Hi there, guys and dolls! We made it to Friday. Aren’t you proud of yourself? And some other folks we should all be proud of are these two fine folks, knowing that they need help and asking for it. And boy howdy, by asking me for advice, they are truly asking for it, aren’t they?

Dear Barbara Jean,

My husband has just informed me that he thinks we should have a big family, seven (he said SEVEN) children. Now I’m all for raising a family, but I meant one or two children. Not SEVEN. Barbara Jean, I’ve tried talking to him, but his head is in the clouds and he’s over the moon at having a large brood. What am I to do?

Overwhelmed Ophelia in Ohio

Dear Ophelia,

Yes, my gal pal, that’s a doozy. Of course, a large family sounds lovely for a man who doesn’t have to go through seven rounds of pregnancy and, let’s face it, no matter how modern your man thinks he is, the majority of diaper changes and runny noses. Here’s what you should do. Go to all of your mother friends who have young children in the neighborhood. Tell them to bring their kids over, that your husband would just love to babysit them all while you all go to the city for a little shopping and lunch. I guarantee that by the dessert course (which all of you richly deserve), he will have narrowed down his family planning scheme to your favorite number.

Here’s to fixing your husband, Barbara Jean

Dear Barbara Jean,

I wonder if you don’t mind helping me figure out what my problem is. I am having trouble in the romance department. I can’t seem to get a date. I feel like every time I ask a girl, she takes a good look at me, pauses and either shakes her head or laughs at me. Now I’m a clean cut fellow, I take pride in my appearance, including having my mother inspect me and using her tried and true hair cutting method on me that she had done since I was a child. She thinks I’m very handsome, so that can’t be it. What could it be?

Betty’s Bowl Cut Bob from Bakersfield

Dear Bob,

Oh boy, I think we have the problem right there. Mother Betty needs to use the kitchen supplies for something else and leave your head alone. One day, just before mother starts chasing after you with that cereal bowl again, pop into a barber’s and get yourself a grown-up hair cut. On your way home, stop and ask the first girl who strikes your fancy out on a date and see what happens. Then go home and fill all the bowls with candy, cereal, snacks, soup, goldfish, anything, so she can’t turn one over on you and cut your hair.

Always happy to help the lonely, Barbara Jean

Keep your letters coming! I love to help or hinder any way I can. 

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more posts. And don’t forget to give my Poppy Cove Mysteries a try if you haven’t already. 

Toodles, Barbara Jean