Dear Crabby, I stumbled into your column recently (purely by accident, I swear) and then went back to read some of your older stuff. I’ve got to say—I’m impressed! You’re witty, wise, and just the right amount of cranky. How did you get started writing advice, and where on earth do you get all that wisdom you dish out? Sincerely, Kiss Up Dear Kiss Up, Well, I don’t usually play favorites, but for reasons I can’t quite explain, I like you a lot more than everyone else who’s … [Read more...]
About Dear Crabby
Stuck in a rut? Need some biased advice from a crabby old baby-boomer? Read regularly by thousands and loved by some, Dear Crabby answers questions weekly to life's challenges. Send him a note at editor@rochestermedia.com.
Dear Crabby, Why Do We Care When Someone Famous Dies?
December 29, 2021 by 1 Comment
Dear Crabby, I was looking through my Facebook memories and was shocked to see it’s been five years since Carrie Fisher and her mom Debbie Reynolds passed away. I still feel sad that they’re gone. Is that weird? It’s not like I knew them. What do you think?Thanks! Gwenie Tew Dear Gwenie Tew, Well, when you get to be my age, death becomes part of the daily narrative. I’m not being morbid, just stating a fact. Each morning I like to scan the obits in the newspaper to see if I recognize … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What Do You Think About Matching Christmas Pajamas?
December 22, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, I want to get matching Christmas pajamas for our family to wear as we open gifts on December 25. My husband thinks I’m bonkers. What do you think? Thanks!Ma Parker Dear Ma Parker, I guess it depends on what kind of PJs you have in mind. Back in my day, the options for Christmas PJs were pretty basic – plaid. Now, there may have been different colors of plaid, but the overall design was the same. The girls had long nightshirts with ruffles around the collar and … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What are my Exciting, Non-Sappy Christmas Movie options?
December 15, 2021 by 1 Comment
Dear Crabby, As we get closer to Christmas, my wife wants to watch more Christmas movies together. The problem is all the movies she picks are either boring or cheesy. Do you have any suggestions for any unconventional Christmas movies I won’t fall asleep watching? Thanks! Wes BanditDear Wes Bandit, Boy, do I feel you on this subject. Last year I talked about how Mrs. Crabby LOVES those dang Hallmark Christmas Movies. This year there are 41 NEW movies and they started rolling them … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Why are Charcuterie Boards Suddenly So Popular?
December 1, 2021 by 2 Comments
Dear Crabby, Last Friday, a bunch of couples got together for Friendsgiving and the hostess had an entire kitchen table covered in a labyrinth of meats and cheeses. All the women ‘oooh-ed’ and ‘ahh-ed’ over this display, which I guess is called a charcuterie board. Have you heard of these and if so, what do you think about them?Thanks!Chet Mixx Dear Chet Mixx, Unfortunately, I have heard of charcuterie boards. In fact, Mrs. Crabby is insisting we have one in the place of Christmas … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Is there a Christmas Tree Shortage this Year?
November 25, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, With the Pandemic, Supply Chain Problems, and a Labor Shortage, I was Wondering, will there be a Christmas Tree Shortage as well? Sincerely, Douglas Noble Dear Douglas, Well, my neighbors still have lots of good size evergreen trees that may work well for you. Not to mention, the local parks are pretty well stocked. While that option may lead to spending the holiday in the slammer, it's still an option ... just saying. But if you're the type of person to follow … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, How do you Winterize a Car?
November 18, 2021 by 1 Comment
Dear Crabby, I'm from the South and I've Heard about Michigan Winters. How do you Winterize a Car? Charmed, I'm Sure, Belle of the South Well Belle, Let me tell you. You are definitely charmed to know me. And even more charmed to have me answer your question. Our winters can be mild or severe, and sometimes both in one week. You need to be ready! You could take your vehicle to a service station and let them check it for you, but they're so busy right now it may take days to … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What Was Your Worst Wardrobe Mistake?
November 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, What Was Your Worst Wardrobe Mistake? Sincerely, Happy Colors Dear Happy, If there was a wardrobe mistake to make, I've made it. From flip-flops to Chelsea boots and from two-toned Oxfords shoes to boat shoes, I've tried it all. But my mistakes weren't just in foot wear. I've had Zoot suits, leisure suits, and double-breasted suits, as well as, high-waisted trousers and low-waisted pants. I've wore floral print shirts and flannel shirts (still do actually). I've had … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, How Often Should I Replace My Bath Towels?
November 4, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, How Often Should I Replace My Bath Towels? Sincerely, Jordan Loo Dear Jordan, Why would you want to replace bath towels, you're only drying clean parts of your body, right? That's a typical response from a man, isn't it, but I've learned better over the years. It's true, you are drying - for the most part - a clean body. However, since you're drying a clean body, don't you want the cleanest towel around - yes, yes you do. You see, towels hold moisture and that can … [Read more...]
