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?

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, What are my Exciting, Non-Sappy Christmas Movie options?

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, 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, Is there a Christmas Tree Shortage this Year?

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?

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?

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?

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...]

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...]