Never Let It All Hang Out!

Dear Blabby and Crabby:

My husband and I just returned from a Caribbean sailing vacation in St. Barts. To add a little spice to our lives, we tried nude sun bathing while at anchor our first day out. Unfortunately, my husband has a fair complexion and didn’t use sunscreen. He burned badly in some places he never imagined and felt miserable the rest of the week. Needless to say, our vacation was ruined. When we returned home, I told some of our friends about his sunburn. Now he’s embarrassed and also mad at me. I think it’s funny, but he sees no humor in the situation at all. Am I wrong to talk about his problem with our friends? Signed: Hanging Out with Captain Red

Crabby: Oh man! I can feel his pain.

Blabby: Are you quoting our past president? Read More >>

Bambi Lover

Dear Blabby and Crabby:

My next-door neighbor and I have recently had a major falling out over the deer population in our neighborhood. He’s been throwing rocks and shooting a pellet rifle at them. I’m afraid he’s going to harm the little fawns. I like to see the deer come by. The abundant wildlife is one of the reasons I moved to this area. What can I do to protect these animals? Signed: Bambi Lover

Crabby: I was a Bambi lover in my youth but she worked at a strip club. Our relationship never worked out.

Blabby: I can’t imagine why. Read More >>

Whose Wake Is It, Anyway?

Dear Blabby and Crabby:

I live on a lake. I’m really upset with one boater in particular. All of our lakes are ”no wake” lakes. This clown insists on going full throttle whenever he’s on the water. I’ve reported the problem to the Lake Committee, but so far they’ve been unable to catch him. I’m ready to shoot holes in his boat. My wife says I’ve blown this whole thing out of proportion. Have I gotten too emotional over this issue? Signed: Calm Carl

Crabby: Carl needs to take some time off and get a life. Let’s suggest that he grab a surfboard and head for Hawaii. Then he’ll appreciate the value of a few waves.

Blabby: Now let’s not forget that rules are rules and the guy making waves is violating at least one. I don’t think Carl is that far out of line. After all, everyone is responsible for their own wake. Read More >>

Go Take a Hike

Dear Blabby and Crabby:

Six months ago, my wife and I retired to the mountains of Tennessee. We chose Fairfield Glade for many reasons, but a significant part of our decision was based on the variety of outdoor activities available in this beautiful mountain area. I had worked for the Social Security Administration and commuted one hour each way to my office, which was in downtown Atlanta. By the end of the day, I had little time or energy remaining for outdoor activities. My wife was a librarian at a local community college. She worked for 27 years before retiring. My problem is this: Since we have been here in the Glade, my wife spends all her time reading books by the dozens. She says she’s catching up from not having time to enjoy literature when she worked. I like to spend most of my time outdoors, which includes playing golf, bird watching, and hiking. Needless to say, my wife doesn’t join me in these activities.

I joined a hiking club and have enjoyed seeing many of the beautiful areas nearby. I also have enjoyed meeting a number of people in the club who share interests similar to mine. Read More >>

Going to the Dogs

Dear Blabby and Crabby:

My husband decided about a year ago to buy a small dog. He purchased a female toy poodle and paid $400, which I felt at the time was outrageous. The dog goes with him everywhere and even sits on his lap when he drives, which I think is a dumb thing to do—it’s potentially dangerous. The dog even sleeps in our bed. The dog first ruined my carpets and now is starting to ruin my marriage. What can I do? Signed: Lonely in My Own Dog House

Blabby: It sounds as if there are some serious issues in this marriage. Mrs. Lonely’s husband appears to have shifted his affection to the new dog.

Crabby: Yes, I recall someone saying that you should never underestimate the warmth of a cold nose. Read More >>