Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for November 14, 2014

Joan…not every one needs to be married to be happy. It helps, but is not required… ;)

I think Phil and Val need to do a little more talking and a little less canoodling. Of course, after the talking, feel free to resume canoodling!

In regard to yesterdays little discussions about being put in a “Home for the Elderly”…

I feel inclined to warn people. Here in Singapore… I advice against retiring here if you’re poverish. They’ll stick you in these “Secluded, Out-of-Sight-Out-of-Mind and a Road into the Forest” (from Somewhat to VERY) Dilapidated Old-Folks Homes!! The ones I’ve been to are run by mainly religious people. No government support there, at-least non of which I could find anyway.

I’ve been to these homes to help out a few times, and let me tell you… the Decco is INCREDIBLY DEPRESSION and there ISN’T a Shred of Dignity for those Old People there… And if anyone ask about the facilities, my response is… “WHAT FACILITIES?!?”, no Swimming pools, no Gardens and no whatever, looks more like P.O.W. Camps!!

Val looks happy now, job well done Joan.

Val and Phil have talked marriage – a year or 2 ago. Val wasn’t ready at that point maybe she is now because mom’s remarried.

Men dońt talk…when they do, it is often to late. Joan is right to pointed it out and wondered if her sister can take the consequence. BUT only Val can live with her choices.

It is true for all of us. Better ask the hard question.

Everyone is jumping into marriage… I say live together for a while, to make sure your private quirks are compatible.

Of course he’s committed to her. If he hasn’t even suggested leaving her by NOW, that means he’s in it for the long haul.

Phil might like the “I can visit when I want …or not” status he enjoys right now. If you press him he may abort the whole deal.

Now I see Holly in Val – especially in the 3rd panel. So Val was a Holly when she was Holly’s age now. So we know Holly will be like her mom in 20 years. She will be OK.

Good point Joan.

You know, if this is how Ms Eliot wants to turn the plot (I dunno, it feels forced to me, but it’s her story & her characters), it’s fine, but Val should not give in because of Joan’s meddling. So, SHUT UP, Joan! This is a decision between Val & Phil, with Holly & Alix on the sidelines. No one else!