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Thanks to the input in BC. I do beleive in a NHS and I have private health care. I do believe that the average tax increase of $3000-$5000 will be so much more worth it. Private insurance is ($6160 single a year)and (families pay($12,200 a year). We are using are funds up to nothing for my mother in-law's health issues and I, my husband and her husband all served the armed forces so we paid our debt and some (collectively 26 years of service and still counting). People think those w/out insurance are lazy, when truth is major employers hire part timers are drive insurance prices sky high. I guess I am saying I was hopping for those that know what is like to voice their opinion, I have yet to see any trickle down effects but the ones that belong in the lou.

Ashley, FL

I am one American who is envious of the Canadian health care system. I wouldn't care if there was a waiting line as long as I could get in it. Also, I agree that Farley should have gone on the camping trip! Dogs love camping.

Joan, MI

I'm so disappointed Farley went to a kennel! I'm sure the trip would have been much more fun for Michael if he had a dog to play with while Elly and John were relaxing.

Jennifer E, Albuquerque, NM

I can relate to Elly's look of dismay in today's strip (Friday, August 14th) when John reports he loves getting away from it all. I just returned from a ten day camping trip in Algonquin park and can attest to the fact that in some ways camping is living the simple life, in a more complicated way. Dishes still need to be washed, meals need to be cooked, but whilst camping these mundane chores take longer - much longer. However, one look at the shimmering lake and white-skinned birches or hearing the almost manic, yet magical call of a loon can cause me to re-evaluate and put things into perspective. It's such things that make camping worthwhile.

Elizabeth W, Dunnville, ON

I always thought of John as a nice man, but he sure is a jerk in this "new" strip. I have no clue why the character of Ely puts up with him.

Aly, USA

I have been happily following the adventures of the Pattersons for many years. I was really disappointed to see August 13's strip though. I had always appreciated the fact that John was not portrayed as having a "wandering eye" particularly right in front of Elly. I guess this is a new dimension - it made me sad.

Karen M, Clovis, CA

i've been reading some of the comments about how john is sexist. i don't see it. it looks to me like he's just a sweet clueless man. i always like to see elly's reaction to his comments, like in today's strip, and then picture what happens after the strip stopped. i'm pretty sure that the broom was given to him in a very vigorous manner. btw, i miss the old strips too. michael was the same age as me and i grew up reading about him and liz.

Suzanne B, Winnipeg, MB

I've been reading the comments regarding Ellie's and John's relationship with interest. If John is being sexist, Ellie ought to bring this to his attention. If she feels that she is doing more than her share of the domestic work, she should speak up. Of course, this is easy to say now, in the 21st century :) but even in the 1980s the division of labor by sex was not fixed in concrete (even in Canada?). Perhaps Ellie feels that she must be superhousewife/mom because she is not earning? And because the culture in North America (Anglo culture at any rate) says that child-rearing and house-keeping is not "work" the way that, say, dentistry is? It is fascinating to view this cartoon "back in time," and I only hope that we get to see how the Pattersons develop the more egalitarian marriage that we saw "back in the future." Anyway, folks, let's all lighten up. Lynn, keep up the good work.

Gina L, VT

I found Sunday's comic disturbing. The last panel seems to imply that the three women in the background want to hit on Mike and Lawrence.

Emily G, Montreal, QC

I was just wondering. Since you did a story line of a gay character... What is your take on gay marriage? And, what is the law in Canada for gay marriage? If it is illegal, are there still civil unions? I want to personally thank you for taking on the story so many years ago. I am sure you recieved alot of crap and you kept on writing.

Brian, KY

You'll probably find out all you want to know about Canadian law on the internet! As far as I know, same sex marriage is legal in all Canadian provinces. Many marriages are performed in church. The United Church in our community is supportive and active in the gay community. Civil unions are conducted as well, but in all honesty, it's not really an issue, so a lot of this goes on without fanfare or controversy. Sure, I support the marriage between same sex partners. It's a private decision between two people who want to make a lifelong committment. It should be as simple as that!
Hope I've answered your questions! All the best LJ

Back when you were first approached by the syndicate to develop a comic strip, did you consider focusing on a blended family like your own--with John as Elly's second husband and Michael as a child from her first marriage? Or did that seem like something that couldn't be addressed on the comic pages at the time?

Katje B, Albany, NY

I wanted to make it simple, so I did! LJ

Ever since I got out of the military in 1979 it seems we've been reading you (FBOFW). Even when we moved again in 1990 your strip was in the local paper. What made it so great was our daughters we're growing up with Michael and Elizabeth (our youngest is Beth!) Sometimes my wife would comment that you must be watching our house using our family for your ideas! The best part is that everyone goes through the peaks and valleys of life. You have captured that in FBOFW. This past year our local paper dropped the strip - But thankfully for the 'Net I can still follow the Pattersons'.Thank you for sharing your gift. God Loves You and So Do I

Rocky S, MI

After catching up this week on the site strip, I really enjoyed Tuesday's strip where Mike asks if he could watch his parents "making love". It made me remember when my husband and I were "courting." We were at my Mom's house and my younger brother, about 13 or 14 then came in the room, plopped down on a chair and proceeded to watch. I asked what he was doing. He answeed,"I'm watching how you guys make out so I can see how it's done. Then I'll know what to do when I get a girl." I told him to hit the road--he would figure it out when the time came. Brother, by the way, is happily married with 4 grown kids and several grandkids.

Becky K, Birdsboro, PA