For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for August 26, 2024

Stephen Pastis would be so proud.

This comic strip was originally published on Friday, July 28, 1995; but in the intervening period of time since then, Elly’s birthday was retconned to be August 26. For the reprints, they have juggled the comic strip order around so this particular comic strip would occur today.

I see the book is titled “Aging with Grace”. Is Grace a guest at that party?? :-D

On my 50th. I walked up to the hostesses house to be greeted with everybody wearing black and holding a flower. I had to sit thru my Obit.

Sheesh… She’s only 45!

That small package is Preparation H.

On my 50rh, hubby took me out shopping and lunch. When we got back, I dragged up the stairs, totally exhausted, only to be greeted by a surprise party. Did manage to enjoy it though.

I had a 40th surprise party. I received an over the hill black balloon and some things that are necessary when you’re older, but very nice things too. I was really surprised. I had many of my friends their too, it was a great party.

“Gwak Gwak Gwak Gwak Gwak Gwak Gwak Gwak!”

I have always wanted a surprise party. Unfortunately, no one will do it. My husband hates surprises. I threw him one, tho; however (early in our relationship to get it out of my system), I kept it to just his 2 best friends and his father.

For a few days, Elle’s group of friends has been reduced ! ! !

In other words, you’re old, Grandma!

Funny stuff!

Our family would celebrate fortieth birthdays with ”Over the hill” themed parties.

Sadly, it appears that promises don’t mean anything to this crowd.

If Elly had balls they’d well be busted by now

My wife’s 65th birthday is coming up. She wants to go camping to avoid the attention.

You have to laugh while you’re still young enough to!

I don’t think Elly’s impressed.

41 candles (one for good luck), sunglasses and a fire extinguisher.

She’ll just say she’s 29 again

Even Rhetta came to wish Elly a happy birthday. Rhetta is the fifth woman in the first panel.

Looks like Elly and I have the same birthday!

The only thing I ever get from this strip is that Elly has no sense of humor.

This is TOO funny!

Since when is 45 even remotely old? No longer a kid, but well established in the main flow of life. Come back in 20 years, ladies, when she is at least retirement age. On average, she has 37.6 more years of life altogether.

When I was in sixth grade, I decided (for some reason) that I would live to be 72 years old. That would be, umm… a bit less than three weeks from now. Fortunately, my life insurance company has bet $400,000 I will live to be 80 years old. They probably know better than I did.

They should let Elly do something she enjoys.

Two hours of nonstop screaming at Michael, Elizabeth and April!

Oh I’m with Elly in the last panel. “You can’t turn black the cans of thyme” is way, way too lame for the belly laughs everyone else is giving it. And is “a special cleaner for spice containers” even a real thing?

Is she 45 or 65? I think this whole storyline is a little dated! Just sayin ;-)

I didn’t realize she has no sense of humor- – -what happens when she turns 77?

I remember my youngest teasing me that she would get me a walker for my 50th. It’s all in fun and Ellie is responding appropriately.

Elly, I don’t want to say that you are getting old, but you were God’s senior adviser when he was a freshman in high school.

I hope my real friends have a party for my 65th birthday. I want things like cute support socks and Bio-ped quality arch support inserts, maybe a new battery for my E-bike and a coupon for a bike repair shop that services them.

I’ve always thought “over the hill” parties were mean spirited.

o BOOOOoooooooooo

Polident? Who do they think she is, Martha Raye??

There’s a wedding around the corner,then she can REALLY feel old.

Did John put Connie up to that!?

Tyrone Davis would certainly groan at that one……

Elly is 45?

That is one year for every one of her I.Q. points.

This is Elly’s first Farley-less birthday.

If Elly has to make a selection as to whom should watch April when she and John are at:

That means she will have to pick a nanny for the pickaninny. :P

A birthday she’ll never forget. Ever.

Friends like that, who needs enemies?

Mom jokes…..

Be thankful it’s not a restaurant, Elly. Cause if it was, the servers would sing that Happy Happy Birthday song.