Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/788232
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myspouse, one of the most caring and genuine people I've ever met, has been invit- ing his elderly homeless mother into our house for meals, and on occasion, to bathe or do laundry. This happens a few times a month, typically during the day. He works from home. I work else- where. We live a comfort- able life in a large city, and she's able to get to our house on a bus or a train relatively easily. She's had a hard time for several years, due to substance- abuse issues and minor brushes with the law. I've been fine with these visits if she's only here for a few hours. Then we started noticing small household items missing — a toiletry item here or there, some medication, a utensil. We were annoyed, but did not make it an issue because we thought she needed these things but didn't want to ask. Then I got a call that several of my personal checks had been stolen and were being used fraudulently at nearby businesses. Once we got copies of the checks, it was clear that the handwriting matched my mother-in- law's. We confronted her about it, and she denied being responsible. I feel that she should no longer be allowed into the house, but my spouse will not commit to that. He still doubts that she was behind the stolen checks (despite all of the evidence), and feels that even if she was, we should give her another chance. I feel like that's asking for something worse to happen. Currently, we're at an impasse, and the resentment on this topic is building. What do I do? — To rn DEAR TORN » If your hus- band truly believes that his mother didn't steal your checks and forge your signature, then this means that there is a thief and a forger loose in the neighborhood. Shouldn't the police get involved? I raise this scenario because — of course his mother did this. Fur- thermore, he knows it. But — this is his mother. Your husband is trying to take care of her. Please understand that children of addicts are prone to be anxious caretakers, as they try to make the world right in ways they know (deep down) are beyond repair. His be- havior now speaks to the magni tude of h is de cency — and his powerlessness. I hope you can react to him with compassion, even when you're furious at this serious violation. If he wants to give his mother a second chance, you should accept this. Lock away your valu- ables, medication, checks and financial records. It might help both of you if you could play a more active role, so you two communicate openly and calmly about his mother and make decisions as a team. A social worker could help you to establish realistic boundaries and perhaps set her up with services. You should both attend Al-Anon meetings (www. al-anon.alateen.org). Couple at odds over how to care for homeless mother You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. 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 Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — Holding discussions and mak- ing suggestions will help mat- ters, but you must add physical force if you want to excel. It's up to you to do the grunt work. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you participate in a group effort, you will be praised. Don't feel pressured to contribute money if you have offered your time or services. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Carefully examine emotional situations before you reveal how you feel. It's important to find out where you stand. Show diplomacy. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your intuition won't let you down. Trust in yourself and your abilities, not in what someone else is doing or saying. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You've got all the right moves to reach your personal and professional goals. You will out- maneuver anyone who gets in your way. Romance will improve your life. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Excess will cause problems for you. Whether you or someone else is being indulgent, you must protect against injury, accidents and damage to your reputation. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Sign up for physical activities that are challenging and in- vigorating. Self-improvement is favored and will bring good results if you stick to your regi- men. Romance is featured. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Refuse to get involved in someone else's melodrama. Stay focused on what mat- ters to you and make changes that will improve your domestic environment. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A problem with residential ser- vices will disrupt your routine. Avoid overindulgence and don't make unreasonable promises. Choose love and peace over discord and chaos. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You'll be sent mixed signals when dealing with friends and loved ones. Don't hesitate to ask for a confirmation before you agree to someone's iffy plans. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You must use your intel- lect, not your emotions, when choosing friends or allies. Know the person you are dealing with before you share secrets. Physi- cal achievements are favored. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Let others make their own mistakes. Don't feel obliged to take part in anything that you find impulsive or irresponsible. Protect your assets, posses- sions and your heart from anyone taking liberties. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, FEB. 17 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 6 B