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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama 46-year-old, single parent of 17-year-old twins. My father abandoned me when I was a baby and has made sporadic attempts to be "part of my life" ever since. He gets in touch with me about once every eight to 10 years. He never paid a dollar in child sup- port and had no influence on my life. My twins have seen him twice, and he acknowledged their existence with the same sporadic attention. I have told him how his abandonment af- fected me; his response is to blame me. "Well, you could have called me," he says. At Christmastime the last few years, a card would show up with three checks in it, one for each of us. We haven't seen in five years, so I'm insulted that this man thinks we can be bought! My twins feel hurt that that's all grandpa thinks of them. I shred the checks and don't reply. Petty of me? —ResentfulMamaBear DEAR RESENTFUL » The reason your twins feel hurt by the grandfather they don't even know is because you feel resentful. Reflect on how your atti- tude affects your children. Yes, your father's attempts to be in touch with you are ridiculous. The checks are not an attempt to "buy you off," but are his lame way of trying to be in touch. I understand your instinct to shred these checks. However, you might feel less angry if you softened your response. How different would things be if you said to the twins, "Well, here's our annual offering from my absent father. Let's go to the movies"? Given how neglectful a parent your father is, it might be som et hi ng of a blessing that he wasn't around to make your life miserable. Accept this as being an unfortunate reality. If you let your bit- terness rule, nobody wins. DEAR AMY » I recently held a bridal shower in my home for a girlfriend's daughter. They have been in my home on multiple occasions, but I didn't know their guests. After the shower, I realized I had a $4,000 watch stolen. I cannot tell you how upset I am. I called my girlfriend; she and her daughter were upset. I know it was not their fault, but I cannot help feeling dis- traught. I do not know if they contacted the attend- ees letting them know. I feel like mailing a let- ter to those in attendance and informing them! I am having a very hard time "letting this go" and really don't have much desire to attend a wedding where there is a thief in the room! — Distraught DEAR DISTRAUGHT » Contact all of the guests at this shower to let them know of the theft. Don't accuse anyone, and simply ask: "If anyone who was at my house that day has any information about this, I hope you'll let me know. I'm really distra ught and hope to see this watch returned to me. I'd appreciate any information." Single mom ponders lame gift from her absent father 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — Take a different approach to handling your money. Get to- gether with someone from your past who can help you revisit old dreams. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Participating in events that mean something to you will give you the strength to make per- sonal changes. Put your plans in motion and don't look back. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't be afraid to do things differently. It's your uniqueness that will attract attention and help you get things done. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Live, love and laugh. No matter what you do, make your presence felt and your input meaningful. Walk away from negativity and bad influences. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Put in extra hours working toward something that will help you stand out or beat any challenge or competition you face. Don't give in to emotional blackmail. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Make changes to your living quarters or current housing situ- ation. Voice your thoughts, dis- cuss your intentions and make a plea to a loved one to help make your dreams come true. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You can enjoy life without spending money or getting involved in someone else's risky affairs. Expand your mind or take part in something that is geared to your benefit. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Emotions will surface if you let someone push you around. If you make plans to do something with someone who's support- ive, greater self-awareness and confidence will unfold. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Explore new interests or give a unique spin to a project or pastime. A chance to recon- nect with someone you enjoyed working with in the past will also contribute to your success. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You'll face opposition if you don't live up to your prom- ises. Have an explanation ready and an alternative solution in place. Protect your reputation and stick to the truth. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — High energy coupled with interesting ideas will capture others' attention. An unexpect- ed emotional response will lead to a better plan. Don't feel the need to act in haste. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Added discipline will pay off. Don't let someone who is disgruntled or negative stand between you and victory. Put yourself first and celebrate your success with someone you love. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, FEB. 26 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 4 B