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
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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”
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and was like that in his 20s and 30s.
She says sex is still all about him.
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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.