Elly: Browse The Strips

Monday, September 13, 2010

Lynn's Comments: Balancing my checkbook was and still is one of my least favorite things to do. My daughter will chase down a discrepancy to the penny. I'm happy if my cheques don't bounce. When I worked for my dad in the jewelry store, I was fine with clients, cleaning and window displays, but I was kept away from the till. My guess is- that even with today's electronic calculators I would still find ways to make mistakes!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Lynn's Comments: For many years, my dear father in law looked after our book keeping. He was thorough and dedicated and would have given me a hand with my finances...I just never asked him to- preferring to say "close enough" when I had to come up with a balance!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Lynn's Comments: In fact, my system, such as it was, worked for me. I was always in the black because I kept a slush fund- ready to transfer into my wavering account whenever it was getting close to the line. The encouraging thing about my method of keeping track of my accounts is- I know I'm far from being the only hit and Mrs. Style of manager!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Lynn's Comments: The subject of money was not so sensitive to me as it was to a friend who felt she had to ask for handouts. I had a full time job, but she "earned" her income by working at home and the amount she spent was severely regulated by her husband who "gifted" her with clothing allowances and money for incidentals. I used her situation from time to time when money was an issue and Elly Patterson felt guilty for not "working".

Friday, September 17, 2010

Lynn's Comments: There were times when I actually sat down and tried to figure out what I actually accomplished during the day. With so many demands on a Mom's time, it was hard to account for the hours. I looked forward to evenings when the kids were in bed, so I could work. I looked forward to holidays and weekends, so I could work. Doing a daily comic strip took an amazing amount of time and I needed to be alone when I was writing. I could draw with life going on around me, but the kids soon learned to ask for cookies and ice cream. When I wasn't able to concentrate. I usually said "yes"! Isn't it strange that we call an actual paying job "work" and don't consider raising children hard work as well. I confess, being a good mom is one of the most challenging JOBS on the planet!!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Lynn's Comments: Like my mother, I was not a fan of chewing gum. The look, sound and storage of chewed but cherished chunks drove a wedge between me and my offspring, who had learned about the sugarless variety from television and had been given a stash by the child-free staff at the dental clinic. They chewed in secrecy, but still the occasional wad found its way into my arena and often with irremovable results.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Lynn's Comments: I could never enjoy sports on TV, but take me to a game- any game and I could find something good about it. People-watching was better than the sport itself and I don't think anything tastes better than a hot dog at a stadium. I'd go to spend quality time with my "other half", pretend to understand what was happening and look forward to half time. Did you know that the pixellated scoreboard was first invented by a woman? Well, you've gotta do SOMETHING while you're hanging around!!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Lynn's Comments: On rare occasions we would invite "the guys" over to watch the game. This was when smoking was as necessary to an evening out as the horse de oeuvres. I'd dutifully bring in the beer and pizza, watch long enough to appear enthused, and retire to the kitchen. Not that I was a domestic...I just couldn't stand the smell. Cigarettes, cigars, beer and pizza...all essential to a guy night out combined to create an odor that could peel wallpaper. Fortunately, today's gatherings are much less stressful. They happen somewhere else!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Lynn's Comments: As a kid, I thought being grown up would be the best thing ever. I thought about the freedom I'd have ... and now that I've experienced many years of freedom... I wonder why I didn't enjoy more those years when somebody ELSE did all the work and all the worrying!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Lynn's Comments: Kitchens are often designed by people who never cook. Our place up north was one of these and the lack of useful cupboard space resulted in the occasional avalanche. We had a wall oven and the cupboards next to this had to contain stuff that wouldn't melt, shrivel or dry out. Imagine the fun we had separating a wad of emergency candles that had been stored in this heated hollow. Yes, a well designed kitchen is a necessity! And I didn't get one 'til my kids were grown and gone!