Summer shorts are washed and put away. It's blue jean time.

I have about six "presentable" pairs of jeans. (Why they're referred to as "pairs", I don't know.) I also have 3-4 "ratty" pairs, not to be worn in public.

Another five or so jean-like pants hang in my closet, but they stay at home. Then there are the dozen "nice pants"--my old school trousers of different colors and styles. They should go to Goodwill.

So here we are. It's not exactly a dilemma, but cause for a major decision: what to wear "to town"?

Of course, that decision depends on where, exactly, one is going. For the most part, there is no doubt as to the bottom line--definitely blue jeans. But, WHY?

My explanation is because everybody wears them. It's the dress (if you will) of the times. In today's society, jeans are acceptable anywhere--restaurants, airports, the mall, you name it. Wearing something other than blue jeans elicits weird looks (or perhaps it's my imagination).

Many older men don't wear jeans (i.e., my father), and guess what? They're categorized as "old men"! I don't want that moniker. So, I am "forced" to wear jeans. I'm independent, but not a seeker of attention.

I must admit, the wearing of denim does something to my personality. I become John Wayne or James Dean. I'm one tough hombre, one cool dude. I'm shopping at Rural King with my mean jeans! Don't mess with me.

Sure, my jeans feel tight, especially in the crotch area. Can't be wearing those baggy teen-gang jeans. I'd be much more comfortable in my old cotton pants. You gotta sacrifice something.

Another dilemma for when I go to town next: which pair do I wear? Dark, faded, one knee hole, frayed cuff, flared, dusty? And what belt? And shoes? Oh, the decisions!