Quad-City Times from Davenport, Iowa • 88

FAMILY ALBUM www.qctlmes.comfeatures MO TIMES 111 Sunday, February 19, 2006 ANNIE'S MAILBOX ENGAGEMENTS BIRTHDAYS If 'J I In-laws' filthy refrigerator makes woman lose appetite )( I feel used, as it's obvious that she has no interest in me. I'm still superficially friendly when I see her, which is fairly frequently as they live four doors down, but I have been declining her invitations and will not invite them to my house again, which seems to have made her a little snippy I'm not sure I want to salvage this friendship since I find her so tedious and aggravating, but for the future, what can you say to somebody who blathers on about themselves so much? Should you tell them or just write them off? Frustrated Dear Frustrated: It would depend on how much you value the person's other qualities. In this instance, you have no reason to work at this relationship, but she is a neighbor, and you must see her frequently. Your current approach is adequate superficially friendly when you encounter her, with no effort to get closer. Dear Annie: The letter from "Not a Grandma Yet" left me smiling.

I was 39 when my wife and I had our first child, and I often am mistaken for the grandfather. I've become used to it. What still takes me back, though, is the number of people who assume I am my wife's father. I'm only three years older than she is. I'm My Own Father Dear Dad: Ouch.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e- mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. DEAR ANNIE: My inlaws have a truly filthy refrigerator. For years, my husband and I have joked about the "science projects" growing inside.

Many of the items are in uncovered dishes, and the contents have rotted beyond recognition. Food that is covered gradually grows into a rainbow of molds and slime. These choice tidbits are never discarded but simply pushed to the back to make room for more. My in-laws' fridge is always filled to capacity, and new items must often be laid on their side to fit, resulting in spills that are not cleaned up. Needless to say, it smells so bad, your eyes water when the door is open even if you're in another room.

Furthermore, all food taken from the fridge has a distinctive and disgusting flavor, including the fresh stuff. My husband and I once tried cleaning it, but it made my in-laws angry, and they told us not to do that anymore. It has reached the point where I can no longer force myself to eat at their house. We must travel to visit them, which requires overnight stays, and I am running out of excuses for not eating meals. My in-laws are insulted that I refuse their food, and I can't figure out how to tell them that their refrigerator turns my stomach.

So, Annie, how can I visit them without sneaking off to restaurants or starving to death? Not-So-Hungry Daughter-In-Law Dear Not-So-Hungry: If it's any consolation, your description made us lose our HOLIDAY MATHIS HOROSCOPES SUNDAY, FEB. 19, 2006 The Scorpio moon makes a hobby of delving into the mysteries of life. That is, when she's not creating them by hiding, shape-shifting and teasing us with enticing messages. Today, she whispers things like, "What's behind that door?" and "You never know until you've tried." By the day's end, you just might be convinced to "try." TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 19): You express yourself beautifully this year, and for this reason, people find it a pleasure to give you what you want.

Before the end of March, you will have that item you've been saving for someone kicks in with extra funds to help. A trip in May brings new love into your world. Your bonds with Scorpio and Pisces people grow more powerful. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 10, 2, 19 and 21. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Those are not flaws you see in the mirror; they're unique traits that give you character.

Think up ways to play up what sets you apart from the crowd. Utilize your Gemini friend for support and ideas. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The omens suggest that the critics don't count. Their ideas may be somewhat correct, and their words may be more or less true. Still, the credit goes to the one who tries and fails.

Anyone can be a critic. GEMINI (May 21-June 21): Love is an adventure especially if you're in love with another air sign (Gemini, Aquarius or Libra). Expect last-minute changes in the plan. Use intuition in romantic matters instead of saying, "Is anything wrong?" CANCER (June 22-July 22): ASK CARLEY Kathy Mitchell Sugar appetites, too (maybe a good thing). Is it possible that Mom and Dad are suffering from some form of dementia, or losing their ability to smell or see? A refrigerator full of rancid, inedible food is a health risk to them as well as their guests.

Your husband should be the one who tells his parents, but you can offer to help him if you think he needs the backup. The folks should be told in plain English that you love them dearly, but their refrigerator smells bad and there is rotten food inside. Offer to help clean it, or hire someone who will. If they refuse, both of you should tell them you can no longer eat in their home but you will be happy to join them for meals elsewhere. If they are offended, so be it.

Dear Annie: I have a neighbor with whom I became chummy for a couple of years. Gradually, I noticed that she is very self-absorbed, always butting in and changing the subject to herself, her dog, her husband, yadda, yadda, yadda. It has reached the point where sitting in the same room with her annoys me. Relationships thrive when your mind is busy. Schedule more time for art, philosophy and entertainment.

Relatives offer whatever kind of support is easiest for them. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Hold back on a financial decision until the answer is absolutely clear. Children need extra care and nurturing the kind that only a wonderful parent such as you can give. VIRGO (Aug.

23-Sept. 22): The planets suggest that you may have to backtrack first before you go forward. Friends have connections that can save you money or employ you. Before you go it alone, ask what kind of a deal you can get. LIBRA (Sept.

23-Oct. 23): Those who blame others for their mistakes must also credit others for their triumphs. Taking more responsibility for what happens is favored. You're powerful enough to influence people you don't even know yet. SCORPIO (Oct.

24-Nov. 21): The good news is that you're feeling mighty creative. The bad new is that you're also a bit scattered and spread thin. You benefit from singleness of purpose. If you had to choose one project only, what would it be? SAGITTARIUS (Nov.

22-Dec. 21): Sometimes, when you listen hard, you get the words but not the meaning. Try listening soft. Let your mind and ears go fuzzy, and feel the emotion that's being expressed. CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19): Clear your proverbial plate for bigger, better and more just deserts. Complete projects (even ancient ones) that somehow have been left unfinished. An Aries can help you celebrate in style. AQUARIUS (Jan.

20-Feb. 18): This is a lucky day if you know If Rudolph "Kia" Rudolph. May your birthday be filled with lots of love and joy Much love from Grandma Veronica, PaPa Dewey, Leepay and Candice. Bernice Steele Steele Bernice Steele, Eldridge, Iowa, will be honored at a family dinner to celebrate her 90th birthday Bernice Mack was born Feb. 29, 1916, in Pomeroy, Iowa.

She married Lloyd N. Steele in 1934 in Sac City Iowa. He died in 1987. Her children and their spouse are Marlin and Anita Steele, Phoenix, and Joan Peters, Eldridge. She has five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Carma Schwarz Schwarz Carma Schwarz, Davenport, will be honored at an open house on Feb. 26 to celebrate her 80th birthday Friends and relatives may call from 1 to 4 p.m. at Walcott American Legion. Carma Jane Runge was born Feb. 26, 1926, in Mount Joy, Iowa.

She married Harvey Schwarz in 1946 in Eldridge, Iowa. Mrs. Schwarz was employed at Younkers, Davenport, retiring in 1985. Her children and their spouses are Doretta and Craig Hippie, Roswell, N.M., Calvin and Sharon Schwarz, Davenport, Carolyn Herbst, Alexandria, Kenneth and Janet Schwarz, Walcott, Iowa, Myra Davis and friend, Ken McElmeel, Iowa City, Iowa, Michael and Sharon Schwarz, Davenport, Rhea and Kurt Wolf, Dunlap, 111., and Denise and Brian Timmerman, New Liberty, Iowa. She has 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

FAMILY EVENTS Giavanna Rose Rose "In our arms at last" Giavanna Rose, January 4, 2006. Genesis Medical Center, mini Campus, Silvis, 111. 10 3oz, and 21 inches long. Proud parents are Maria and Ryan Ritjer, Colona, 111. Daniel Lorentzen and D'Ann Wicks Wicks-Lorentzen D'Ann Wicks, Moline, daughter of Steve Wicks, Moline, and Laura and Mike Ritchie, Coal Valley, is engaged to Daniel Josiah Lorentzen, son of Pastor Dan and Terri Lorentzen, all of Davenport The bride-elect is employed by The Rock Health and Fitness, Davenport.

Her fiance is self-employed in Davenport. The couple will be married May 27 at Calvary Church of the Quad-Cities, Moline. A reception will follow the ceremony. Robert Kramer and Amy Walker Walker-Kramer Amy L. Walker, Riverdale, Iowa, daughter of Jann Harrison, Riverdale, and the late Craig Walker, is engaged to Robert Kramer, Riverdale, son of Terry and Roxanne Kramer, CoalVaUeylU.

The bride-elect is employed by Pacific Select Group, Newport Beach, Calif. Her fiance is employed by the City of Davenport Fire ment and Hodge Construction, Moline. The couple will be married April 8 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bettendorf. Kevin Kaskadden and Lea Rush Rush-Kaskadden Lea Rush, daughter of Marcus and Christie Rush, all of Davenport, is engaged to Kevin Kaskadden, Davenport, son of Kathy and Lee Rice, East Moline, and Anthony and Becky Kaskadden, Lakmoor, HI. The bride-elect is employed by Genesis VNA, Davenport.

Her fiance is employed by Eden's Automatics, Davenport. The couple will be married June 3 at St. Johns United Methodist Church, Davenport. Jose Morales and Sherry Mayo Mayo-Morales Sherry Marie Mayo, Marion, Iowa, daughter of Elaine Mayo and Larry Bergmann, Lawler, Iowa, and David and Marge Mayo, Nashville, N.C., is engaged to Jose Morales, Marion, son of Felipe L. Morales and Maria G.

Morales, Bettendorf. The couple will be married Mrch 25. I J- Mykia Rudolph Mykia Rudolph, Rock Island, celebrated her first birthday on February 8, 2006. Happy 1st Birthday Mykia Anna Sexton Sexton Anna Margaret "Anne" Sexton, Davenport, will be honored at a reception on February 26 to celebrate her 90th birthday. Friends and relatives may call from 2 to 5 p.m.

at Knights of Columbus, 1111 35th Davenport. She request that gifts be omitted. Anne Devlin was born February 26, 1916, in Woodbine, Iowa. She married John Robert Sexton in 1932 in Rock Island. He diedinl961.

Mrs. Sexton was employed at and Lumber, Grilk Interiors, and Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport. Her children and their spouses are Dolores and Elvert Loose, Richard, Patricia Schultz, Daniel, William, Timo-they and Peggy, all of Davenport, David, Aurora, Theresa Woodward, Puyallup, Jane and Joseph Rich-miller, Grand Mound, Iowa, Kathleen and Philip Creer, Adelaide S.A., Australia, and the late Mary Gertrude, the late John Michael, and the late Ter-rence Philip. She has 65 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Mr.

and Mrs. Harry Masterson Masterson Mr. and Mrs. Harry Master-son, Davenport, will be honored at a family dinner today to celebrate their 90th birthdays. Alice Webrand was born March 27, 1916, in Dike, Iowa.

Harry Masterson was born December 30, 1915, in Donahue, Iowa. The couple were married February 14, 1988, at Newcomb Presbyterian Church, Davenport. 1 Mrs. Masterson's children and spouse are Judy and William Ellis, Davenport, and Patricia Knaack, Davenport. She has five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Masterson's children and their spouses are Carol and Harold Zindel, Davenport, Bernard Masterson, Davenport, Donald and Sharon Masterson, Port Byron, 111., Terry Master-son, Davenport, Ruth and Kenneth Soedt, Davenport, and David and Maria Masterson, Davenport. He has 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 11 what to do with it. Hopefully, you don't have to work, but if you do, approach your job with a buoyant, playful spirit.

You make a friend. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You're doing OK. When you get it "wrong," remind yourself that whenever you strive with great enthusiasm and tremendous devotion, you will eventually get it right. FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Welcome to the first full week of the Pisces sun.

Pisces is represented by a symbol of two fish swimming in opposite directions and bumping into each other in the middle. I believe those two fish are actually swimming to the same destination: toward happiness, bliss and wholeness. But each has his own idea of how to get there. Both are right if they could only get out of each other's way. As you journey toward happiness this week, keep those conflicted fish in mind.

Most happiness experts say that dependence on external means for happiness is only a short-term fix and that true happiness comes from within. I think the fish are telling us something else this week that there is more than one way to travel to happiness, and who is to judge? The important part is to let yourself go there. Mercury and Jupiter come from a lucky "trine," a good-news aspect akin to sprinkling magic fairy dust on a day-to-day project or relationship. The right words are said to make the thing blossom! All you have to do is: 1. Trust yourself.

2. Let go. 3. Smile. you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Holiday Mathis page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail.

To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. to wedding Carley Roney, co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot, the nation's leading wedding resource, advises millions of brides on modern wedding etiquette at www.theknot.com. Streamer WeJAUtrJi! 563-332-9002 www.dreamersltd.com Guests need to RSVP By Carley Roney SCRIPPS HOWARD There are only two weeks left until my wedding and I still haven't heard from a big chunk of my guest list. I need to let my caterer know about menu choices, well, yesterday What should I do? With the big day looming so large, there's nothing wrong with following up with a quick phone call to get a definitive yes or no (and a definitive fish or steak). It's a pain and probably the last thing you have time to do right now but iys necessary You need a correct headcount not just for who gets what dish, but also to ensure that your seating chart is correct, there are enough favors to go around, and so on.

If you don't have time to call everybody yourself, try to diwy up the phone duties among the wedding's key players. Here's how to do it fairly Whoever added each guest to your list should make the call, so if it's your old college buddy, it's up to you to track her down; if your mother's coworker is remiss with the RSVP, your mom should make the call. I.