Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/563603
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Formyfirst wedding anniversary, my mom got us a crystal paperweight in the shape of a heart. When I opened the package, I was confused. I even said to my husband, "This is so not me, and I'd be shocked if my mom didn't know that." I knew the gift was expensive and discov- ered that it cost over $150. My mom is a keep- sake person; we are not. In the past my mom has seemed to understand this and has given gifts accordingly — usually something consumable, like a good bottle of wine. On the phone I thanked my mom for the gift and said it was lovely (because it was) that we appreciated the gift (which we did). She explained that there was another paperweight in red we could exchange it for if we liked it better and encouraged me to look online for it. I took this as a sign that she was flexible about the gift. Online I found a crys- tal ornament of the same brand and sent her a link with the message, "I kinda love this!" The only keepsakes that are part of our family tradition are Christmas ornaments, and I thought if her gift to us were an ornament, I'd admire it during the holidays on the tree and genuinely love it. She emailed me this morning saying that an ornament "Isn't even close to what I had in mind to commemorate your first wedding an- niversary" and that I could exchange it for the red paperweight if I liked that better, or if I didn't want either paperweight, to s en d it b a ck a n d s he wouldn't replace it. She said, "My feelings are already a bit bruised either way." It seems I've already done the damage. Do I just keep the paperweight? —GuiltyDaughter DEAR GUILTY » Yes. You keep the paperweight. Your reaction and effort to get what you want seem to have touched a nerve. But this is not about what you want. It's about what your mother wants to give to you. It's not necessarily rational, but it's a mom thing. She wanted you to have something specific that meant something to her. She has been honest and gently reproachful. Apologize with a hug and move on. DEAR AMY » I think you should add something in the advice you gave to "New Stepmom." I married a wonderful man with two sons and I, too, had no children of my own. I'd advise her not to talk negatively about their mother in front of them. My sons, as I like to call them, grew up to be wonderful husbands and fathers. Their father has been gone now for 12 years but I'm still very much involved in their lives. — Grateful Stepmother and Grandmother DEAR GRATEFUL » Being a stepparent is a very chal- lenging job. You did well. Daughter does not 'heart' her anniversary gift from mom 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 Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22) — Dispense with customary pastimes and try something out of the ordinary. Ask your friends to join you. Don't take unneces- sary risks with your health. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you allow others to discuss their interests, you will learn many surprisingly remarkable things. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't be afraid of a chal- lenge. Invite suggestions and be courageous enough to try out something unusual in order to find a new passion. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — It's possible to be too trusting. Keep your personal information a secret and be cautious with your possessions and cash. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You'll feel lethargic and down if you don't push yourself. A daytrip will give you the boost you need to get back on track. Avoid investing in a question- able enterprise. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — If someone has been spreading rumors about you, set matters straight. People may give credence to the negative comments if you decide to sit back and say nothing. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Use your energy wisely. A new adventure will entice you, but be smart and take some precautions before you make your move. You are best off leading the way. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your reputation is on an upswing, and improvements to your financial situation are look- ing good. Pass your good for- tune along to people who have contributed to your success. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't let a lack of confidence prevent you from declaring your true feelings. Express your heartfelt fondness for someone and share your intentions and future plans. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You have a lot to contend with, but haste will not make matters better. Don't overlook important facts or details. Do things right the first time and avoid having to start over. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your lifestyle may be hectic, but don't forget the people you care about most. Friends and rela- tives will be happily surprised if you make a point to stay in touch. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't be shy about showing off your skillfulness and depend- ability. If you keep up the hard work, rewards and opportunities will come your way. A respon- sible attitude will take you far. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, AUG. 29 SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 7 B