Pastry Style in Ann Arbor. . .

The Grand Duchess and I enjoyed a grand day out on Saturday, when we drove about a hour southeast of East Lansing to Ann Arbor for brunch, some tooling around various favorite shops, and stop at our favorite patisserie-cafe before heading home late in the afternoon. As we walked along hand in hand toward our first destination, shortly after parking the car, a passerby remarked that we were a striking couple.

I don't know about that, but it was nice of the woman in question to say so. The Grand Duchess, by the way, wore a navy dress with a navy cardigan over her shoulders, a pair of low black heels, and pearls. She was certainly the more striking of the two!

It was, we discovered, graduation weekend for the University of Michigan, and there were actually many male graduates and family in suits or sports jackets with neckties milling around along with tastefully attired women of various ages dressed to the nines. Great to see actually, and an indicator that many remain aware of and dress for special occasions.

A stark contrast to most of the student body and family I observe here in East Lansing for similar occasions. One of several clear differences between a flagship and a land grant university I suppose. Location, location, location as the saying goes.

In any case, Sonja and I had a wonderful day just the two of us and consumed far too many culinary treats of one kind or another, but just such a getaway sans child was looooooong overdue. About 14.5 years to be exact. Not that I'm keeping track or anything.

Speaking of which, the Young Master returned from his whirlwind class trip to Washing, D. C. very late last night. He apparently saw a lot and had his own nice time away with classmates and teachers. God bless Mrs. K. and Mr. R!

Escorting and safeguarding approximately 30 8th Graders through airports on the way to and from another city several hours away is certainly not a task I would ever consider. Thank goodness for those with the patience, tact, and kind nature necessary to do so however.

-- Heinz-Ulrich.

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