Ski Vacation Style. . .

A few photographs from our recent weekend skiing getaway to Northern Michigan. Amazing conditions. And amazing cold. -17 degrees Fahrenheit one morning. But cross-country skiing warms you up fast and keeps you comfortable all day long.

On Day #1, we skied at Cross Country Ski Headquarters outside of Roscommon, Michigan, just about five minutes from the charming little house we rented. Beautiful groomed trails and rolling terrain through the woods. Excellent for kids and people new to the sport although we saw our share of hard cases with their waxing benches set up in the parking area, applying appropriate glide and grip waxes for the day's snow conditions.

We use universal glide wax on so called "waxless skis" (a misnomer), with a fishscale grip pattern in the kick zone of the bases. The Grand Duchess, bless her, also has a pair of new skate skis (a recent Christmas gift from yours truly), which have no kick zone given the different technique used to propel oneself forward.

Day #2 and Day #3 saw us at the more challenging and extensive Forbush Corners Nordic Ski Center just north of Grayling, Michigan. Top notch conditions, more varied terrain, and, on some trails, pretty technical skiing .

Best of all, The Young Master can now tackle advanced hills, so there was almost nothing we could not do during our three days of skiing followed by comfort food for our evening meals -- tuna casserole, macaroni and cheese, and pizza -- and evenings by the fireplace with coffee, hot chocolate, wine that featured the most delightful conversations with my wife. I cannot recall when I have felt so relaxed and at ease. It has been a long, long time.

We had such a nice time, that we have booked a second VRBO rental in the same general area for a weekend in mid-February. This time, we'll explore the Hanson Hills Recreation Area, another extensive network of groomed trails outside of Grayling, and return to Forbush Corners (Yes, it's that good!). Looking very forward to our next ski getaway in February!

-- Heinz-Ulrich

The Problem of "Business Casual" Attire. . .

This is how it's done. Business Casual the RIGHT way, ladies and gentlemen. Even during the summer months. A photograph (taken by Studio B Portraits ) which appeared in 425 Business Magazine in May 2017. T his post on the problem of business casual dress began as a quick postscript to a previous blog entry last week but quickly grew and grew as additional thoughts occurred, were developed in more detail, and revisions made. So much so, that it seemed, eventually, like a better idea to make the initial P.S. afterthought into its own entry . Are ya ready, Freddy? Then, here we go. . . ------------ U nless you actually plan to sell beach snacks and trinkets on Cozumel, become a serial barista, or greet customers at a fancy nightclub after taking out huge student loans to attend university somewhere for four or five years, plus an MBA afterward, it's really a better idea to err on the side of (somewhat) more formal work at...

Friday on Campus Style. . .

S omewhat atypically, I was on campus for several hours today helping with an interview that is part of a larger documentary project on which a colleague and I are working. Although I am behind the camera (I'm the audio guy in fact), what better reason does one need to dress presentably? Exactly. Everything worn, barring the recently purchased University of Wisconsin socks, a gift from the Grand Duchess, has been in the rotation for a while now. And, of course, there was the Panama hat, which I'll wear until we pass October 1st when the felt fedoras reappear. -- Heinz-Ulrich

Tan Suit Tuesday. . .

W hile it's now after Labor Day here in the U.S,. we still have almost three weeks left of summer according to the calendar. And since today was bright, sunny, and pleasantly warm (though far from hot), it seemed like a perfect opportunity to trot out my tan cotton suit and tan loafers/belt. Slightly disheveled, yes. And the shoes need some Renovateur to moisten 'em up But not a bad overall look if I might be so bold. -- Heinz-Ulrich

Classic Style

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