HARDY, Va. While at the Kroger this morning, not only did I see a guy dressed like a straight-up farmer (overalls and all) jump into a large, shiny, red Cadillac sedan and drive off, but learned that the word “sweetie” can be pronounced with three syllables.

Somehow, having a pleasant older (but not that much older) lady ask, “Did you find what you need, suh-weetie?” makes you feel, indeed, a little sweeter.