Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/632406
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myex- husband is very ill with leukemia. We have been divorced for 21 years. We are both remar- ried an d have mai ntain ed a friendly but distant relationship since our divorce, talking a few times a year. He is the father of my two adult children. His cur- rent wife is a jealous, controlling person and does not know we have remained friendly, as our contact since he married her has only been through his work phone. He is now disabled and no longer has a work phone. The last time he was hospitalized for over a month, my children were fearful that if I went to visit him at the hospi- tal his current wife might be angry and would not keep them informed of his health issues. She is cold toward my children. His health is precari- ous and he could possibly end up back in the hos- pital. I am torn between going to visit him and my children's fears. Please give me your thought about what I should do. —WorriedEx DEAR WORRIED » You should call the house phone or his cell. If he picks up, you can have a chat with him. If his wife answers the phone, you should try your best to communicate with her in a way that honestly re- flects your concerns: "I'm so sorry to learn about 'Jim' being ill. The kids are worried, and I wanted to reach out to say hello and to see how he and you are doing." My point is that you are a human. She is a hu- man. You might be the ex- wife and she might be the possessive current wife, but there are times when announcing your human- ity is the only way to go. Your adult children may have to stiffen their spines to her attitude in order to maintain contact with their father. If there is a helpful function they can assume — driving him to treatments or cooking — it would help to keep them close. DEAR AMY » I'm respond- ing to "Woman Who Wants It All" who asked how to time having chil- dren with her career. The wisest advice I ever received on this subject was from the Episcopal priest who was performing my marriage in the 1980s. He himself was married to a lawyer who was also a mother, and he recommended that I establish myself in a job I like before getting pregnant. I followed his advice and it worked beautifully. I worked at a company for two years, and when I got pregnant I was considered a valuable employee and the com- pany was eager to keep me after my maternity leave. In fact, I was able to n ego tiate retur ning to a part-time position while still staying on the career path. The other advantage to being invested in a job you love is it makes going back to work much easier. — Happy I Had it All DEAR HAPPY » Thank you for passing on this sage advice. Ex-wife wonders how she should reach out during crisis You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.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) — Don't act on hearsay. Avoid a feud by keeping your opinions to yourself and getting involved in projects you can do independently. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — The help you offer will lead to an opportunity to get involved in something that concerns or excites you. Your originality will put you in a leadership position. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep a promise you made to yourself at the turn of the year and follow through with your plans. Nothing will happen if you don't take action. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You'll have everyone's atten- tion if you speak up and offer options. Get ready to celebrate with someone special. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Listen carefully and don't make assumptions or overreact to what's being said. Once you decide on your position, make a subtle but effective move that will help you avoid a loss. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You'll have plenty to think about and lots of options. The changes you make at home or within important relationships will add to your future stability. Romance is encouraged. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take it upon yourself to finish what you start. Once you have put the work behind you, it will be much easier to indulge in something you enjoy doing. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Attend a networking function. Discussions that allow you to share your ideas will prompt an interesting offer. Love is on the rise, and romance will improve your personal life. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't put up with someone pressuring or bullying you. Make plans to spend time with those who support your actions instead of criticizing them. Research an attractive personal change. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Explore interests and expand your friendships. The more you interact with others, the better your options will be. A unique change at home will help you reach one of your dreams. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't share too much with others, even if you are en- joying the attention that results. Ulterior motives will lead to trouble and a loss of reputation or status. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't hold back. If you want something, take it. You can reach your goal if you are dili- gent in the way you do things. Indulge in a romantic encounter. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 4 B