Classic Style

  W e have enjoyed a largely temperate summer here in Mid-Michigan this year.  But like clockwork, the thermometer climbed to 90+ degrees Fahrenheit today, the first day of classes at my institution.  And of course the building in which I teach my classes this semester lacks air-conditioning.  The huge ceiling fans in the classrooms help a bit, but when you cram fifty or more bodies into these rooms, things become less than comfortable PDQ.   Hence the linen suit for today.   It rumples almost as soon as you put it on, but the material of which the suit is made is like the most gossamer of pajamas and allows plenty of air to circulate around a slightly too warm body.  As my late mother used to point out, linen items announce their presence by virtue of the wrinkles.  And anyone in the know will realize what they are looking at. In any case, a bit on the dandy side today with the Italian parrot necktie, bold Mercer shirt, and the pocket square, not to mention the Panama hat, but why not

  O n campus for another kick-off today before classes for Fall 2024 commence in earnest on Monday morning.  A reasonably good combination of items today, including a shirt and necktie from J. Press, but the navy socks don't quite work.  They are simply what I dug out of the sock drawer in a a hurry after showering and shaving.  Should've trekked downstairs to the drying rack in the laundry room for a much lighter pair of cream and light tan Argyll numbers.  But, ah well.  Mistakes are how we learn after all,  One of you asked about my watch a day or two ago.  It's a modest Seiko "slim dress" given to me by my late mother when I turned 36 early in the century.  It works very well for me given my skinny wrists and slim build.  The occasional trip to the jeweler for cleaning and a new strap now and again keep it looking good.   I purchased a round Bulova -- with black leather strap -- about six or seven years back using a gift certificate from my in-laws, but the fa

  T he Young Master began  high school today.  Where has the time gone?  Already about 5'10" (approximately 178cm), I suspect he will be quite tall by the time he finishes growing given the men on both sides of the family well over 6' (two meters) in height.  YMP reported excitedly this afternoon that his Spanish 1 course will be taught entirely in the target language.  Good man!    -- Heinz Ulrich

  O n campus for a few hours this morning for a workshop -- reasonably interesting -- on freedom of expression and inquiry in the college classroom.  Good reason to climb out of bed early, shower, shave, and dress presentably for public consumption. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  B ack on campus for a few hours today to help orient the five new hires to how our program functions, provide some general guidance, and move them toward the start of classes for Fall 2024 next Monday.  Actually, one of the more interesting such events I've attended in a long time.  Otherwise, a partly sunny, cool day, so perfect weather for a beige cotton suit, colorful shirt, navy grenadine necktie, and some reddish tan captoe oxfords.  Plus the Panama hat.  I know, I know. . . -- Heinz-Ulrich        

  T he Grand Duchess is away until tomorrow evening, and the Young Master typically gets to have his dinner with TV or Flight Simulator on Fridays, so yours truly is solo for dinnertime this evening.  Not really in the mood to "fix" something for myself, I decided to enjoy some fresh vegetables from Thursday's CSA haul instead.  A little salt and pepper with a large glass of chilled tonic water, and Bob's your uncle!  Sliced fresh strawberries with pineapple and cantaloupe chunks for dessert I think, followed by the usual fresh dark roast coffee and a brisk walk around the neighborhood following the Young Master's bedtime.  Ahhhh. . . -- Heinz-Ulrich

    W e've got one of those brilliant, sunny, cool, and breezy summer days here in Mid-Michigan today after a couple of days of rain.  Mid-70s (23-24 degrees Celsius) and simply amazing.  Perfect for some brick red chino shorts and a tucked-in poplin short-sleeved sport shirt.  Worn with surcingle belt of course!   Shuttling the Young Master to his math tutoring in a little while and then a fairly easy afternoon with a bit of preparation work for the approaching fall semester.  Otherwise, it's still "summer vacation" for a bit longer.  Ahhhhh. . . -- Heinz-Ulrich

    D uring a day already full of pleasant surprises, these arrived via UPS late this afternoon.  About a month before I expected them.  Yes!  Looking very forward to their inaugural wearings in just a few weeks when we're back on campus. -- Heinz-Ulrich