For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for December 12, 2017

You’re there so you might as well make the best of it Michael.

Well, if you ask me, at least John’s relatives don’t live in the territories of Yukon or the Northwest (no Nunavut territory yet).

Those scenes remind me how thankful I am for the invention of wheels on suitcases.

I am glad that I finally discovered how important family is. Not as some kind of torture as some live it.

I always enjoyed trips out of town to see relatives both as a child and as an adult. My biggest regret was that we were unable to do it more often.

I’m rereading the archives (again!), and Liz will go through almost identical mood swings in the future.

He needs to meet another girl while he’s there, just for the holiday.

Famous last words, Michael!

Michael isn’t seeing the positive side of this visit (and the point):

He can see Martha every day at school. How often does he get to see his parent’s relatives?

What, no comment from HowtheDuck?

That’ll show them Mike.

I like the way Elly and Elizabeth have their heads covered outside while John and Michael don’t because, you know, hair!!

@nightgaunt49:

A few lucky souls discover that early on. Those who never reach that point lead tragic lives, often of their own making.

We married 55 years ago this month, and over the years, the realization of just how fortunate I am came gradually. but only because I was slow to see it. However, it did arrive, and I am thankful.

I am surprised Elly dressed quite chic – long dress coat over a dress and knee-long boots. She usuaully dresses frumpy. And the style is back now. I am seeing this style around.

I have to confess to remembering having thoughts like that as a teenager. And still, occasionally. A sad weakness.

Buck up, Michael – perhaps there will be a cute cousin to kiss there!

From the Garfield Christmas Special. "Why is it every Christmas I get drug out of my warm bed to go see stupid relatives. And why do we have to go to the stupid farm. Why can’t they come here where my warm bed is?’

Weather permitting, being in Alberta during the Christmas season would at least mean a drive to the massive mall would be possible. At that time, that would have been an ideal diversion for Michael.

I wish I could visit my grandparents on their farm again.

The last time Elly traveled with the kids, she had to carry Elizabeth. At least now Lizzie can carry her own bag.

Mike is achieving ‘old-sourpuss’ status at an early age.

This is a very typical Lynn Johnston “joke” construction. Make the kid seem foolish, hypocritical, pointlessly stubborn. Not that children aren’t all those things, but the smug superiority of the parents or the cartoonist (and the obviousness of pointing this out) I always found grating – particularly when I would read these as a young person myself!