For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for January 21, 2009

We spell it “cheque” in Canada.

I like the sound effects: “GRUMMM GRUMMMM”

To Gweedo Murray: If the load isn’t balanced, you do have to shift the clothes around.

Where is the lid to the washing machine?

gene2u, I noticed that right away. This comic takes place somewhere here in Ontario and I see the word cheque all over the place along with centre. I wonder why Lynn spelled it “wrong.”

Anyway John’s cheque is history.

That will teach him not to hang his pants on a hanger!

Is the ‘GRUMMM GRUMMMM’ someone’s shoes in the dryer? Never mind; that would probably be a ‘DRUMMM DRUMMMM.’

I don’t think Lynn spelled it “check”. If you notice, those two words don’t look like they were written by the same person who wrote the others. A thicker line.

Gweedo, the washer CANNOT be running if the lid is open–as all washers since at least 1973 have a stop-if-opened feature.

jmwalston, could the lid be that flat thing to the left (admittedly, I’ve never seen a washer with a slide-out lid in either Canada or US…)?

When I was little we used to or still do some time spell in as check for one check instead of cheque.

Actually, washers can run when they are open, just not the spin cycle.

good gravy people! This is a comic! Why are you picking it apart?

btw, prasrinivara, my washing machine DOES continue to wash if I lift the lid up, but it will stop if it is spinning. Looks to me like Elly is working with the clothes in the wash cycle. Maybe she is just adding more clothes after it has started!

I agree with lindavid3…… I enjoy it because it mirrors our lives and we can see ourselves in them and maybe laugh a little!!!??

Marshkat43

I know if DH leaves something in his pockets and it gets washed, it’s his fault and I claim no responsibility. He can always do his own laundry! I am not checking the pockets of 4 people when I have mountains of laundry to do.

btw, I can open the lid to my washer until it reaches a certain point and mine is about 5 years old. I often check to make sure it’s not too full or if there is enough room, I’ll add a few items.

She knew it would throw the Americans off. Go her.

And that’s what he gets for leaving it in there.

Silly men.

She knew it would throw the Americans off. Go her.

And that’s what he gets for leaving it in there.

Silly men.

I agree with mcveinot: “I know if DH leaves something in his pockets and it gets washed, it’s his fault and I claim no responsibility.” And any money I find in the washer is MINE!

Been there, done that and after 40+ years my husband STILL doesn’t check his clothes before he puts them into the hamper.

“YES!”

I enjoyed all the comments – especially those that point out different things in the comic strip – like where is the lid on the washing machine. Very observous.

I would think it’s more probable she did it to throw the Canadian readers if any; they’d be more like to catch it. I’m fom the states and I certain didn’t notice it, ‘til someone mentioned.

mrsmcvargas says: Actually, washers can run when they are open, just not the spin cycle. That’s right! Unless y’all have to push the knot on the panel of washer to turn off immediately; therefore, either washing or spinning cycle stops.

By the way, Oh my goodness! That would be their losses for destroying check in John’s pants. LOLs!

I’m from the U.S and I noticed she spelled “check” the U.S way. Any theories why she did this? I was surprised at the spelling.

Maybe they make two versions, one for Canada and one for U.S. I’m sure they are very aware of the U.S. audience.

It is my opinion that, the words “check in” in the third panel balloon, is a re-do. The words are written slightly different than the rest. So, it could have read “cheque” originally. I take it that the top to the washer is the white top to her left. Supposedly on hinges to fold over the washer. He can ask for another check, if it was a payment from someone, or write another if one of his own. No biggie. The Patterson’s everyday life is just like our own. That’s why it’s so funny.

Marvee you could be right, that could explain why the word check does look a bit different than the rest of the lettering.

mcveinot, that’s right. I tell my husband the same thing. Let him go through his pockets if he has something he wants to save. I have found money, a few coins that have dropped out during the wash cycle and I always keep them.

I guess I never learned you are supposed to tell your husband to go through his pockets! It just was a natural thing to me, part of doing things for the other in a marriage, including the children’s pockets. Okay - now all you feminists can express your opinions! LOL

Tissue is the worst. I do my laundry and once I left a black ink pen in a white shirt pocket. All that load came out pinto.