Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/376789
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myhus- band's parents left our hometown and moved to Florida 20 years ago when my three kids were babies. Now that my father-in-law has passed away, my mother-in-law comes to visit every sum- mer for a month. She is self-abso- rbed and talks con- stantly. She never asks me any- thing, and when I try to interject, it's as if she doesn't hear me. She's not elderly. At this point I just let her talk. My husband tries to pick up the slack, but she gives him a pass because, "He's tired from working all day." I work full time too. We often decline invitations because she's at our house. She sees friends while she is here, but, unfortunately, only while I am at work. Needless to say, it's a long month. It's summer- time in Maine, which is short enough. How can I tell her a month is too long to have a houseguest, without hurting feelings? —FrustratedinMaine DEAR FRUSTRATED » You might have to hurt her feelings, or change the parameters of her visit so that it doesn't have as great an impact. For in- stance, if she switched her visit from July or August to September, it might make all the difference. You should build into her visit times when you get away, both with and without your husband. If you spent one evening a week out with friends you would recharge. DEAR AMY » I have been married 15 years and have two wonderful children. Unfortunately, my wife and I don't love or respect one another. Things have gotten bad over the last two to three years. Nei- ther of us wants to com- promise. We tried coun- seling three times, and each time we have been advised to separate. I love and am devoted to my children. I tried to tell my wife that although our marriage is not what it should be, we should try so our kids do not suffer. I do not want my kids to go through a divorce, so I think we should stop fighting until they gradu- ate. The kids and I spend a lot of time together and are very close. My wife is so confident I won't leave that she in- sults me on a daily basis in front of the children without any provocation. Most of the time I turn a deaf ear for the sake of the kids. This is taking a heavy toll. on me. What should I do? — Confused Husband DEAR CONFUSED » You have been advised repeat- edly to separate. Presum- ably, these professionals have explained the impact your abusive marriage has on your children. Don't kid yourself; this is affecting your children. A relatively peaceful separation is better for them than watching their father be verbally abused. If this is taking a heavy toll on you, imagine the toll it is taking on them. You should call a lawyer. If you can provide the best environment for your children, you should pursue full custody. Mother-in-law's monthlong visit is not Maine attraction You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22) — A higher-paying position is within reach. Your business associates will be willing to help you advance if you present what you have to offer. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take whatever time you need to rejuvenate. Getting out with a friend or going on a shopping spree will boost your morale. Pamper yourself, play and enjoy. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — If you or someone close to you has a problem, enlist an experienced professional. There are some issues you cannot fix. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You'll be sought after for advice. Your ability to reconcile differing points of view will make you a popular sounding board for friends and family. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Professional gains are within reach if you are willing to make a move. Find out what creden- tials you need to get to the next level. Make change happen. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will receive mixed messages. Your impression of a situation will differ from someone else's. Keep lines of communication open to avoid a misunderstanding that would lead to discord. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Do your homework before contributing to an organization. There are plenty of worthwhile causes to choose from, but if you are not careful you could fall prey to a scam artist. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Take the initiative. Many inter- esting connections can be made at social events. Check your local area for groups that pique your curiosity and join them. It's time to expand your interests. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — When it comes to work, you should listen and learn. Reserve your opinion until you are asked for it. Taking precautions will ensure that you avoid a costly mistake. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Let others know what drives you. Your opinions are as dis- tinctive as you are. Share your thoughts to find valuable allies who are willing to contribute to your venture. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Re-evaluate your financial situ- ation. Get together with some- one who has financial savvy and go over investment records. You are likely to find a way to make a beneficial change. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Romance is highlighted. Spend quality time with your partner and share your feelings and intentions. If you are single, you will meet someone special if you get out and socialize. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B