Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/429074
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'm63and just barely survive on Social Security. I often run dry days before my benefit check arrives, which means no food for me. I have a couple of old friends who send me "care packages" at Christ- mas, which contain things I just don't eat, like candy, odd cook- ies, or even canned meat products. I honestly wish they'd just send cash so I can pay overdue bills or buy medications. How can I communicate this to them? Or am I just being ungrateful? —Overly-Giftedinthe Catskills DEAR OVERLY GIFTED » Your situation highlights the ongoing problem of hunger in this country. According to the anti- poverty group Feeding America, in 2011, 4.8 million seniors (over age 60) were food insecure. The organization reports that in your home state of New York, 1 in 7 people don't have enough to eat. I hope you are doing everything possible to find sources of healthy food in your community. The Feeding America website (feedingamerica. org) has a pull-down menu listing state-by- state food resources. Many local churches host weekly food giveaways where you can pick up staples. A social worker can work with you to qualify for other benefits, including heating assis- tance, or help with your medications. In terms of your gener- ous friends, I think you should express your grati- tude, and also do what you can to direct their giving in ways that will be more useful to you. DEAR AMY » My husband and I were married last year, and it truly was the best day of our lives. The only problem was my maid of honor. She was very controlling, pestered me about details that I did not care about and tried to schedule every second of the whole weekend . I ended up being quite blunt. Between the ceremony and reception, while my husband and I were getting our photos taken, she got extremely intoxicated. She was a disaster during group photos and proceeded to get intoxi- cated to the point where the wait staff cut her off. Her speech was a blub- bering mess. She was my best friend prior to this. I feel a tremendous sense of loss at the change in our rela- tionship and am having trouble coping. She has left a dark cloud over my memory of my wedding day. How can I get past this? — Newlywed DEAR NEWLYWED » Your friend messed up. Your life would be easier — and your relationship better — if she would just admit it, but evidently she won't. Do this much for your- self: Rewrite the script of that day, leaving out all of the details having to do wi th h er . Wr i t e ou t a n ar - rative that focuses on the lovely, quirky large and small moments that made up your wedding day. Making ends meet is easier with the right kind of help 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 Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — You are a crusader and unlikely to stand by while others are mistreated. Your concern and helpfulness will be recog- nized and honored. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your romantic or family situation is undergoing change. Personal issues can be solved if you have a heart-to-heart talk. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Stick to your own agenda. Helpful friends may offer un- solicited advice regarding your personal or professional life. Follow your instincts. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your heightened intuition will keep you on top of any situation. Your attention to detail and ability to see the whole picture will win approval from superiors. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't allow others to overlook or stifle your abilities. Be an active participant both inside and outside the workplace. Your outstanding ideas will be wasted if you don't speak up. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't be too self-critical. Im- provements and changes need time to develop. Be patient, and your hard work will pay off. Stick to simple plans with realistic goals, and success will be yours. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Keep an eye on your spend- ing habits. Trying to impress or outdo your neighbors will back- fire, as an unexpected expense will leave you strapped for cash. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Someone will misinterpret your attentiveness. Don't lead any- one on. If you are not experienc- ing the same depth of feeling, you are best to be blunt about your intentions. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You have a lot to offer. Get involved in an organization or agency that provides help to the underprivileged. A casual meet- ing will have a profound effect on your future. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Problems with a partner or loved one will surface. Keep a handle on your temper. If you are not careful in what you say, your words may be used against you. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You are craving companion- ship and mental stimulation. Get together with friends who inspire you. Take part in unusual cultural activities that bring insight into different lifestyles. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Do your best to finalize a pending situation. Put all your cards on the table and be firm about what you expect in return. Real estate or investment deals are looking good. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, DEC. 6 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2014 8 B