when he started another business. John is working a day a week and he can add more if he wants to.

You do an excellent job, Lynn. No person or family is perfect. Life isn't a fairy tale and you have portrayed it realistically.

Nancy H, Ohio

Just wanted to let you know I never miss your strip. I start my morning with a cup of coffee and a look at your website. Thanks!

Pam P, No. Attleboro, Massachusetts

When I read "Careful, careful" line in the strip about John's retirement, it never occurred to me that he might be talking about another child. For me, I'm always careful with my money, because I don't have a lot. But there are a LOT of weeks when I have to be "careful careful" because of an unexpected expense, or when the insurance is due. So I know what "careful careful" means in terms of money, and it makes complete sense to me that everyone has to be a little EXTRA careful when they retire.

Debbie T, Wenatchee Washington

I like Fern R.'s comments from 5/1/08, especially about the "having to exaggerate" part. I never thought of this before, but it makes total sense. Note the number of comic strips whose characters have eyeballs that pop out to express surprise. Or the black cloud drawn over their heads to express anger. The exaggerated actions get the point across, including the "smack, gobble, gulp" noises made by the characters while eating.

Good point, Fern!!!

Lynn B, New York State

To the readers who interpreted "be CAREFUL careful," as "let's be careful not to have another child..." Really? Elly is going to be fifty-seven this summer, and I have rarely heard of women that old having babies without having lots of help from medical technology, and even then it's largely hit or miss. Conceiving and delivering in one's late fifties, even with the help of technology, is rare enough that it usually makes headlines. Personally, I interpreted "CAREFUL careful" as "We are going to have to get more frugal than we've ever been before, or at least as frugal as we were when we were newly married and in university."

Jolein V, Oregon City, Oregon

To readers who dislike the hairstyles and figures of the FBORFW women:

I am a college student, 18 years old. I wear my hair in a bun basically every day. I think it looks cleaner than having my hair down. I am not a librarian, and I am decently fashionable.

What is with the weight issue? I think Lynn is correctly portraying these women as they might be. Is Elly the only woman to get a bit stockier with age? Hardly. Many women do. Women don't all look like sticks anymore.

I also think the comment about how Elizabeth should hurry up and marry Anthony because she isn't " he darling cutie pie most men want today"
is completely off-base; men, just like women, like all humans, usually look for more than just a pretty face in a life partner. Elizabeth does not need to look like a 18 year old swinger in order to be attractive; her intelligence does that for her even without a fancy hairdo to show her off.

Has our culture not progressed beyond the idea of women being no more than eye candy? Kudos to Lynn for not falling for that trap.

Mari, New York

Reading about Elly and John retiring is reminding me of my parents. It is fun to read all the different life cycles this family goes through.

Jana M, Palm Harbour FL

I've always identified with Elizabeth and am estatic that things are working out with Anthony. I can't wait to see how things turn out! Also, I'm so glad to see April becoming a serious student.

Cindy K, Utah

I am (cliche) a first time "post-er". I believe myself to be a true fan - have been reading this comic strip as long as I can remember - have grown up with Michael & Elizabeth - I feel like we suffered some of the same things. My note is simple - keep up the good work - I love this strip and it's YOURS to entertain us. Thank you!

Amy, PA

For everyone concerned about John retiring and how they have College for April and a wedding for Liz - most people these days save for their children's post-secondary LONG before their child need it - it's unrealistic to think they should still have to put too much more away for April. As well, who says they need to pay for Liz's wedding? Parents used to pay for their daughters' wedding because the boy's parents paid for him to go to school and be the "bread winner". Now that women have equal education to men that isn't the case. Elly and John paid for Liz's education - there is no reason they should have to foot the entire bill for her wedding. Both Liz and Anthony have good jobs, there is no reason they cannot pay for the bulk of whatever wedding they want to have.

Sarah T, Barrie ON

I highly doubt John and Elly are worried about getting pregnant again. Haven't we been subjected to years and years of menopausal night sweats and arm-flapping?

Sure, it's possible to have a menopause baby, but I think the level of "careful" isn't quite as high as "careful" careful.

Laura, California

I just love this comic stip. Have been a fan since the 80's. Feels like a part of my family, watching the family grow and expand.

Kelli C, cincinnati, ohio

Can we AT LEAST know when the wedding will be? IT'S DRIVING ME CRAZY!

Jessie, Trenton ON

With John and Elly being well into their 50's, I can't imagine the "CAREFUL careful" comment had anything to do with having another baby. Besides, I distinctly remember Elly going through menopause.

Carla, Oklahoma

dear Lynn,

i think it's great that John is reducing his hours at the office.

as for the comment from other
fans, i think John must be at least in his late fifties because they had the baby michael when he was almost finish with dental school and my cousin finish when he was almost 30 years old when he was done. and depending if he took extra classes or specialities courses it would make John at least in his late 50's to early 60's.

and micheal must be over 30 years old now.

it's great that you are bring the senior pattersons to retirement. and as you mention they will be even more busy than when they were just working full time because life is very full and it's how life can be come!

thank you for a great strip which tries to show a nice snapshot of middle class household.

and i still wish that Elizabeth some how get swept off her feet and falls for someone else before she gets stuck marrying old anthony.

thanks for good times!

sincerely,

Lisa K, San Francisco CA

A couple of things I'd like to respond to:

Kat from Florida says:

"As for clothing, young ladies today favor more more revealing clothes than shown in the strip; however, they are fit and fabulous unlike Elly, April and Elizabeth.

As a 40 something woman, I exercise, eat right and would never want to dress as Elly or allow myself to get out of shape as she has. What happened? Are her bad habits falling to Elizabeth and April too? April looks strange and out of place in today's society."

I rebutt and say that April does not look out of place and that there are many, many girls and women who don't look like models and are over size 16! I am one of them, and while even being a gym rat and working out 5 days a week, I am still not any smaller than a size 18 and certainly have never worn such revealing clothes as many young girls do today. It's more a function of what background a person comes from and the local where they live that will tend to dictate how they keep their looks.

I'm 32 and have been reading this strip for many years, and I've never seen anything glaringly wrong with how the characters look, because they match my local culture perfectly. To change their look now would really change the nature of the comic. Many women are just not into being "glamourous" and/or model-skinny these days. It also goes to note that there is an epidemic of obesity occurring in north america right now. The only place I see these described fit-and fabulous people is at the gym and they tend to be far outnumbered by people with more normal proportions than those sized under a 10-12...

Bridget, Edmonton

I have to say, I'm amazed at all the comments about John & Elly paying for the wedding. Personally, I don't know anyone whose parents paid for their wedding. Helped out, yes. Foot the entire bill? No. That includes mine own, all 7 of my brothers & sisters, all of my cousins, my friends and my own children. Elizabeth and Anthony both work and can pay for their own wedding.

Marie M, Chicago area

Farley's tree hasn't been visited in a while, has it? I'd love to see someone go visit him. Espeically Elizabeth, who's going through a big change in her life right now.

Jessie, Trenton ON

Your story is my favorite strip ever. I've been reading it since before April was born. I especially like how you handle growing up situations with the family. The event of Edgar (or Farley, can't remember which now) pulling April from the ditch then passing on. What a sweet way of educating children the events of life. Blessing to you and yours. Sincerely, Jane

Jane, Tularosa NM

I recently went to the old St Joesphs hospital site for a mammagram. On the wall was a copy of when Elly had her first mammagram. It was of interest because it showed something that every woman should do. And, a very hot topic of todays times.
Also, I have been going threw the website,(I'm a new member but have been a fan for years.)and I was reading about caregiving. My mother had a stroke several years ago, so I could relate. Altho I was not the prime caregiver, I was living Oshawa at the time, I was the one that was instrumental in getting her up and on her feet again. I came home from my holidays and spent every day with her, telling her she had to be up and walking before I went back south. And I did it. The day I left, she was home and doing quite well for herself. An accomplishment since she was totally bedridden when I had arrived 2 weeks before. Today, she is rather well. She still takes care of her own home, that includes her wood stove. Since I have returned home to Redbridge, I spend as much time with her as I can. Once a week, we go shopping together and can usually be found having breakfast at Burgerworld most Thrusday mornings. So, to finalize, I say to all, Spend time with your moms because you jus!
t never know when she will be taken from you. Happy Mothers Day.

Rose F, Redbridge Ont. (North Bay area)

I keep reading all the complaints about John retiring in his 50s. Why is this so unusual? Many men retire early if they are able. There is nothing wrong with budgeting if you want an early retirement. Seems to be that retiring in your 50s will be a whole lot more fun than in your 60s or 70s.

My husband is a 48 year old police officer about ready to retire next year. He will pull a full salary for the rest of his life. I can't wait. We have three teenagers about to head off to college in the next few years and I am excited about spending this extra time with him.

John may not have that same benefit of a retirement salary forever but perhaps they have handled their money responsibly in the past and are able to retire early. And why should Elly work? Doesn't she have the right to enjoy life with him.

Not everyone has to live in frivolous luxury once they are done with their careers. There is nothing wrong with being sensible with your money.

Katie W, Chesapeake VA

I was amazed at the comments today about being "careful." I'm sure it was about money management-- it seems that it has been well-established that Elly has gone through the stages of menopause for the last few years. Also, it has to be considered that the male fertility factor decreases after middle age. So, are some people thinking that Elly might have to make a decision between childbirth or abortion?
It seems to be unlikely...
Stick with the existing character situations!

Wesley M, Minneapolis

I can't believe that so many readers assumed John was chiding Elly not to get pregnant again. Quite a few strips over the past years dealt with Elly's long, drawn out menopause. She's 57 years old!

Of course, it's long been obvious that both of them regret their last "oops" baby. Looking forward to a financially strained retirement, let's hope they really have enough money saved for April's education. After all, John was only able to complete Dental School by convincing Freshman Elly to drop out & go to work.

According to today's strip, John was as "disillusioned" with his dream of being a dentist as Elly was of being a dentist's wife & mother of his kids. All these years, I thought the Pattersons were a reasonably happy family. Guess I was wrong.

NB, Houston

Today's strip about John's dissatisfaction with dentistry is sort of a look at the human condition. We have a man who hates a job he can't not do. That describes most people I've run into over the years. For most people of his generation, a job is not something you're supposed to enjoy, it's something you're meant to do.

Anonymous, Southern NB