Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/817548
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavethree grown children. They are all gainfully employed, with good educations and good relationships. I feel we have a good relation- ship, and when we are together we seem to have fun. My husband travels internation- ally, and is gone frequently. Never once has it ever occurred to any of my children (who live an hour or less away) to call me and ask me to go out to grab a bite to eat, or even to visit. They know I am here alone. They are perfectly happy to let me come to them and treat them to a meal, but they never reciprocate. I am 62 and retired. I have activities and friends, but my family is impor- tant to me. I was always involved in all my children's activities. I worked part time but was pretty much a stay-at-home mom. I don't want to be that parent that whines to their kids about not spending enough time with me. I want it to be their choice to be with me. How do I reverse what I am starting to feel is a one-sided relation- ship, where I am a very low priority? —DisappointedMom DEAR DISAPPOINTED » Telling your children you want to see them more often doesn't make you whiney, it just makes you a person not yet capable of telepathy. You can't assume that because you were present for your kids that they will automatically know exactly what you want and need. There's a good chance that they have no idea of the real impact of your husband's frequent travel, because you've always managed so well. Basically, they don't know what it's like to be you. So you should be more proactive about asking for what you want. You can say, "Guys, I feel like I'm carrying the ball, here. I'd really appreciate it if you would check in more often." Remind your child- ren when your husband is going to be out of town. Stop enabling them, and ask for — and expect more — from them. DEAR AMY » Thank you for your compassion and practical advice to "Sad Mama," the widow- ed mother who was looking for good male influences for her young son. I love it that you suggest theater and music as important outlets for children — and not only sports. — A Fan DEAR FAN » Thank you. Arts programs are incredibly important for children. Unfortu- nately, arts parents don't always yell as loudly as sports parents, and these programs are always at risk of being cut. The kids don't often reciprocate when it comes to visiting Mom 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) — Use your insight and experi- ence to help you navigate your way through the confusion and uncertainty facing you. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You can bring about change and impress onlookers. A partnership will contribute to your success. Protect your assets. Join forces emotionally, but not financially. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You'll be taken advantage of if you believe everything you hear. Take a step back and size up whatever information you are given before you agree to get involved. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't hold back when it comes to personal matters concerning a loved one, children or elders. Speak up and offer suggestions. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Money matters, if handled properly, can turn in your favor. Avoid joint ventures and people looking for handouts. Use your intelligence when making deci- sions that concern your home. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A short trip or encounter with a friend, relative or someone you can learn from will help you make a decision regarding a partnership or family matter. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — When dealing with legal, financial or medical issues, use common sense and intelligence. The choices you make will have a big influence on your future. Take control of your life. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — An emotional situation will cause confusion and doubt. Focus on what you can do to make things better. Offering solutions will put you in control. Resolve issues with practical ideas. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Do something that brings you joy or that you have been dreaming about for some time. Taking matters into your own hands and assuming responsi- bility for your own happiness is favored. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Have a garage sale or make alterations at home that will add to your comfort or raise the value of your property. Celebrate with someone you love. Ro- mance is encouraged. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Emotional deception and misrepresentation can be ex- pected. Don't trust anyone with secret information. Take care of your finances and personal paperwork. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A partnership will grow if you share ideas and plans. A trip to visit an old, familiar place will spark an interest in reconnect- ing with someone you miss. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, APRIL 29 SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 7 B