Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/751950
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mybrother and his family (wife and two young kids) moved about three hours away. Any visit by my retired parents usually requires an overnight stay, since they ar e not c omfo rtable driving long distances at night. Stay- ing over at his house means either sleeping on the couch or sleeping in the same room as the two young children. My parents then complain to me about the lack of sleep they get and how exhausted they are from sleep deprivation after a visit. Lately they have been renting a hotel room when they visit, just so they can sleep in a bed. This is a burden to a couple on a fixed income. My brother and his wife also like to take some "me time" and use the grand- parents as free day care for hours (or overnight). The situation has resulted in fewer visits to my brother's house. He complains to me that our parents, who "do nothing all day" should visit more frequently. A road trip with two kids under eight is chal- lenging due to school and weekend "commitments," and so they don't recipro- cate trips very often. My parents are adults and can make their own decisions. However, I am annoyed with my brother. He is insensitive to the time, money and effort it costs to visit him. I feel that not every "champion- ship" soccer game involv- ing a 7-year-old is worth a six-hour round trip. Should I continue to let him bash my parents behind their back, or tell my parents about his comments? —HaditSibling DEAR SIBLING » It seems that your parents and your brother are using you as a go-between. If you don't want this role, then tell both parties to work this out themselves. And yes — if your brother is bashing your parents, then tell him to stop it. If he asks you for guid- ance, then explain it to him: "The trip is expen- sive and tiring for them. They're not as young as they used to be. You really need to be more grateful for their presence." Some grandparents in- terpret what you call "free day care" as "spending time with the grandkids." If your parents are not willing or able to take full charge of the children (it's a big job, for sure), then they will have to tell your brother, "We love to visit and see the kids, but we want to spend time with you, too." DEAR AMY » Recently you gave advice to "Feeling Alone," whose family has abandoned her. She expressed concern that her children would miss out on knowing their grandparents. Per- haps she could contact a local senior center or her kids' school about a foster grandparent opportunity. Having another genera- tion involved in her fam- ily's life can be valuable and helpful to her and her children. — Concerned Reader DEAR CONCERNED » Great recommendation. Thank you. Grandparent overnight visits cause strain in the family 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 Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov. 22) — Don't let an emotional incident catch you off-guard. Someone will use dishonest tactics to get you to indulge in something questionable. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Whether it has to do with business or personal interests, participation will be your ticket to controlling a situation that can affect your future. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Someone will try to limit your chance to advance. Avoid deal- ing with institutions or people who put too many demands on you. Trust in your abilities. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Have fun with the people you love the most. Dealing with children will be enlightening as well as informative. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Be realistic when discussing what you want to do. Listen to others' suggestions and advice. Bring about change that will not only benefit you, but those you care about as well. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Plan a vacation or family gathering. Connecting with old friends will change the way you view someone or something. An educational pursuit will lead to new beginnings. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Taking positive action will be the best way to impress a loved one. Don't get discouraged if someone doesn't honor a prom- ise. Take care of your responsi- bilities on your own. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Bring about change if something isn't working out the way you want. Don't let anyone confuse you with misinforma- tion or vague body language. When in doubt, ask. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You need to keep your emo- tions in check. If you want to express your feelings, do so with actions. Make a loved one feel special with kindness, not by spending in order to win favors. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Socializing with business as- sociates will require insight and restraint. You don't want to give anyone you work with the upper hand. Friendly but cautious ac- tion will help you stay on top. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Problems will surface if you don't address emotional situations directly. Hemming and hawing will make matters worse. If you love someone, you need to listen to and console him or her, and offer advice. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Taking short trips or looking for information that will help you get ahead are favored. Don't let the actions of others deter you from making headway. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2016 2 B