More Advent Tweed and Plaid. . .

Thought about a suit today. But since I must meet with a few different students to, essentially, tell them "No" to requests for extra credit, or that making up 15 weeks' worth of missed work in just a few days before the term ends is neither realistic, nor possible, I need to appear less threatening.

That might seem funny were it not the case.

So many people view suits negatively now, and most undergraduates in Michigan are not used to seeing men attired thusly, so I decided to go with tweed and cords once again. You know. To appear more approachable and friendly as I tell them, "Sorry, but no. Students have enough to do already without throwing something together in a hurry at the last minute for a few points."

After two Covid years, students are suddenly coming out of the woodwork in great numbers with these kinds of requests. If they would simply a) do the work, or b) produce stronger work to begin with, these kinds of predictable discussions would not happen. We really are doing our best as a society to raise young people who cannot plan ahead, self-regulate or otherwise cope with their lives.

Sigh. But let's talk clothes instead!

A combination of items today that seem to gel better than yesterday's various pieces did. You cannot go wrong with a herringbone pattern grayish tweed jacket and tan cords. Snow, rain, or a sloppy mix of both predicted for tomorrow (Wednesday), so this will probably be the last time for a while that suede shoes are part of the mix.

The Grand Duchess and I are playing hooky tomorrow (Wednesday) and driving down to Ann Arbor -- once the Young Master boards the school bus -- to visit a cafe, pick up my skis with newly mounted bindings, and do a bit of shopping/looking around. Should be fun!

I'm thinking a navy vintage 'Made in Norway ' L.L. Bean Norwegian fisherman's sweater (Two of mine have been in the rotation for 30 years or so) and -- Wait for it! -- a pair of tan corduroy jeans along with ski socks and my venerable L.L. Bean duck shoes.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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