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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (July 31, 2015)
FEATURES 6A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015 Mom wants wedding decisions Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: Our daughter re- cently became engaged and we couldn’t be happier. She is our only child and is marrying a great guy. While we are excited about all of the planning for the big event, it ap- pears that the groom’s mother, “Do- lores,” is trying to take control. For nearly every detail that my daughter and I agree upon, Dolores steps in and wants to make chang- es. While I appreciate her enthusi- asm, is this the way that things are supposed to be? She is putting my daughter in the middle and making the situation terribly uncomfortable, especially since the groom is in the military and the wedding won’t take place for another 18 months. I’m not sure how long this can go on before we have words. My husband and I have given the bridal couple what we considered to be a generous budget, but Dolores keeps offering to pay for any additional expenses so she can make it be the day she wants. While we can afford to give our daughter more mon- ey for the wedding, we would like them to spend wisely for this one- day celebration. Dolores has already married off a daughter. I’m only going to be the mother of the bride once in my life. Is it too much to ask that this day Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar belong to me? How do I keep peace with my daughter and make this the day that we have dreamed of with- out constant conÀict with her moth- er-in-law? — Once in My Life Dear Once: These days, the bride’s family doesn’t get to con- trol every aspect of the wedding. Grooms also get a say. And many families split the costs right down the middle, giving each an equal voice in the planning. This day does not belong to you. Your daughter is the one who decides how to handle her future mother-in-law and what compro- mises she is willing to make. For your sake, as well as hers, please take one step back and be as gra- cious and accommodating as possi- ble. It’s a good lesson to teach your daughter. It may not be the wedding you dreamed of, but it could ease the way for your daughter to have the marriage she wants and a better relationship with her in-laws. Isn’t that what counts? Dear Annie: Recently a reader complained that you never write about the good stories. Here’s one I hope you will share. I want to publicly thank my husband’s ex-wife for being a dear and special person. For the ¿rst 1 years of my marriage, I experienced the animosity that many ex-wives inÀict on the new wife and vice versa). Then I extended an olive branch, and we both put away our resentful and angry feelings and found out we had a lot in common, in addition to the man we both had married. We “grew up,” and our relation- ship Àourished over the next 1 years as we shared birthdays, gradu- ations, marriage, a grandchild, hol- idays at each other’s homes, even family vacations. We recognized that jealousy and hate only destroy one’s self, and that harmony brings peace and contentment to the soul. It’s a wonderful feeling to have such a treasured friend. — Truly Grateful Friend Dear Grateful: We love this. Please make a copy to show your husband’s ex-wife. It will make her day. FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH STONE SOUP B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE ARIES (March 21-April 19). When a warrior like you is moved by the wonder of unconditional love, the result is positively life changing. A transgression will be irre- vocably wiped from your mental hard drive. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The Zen masters and the farmers agree: The way to control your cow is to give it more pasture. Like the sacred bovine, you’ll be better be- haved when you have room to roam. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Some folks are so impressed with their family of origin that they hope to create the same dynamic. Those people are few and far between. To- day is for considering the emotional atmo- sphere you’d like to create going forward. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’d like to invite good fortune for a visit, but you’re not sure where to direct the invitation, es- pecially these days, when good fortune could come from absolutely anywhere! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). In the aftermath of the full moon, you may wake up in a lazy, unfocused mood. Write a concrete plan first thing to put you back in the frame of mind for major productivity. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re not in it for the applause, but it’s still wise to put your energy where it would best be utilized and appreciated. You’ll put out your feelers and do some research to avoid wasting anyone’s time (including your own). LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Today’s pre- vailing sensation is a mix of relief and grate- fulness akin to picking up your cellphone at the lost and found. The part of your mind that was searching can finally rest easy. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It’s funny how you can legitimately wish someone well and yet not want to see that person ever again. Nothing is straightforward to you now, and you can blame that on your compassionate heart and high intelligence. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Breaking the rules you didn’t know were rules in the first place is uncool. Get a guide, learn all the rules, master them ... and then break them. Suddenly you’ll be undeniably chic. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). If you don’t have an expectation about what’s going to happen, what (SET ITAL) does (END ITAL) happen will be magical for you. Things will work out, and all you have to do is smile and watch. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Do your successes and improvement efforts seem to annoy the people around you? That’s because you threaten their status quo. Share with only your most supportive loved ones. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Water doesn’t stop for boulders or buildings or anything else in its path. Water finds a way around. As you obey the intuitive gifts of your sign, you will flow with liquid ease to the best possible outcome. SATURDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 1). Your cat nature shines this year, and you go into the first three weeks as a fierce hunter stalking a juicy goal, which you close in on in September. You have the freedom to car- ry out adventurous plans at the end of the year. You’ll shift gears at the start of 2016, seeking different means of support, both emotional and financial. Scorpio and Aries people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 17, 22, 31 and 16.