Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/120087
Friday, April 5, 2013 – Daily News 5A FEATURES Beau reluctant to make relationship public There's no quick fix likely to ever be ''ready.'' Dear Annie: I've been a Sorry. widow for 15 years. I Dear Annie: I'm planmoved to another state to be ning my wedding and asked with my kids and met my best friend, ''Kayla,'' to ''Jerry.'' We've been dating be my maid of honor. I love for nine months. her like a sister. Right after Jerry has been divorced college, Kayla made a misfor two years and has two take and got pregnant after a adult children. His ex-wife was his childhood sweet- Annie's one-night stand with some guy she met at a bar. Her heart and the only woman daughter, ''Jessie,'' is now 4 he'd ever been with. The problem is, I have never by Kathy Mitchell years old, a wonderful child been to Jerry's house. He and Marcy Sugar and my goddaughter. I want her as my flower girl. says his niece and youngest My mother liked Kayla until child live with him, and he hasn't told the family about me. When I Jessie was born and she realized the asked why, he said, ''Then everyone child is biracial. My mother hit the will know it's over between my ex roof when she found out Kayla and Jessie are in the wedding party. She and me.'' I think Jerry's mother sustains claims they are ''tainted.'' I am the hope that he will get back astounded and furious with my together with his ex, and I'm pretty mother. Her side of the family is sure his ex would like that, too. I extremely racist, and I have little to gave Jerry a deadline of three do with them. My mother always months to make our relationship downplayed their behavior as ''old public. He swears he's not still mar- fashioned,'' but now that she's ried, and he gave me a ring for older, she's become just like them. Valentine's Day. He spends the Believe me, it's not early-onset night at my house every week. I just dementia or anything like that. want to know what you think. — She's simply turning into her parents. Not Yet Official My fiance and I are footing the Dear Not Yet: Either Jerry is still hung up on his ex-wife, or he's entire bill for this wedding, so we too afraid of his mother to date any- are not beholden to anyone. I'm one else. If he were truly ready to shocked and embarrassed that my move forward, seeing you publicly mother has become someone I can't would not be an issue after nine stand to be around. She told my months. Your deadline makes sense, father and brothers that she won't but you must be ready to end the come to the wedding if Kayla and relationship if Jerry doesn't come Jessie are there, and frankly, I'm through. That would mean he isn't relieved — and that bothers me. My Mailbox father is appalled by her behavior, as are my brothers. What do I do now? — Bigot's Daughter Dear Daughter: A parent's preferences should be taken into consideration when they are reasonable, but your mother's are not. You can calmly discuss with her why her demands are abhorrent to you and that you hope she will reflect more rationally on the racist opinions she holds. But you cannot change her. You can only decide how much you can tolerate. Please do not give in to her blackmail. Dear Annie: You had a letter from ''Suggestions Appreciated,'' who wanted to know what to do about guests who track snow into her house. You said it was OK to ask them to remove their shoes, especially if she provides comfy little slippers. I have one more suggestion: Let people know beforehand that they will need to take off their shoes. I have a lift in one shoe and cannot go without them. I have a special pair of shoes that I can bring along to wear inside the house if I know in advance that I will need them. — Frank Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Welcome to Medicare workshop Passages Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is presenting a Welcome to Medicare workshop for those anticipating turning 65 this year and wanting to learn more about Medicare. Join us 1-3 p.m. Thursday, April 11at Red Bluff Community Center. Registration is required by calling 898-6716. There are 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day. This free workshop is designed for boomers and others who will be new to Medicare this year who want to understand how their Medicare benefits work. Family members or caregivers are also welcome to attend. Important questions that will be answered include: • What is Medicare? • How will my retiree plan work with my Medicare? • Are there programs available to lower my Medicare health and prescription costs? People who are new to Medicare will be deluged with information from different insurance companies marketing their products. Tatiana Fassieux, program manager for Passages HICAP warns signing up with the wrong plan, or not doing anything may cost new Medicare recipients thousands of dollars, and they may not be able to make changes if enrollment deadlines are missed. For more information, call HICAP at Passages at 1-800-434-0222. If your group or agency would like a workshop, contact Natasha Coulter-LaTorre, Community Outreach Coordinator at 530 8986715. And remember, HICAP does not sell or endorse any insurance products. Audubon Society activities for April April Program Colombia: Land of Birds Presented by Christopher Calonje. Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m., Chico Creek Nature Center. The program consists of a photographic tour of Colombia and its birds, with information on Colombian geography, its cuisine, culture, and people. Field Trips • April 6, Saturday Teichert Ponds. Trip leader: Jon Aull Join Chico Creek Nature Center Naturalist Jon Aull for a tour of Teichert Ponds, Chico's "Accidental Wetland." Longtime Ponds advocate Dick Cory will provide a historical perspective and talk about recent developments in this City owned "passive recreation area." While hardly a pristine area, bordered by seasonal Little Chico Creek, the mall, Hwy 99, and a housing development, the Ponds provide a valuable habitat in the midst of an urban area. This 40 acre site hosts migratory waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, beavers, and otter. Wood Ducks, Canada Geese, Red-shouldered Hawks, Kingfishers, Green Herons, egrets, and Western Pond turtles are pretty reliable residents. This local curiosity has proven to be a popular attraction for guided hikes, so please c o n t a c t aulljon@hotmail.com in advance for the meeting place and to reserve your spot. Starts at 9 a.m. and will end by noon. • April 13, Saturday Second Saturday - Upper Bidwell Park. Trip Leaders: Ken Sobon, Kathy Trevino & Joseph O'Neil. The Second Saturday in April will be in Upper Bidwell Park. This is a great time of the year because migrants will be back or passing through the area. All of our swallows (probably not Bank Swallow) might be seen. Western Kingbirds as well as Yellow-breasted Chat have been seen as early as this time in previous years. Lots of other birds are possible as well. After birding Horseshoe Lake and the area around the parking lot, we will head up the canyon to the Yahi Trail and follow along Big Chico Creek, as far as time permits (2 - 3 mi round trip). We usually turn around at the Day Camp parking lot and follow the Middle Trail back to the cars. We should be back to Horseshoe Lake by about 12:30 p.m. Plan to meet at 9 a.m. at the parking lot on the left, just past Horseshoe Lake dam and the gun club. Follow Wildwood Ave for 1.75 miles and turn left into the parking area just before the gate. Bring binoculars, water, snacks, walking shoes and proper clothing for the expected weather conditions. Rain cancels. For information, call 530 872-8837. • April 14, Sunday Morning Grebe Paddle at Thermalito Afterbay. Trip Leaders: Jennifer Patten and Dawn Garcia In early spring the Western and Clark's Grebes arrive at the Thermalito Afterbay to breed, nest, and rear their young. They also have spectacular courtship displays, from weed dancing to rushing (running across the water). Paddling out into the afterbay and into protected coves, we'll have a good chance of seeing some of this behavior at a safe distance, while learning about habitat, food, nest colonies, and conservation efforts. The afterbay also attracts a variety of waterbirds, land birds, and raptors too. Meet at the Larkin Cove Launch off Larkin Rd/Thermalito Afterbay, Oroville at 9 a.m. Bring your own kayak/canoe, water, snack, binoculars, and camera. Rain and high winds cancel. Limited to 15. Contact Jennifer Patten to sign up, 530-345-9356, jpchico@sbcglobal.net • April 21, Sunday Rancho Esquon. Trip Leaders: Shane Romain, Dawn Garcia, Carolyn Short Limit 15 people. RSVP Carolyn at carolynshort@me.com, 530 3454224 or 530 518-6047. We will gather at the Green-wing Room at 9 a.m. and carpool to the viewing platform, then walk the loop around the ponds in hopes of sighting raptors, egrets, ducks, shorebirds and the Blackcrowned Night Heron rookery. The Ranch's Education Coordinator, Shane Romain, will expound on his exciting outdoor education field trips offered free of charge to local grade schools. Carpool from Paradise meet at Ace Hardware on the corner of Clark and Pearson at 8:15 am; from Chico - meet at Chico Park & Ride on Hwy. 32, the lot nearest Hwy. 99, at 8:30 a.m. Bring binoculars and a field guide. We will have spotting scopes. Water, snacks, sun screen, mosquito repellant recommended. Trip ends around noon. • April 27, Saturday Identifying Spring Bird Song - Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. Trip Leader: Scott Huber Meet at the Chico Park & Ride (east lot) at 7 am and be back to your vehicle at about 1 pm. This trip is co-sponsored by Altacal Audubon and Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and is limited to 15 participants. You will need to contact Scott at 530 8985010 or whuber@csuchico.edu to reserve a spot. • April 28, Sunday Evening Grebe Paddle at Thermalito Afterbay. Trip Leaders: Jennifer Patten and Dawn Garcia In early spring the Western and Clark's Grebes arrive at the Thermalito Afterbay to breed, nest, and rear their young. They also have some of the most spectacular courtship displays of any bird, from weed dancing to rushing (running across the water). Paddling out into the Afterbay and into protected coves, we'll have a good chance of seeing some of this behavior at a safe distance, while learning all about grebes' habitat, food, nest colonies, and conservation efforts for this special waterbird. The afterbay also attracts an incredible variety of other waterbirds, land birds, and raptors too. Meet at the Larkin Cove Launch off Larkin Rd/Thermalito Afterbay, Oroville at 4 pm. Bring your own kayak/canoe, water, snack, binoculars, and camera. Rain and high winds cancel. Limited to 15. Contact Jennifer Patten to sign up, 530-345-9356, jpchico@sbcglobal.net. All programs and activities are free of cost unless otherwise indicated and are open to the public. For more information contact Publicity Chairman Wayland Augur at 530-5194724 or email wba@acm.org or visit www.altacal.org INCOME TAX PREPARATION Fast, Friendly, Reasonable Fees Fee for Short or Long form includes all the tax credits and E-filing with direct Deposit. Also Bookkeeping, Payroll and Financial Services available P RALPH CAMPBELL, EA Enrolled Agent 855 Walnut St. #2 530-529-9540 for a hangover irritate your DEAR DOCalready unhappy TOR K: Why do I stomach. get a hangover Even coffee when I drink? might not be the What's the best best idea. Caffeine way to get rid of can counter some it? of your fatigue DEAR READand lethargy, but it ER: Last night was Dr. K can worsen dehygreat — friends, by Anthony L. dration, heartburn food, fun and wine. Lots of Komaroff, M.D. and an upset stomach. So if wine. But this morning your head is you use caffeine to perk pounding and your mouth up, be sure to also drink is dry. The lights are too four to five tall glasses of bright and every noise non-caffeinated fluid. Here are two suggessounds like a jackhammer. Breakfast? You can't bear tions that may help prevent another hangover and the thought of it. There's a lot we don't are harmless enough to know about hangovers — recommend: — Eat something but we do know about the effects of alcohol on the before or while you are body. And what we know drinking. Fatty foods, in may explain some of your particular, slow absorption of alcohol. hangover symptoms. — Drink water or a For example, alcohol: — Dehydrates you. It sports drink before and interferes with the antidi- between alcoholic beveruretic hormone (ADH), ages. Think of a hangover as which prevents urination. So the more alcohol you an unpleasant experience drink, the more you uri- that serves a good purnate. This could explain pose: to remind you to your headache and dry drink in moderation. Just having an occasional mouth. — Irritates the stomach hangover does not mean lining. This could explain you have a problem controlling your use of alconausea or heartburn. — Causes increased hol. However, if it haplevels of acid in the blood, pens often enough — low blood sugar and a arbitrarily, I'd say once buildup of toxins. The every two to three months effects could leave you — it may mean you do feeling fatigued, drowsy have an alcohol problem. The hangover itself or generally unwell. — Alters normal body doesn't produce any lastrhythms, including sleep ing damage, at least that and body temperature. we know of. But hangThat may be why you overs do show that alcohol woke up, wide awake, at 3 temporarily interferes with normal brain function, and a.m. If you find yourself people who drink enough with a bad hangover, to have frequent hangovers there's no quick fix — and can get lasting brain damsome common hangover age from alcohol. So don't remedies can be harmful. just follow my advice Acetaminophen (Tylenol) about how to avoid a hangmight help with a over; also consider if you headache, but it can injure might have a problem conthe liver. This is particu- trolling the amount of larly true if you take high alcohol you drink. doses (more than 2 to 3 Dr. Komaroff is a grams a day) and you're a regular, heavy drinker. physician and professor Harvard Medical That's because alcohol at To send abuse injures the liver and School. go to makes it more vulnerable questions, or to damage from aceta- AskDoctorK.com, minophen. Pain relievers write: Ask Doctor K, 10 such as ibuprofen (Advil) Shattuck St., Second or naproxen (Aleve) may Floor, Boston, MA 02115. Free breast cancer screening Free breast cancer screening is available for women 40 and older Thursday, May 23 — you must pre-register no later than April 18. Cost is free for women who qualify for the Every Woman Counts - Breast Cancer Early Detection Program. To find out if you qualify for this state-funded program, call Dignity Health North State at 530 225-7779. Early detection is critical in treating breast cancer. The free breast cancer screening involves three components: Mammogram – an X-ray of the breasts can be a powerful way to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Breast Self Examination Education – provided by a Mercy oncology nurse. Clinical Breast Examination – a physician or affiliated health care provider will conduct the examination. PLEASE JOIN US SAT., APRIL 6TH FOR OUR 21st Classes, Fun, Food, Raffles, & Displays CLASS SCHEDULE: 10am WATER GARDENING 101 11:30am SUCCESSFUL CITRUS 1pm SEDUM WALL HANGINGS 2pm GROWING TOMATOES & PEPPERS Classes are free, no reservations required, Just stop by for a fun day! WYNTOUR GARDENS 365-2256 8026 Airport Road, Redding I-5 North, Exit #673, Rt on Knighton, Rt on Airport Located 1 mile south of the Airport (Next to Kents Mkt) Open Mon-Sat 8-5 & Sunday's 10-4 wyntourgardens.com Facebook inform@wyntourgardens.com