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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ineedyour help with a very sensi- tive situation with my in-laws. My mother-in- law drinks too much at family funct ions . W e recently celebrated my son's first birthday party (her first grandchild) and she (again) had too much to drink. She was slurring her words, wobbly on her feet and was having uncomfort- able conver- sations with our other guests. When my wife confronted her about her behavior (at the party), she became de- fensive and immediately responded that my wife is too judgmental. She used profanity at my wife and said she was never coming to our house again. She also began to act like a teenager and stomped up the stairs and slammed doors, etc. We are concerned for her safety as well as the safety of our son. This has been a pat- tern for her over the past 15-plus years. I am only just coming into this situation within the last four years since marrying my wife. It seems to be a cycle where these situa- tions occur, my mother- in-law backs off drinking for a few months and then she starts back up again. How can we address this issue without having her feel like we are having an intervention or attack- ing her? When she is not drinking she is the best mother-in-law and grand- mother in the world. She is very helpful and always goes above and beyond for the family. —ConcernedSon-in- Law DEAR CONCERNED » The reason your mother-in- law responded the way she did when confronted at the party is partly because she was drunk. Never try to reason with a drunk. She'll just hurl invective and blame you for it later. You and your wife should approach this firmly, lovingly and as a team — in the form of a letter (so she can read and reread it). You start with: "When you are not drinking, you are the best mother and grandmother in the world. When you are drinking, you frighten and worry us. We want to encourage you to seek help to get and stay sober. We also want you to know that we love to spend time with you, but if you are ever inebriated in our home again we will have to limit your contact with us and with our child. This is the heartbreaking consequence of how out of control your drinking has become." DEAR AMY » Respond- ing to the question about end-of-life direc- tives posed by "Angry in Anaheim," I'd encourage Angry to speak with the doctor who signed the DNR. I'm a paramedic. I'd hope if I were one day in her father's shoes, my family would respect my end-of-life choices. — Compassionate Paramedic DEAR COMPASSIONATE » I assume you have seen all shades of this drama play out. Child's party is no fun when Granny has too much booze 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) — An impromptu meeting will spark a creative idea or lead to the rediscovery of an enjoyable hobby. Consider what you fa- vored in the past and apply the same strategy to your present. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Speak up and offer helpful ideas for increased efficiency at work. Show your leadership ability by touting novel concepts. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Bringing personal matters to the workplace will detract from your productivity, leading to unwanted consequences. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You will receive positive recognition and respect from your associates if you are precise and responsible. Save playtime for after hours. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Monitor your financial status on a regular basis. Ongo- ing fluctuations in business and commerce will prove beneficial if you are prepared to act. Don't get upset. Do your own thing. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will be the one with all the answers. Your ability to find resolutions will make you the go-to person, but don't let demanding people infringe on your personal plans. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Devote your time and effort to a worthy cause. Your sincer- ity will impress everyone you meet. Embark on a new exercise or self-improvement program that will help you feel your best. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Plan to have fun. An evening spent socializing or enjoying en- tertainment with friends will lift your spirits. Your quick wit and engaging personality will add to your popularity. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You will have trouble visualizing your situation clearly. Before you lodge a protest or try to place blame on someone else, get your facts straight. You will face an unsympathetic response if you are wrong. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Do your best to help an elderly or ailing relative or friend. Your effort will not go unnoticed, and in the end, the personal reward will be greater than anticipated. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may feel lazy, but that's no reason to fall behind on your responsibilities. Make an impression and step up and do what's expected of you. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — There is only so much you can accomplish in a day. Set your priorities and work methodically to finish what you start. Doing too much for too many will lead to disappointment. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, SEPT. 3 THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER3,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B