Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/462019
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Aftermy father passed away, my mother was in a financial fix, so my wife and I took out a large loan and built a " mo t he r - in -l aw u ni t" o n our property. We asked for no money from my brothers to help build the nice little home. It has been a few years and I would like them to help with a small amount monthly toward her "rent," as I have become disabled and we now are living only on my wife's very modest income. My brothers have balked and say we don't need the money as badly as I claim. In fairness — we are getting by. My brothers also point out we own the house. They have a point there, too, because if we should ever sell, the little house will be worth something. However, when Mom needed a place to live, we were the only ones who stepped up to help; we also cover nearly all my mother's living expenses, with little help from my brothers. I only want to be fair. What do you think? —WanttobeFair DEAR FAIR » You shouldn't have to prove that you "need the money" in order to receive it. You aren't asking for a hand- out from your brothers — this money is to help sup- port your mother. If she lived elsewhere, would your brothers compensate her caregiver only if he "needed the money"? Your brothers don't intend to contribute. Keep track of your ex- penses and you may see reimbursement from your mother's estate. You are doing the right thing. DEAR AMY » My mother- in-law frequently orders birthday and holiday gifts for my family online, has them delivered directly to our house and then expects me to wrap them. I don't want to seem ungrateful — I really do appreciate that she cares enough to buy nice presents for our family. But I have three kids, a full-time job and many other obligations, and the time spent wrapping her gifts adds up. I totally get why she wouldn't want to have the items shipped to her, only to wrap them and pay shipping again to send them to us. However, I think if the situation were reversed, I might pay for gift wrapping when plac- ing the order — or at least ask first whether she had the time to take care of it. Am I being an unappre- ciative grump? — Wrap-proachful DEAR WRAP PROACHFUL » On the one hand, I com- pletely understand that this is a pain. On the other, you are being an unappreciative grump. You could definitely ask your mother-in-law: "Would you mind having the gifts wrapped at the source? I do a terrible job of it and this way your gifts are a complete sur- prise for everyone." Alternatively, you could simply open the boxes to confirm their contents and then tape them right back up and slap a bow on the top. In this case, it really is the thought that counts. Son wants his brothers to help pay their mother's rent 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 Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — You will have a hard time agreeing with others. See if you can reach an amicable com- promise rather than try to get everyone to do things your way. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your reputation will be questioned if you fail to honor a promise. Keep your word. Trying to do too many things at once will be your downfall. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Too much idle time will work against you. Concentrate on your strengths, and work diligently to reach your goal. No one will interfere. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't bring work home with you. Clear your mind. Spending qual- ity time with your family will be the best stress reliever. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You'll have time to play after you take care of your re- sponsibilities. Whether you are at work or school, you should play by the rules and respect your superiors. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Share your thoughts and plans for the future. Do what- ever it takes to help you reach your goal. Putting in additional hours will leave a good impression. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Leave yourself time to pursue a hobby or attend an event. Get- ting involved in a risky venture is best avoided. Emotional conflict will result in hurt feelings and alienation. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Hold off making a decision until you feel less emotional. You are not obligated to act on the spur of the moment. Take your time. If someone pressures you, walk away. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't allow anyone to take you for granted. You need to take your responsibilities seriously if you want to be known as a trustworthy contributor. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — A partnership is apparent. You have plenty to offer, and your qualifications will guaran- tee that you reach your destina- tion. Stick to your game plan. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — It's time to deal with unfinished business. A troubling personal situation will disappear once you agree to compromise. Resist the urge to dominate, meddle or offer unsolicited advice. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't lend or borrow. Re- sponsibly deal with any debt you've incurred. Walk away from anyone who is trying to guilt you into contributing to a risky venture that you feel uncertain about. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, FEB. 12 THURSDAY,FEBRUARY12,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B