Hi there, guys and dolls! How’s everyone doing? My wish for you is to have such trite problems as my two questioning ladies do today (of course, we won’t tell them their problems are just small potatoes, will we). Let’s get right to our free advice Friday letters.

Dear Barbara Jean,

My boyfriend’s a mechanic and he and his car buddies held a beauty pageant. To my surprise, I did not win (I ran as Miss Fan Belt). I later found out (much to my dismay) that he had cast the deciding vote to Miss Body and Fender (personally, I’d like to know how she got that vote….). What should I do? Should I look the other way, or should I tell him to make tracks and burn rubber?

Disgusted Deirdre in Detroit

Dear Deirdre,

Well, I’m not surprised that Miss Body and Fender took the honors. With a name like that, obviously referring not only to the “auto” body, but also her own chassis, I quite frankly think she worked those mechanics over. My suggestion? Ditch the greaser and get a doctor. Maybe use your “Fan Belt” to snap one like him into line.

Enjoy the richer pastures, Barbara Jean

Dear Barbara Jean,

My sister promised my annoying and naughty niece that I would buy all of her Girl Guide cookies. Now I’m stuck with a bill and 400 boxes of the darned things. Barbara Jean, I’m on a diet and with summer right around the corner, how the heck am I going to get in shape for my new polka dot bikini?

Fleeced Fanny in Forest Hills

Dear Fanny,

Well, get out there and peddle those biscuits to your friends and neighbors, sister. The Girl Guides are an admirable upstanding group, even if your niece isn’t very nice. And say, whatever you have left, why not wing a couple of boxes my way? Think of it as payment for my helpful advice.

Thanks for the snacks, 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