FEATURES
6A
How to cut dinner costs?
Dear Annie: Our son is marry-
ing a lovely girl from out of state.
“Jill’s” family offered to pay for
the cost of the wedding, which is
expected to have more than 200
guests. My son asked us whether
we would pay for the rehearsal din-
ner. Thinking this would consist of
the wedding party and 20 to 30 addi-
tional people, we agreed.
Well, now this “rehearsal dinner”
is about 70 folks, including numer-
ous “close relatives” on the bride’s
side. We are told that these peo-
ple are to be included, that there is
no room for negotiation and that it
shouldn’t be an issue because Jill’s
parents are paying for the wed-
ding. I feel as if Jill has hijacked
the so-called rehearsal dinner for a
pre-wedding family dinner that is
basically out of our control. Is this
what weddings have come down to
these days? How should my wife
and I handle this? — Budgeting
Father of the Groom
Dear Budgeting: A) Pick a
more affordable venue and/or dining
option. Buffets are great for this sit-
uation, as they’re not billed per per-
son. Or B) ask Jill’s family members
to chip in. If they’re truly that mar-
ried to the idea of having so many
relatives included, they ought to be
willing to help.
Dear Annie
By
Annie
Lane
Creators
Syndicate
Inc.
Dear Annie: Being the duti-
ful husband that I am, I drive my
non-driving wife to work every day,
and I pick her up after work. At her
request, I also have been giving a lift
home in the evenings to one of her
co-workers. It’s not far out of our
way, and the fellow is pleasant and
likable — well, with the exception
that he smells like a farm animal and
is totally oblivious to that fact.
It seems to me this man seldom
bathes or changes his clothes. I drive
with the windows open in the dead
of winter, and in the summer, the
odor is even more horriic. My wife
acknowledges this issue but doesn’t
want to confront him or address it. I
have no problem talking to this guy
diplomatically and letting him know
what’s going on, but my wife has
strongly asked me not to. So I suf-
fer in silence.
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016
Tomorrow’s horoscope
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
How do I get out of this pickle
without upsetting my wife or caus-
ing anyone any further embarrass-
ment? — Need Oxygen
Dear Oxygen: It’s time to put
this animal out to pasture. Your wife
isn’t considering the matter from
your nose’s perspective. It’s nice
enough you give them both rides;
you shouldn’t have to hold your
breath the whole way. Tell your
wife that either she needs to come
up with a polite excuse for why you
can’t give this man rides anymore
or you’re going to have a frank dis-
cussion with him about personal
hygiene. If she doesn’t like it, they
can both catch a lift on the hayride.
Dear Annie: I’d like to reply to
your recent correspondence with
the son struggling with what to do
after discovering his father smoking
again. Nicotine Anonymous (once
known as Smokers Anonymous),
with support groups based on the
book “Twelve Steps and Twelve
Traditions,” is a resource for peo-
ple seeking freedom from nicotine
addiction. Its website (http://nico-
tine-anonymous.org) has literature
— including a pamphlet that might
be helpful to your nonsmoking
reader, titled “Are You Concerned
About Someone Who Smokes or
Chews Tobacco?”
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Self-cen-
teredness is an epidemic these days, and, to
some extent, we all are part of it. So before
you make your presentation, pitch or expla-
nation, make sure the others know why it’s
relevant to them.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). This endeavor
that once terrified you — well, now as you
skip past your trepidation and get straight to
the rewards for taking action, you can hardly
believe you were ever afraid.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). From Vito Cor-
leone to Mike Tyson to Anjelica Huston in any
role she’s ever played, the ones who speak
softly often have such strong intentions and
methods that taxing their vocal cords seems
completely unnecessary.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Even those
who claim that there are no stupid questions
have to admit that quality questions have the
power to elevate. Someone will prove his or
her intelligence by asking you a thought-pro-
voking question.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Post an opinion;
change the world! Wait... it doesn’t work
like that? Nope. The world still changes by
making a connection, having a conversation,
coming to a new understanding and making
agreements that reflect that.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You know
where the sugar is going to come from, and
you also know what leaves a bitter taste. In
today’s case, there will be no surprises. You’ll
get precisely the flavor you put into the recipe.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’re some-
one’s favorite. Does the preferential treatment
make you uncomfortable? If you can handle
it, your gracious reception of all this delicious
attention keeps it coming your way.
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
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Power is sub-
jective. The one who is extremely revered in
some circles is totally unknown and without
influence in others. Your perception of how
powerful a person is will matter, but it won’t
translate.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The
words get prettier when people are trying
to impress each other. You’ll find yourself on
both sides of the equation, alternately throw-
ing out the high-minded sentiments and
catching them.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have
access to the things that will fortify your soul.
Do you know what your soul needs? Be-
cause the soul nutrition maybe doesn’t come
in the brand-name packaging you thought it
would come in.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ve a
new attitude and your elevated confidence
will inspire moves that you wouldn’t have
thought to make this time last month (or even
last week).
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your good
feelings about the day are warranted, as im-
portant and fortuitous happenings are likely.
A strong yet effortless connection will be
made with your fellow water signs, Cancer
and Scorpio.
FRIDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 19). Do not
miss the opportunity to travel, especially to
foreign lands. Long after the expensive of
this has been forgotten, the experience will
continue to invigorate your life on every level,
including spiritually and socially. The end of
the year will bring miraculous connections for
family and finance. Libra and Cancer adore
you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 17, 2, 27 and
31.