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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 9, 2017)
6A FEATURES Look who just dropped in Dear Annie: I occasion- ried that my sons are overly ally have lunch with a relative affectionate with each other. whose company I enjoy. We (He admitted he had written the usually have a nice time, but letter when I confronted him.) lately she has been bringing a I appreciate your thought- last-minute guest with her with- ful answer to my father’s let- out telling me. Sometimes it is ter. For the record, my sons another relative, and know that their grand- DEAR sometimes it is a person father disapproves of I’ve never met. This their closeness. They ANNIE has caused seating con- think he is being silly. fusion and a less desir- I explained to my elder able room at places son, “Steven,” that his where we have reser- grandfather grew up in a time when affec- vations. Does this mean tion between brothers she doesn’t care for my or a father and a son company, or is it just Lane was frowned upon. His a lack of manners? — Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. response was: “That’s Mystified in Michigan messed up.” Dear Mystified: I My husband, their dad, was can’t divine this woman’s rea- sons. Perhaps she’s trying extremely affectionate to them, to save time by consolidat- so I think that kind of open- ing her lunch dates (which, I ness and love is what they are agree, would be bad manners). used to. When their dad died, But there’s no need to consult the boys were devastated. a crystal ball. The next time When the younger boy, “Fred- you’re making plans and won- erick,” wanted to sleep with dering whether she’ll invite Steven because he was having nightmares, I let him. Steven anyone else, just ask. Dear Annie: My sons were would comfort him by hold- the topic of a recent letter pub- ing him in his arms all night. lished in your column. It was Now, six years later, Freder- from “Concerned Grandfather,” ick gets scared because I some- my dad. He told you he’s wor- times work a third shift. He says THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. he feels safer with Steven by his side when I am gone overnight. It is true; they hug a lot. And yes, they do exchange pecks on the cheek, but it is not constant as my father described. My sons love each other. I certainly will not do anything or say anything to make them feel their behavior is dirty or inap- propriate. How different would the world be if boys gave and received more affection? My sons are well-adjusted. They play sports, get excellent grades and have friends other than each other. My father has often said they need to see a counselor to end their disgust- ing affection for each other. There is no way I would ever take them for counseling to break something that I think is beautiful and normal. My prayer and wish is they will always stay close and openly affectionate. — Loving Mom Dear Loving Mom: Thanks for sharing. I’d like to add that you shouldn’t automatically discount the notion of coun- seling for your sons — not because they are affection- ate but because they lost their father at a young age. ARIES (March 21-April 19). You take pleasure in maintaining your friendships. It’s not so easy for all your loved ones. Some find it difficult to be social, so it’s wonderful that you’re willing to reach out and take the initiative. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s time to expand the social circle again — an effort that will pay off in laughter and fun as well as in the context of business and finance. One way is to plan an event that will allow your friends to introduce you to their friends. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The mistake may have been an honest one, but that doesn’t change what happened. Try to be logical and methodical as you work out how to make things right and how to make sure this doesn’t happen again. CANCER (June 22-July 22). What’s not ad- vancing in your life is retreating. Chances are, you’re fine with this. You can’t move everything forward at once. And letting cycles run their natural course is the smart thing to do. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Oddly, what you think is boring will get far less so as you do it re- peatedly. Your mind will open to the intricacies. You may even feel that you’ve glimpsed the magical underpinnings of life itself in this. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). One of something is a choice. Two is an accumulation. Three is a collection. Moving into the higher numbers will involve more rules, hierarchies and categori- zations. The more organized you are, the more you can handle. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The ideal way to behave in the situation isn’t written in the manners books. Also, a person can be caring and compassionate and still have no idea how to do the right thing. You’ll help in this regard 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 today. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Flip the problem around in your mind, because the obvious solution may not be the best one. Furthermore, it may very well be the case that you can get more use from your obstacles than from the things that are going easily right. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Not one to be cynical or pessimistic, you know to listen to those voices inside that might be nudging you toward an uncomfortable conclusion. This is intuition warning you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When the weather turns cold, the stagnant water freezes long before the running water. To avoid rigidity of mind, body or spirit, keep moving. To avoid rigidity of style, keep seeking new influence. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The problem is like a kinked-up Slinky. In your efforts to handle the twist, things coil into themselves, become even more entangled, until it’s absolutely a mess. Two choices: Either throw it away, or call it art. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re an integral part of whatever group you join, even if you’re new there. Don’t underestimate your energy. Your joy is contagious; your curiosity is a stim- ulant for all around you. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 10). You’re changing and so are your wishes. Your efforts to be a better communicator on all levels will lead to astounding luck. A long process will end happily. What you pay forward before the end of the year will change someone’s life. A group will progress in part because of your intelligent leadership from within. Cancer and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 45, 7, 12, 22 and 15.