(Strip Number 588, Original Publication Date, 6 April 1984)
Panel 1: As they drive to aerobics class, Elly tells a mysteriously brunette Connie that if she needs any hats or party favors for a kid's party, she should just let her know.
Panel 2: She goes on to say that she's been buying stuff for Mike's birthday party and will have lots left over.
Panel 3: When Connie asks why that is, Elly tells her "The usual...."
Panel 4: "...invite nine kids and everything on the party rack will be eight to a package."
Summary: It's at this point that the inflexibility of Patterthought starts to be a hindrance. If Elly weren't so determined to apply a rule no longer sound, she wouldn't have this problem.
