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Loved your blog on Oaxaca.Been there myself, to Monte Albano and the same markets you visited and the blog brought back fine memories. I too bought several of the quirky painted whimsical animals. They made great Valentine's Day gifts for girlfriendsw (along with Oaxacan chocolates.)

William M, Brooklyn, NY

I love the pictures from Lynn's trip. Seeing all the bright artistic craft pieces made me want to buy some and infuse some more colour into my house. I've always been instantly drawn to vivid colour. I'm noticing a number or cat statues/carvings in the pictures. Is the cat of some specific significance to the culture as a whole or is that a special signature of that particular family?

Beautiful pictures, Lynn! I hope you're enjoying the trip!

Elizabeth W, Dunnville, ON

Lynn's answer:
The cat and all animals seen in Mexico- armadillos, coyotes, wildcats are subjects of Mexican art and you can usually find these colorful carvings in good quality import shops. The work seen on the site is from a family in Ocotlán, Mexico. They don't have a website, but Google Jacobo and María Angeles, and you might find info. about where their work is sold. They are very well known artisans and their work is shipped all over the world. Good luck!

Quick word about cochineal (which, by the way, can be found on cactus here in AZ): The dye made from the insects may be safer than some synthetics . . . unless you are allergic to insect parts. Dr. Weil, a respected MD who has his offices at U. of Arizona medical center, has a good write-up on his website.

BettyLou K, Tucson, AZ

We have long enjoyed For Better or for Worse, but today's (Sunday, 7/5/09) strip prompted me to email you.I have long wondered where the missing socks (from the dryer) went; I thought maybe the Dryer Gnome had eaten them (although he really fancies blue-jean knees), but your explanation cleared up the mystery. Thank you so much!

But can you tell me: Where can I put the abandoned mates - the singles that are left - so that they can be reunited with their abducted ones in 2050?

(As a footnote: long ago I noticed the Canadian flag flying proudly in FBorFW; little details matter)

Scott R, Emeryville, California, U.S.A

(Emeryville has changed since former U.S. Chief Justice Earl Warren - then Alameda County (Calif.) district attorney - considered it "the rottenest city on the Pacific Coast."It's now the home of Pixar Animation Studios and Novartis, as well as various other respectable enterprises.)

Your strip re "washing machine/lost socks" is "factual." Some say the machine devours/unpairs them - prevention-safety pinning each pair.

George S, US

Hello Lynn and the Crew. I think your Farley stories are great! Having him roll in something noxious is a daily part of a dog's life. I have three dogs and they are all really good at it too - and bathing three more than once in a day is a real chore! Keep up the good work. These strips are like revisiting old friends for me.

Val L, Barrie, ON

One of the nice things about going back in the past is that we know what is going to happen in the future. Elly may complain about being the only one who washes Farley the dog, but we can look in the future to see that eventually other people in family carry that load for her.

Going chronologically: In the 3/15/1998 strip, John washes Eddy the dog.
In the 5/21/2000 strip, April learns to brush the dogs, but does it in the kitchen.
In the 5/3/2003 strip, both John and April wash Eddy the dog.
In the 5/21/2006 strip, April washes both Eddy and Dixie the dogs.
In the 4/23/2007 strip, Elizabeth brushes Eddy the dog, shortly before she raspberries Warren Blackwood on the phone.
However, after 10 years without a single strip of Elly washing or brushing the dogs, Elly Patterson takes over the job again, as if, in the middle of 2007, she no longer had a family to help her out. In the 9/16/2007 strip, Elly is the one shown washing the dogs for reasons of biting insects. In the 5/11/2008 strip, Elly is the one shown to be brushing Eddy the dog on Mothers Day, of all things.
Ironically, when it comes to washing and brushing dogs, the modern strip ended in the same way the original strip started, with Elly alone and no family around to help her.

Paul S, Oro Valley, AZ

I was laughing at the July 3rd strip our dogs love to roll I was laughing until dog Dee Dee needed to go out to pee at 2 am tonight and so other trots out to go too...I see skunk at last second....and one second is all those critters need. Poor Chelsea husband is on phone with vet getting recipe to wash her and other dog too who is trying to comfort her. That is loyalty !!

Sheila B, East Hartford, CT