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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 16, 2017)
6A FEATURES Am I being naive about trip? Dear Annie: My wife and I are and never be able to stand on your in our 30s and live next to a very own two feet. A job is a job, and kind gentleman in his 60s, whose if she enjoys her work and wants wife passed away four years ago. to see a new city, I don’t see any- We get along very well with him thing wrong with her going. Peo- and have been very generous in ple travel all the time for work looking after him. He has always with their bosses; it doesn’t mean they’re having affairs. made his gratitude for our DEAR In the future, try not filling the void in his life to let your friends’ opin- very apparent. ANNIE ions of your marriage He hired my wife two dictate how you should years ago to come over feel about something. weekly to prepare meals, No one knows your mar- clean the house and do riage better than you and his laundry. He pays her your wife, so allow the well. decisions that you make Recently, he asked Lane as a couple to be made us whether she would Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. only by the two of you. accompany him when he Dear Annie: I would travels for three weeks on business to do those same tasks appreciate your comments on at the condo where he is staying. this situation. I have the power My wife wants to help him out of attorney for my 89-year-old while spending time in a city she mother, who has early demen- has always wanted to see. I agreed tia and is homebound. Her assets to it with the understanding that should last for the rest of her life. However, my 64-year-old they have separate bedrooms. I am not the jealous or suspicious sister and her two 25-year-old type. However, my friends think I sons, who are living with my am being naive and this request is mom and are capable of work- unacceptable. What is your opin- ing, don’t work, and my sister has been supplemented finan- ion or advice? — Torn Dear Torn: If you listen to cially by my mother all her life, the opinions of others, you will largely because of poor finan- always flip-flop on your decisions cial decisions. My sister contin- ually whines to Mom about her woes that involve large sums of money. Mom is so softhearted that she wants to always give in to the requests. I continually share with Mom that she needs to keep her money for her care, but she responds as if she doesn’t care about her own future. I have shared more than once with my sister that her drain on Mom’s money needs to stop. However, my sister has taken very few, if any, steps to stop. About two years ago, I sat with my sister and made a budget. I showed her that she could avoid wasting $1,000 per month if she would change her habits. This led to very little change. Any sugges- tions on how to be sure Mom’s money will last her? — Worried About Mom Dear Worried: What your sister is doing may be a form of financial elder abuse and thus ille- gal. Having power of attorney, you’re in a position to act to pro- tect your mom’s finances — and I suggest you act quickly. The best course might be for you to take control of your mother’s check- ing account. Consult an elder law attorney in your area. Bless you for looking out for your mom. THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). What if you believed that there was nothing wrong with you and you don’t need to improve a single thing about yourself? In that case, all efforts are optional — a fun experiment. Any resulting benefits are a stroke of felicity! SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Even the most ordinary, worn-in topic can be made riveting by a skilled speaker, a phenomenon you’ll experience today when a certain intriguing someone speaks the plainest, most sparkling words to you. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The game is on, and there is an unconventional and imaginative prize at stake. This bit of whimsy is more moti- vating to you than money or validation from a VIP. For reasons you cannot explain, you simply need to win. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). One source of encouragement is not enough, especially if it’s a source that’s very familiar to you. You need more support, and you’ll get it when you branch out and tell new people what you’re up to. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There are a lot of questions you could ask yourself to spur the situation in a better general direction. The very best question today just might be: “How can I have the most fun with this?” CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Everyone feels fragile sometimes. When it’s them, you have compassion, telling them to take it easy. Do the same when it’s you. Sure, you’re tougher than most, but you are also every bit as deserv- ing of compassion. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re safe — safer than most of humanity that has ever lived. The biggest threat to you is in how you interpret what’s going on. Is it stressful? Sure. But not too stressful. It’s doable. You can handle it, and you will prevail. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). How can you feel more at ease in a situation? Part of it is just getting to know people better. It takes time, and it’s worth it. When you’re comfortable, the charisma kicks in. You get ’em laughing and loving you. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It really doesn’t matter where the blame properly belongs. Step up, assess the situation and begin repairs. If the broken thing is a relationship, you’ll be especial- ly speedy and adept at fixing this. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). In the case of public praise, it’s good to know you’re appre- ciated. On the other hand, acknowledgement can kindle unexpected feelings in you, such as embarrassment. For this reason you’re driven to do low-key or anonymous work. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your contentment generates joy in others. Your smile melts hearts. Who knew it was possible to make such a difference in the world just by being genuinely happy? LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Today the passion you feel for a cause or a kind of work is more powerfully energizing than romantic fervor. One action will lead to the next, and soon you’ll be swept into a dizzying momentum. 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 TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 17). Your best strategy is to come up with one single goal for the year. Commit yourself and tell everyone. The more public pressure the better. Next month brings a wealth of helpful people. In June you will be called by the energy of a place; opportunities await. Your family will grow in the late summer. Libra and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 14, 29, 47 and 8.
