Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/469528
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea friend whose daughter and mine were classmates in intermediate and mid- dle school. Although our d au gh t er s m ov ed o n to different high schools, we remained close friends. Our daughters graduated the same year but three weeks apart. She sent my daughter a graduation gift, a check for $100. I reciprocated with a check of the same amount to her daughter when she graduated. Weeks later, we went out to lunch with two other friends. After lunch, she tried to return the check I gave to her daughter. I politely said, "No," adding that it was for her daughter — just an even exchange of gifts. A month later, I noticed she still had not deposited my check. I sent her an email re- minding her to do so and that I hoped she had not lost the check. I did not get a response. It's been almost seven months but she has not deposited the check. I am really confused about this. What should I do? —BewilderedFriend DEAR BEWILDERED » I agree that this is confus- ing. A gift of $100 is quite substantial, and I wonder if in your friend's mind she can afford it but you cannot? Is it possible that she felt that her generos- ity had put pressure on you to reciprocate exactly and she felt self-conscious about it? I suggest you try one more time by saying to her (in person): "I realize a lot of time has gone by, but I am still confused about why you wouldn't pass along my gradua- tion gift to your daughter. What's that about?" She will either explain this in a way that makes some sense to you, or she won't. DEAR AMY » I drop my child off at school in the mornings. Today in the car parked beside us I noticed two adults with (presumably their) children in the back seat. The children looked to be under the age of 5. Both parents were smoking. As a registered nurse I work with patients who have lung disease. Adults with lung disease com- ment regretfully upon the negative effects of ciga- rette smoke on their own health. Second-hand ciga- rette smoke can have an even greater impact upon a child's still-developing lungs, and it increases their risk of developing respiratory diseases. I had to say something, feeli ng strong ly t hat I wa s witnessing a form of child abuse. I spoke very simply about children exposed to cigarette smoke. The dad appeared a bit startled and said he would "take that into consideration." He seemed reasonable enough. I would like to say it again in this venue: Parents, when you smoke around your children, your children are also smoking. — Jen RN DEAR JEN » You did the right thing, and the father responded respect- fully. I don't think there is an y m ore y ou can do t o make these people more responsible parents. Friend refuses to deposit her daughter's graduation check 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — You need a change of scenery to revitalize you. Get together with an old friend or visit local areas of interest. Resist the temptation to sit at home. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Give yourself a boost and put new events on your social calendar. Attending a variety of functions will help you meet new people. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — If you are frustrated or unin- spired with your current career, ask for advice. Don't let anxiety or self-doubt prevent you from taking an important step. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — A purchase or a personal im- provement will help build con- fidence and give you the pride required to reach your goals. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — There will be discord amongst your peers. Don't do or say anything that could be used to discredit you, your superiors or your co-workers. Keep your opinions to yourself. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You can satisfy your yearning for change by becoming involved in a fundraising event. You will feel satisfied working toward a good cause with people who share your concerns. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Take a closer look at your pro- fessional future. Some changes will need to be made in order to adjust or improve your current financial status. Look into long- term investments. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't underestimate the benefits of networking with a variety of people. It will help you open the door to an important discussion that could allow you to gain some vital information. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Family members will be hard to deal with. You can never be too careful when it comes to money. Gambling or going out on a limb for someone will lead to trouble. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — A partnership will go through growing pains. Keep your expectations realistic. Diplomacy is necessary, along with give-and-take, if you are going to make your relationship work. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Share your ideas. Peers or cli- ents will be impressed if you use your positive attributes to prove that you are able to successfully tackle any task. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Plan an entertaining event. Spirited mental or physical chal- lenges will help everyone loosen up and have fun. People who play together stay together. Include the one you love. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, FEB. 26 THURSDAY,FEBRUARY26,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B