Classic Style

  T he three of us spent an amazing couple of hours at a local ski area early this afternoon.  Ideal temperatures, several inches of new snow, groomed trails.  We even chatted with a couple of Norwegians and Swedes (from an appropriate social distance, with apologies to Bette Midler) during a couple of mid-ski breaks along the trail.  In the woods of Mid-Michigan. Funny the odd places they turn up!   In any case, I cannot recall when I have had so much fun on skis.  It has been a dozen years or more.  And The Young Master is really coming along.  He navigated all hills but two, fell only once, and really picked up the pace during our second hour.  He may well give the Norwegians a run for their money in another few years, but he ought to drop off quickly and sleep soundly tonight. --Heinz-Ulrich  

  As above, featuring a J. Press necktie. . .    So below.  The vintage L.L. Bean flannels, which I have not worn since last winter, suddenly fit very comfortably, even a bit loose around the waist, with plenty of room across the seat.  The ongoing weight loss continues with a pleasing general downward trend since late September last year.  20+ pounds shed at this point.  Difficult, but not impossible.  With apologies to Adam Ant.   S till having some fun with my attire,  Here's my iteration of a suggestion made a day or two ago by Charlottesville.  A very pleasing look I must admit.   The waistcoat was a birthday gift from The Grand Duchess last November.  Again, something I had coveted for quite a few years.  Leave it to my wife, who found one in the perfect size.  Intelligent, beautiful, and darned resourceful too.  She also makes a mean Thai curry, cycles seriously, AND cross-country skis.  How...

He seems to be enjoying himself.  Always a good sign.   T he Young Master and I escaped outside late this snowy afternoon following school for an hour of cross-county/Nordic skiing.  We stayed toasty warm thanks to constant movement of arms and legs (people always ask).  After divesting ourselves of skis, poles, boots, and head wear, we traipsed inside and enjoyed large mugs of hot chocolate.  The relaxed sense of well-being is delightful after just 60 minutes of even light exercise around the house and through the neighboring yard.  Ahhh.  Cold temperatures and more snow for the next several days into the weekend, so I foresee additional forays further from home in our near future. -- Heinz-Ulrich  

  The inaugural wearing of a mustard yellow wool waistcoat given to me by The Grand Duchess for Christmas.  I've wanted just such a waistcoat for a dozen years of more. T he attire for today.  Not visible are pleated tan dress cords, chocolate suede half wing shoes and belt, plus dark green-purple Fair Isle wool dress socks.  A bit of sartorial fun never hurt anyone, right?   And yes.  I'd dress the same were I headed into campus for face to face interaction.  I no longer mind if I bring a smile to someone's face or make a person chuckle thanks to my clothes for the day.  Heinz-Ulrich

  W ell, I sincerely hope we are over the notion that crass outsiders with no experience, knowledge, or expertise somehow know better.  Good god, what an appalling dung heap the last several years have been.  Drain the swamp indeed.  Still, onward and upward.  There really is nowhere else to go. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  One more of the many Laurence Fellows illustrations I've collected online for the last eight or nine years.  I am not sure which year of Apparel Arts this one comes from, but I call it 'At the Station.' A nother personal habit to cultivate routinely from January 2021?  Watching your weight  Not necessarily because anyone tells you to, but because a healthy weight and body mass index are better for us in the long term.  Especially after 40 or 50. I know.  I know.   But there is nothing quite like watching the pounds come off over several months, or suddenly realizing that your clothes fit more comfortably around the middle, across the seat, stomach, and chest.  It's also nice being able to put on socks more easily in a sitting position.  And when you notice, glancing in the mirror while shaving that, there is less of you overall.  What a shot to the mental arm! Now, I enjoy ample portions of good food as much as the next person, an...

  Another wonderful old Laurence Fellows illustration from decades long gone by that manages to convey the simple joy that comes from being well turned out.  Why, it almost looks like these gentlemen enjoy being 'dressed up.'  Imagine that.   D aily habits to cultivate in 2021 and beyond?  A non-slovenly approach to life, relationships, personal appearance, and conduct.  Even when you are alone. -- Heinz-Ulrich