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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2016)
FEATURES 6A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2016 Tomorrow’s horoscope Sitters clean out the house By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: I was going out of town on business for a week, and a couple I know jumped at the chance to house sit. I offered to let them stay at my place in exchange for taking care of my cat. I asked in advance what staples they would want, so they wouldn’t have to shop immedi- ately after their arrival. I was happy to provide these items. I even bought extra treats. When I returned a week later, my kitchen pantry was bare, my fridge was totally cleaned out and there was no toilet paper, shampoo, moisturizer or laundry detergent. I don’t know how they could have used so much in seven days. I live alone and know what I keep on hand, and it is a little annoying to run out of things in the middle of cooking or taking a shower. What am I expected to provide? Should they replace items they use up? When an item is ruined and no mention of it is made, should I say something? Is it acceptable to ask the sitters to leave a list of the items they used? Would it have made a difference if they house sat for a longer period of time? — Just Wondering. Dear Wondering: Although there is no hard-and-fast rule, it makes sense to put certain things in writing. Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar Create a folder with the important information, including how to reach you, a contact number for a neighbor or friend in case of emergency and details about how to take care of pets and plants. Then print up a basic agreement stating whether or not they can bring people into your home; what items you do not want them to touch (including things like moisturizer, etc.); which rooms are off-limits; where to put the trash and recycling; whether or not they can use your car; how to access the laundry machines DQG DQ\ RWKHU VSHFL¿F LQVWUXF- tions, including replacing used-up necessities if you so choose, and that they are responsible for broken or damaged items. If they stay longer, you may need to work out the details regarding mail delivery, heating and air-conditioning, etc. Each of you should sign this and keep a copy. Be sure the sitters have clean linens and towels, space in the closet and dresser for their things, and enough food for at least a day or two. Lock up your valuables and keep a list of the things in your house. Make sure other people know that you will be out of town and that these people are house-sit- ting. And yes, if they ruined something, you can ask them to compensate you. Dear Annie: I love your advice and almost always agree with you. But “Tired of Sex, So Blame Me” VDLGKHUKXVEDQGLVVH[XDOO\VHO¿VK and was like that in his 20s and 30s. She says sex is still all about him. ,I KH ZDV VH[XDOO\ VHO¿VK LQ his 20s, why did she marry him? And if she was willing to marry him knowing this, what on earth makes her think he would change? Your advice was sound, but I also think she needs to accept some of the responsibility for her current situation. — B. Dear B.: We agree that too many spouses marry with the un- realistic expectation that the part- ner will change. But we also know that it serves no purpose to chastise someone for a poor decision made 30 years ago. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Because you want people to feel free to express themselves around you, you sometimes hold back your re- actions. That’s smart. The restraint you demon- strate today will garner the deep trust of a dear one. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ve no short- age of imagination. You conjure and create to your heart’s content. The next step is to believe what you’ve dreamed up. If you don’t believe it, the dream is just an exercise instead of a tra- jectory. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You might not get a second chance, so you’re better off putting ev- erything you have into the opportunity at hand. And if you do get a second chance, it will be because you showed so much enthusiasm the first time around. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You and anoth- er will land in a most riveting dynamic. You will be simultaneously aware of what you lack while seeing that the other person has exactly what is needed. Don’t hesitate! Help each other out. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Clean out the med- icine cabinets of your mind. Throw out the old prescriptions and remedies that are past the expiration date. Jealousy, misplaced desire, re- sentment — all potential poisons to your hap- piness. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll find a way to share in another person’s dream and still inhabit your own. It’s not that difficult when you’re with people whose goals and talents compliment yours so beautifully. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You shouldn’t have to sacrifice one relationship to make another one work well. If you feel yourself being torn between two people, consider that the dishar- mony is within you. This is about reconciling two FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE aspects of yourself. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re focusing on the good traits of those close to you. This one simple choice will be the reason this day turns out to be special. Of course, your loved ones will do the same for you, but there’s something more to look forward to. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). While “chase” is a fun game for the elementary school playground, adults who chase are often ulti- mately thwarted by the dynamic. Hang back and see if you can’t catch your intended through sheer attraction. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When it comes to your people, you want to be there to celebrate the ups, help with the downs and find ways to make all the in-betweens a bit more memorable. Your love is a full-service arrange- ment. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re em- boldened and yet not quite ready to embark. Perhaps you’re still not positive about how to get there. Once you get your hands on a map you’ll be ready to launch. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are rarely, if ever, accused of being too rigid. However, you have some strong opinions about how the ac- tion should unfold today, and you’d be wise to share. You’ll help to raise the bar when you do. TUESDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 2). You’ve no shortage of charisma, and your fan club will grow exponentially. The push you do for your cause this month helps. A special partner will be with you all the way. April is for sorting logistics and overcoming inconvenience. You’ll muscle through, eye on the prize. June shows you vic- torious and richer, too! Taurus and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 22, 38, 47 and 19.
