Smiley Anders for Oct. 20, 2012

Why older guys dress that way

Dear Smiley: When I was a younger man, I noticed that older men at weddings and funerals, etc., often showed up with coats that didn’t match their pants and shoes that didn’t match the other clothing — and sometimes socks that didn’t match anything.

I didn’t disrespect them or anything like that … I just noticed it.

After more than 20 years of retirement, I know exactly where they were coming from.

When we put on pants that are not khakis or jeans and anything other than sneakers, we are “dressed.’’

I personally am in the market for some black sneakers.

I am getting a little flak about that on the home front, though.

CARL SPILLMAN

Baton Rouge

Grammy’s expertise

Dear Smiley: When we had a brief visit with our 5-year-old grandson Cade, he and I had an interesting conversation.

On the way to the store, he picked up my iPhone and started playing with it.

I heard all sorts of car sounds I didn’t even know the phone would make!

When I took the phone from him, I asked him how to change the screen.

His response was, “Grammy, don’t you know how to work your phone?”

My answer for the little devil was, “No, but I DO know how to make your favorite pie. …”

LINDA HUGHES WHITMAN

Denham Springs

Call to volunteer

Dear Smiley: One of the best things about getting The Advocate in New Orleans is being reunited with Smiley — and checking the Baton Rouge obituaries.

I stay very busy volunteering as a cancer survivor at the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Treatment Center at Ochsner’s and tutoring second-graders who need help in arithmetic.

Volunteerism is so important in our society, and a tremendous inspiration to seniors who make significant contributions while enjoying new friends every day.

Hopefully, your readers will not miss this golden opportunity.

LUM ELLIS

(Istrouma ’53)

New Orleans

The proper words

Dear Smiley: For successfully dealing with women:

Right after the all-important “Yes, Dear” is a five-word phrase: “How much do you need?” cheerfully delivered and accompanied by wallet-removing gestures.

SARAH STRAVINSKA

Chestnut

Defeated and Difficult

Dear Smiley: We have a few strange names in Louisiana, but my wife and I went to a family wedding in the Nashville area where the rehearsal dinner was held in Defeated Creek, Tenn. The town right next to it was Difficult, Tenn.

Plus, the bride’s first name is Tilly and she married a Dillehay, making her Tilly Dillehay.

MELVIN DAIGLE

Baton Rouge

Jefferson memories

Dear Smiley: Read your note about the gentleman who graduated from Jefferson College in 1946.

My father, Robert L. Prejean Sr., was a graduate of that institution (in Washington, Miss., 6 miles from Natchez) in 1907.

He was the shortstop on the baseball team.

I have a picture of the team, and I have visited Jefferson several times, walked in the dorm he lived in and seen the baseball diamond he played on.

BOB PREJEAN

Donaldsonville

Got tokens?

Dear Smiley: I am writing to ask if you or some of your readers have information on Louisiana tokens.

These tokens were used to pay taxes when you purchased something. They came 10 for a penny or 21/2 mills for a penny.

I remember using tokens — I think it was in the late ’30s.

I would like to know when and for how long we used these tokens.

LUTHER SOBERS

Ethel

Relieving stress

Dear Smiley: We love your column and enjoy the opportunity to contribute to it occasionally to relieve you of the stress of having to write the entire column — and hopefully help you earn another well-deserved vacation.

JIM GAMMEL

Zachary

Dear Jim: And don’t think your thoughtfulness isn’t appreciated. …

A moving inquiry

Dear Smiley: Did you get demoted?

In Monday’s paper, instead of continuing on the next page, they stuck you on the very last page of the B section.

(Did they also cut your 26 weeks, or whatever it is, vacation time?)

HAROLD MAYEUX

Baton Rouge

Dear Harold: Nobody told me why the column jump was moved, but I assume it was to determine if I could co-exist with weather columnist Pat Shingleton. I couldn’t. …

And, by the way, I only get 25 weeks vacation. …

Write Smiley at [e-mail]. He also can be reached by fax at [phone] or mail at P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.