Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/364208
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea 3-year-old child. During the pregnancy it became very clear I would be a single parent. My ex is not able to provide a stable environment for our daughter. He drinks heavily and involves himself with people (and some family members) who do ille- gal activities. He often claims he loves our daughter but says he feels undeserving because he can't support her, and he says this is the reason he doesn't see her. However, he has done nothing to better himself or disconnect from bad influences. His family seems to believe that I have ousted him from our lives and that this is the reason he is not taking on the full role of a loving father. How do I correct this idea with his family with- out being disrespectful? I want our daughter to know both families, but I don't want to take the blame for someone else's immature actions. —SingleMom DEAR MOM » You should tell these family members the truth as you see it. You say, "I'm doing the best I can. I'm sorry my ex is having such a hard time, and I hope he'll get it together someday. He knows I want the best for him." Mainly, this is for your own satisfaction. You should never criticize your ex to your child or to his family, because there is simply no point. Let his actions speak for him, and continue to advo- cate for your daughter to have peaceful, loving relationships with people who will be positive role models. DEAR AMY » I live on a wonderful street with my husband and two chil- dren. We love our street and everybody that lives on it. Our next-door neigh- bors have a privacy fence surrounding a portion of their backyard. The bottom half of one of the panels is broken off, and it's big enough for my daughter or the neigh- bors' children to kneel on the ground and put their face up to the fence. We have had company over, dinners outside, and playtime interrupted by their children. Either they stare at us, or they call my daughter to the fence constantly and order her around (she's younger th an t h ey a r e) . T h es e k id s even call over to us and invite themselves over! I would love to fix the fence or put a board over the broken piece, but it is not our fence and it is not on our property. What should we do? — Frustrated in my Backyard DEAR FRUSTRATED » These are your neighbors. You say you are close. Here's the first thing you do (use your "outside voice"): "Kids — KNOCK IT OFF. Get away from the fence, please. You're driving us bonkers." The second thing you do is to say to the parents: "Could you do us a favor and repair your fence in the back? The kids are playing Tom Sawyer back there and driving us crazy. I'd be happy to repair it myself." Single mother worries ex's family has wrong impression 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)—Get involved with people who work in a field that interests you. Use your time to gain the help and knowledge needed to get your plans up and running. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Do whatever it takes to take the stress out of your home environ- ment. Add to the comfort of your surroundings. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Breathe some new life into old, stale relationships. Reconnect with friends or distant family members by phone. A trip will recharge your batteries. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Refrain from making an im- pulsive move. If things are to run smoothly, minor details must be ironed out first. Take note of what others are doing. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Financial issues can prove challenging. Take control of your situation by setting up a new budget and reviewing any agreements or commitments. Talk to your financial adviser. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Protect what's yours. Keep careful records and documenta- tion. It's in your best interest to stay on top of your assets. Don't lose sight of what you have given others. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will not be able to see a situation clearly. Get all of the facts and do some research to verify the way you feel. There may be a hidden issue that needs to be reviewed. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You have a lot to contribute. Conditions are favorable for joint ventures, but make sure you are given equal opportunity. Get everything in writing regarding who is responsible for what. Aries (March 21-April 19) — This is not a good time to gamble or begin costly projects. Financial decisions should wait for a later date. Spend quality time with family or friends. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't take a financial risk. You can look at an investment, but don't make an impulsive move that could jeopardize your cur- rent standard of living. Time is on your side. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Embark on a new project. Get together with people who have similar interests for added inspiration. Travel will increase your networking opportunities. Display what you have to offer and see what happens. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Look for a way to make a living doing something you love. Check into an unusual profes- sion that has the potential to sustain your interest and pay the bills. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, AUG. 15 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B