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I have always enjoyed reading your comics since I was about 15 or so. (I am the same age as Elizabeth would be) And while I do find it entertaining to read through the old "new" comic strips (since I am currently a stay at home mom with a small child and another on the way), I must say Elly is a far stronger woman than me. I would have beat John to a pulp for his attitude about her role in the house and the lack of help/support he gives her. Especially with today's comic about him leaving all the chores for her to do. My husband would have had a stern talking to! But then I try to remind myself that this would have been the 80's and most of that has changed (we women like to hope, lol). I understand that John might be a fun father and a good bread maker (so to speak), but I think I like him better as the Grandfather figure.

I really do still enjoy your comic because whereas before I related with everything Liz went through (high school, boyfriends, college, younger sister :P, early marriage) now it is because I relate with Elly's adventures in the home and with the kids. But I thank my lucky stars that my bread winning husband is actively & verbally supportive of my decision to put starting my career on hold to stay at home with our children. I am not saying that Elly should go all feminist power movement on John, but do you think that maybe the man could remember to thank his wife every once in a while? Maybe by bringing home flowers, taking her out, actually helping with the kids and chores, or just telling her she does a good job and he appreciates it.

Allison K, TN

I have said it before and I will say it again - you need to retire and take your awful gender-biased attitude with you. Your "revisit" of this strip is going to make me vomit. Elly amazed that her husband would clean the floor. Come on, you can make money some other way. Give it up already!!!!! I was a fan once, but no more. It is clear that you care not one iota for anything but your pocketbook, and certainly not for the way you portray attitudes of 40 years ago as if they are acceptable today. Yes, people are still out there who think that. But they won't die off if you keep imbuing society with fresh fodder to breed newer and younger people to carry the problems forward.

Shawn D, Portland OR

Tuna Fish & Crackers
U need:
-1 tuna fish can
-crackers
-can opener
-plates
-spoon
First, open can with can- opener . Next, scoop out one spoon-full of tuna onto each cracker. Finally, serve crackers on plate(s) & scarf.

Cheesy Corns
U need:
-fresh ear of corn
-Queso Ranchero (brand)
-Mayonnaise or butter (preferably Mayonnaise)
-butter knife, plate ,and cheese grater

First, cook ear of corn on stove till warm and hot. Next, after the ear of corn is cooked, spread Mayonnaise or butter on corn with butter knife. Next, grate cheese with cheese grater. Finally, cover corn with the grated cheese till completely covered , serve on plate & masticate.

Dunny, CA

I knew the "new" strip was going to be mostly revisiting the past, but I thought we'd also see the characters in the present day occasionally. This hasn't happened yet, and doesn't look like it will. Too bad, as all the kid stuff gets tiresome.

I wouldn't mind a few recipes, but I've never seen such appalling ones since reading "The White Trash Cookbook," which was done tongue in cheek! Rice-a-Roni with tuna fish is a recipe? Canned beef stew? Are these people kidding?

Diana B, Santa Monica, CA

I really liked Sunday's cartoon about the satisfaction from time spend organizing even if it means leaving the "picking up" undone. I hadn't seen it before. I know Sunday strips are not usually done to "fit in" with weekly strips because of the different advance time periods which newspapers need to publish them, but in this case it is really a great choice for this spot. Elly feels good and refreshed from her break and therefore tackles the bill paying, closet organizing chores with energy, and is only, in my opinion, temporarily overwhelmed by the lack of "obvious" evidence of work and effort.

Amy D, Vienna VA

I should have saved the "future of the Pattersons" before you tardised back to the past. It would have have given a sense of going somewhen, which you don't get from very young children and pets. I looked at the store,and there they were, grown up, with April as well.

Richard J. F. Leeton,NSW,Australia

I was wondering when we might have a flash 'forward' to check in on the Patterson clan and see what they have been up to? I love going back to the beginning, but I miss them 'now'...

Denise C, Minot ME

I clipped and saved Elly's comment about going through her mother's purse after she died. My mother's purse is still in my closet--untouched. This came so close to my heart, and my mom left me 11/24/1993.

Beth C, Massachusetts

homemade playdough forced on kids as "better" or "cheaper" than the real thing is only going to make them resentful. It is not better. Ask adults whose parents refused to buy them any real playdough after discovering the homemade stuff - the colors are disgusting and the stuff smells. It does not have the same texture or workability either. And at the price of groceries today, the savings are questionable.

Shawn D, Portland OR

Elly, when John helps with the housework PLEASE try not to interfere. You complain when he doesn't help but when he does you cannot seem to help butting in in that passive aggressive way. Next time John washes the floor just smile and say, "thanks"

Sheila B, East Hartford CT