Red Bluff Daily News

April 28, 2017

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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mysingle sister will be 85 this year. I'm 78. We have always had a close relationship. She has no last will or trust, and will leave a reasonably large estate to me, assuming that I outlive her. Her health is not good. I have adult chil- dren I would prefer that she leave her estate to. I have not had success in convinc- ing her to get her affairs in order. She doesn't like to take even a suggestion of it from me, and hasn't thus far acted on my kids' requests to do so. Without a will, our state's probate is time-consuming and expensive. I fear I will be left to handle it, and don't feel capable at this point. I can't understand her reluctance in this and wonder if she is acting out of spite. When the suggestion has been made, she makes the excuse of not feeling up to it and is actually somewhat hostile. It's like she's in denial. This has been causing me consid- erable stress. Any suggestions? —Stressed-outBrother DEAR STRESSED OUT » Your sister is elderly and unwell. You are push- ing too hard. Ultimately you must accept her choices, even if you know she is going to leave a mess be hind . Y ou co uld turn your focus toward the efforts you and your children will have to undertake in order to sort things out after your sister's death. Probate laws vary state by state, but in most cases the next of kin are the ones that stand to inherit in the event of a person's death. While you do have an important role in this matter, you must realize that these are your sister's affairs, not yours. You can't force her to make a will. Instead of needling her, try talking about what's got her so upset. Her hold-up could be something as simple as she can't find some of her important documents. Tell her about your con- cerns for her health, as well as your own. If that doesn't help, point out that simple estate plan- ning provides her with an opportunity to consider making charitable con- tributions to groups she wants to support. After that, try to relax about this and simply love and enjoy her. The AARP has pub- lished a guide that you all might find helpful: "ABA/ AARP Checklist for My Family: A Guide to My History, Financial Plans and Final Wishes," by Sally Balch Hurme (2015). DEAR AMY » "Can't Watch Anymore" was devastated by her husband's slow suicide by alcohol. Thank you so much for recom- mending Al-Anon, and thank you for urging her to watch her own alcohol consumption. — In the Program DEAR PROGRAM » Al-Anon is not the only support group for friends and family of alcoholics, but its simple format of shar- ing, understanding and compassion, has helped scores of people. Elderly siblings confront the complications of wills 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 Taurus(April20-May20) — You'll encounter someone unique or have the chance to experience a different culture or way of doing things. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Control your emotions. Don't act out or make assumptions. It's important to gather all the facts before you take on someone or something daunting. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Dig deep, ask questions and don't feel the necessity to make a decision or lend a helping hand until you feel comfortable doing so. Exaggeration or false information is apparent. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — The help you offer others will give you a vantage point that will be difficult for your compe- tition to deal with. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Emotional matters will leave you confused. Ask questions and look for the source of the problem. Knowing what you are up against can help you avoid being manipulated or blamed for something you didn't do. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Stay on top of matters. Don't let anyone intervene in your affairs. An emotional encounter with a co-worker should be dealt with openly and to avoid rumors. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Something will come to you from an unusual source. Emo- tional confusion and uncertainty will prompt questions. Find out all you can and keep moving forward. Accept the inevitable. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You can bring about posi- tive personal change if you put a little muscle behind your plans. Use facts and experience to explain your actions if someone overreacts. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Avoid making snap decisions or taking on responsibilities that don't belong to you. You can stabilize a situation by offer- ing suggestions, but don't take on a burden that will stifle your goals. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Be careful not to take on more than you can handle. Sticking to basics and ironing out any trouble spots before it's too late will help you reach your goal. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You'll face opposition if you are too open about your feel- ings. Don't get into an argument over something that is based on an assumption. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Sign up for something that connects you to your past. At- tending a reunion or gathering of old friends will encourage you to do things you used to enjoy. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, APRIL 28 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017 6 B

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