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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»Aseniorciti- zen member of my family (who lives in my house) gets high at least three times a day. I am con- cerned about her health. She smokes pot morning, noon and night. When she is somewhat lucid, it is with eyes half closed and a vacant smile on her face. Sometimes she stares at inanimate objects, or pauses for a long time in the middle of a sentence. I am wor- ried that these are signs of a medical problem, rather than the fact that she is high. She doesn't seem aware of these behaviors. Any attempt to talk about this is met with anger. Three years ago I man- aged to quit cigarettes. My house is now smoke- free. This family member smokes outside, or in her car, which is fine. She also feels the need to sneak around and hide as if I were her parent, which I am definitely not. She is over sixty, but behaves like she's in junior high. I am worried that this, too, is a sign of some mental deterioration, not just spending her life half-baked. She thinks that her pot use makes her cool and young. In reality, the younger family members find her behavior pa- thetic. I am embarrassed for her, but more impor- tantly, how can I tell if there is really something physically or mentally wrong? —Worried DEAR WORRIED » From your description, it sounds as if this person is indeed half-baked, more or less all of the time. I'm assuming that this drug use is legal where you live. Her compulsive marijuana use means that it is always in her system, and that she is constantly stoking her high. But — she is an adult. She is making daily choices, and even if you don't agree with these choices, unless they have a significant and real im- pact on you (beyond your disapproval), there isn't much you can do, other than express your loving concern. If you are trying to get someone to stop a habit (or addiction), you can only tell your own truth, attach meaningful consequences and follow through. Does her drug use disrupt or interfere with your life in significant ways? Does she drive while impaired? It might help to make your point if you can film her during an impaired moment and show it to her when she is less impaired and you are both calm. Don't use this to shame her, don't share it with others, don't call her pathetic and don't judge why she does this or whether she thinks she's cool. Express your concern and worry. Tell her you know from your own smoking addiction how hard it is to over- come her dependency, and offer to take her to the doctor for a screening for any underlying medi- cal issues. Family elder lives her life half-baked and loving it 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) — It's an opportune time to negotiate, sign contracts and make financial investments. You can come out on top with a little ingenuity and foresight. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — If you are honest about what you want, you will get the support necessary to head in a direction that suits your needs. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Make a difference by putting some of your ideas into play. Don't feel that you have to stick to tradition. Mix the old with the new and see what happens. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your strength will come from your ability to see situations differently. Speak up on behalf of those who can't speak for themselves. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — An unexpected gain is head- ing in your direction. Consider the circumstances that develop and make the most out of what transpires. Personal improve- ments will enhance your life. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You need to gather information and take action based on facts, not on emotions. If you jump into something too quickly, you will end up being disappointed by someone. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Focus on personal partnerships and what you can do to make those relationships better. An act of kindness will make you feel good as well as boost your reputation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Build a strong alliance with someone you know through work. The benefit of having someone on your side will come in handy if someone else tries to dismantle your reputation. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Impulse buying or emotional spending should be reined in today. Accumulating debt will cause distress at home or with a partner. Avoid joint ventures. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your friendly demeanor will attract followers. Discuss your plans with someone you trust or a partner you want to explore new opportunities with. Embrace a challenge and play to win. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Partnerships can be magical if you are willing to compromise when it comes to formulating ideas and plans. If you work in harmony, what evolves will be spectacular. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take good care of your health and aim to make improvements to your appearance and overall demeanor. Don't let stress and emotional fatigue take control. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, NOV. 18 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B