Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/724518
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Sixmonths ago our oldest daughter's husband, "John," walked out on her and their two kids (20 and 15) for another woman. Since he left, it has become obvious he is an alcoholic and not the per- son we thought him to be. He quit his job. He tells the kids he is trying to get a job, but nothing has panned out. He is not paying any support. My wife has been cooking dinners for our daughter and her kids several nights a week. John did most of the cooking before he left. I have been going along with my wife on this because our daughter is working full time as an office manager for a large company and is sick a lot. We are retired and living on a fixed income. My problem is that our budget has been stretched supplying food for three adults in addition to ourselves. Our daughter has never mentioned compen- sating us for any of the food and my wife doesn't want to ask her to. This is straining our marriage, at least for me. I thought that after six months things would approach normal, but with summer ending my wife is still in the kitchen cooking for five and I am steaming. JoAnn is not my daughter. I have been her stepfather for 35 years and this contributes to my unease and our challenge in terms of discussing this. Do you have any ideas on how we can resolve this? —UpsetinUpland DEAR UPSET » After 35 years as a stepparent, you have the right to seek a solution to a problem that is bothering you, concern- ing an issue that directly affects you. It is kind and gen- erous for your wife to cook for this family. If your daughter is unwell, I can imagine how helpful this would be. Presum- ably, you don't object to your wife making this choice. You and your wife should sit down with your daughter. Offer her your emotional and practical support during this time. You can say, honestly, that you are worried about the impact on your budget. Is your daughter willing/able to help with grocery bills? She may be able to contribute a nominal amount, and this might ma k e yo u f ee l b et te r . She should also take the opportunity to ac- knowledge your mutual support. DEAR AMY » "Worried" expressed her concern about her friend, who she is convinced is bipolar. Thank you so much for your response to her that she should not diagnose people. My ex-husband took an online quiz and de- cided that I was bipolar. I decided to divorce him. — Free at Last DEAR FREE » Point made. Thank you. Mom does the cooking, Dad worries about financial drain 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 Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22) — Consider how to make your life easier. Give people who are placing demands on you some- thing to occupy their time and keep them out of your hair. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take a chance and make a point to do things differently. What you discover will make a dif- ference, not only to you, but to others with similar dilemmas. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Refuse to take on too much. Honing in on what's most im- portant will make a difference to the outcome of something you truly believe in. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Offering information based only on hearsay will result in you being blamed for med- dling. Focus on yourself. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Ask for clarification if you aren't satisfied with the infor- mation you are given. If you stay on top of your personal busi- ness, positive results will unfold. Don't be afraid of change. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — A chance to show what you have to offer will be met with encouragement and a chance to take on a new project, but first you must take care of unfin- ished business. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — When traveling or dealing with people who don't share your views, you are best off be- ing protective of your personal information. Aries (March 21-April 19) — An opportunity will develop that will give you greater job security. Negotiating and sign- ing contracts are favored. Positive changes are heading your way. Celebrate with a loved one. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — It's a good time to travel for business or educational purpos- es. A retreat will open your mind to a host of information that will help you reduce your stress and change your way of living. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You should put more energy into making personal gains, not into trying to change others. Focus on your appearance and physical fitness, not on manipu- lating others into doing things for you. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't take on someone else's responsibilities. It's not up to you to make other people look good. Do your best to get ahead by taking pride in what you do. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Make a point to bring about positive change. Don't let the past hinder your advancement. You can't change what's already transpired, but you can change the future. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, SEPT. 8 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 2 B