Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/421320
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamasingle middle-aged female. I live alone, work full time and do various DIY projects around my old house. Recently, a young male relative offered to come for a weekend and help with some of my bigger, heavy-duty projects. He did not have an easy transition to adult- hood and is attempting to turn his life around. I gratefully accepted his help but wisely kept my expectations low. The process was some- what disruptive. He kept projecting he'd complete seven to eight projects when in reality he started three or four but didn't complete any. His work was rather slapdash so I will be cleaning up and repairing his repairs for some time. Despite this, I was not upset and was happy to have him here. I did find the process helpful. Other than occasional direc- tions, I didn't criticize his work, and gave him some cash and a small gift as a thank-you. He has called offer- ing to return and finish what he started, as well as begin other jobs. His par- ent keeps pressuring me to ask him back. I've said I don't really have the time for his "help" now — though I may have him back in the spring to help me with less fine work, when I can more closely monitor and direct him. I have another relative who insists I should be honest with him and his folks about his shoddy work. He is pursuing work that is not remotely related to any of the projects he worked on, so I don't think it is neces- sary to criticize him. Am I wrong? —Homeowner DEAR HOMEOWNER » If your young relative were trying to break into a ca- reer as a remodeler, then your feedback should be unvarnished (forgive the pun). He is not, and so I think you should treat him as you have been — like a young person who means well but is still wobbly on his feet. He seems proactive enough to have contacted you in the first place, and so his parent should step back and stop advocating for him. When the parent contacts you, say you are dealing with their son directly; there is no need to discuss it. DEAR AMY » I regularly stop by my local McDon- ald's for a "senior coffee" and a quiet spot to read my daily newspaper. The staff (entirely young) are just wonder- ful: friendly to all. They are always courteous and patient, and quick to have my coffee ready, even before I order. I would like to thank them, individually or collectively, during the upcoming holiday season, but am unsure what would be appropriate. — Thankful Senior in Los Angeles DEAR THANKFUL » Aside from clipping this column to present to the employ- ees, you should write a letter, using examples of exemplary service and naming each employee. You should copy this to the branch manager. Young relative does shoddy work job at home repair 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 Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22) — Don't forget the people who have helped you get where you are. The support and inspiration you have obtained should be sincerely acknowledged. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Expect the unexpected. An old debt is likely to be repaid. Financial gains are likely, along with an opportunity to improve your current living situation. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Avoid a battle of wills. There will be no winner if your argu- ment divides people you care about. Be diplomatic. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Love is highlighted. A good deed you perform for a friend will prove fortunate for you as well. Your compassion will not go unnoticed. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — A relaxing daytrip will help you wind down from your hectic schedule. You will be introduced to someone who will have an important impact on your future. Romance is on the horizon. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Make your home a welcome environment for all who enter. Friends and family will offer fabulous suggestions and lend helping hands to bring your vi- sion to life. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You can't run away from unpleasant situations. Emotion- al pressures are best resolved once and for all. Get everything out in the open in order to move forward without looking back. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't take your destiny lightly. Fun and games have their time, but your real task is to guar- antee that you are successful. Love is in the stars. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Have faith in your abilities. Keep on your chosen path regardless of what everyone else does. You won't get far if you give in to what others want. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Love is highlighted. A relation- ship can be improved with a little tender loving care. Your charm and charisma will help you win favors and get the help you need to reach a goal. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Get involved in interest groups, volunteer projects or com- munity outreach. You will gain refreshing new insight and meet interesting people who will help immensely with decisions. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Put last-minute touches in place to perfect an important project. Focus on your finances and how to improve your living arrangements. If you look, you will find a way to market your ideas. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, NOV. 22 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B