Dear Crabby, Why Do We Care When Someone Famous Dies?

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?

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, Are There Any Alternatives to Elf on a Shelf?

Dear Crabby, My kids are getting to the age when a lot of their friends are doing Elf on a Shelf. Personally, I’m not a fan, but I’d love to still do something fun. Do you have any suggestions for alternative ideas?Thanks!Elfie Noëlle Dear Elfie Noëlle, I looked over my vast vault of posts, thinking I’d already answered this question. But it turns out, another reader wanted to know what I thought of the little devil, I mean, Elf. Can you tell I think it’s a whole lotta hype for nothing? … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Why are Charcuterie Boards Suddenly So Popular?

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, Will the Spartans or the Wolverines Win This Saturday?

Dear Crabby, It’s that time of the year again – time for the Michigan-Michigan State football game! Which school do you think will win? And who are you rooting for? Thanks!Bucky Brutus Dear Bucky Brutus, Hmmm. I have family and friends who attended both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, so I don’t really have more of an allegiance to one over the other. Although, I do enjoy watching and listening to all the trash-talking that goes on between the fans. … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What Do You Think About Space Travel?

Dear Crabby, I’m old enough to remember when going to space was a big deal. Lately, it seems like anyone with enough cash can take the trip and I’m not sure how I feel about that. Would you ever travel to space?Thanks!Dr. LazarusDear Dr. Lazarus, You’re old enough to remember? I’m so old that I remember when the mere suggestion of going into space seemed preposterous. Those pioneers in the early days of space travel were brave. Shoot. They were basically agreeing to be strapped to a … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Where is the Best Place to See Michigan’s Beautiful Fall Colors?

Dear Crabby, Lately, the weather has been wacky. Are there still places where I can drive to see the leaves changing or have I missed my chance?Thanks!Greta GreeneryDear Greta Greenery, Good news - you’re in luck! Typically, toward the end of September is when the trees start to turn, but the warmer weather has delayed the process a bit. So, while there is still time to catch the color-changing happening around our beautiful state, I wouldn’t wait too long, though. Especially, if you plan … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Why Are People So Obsessed with Disney?

Dear Crabby, Disney World celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 1. All the images of people waiting in Black Friday-type lines to snag the anniversary merchandise and the photos of the crowds were insane! I guess I don’t understand this level of obsession. Do you? Thanks!H.J. PotterDear H.J. Potter, I’ve come to the conclusion that when it comes to Disney there are three groups of people. Those who hate anything Disney-related, those who like Disney, and Disnerds. The last group is … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Do You Hate Visiting the Dentist?

Dear Crabby, My wife keeps nagging me to get into the dentist for a cleaning and checkup. I’m not scared, but I just don’t get what the big deal is. Do you hate going to the dentist too? Thanks!P. Sherman Dear P. Sherman, Dear Crabby Gives Advice First of all, no one loves visiting the dentist. There are all sorts of weird smells and sounds. Plus, the toothpaste they use to clean your teeth is always so gritty and yucky tasting. Usually, when it comes to visiting the dentist, most … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Why are Halloween Tchotchkes Suddenly Everywhere?

Dear Crabby, My sister and I went out this past weekend for a little retail therapy in the hopes of scoring some great end-of-the-summer deals. Do you know what we found instead? Halloween! Nearly every store we walked into had full-blown Halloween and fall displays. Is it just me or is it too early for all this? Thanks,Mindy Midsummer Dear Mindy Midsummer, Ugh. I’d really love to know what sort of calendar retailers are working off from. It has to be different from what I have … [Read more...]