For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for November 18, 2023

Reminds me of how all the sports boys would have this unspoken game where they would see how far into winter they can wear shorts. The longest shorts-wearer was proclaimed to be the toughest sports boy. It took so little to make them happy.

Notice that Elly does not list a hat. This continues the theme that started with hatless April in the snow.

I would wear a coat in winter, but I never closed it, which drove my mum mad as well. I didn’t and still don’t like the feel of a buttoned up coat. But I will close it on two occasions; 1. if it’s a motorcycle jacket and I am riding and 2. if there’s a very cold wind blowing and it’s freezing.

And a winter hat?

Girls Liz’ age idea of being “cool” is to freeze their tails off!!

Is that big “Charlie Brown” stripe supposed to be some sort of tribute to Charles Schulz?

I remember when I was that age, (late 60s early 70s). A lot of the girls wore mini-skirts or hot-pants. As a teenage boy, I appreciated the sight. But in the Winter, those girls were cold.

As a Michigander, it’s usually not that cold, until you have to wear flannel in 40 degree F temps. Below that, you start adding in gloves, winter jacket, genuine Yooper Chook, etc.

Liz, were you wearing sunscreen?!

This reminds me of my highschool days. The proverbial I have to look cool syndrome.

Who can fathom the ‘thought processes’ of ‘pre-teen’ and ‘teen-gers’ ??

Liz would rather freeze than “look like a dork” in the unwritten teen manual.

She “never thought”? Then I guess she didn’t think about it at all.

Ellie, you have to remember, in a teenagers life there is Cool and then there is cold. Cold never outranks being cool.

I’ve got a cousin who wrote a white t shirt to school every day. Regardless of the weather. I wonder if he still wears them. Haven’t seen him for years.

Brrr..

Its always better to look cool than ice cold

What is there to worry about? The Pattersons don’t have to look after themselves, thanks to OHIP.

If Elizabeth gets pneumonia she will get treated after waiting only 8 months.

Boys in shorts is always good…

Now THIS was my oldest son in high school. Michigan in the dead of winter and he wear basketball shorts to the bus, every school day. He lives in Tennessee now and wears a winter coat when needed.

Kids……….?

Sounds like this strip from the B.A. era (Before April):

Elly: Michael, it is pouring. Don’t you want your raincoat?

Michael{eyes closed and tongue sticking out}: Mom, can you imagine me going to school looking like the Gorton’s fisherman?

Elly: At least take an umbrella.

Michael: What? Are we British? No one uses an umbrella in Canada. And no one wears rubber boots any more.

Michael departs Patterson residence to Elly giving a sigh

Last panel shows a downpour. Every kid at the bus stop has a rain slicker, rubber boots and umbrella, or at least one of the above. All except Michael, who is drenched and staring into space

Note the Cosby inspired sweater

Yep. My son refused to wear a winter coat in the wintertime, during his high school years. Keep in mind that the temperatures can reach -25 F here with 4 o 6 feet of snow on the ground. He claimed that his thick (fake fur lined) hoodies kept him warm. Sure sure….

“I’m freezing! So the first thing I’m gonna do is take off my shoes so my feet can freeze too!”

Teenage logic.

Another old strip:

Michael and Elizabeth are walking during a winter day

Elizabeth: The wind is starting to pick up.

Michael: Yes, it is making it hard to walk. We have to push against the wind.

Elizabeth: Whoa…my jacket was nearly blown off.

Michael: Yeah, this is neat. I feel like an eagle.

Elizabeth opens her jacket and spreads it

Elizabeth: I am like Wonder Woman in her leotard and cape!

Elizabeth giggles

Patterson residence. Elly is drinking coffee with Annie

Annie: Boy, that wind is sure coming on strong. Are your kids OK?

Elly: I am not concerned. I am so glad they have the common sense to bundle up.

Elly is worried about nothing. Sometimes it seems she forgets she is Canadian.

If Elizabeth has to go to the hospital because of being out in the cold, Elly doesn’t have to pay.

When I was in school in the early fifties in Colorado, girls were not allowed to wear pants to school at all….dresses and skirts only. Little kids wore snow pants under their dresses, but teens just froze!