DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are retired. He has a small farm, which isn't profitable, so he calls it his "hobby" farm.
When we retired, we agreed to have our main meal at noon every day. I work hard to have a nutritious meal on the table promptly at 12 noon. My husband knows this, but he comes in from working whenever he's ready -- sometimes hours late.
He always has an excuse. He has a cellphone and could call to let me know he's going to be late, but he rarely does. When he finally gets in, the food is cold and I am upset.
He thinks I'm "unreasonable" to expect him to be on time or call. He has never cooked a meal in his life, so he has no idea what is involved. I'm fed up with his behavior and need some suggestions on how to handle this. -- BOILING MAD IN ALABAMA
DEAR BOILING MAD: Perhaps agreeing to have your main meal together at noon was unrealistic. Talk calmly to your husband and ask if it would be more practical to schedule it for 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. That he wouldn't call to let you know he's running late does seem inconsiderate, and if the problem persists, it might be better for both of you if his "main meal" consists of a sandwich he makes for himself whenever he finally returns home.