« Thanksgiving Monday (Canadian) | Main | Wednesday »

I loved today's strip. It brings back memories... I was once looking after my neighbors' 2 seven year old girls, and as we were returning from a quick hike into the woods, they found a spring mud puddle, and the rest is history! Baths came next!

Lucia, MT, USA

To answer Linda from LA, since you brought up such a good question:

I think that a perfect mom is someone who is there for you when you need them, someone who watches you grow up and takes care of you, but most of all someone who loves you very much. Everyone is different, and so are moms, but that's what makes them so special!

If ever you find a mom who doesn't get mad, doesn't worry about things, doesn't want things for herself sometimes, doesn't make mistakes and doesn't have pet peeves, please direct her to my house so I can make sure she's human!

Tiia R, Rimouski, QC, Canada

OK, Linda, here goes: A perfect Mom is there for her kids when they need her. She listens to them. She creates a safe, loving environment for them. She disciplines them without belittling them or crushing their self-esteem. She celebrates their triumphs and sympathizes with their failures. She encourages, scolds and loves them. Notice that none of this has anything to do with keeping house, working outside the home, or being a stay-at-home. Nor does it have anything to do with having or not having a man in her life.

We all try to be as "perfect" as we can be, but do I fit my own definition? No. Do I know anyone who does 100%? No. That doesn't mean we don't love our kids or do the best we can.

I think Ellie is a very typical mom. She does her best. She doesn't always succeed the way she wants to, but she loves her kids and wants the best for them.

Jan C, Victorville, CA, USA

In response to a post by Regina P. from PA dated 10/08/2009 she claimed that children are seen as a burden and not having them leads to depression and cancers.

Ma'am with all due respect please get your facts straight, those cancers can happen anyways.
I have chosen not to have children and I am not depressed, cancer free, and have a very happy marriage.

It is not every woman's role in life to be a mom it is a choice and one that you have to be happy with.

Amie P, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

I'm afraid I must disagree with Regina A, who says children are always a "gift" and having them is essential for keeping "woman's diseases" at bay. This is rather like saying "All liquids are beneficial and drinking them is essential for human health." In some cases they are, in other cases they don't do much one way or another, and in some "other" cases --well, better you should never have picked up the Bottle!

Anna M, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

I am losing interest in the "new old" stories. The "grown-up" Ellie & John & those story lines were interesting. These are boring. And starting over is like going backwards in time. It's just not working for me. I've been a fan for years, but this "new" stuff is not holding my interest at all.

Polly, USA

I started reading your strip from the perspective of a child. Now I'm reading from the perspective of the parent. Just as funny.

Ralph M, Edmonton, AB, Canada

I've enjoyed the desk calendar for the last few years. The 2009 calendar is reprints from 2005. I just recently realized there is no 2010 desk calendar. I was hoping it would be continued for the years 2006, 2007 & 2008. I wish Lynn would have continued the desk calendars for 3 more years. Is there anywhere I can read those years?

Joyce F, MN, USA

All of the strips from 2003 up to the present are available in the Strip Fix Archives on the website. Check out http://www.fborfw.com/strip_fix/archives_calendar_six.php for the 2006 strips.