Classic Style

  M any associate summertime cooking and meals with backyard barbecues, hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, and the like.  And all of that is delicious.  But for me, the most typical (late) summer meal consists of things like tomato sandwiches and sliced cucumbers with a copious amount of mayonnaise, salt, and course ground black pepper.  To go with the previously showcased iced tea of course.  Dinner this evening was our second go-around with tomatoes from the local CSA and a few grown here at home on our back deck in big pots by the Grand Duchess.   Holy cow!  Nothing quite like August tomatoes.  And we'll have more of the same tomorrow (Monday) evening. Parenthetically, the pepper mill above is part of a set that I now have although these were on the dinner table at my grandparents' place all of my life until I asked my grandmother for them sometime in the mid- or late 1990s when I was living in Madison, Wisconsin.  Without a word, she...

I ced tea, like so may other things in life, means different things to different people I suppose.   A staple summertime drink in my formative years, there were always two pitchers in the refrigerator at my maternal grandparents' house outside Philadelphia where I grew up and spent the first half of my twenties.   Made with Lipton Tea, one contained heavily sugared tea with several sprigs of spearmint, which grew along the run from my grandparent's spring house down to the creek that ran in front of the main house.   My grandmother, mother, sister, and I enjoyed this particular pitcher.  Since he preferred unsweetened tea, there was always a second pitcher for my grandfather with sprigs of spearmint but NO sugar. In our own home, the Grand Duchess and I continue the tradition.  We make two pitchers of strong Lipton Tea.  One is heavily sugared for yours truly and the Young Master, which is labelled Episcopalian Iced Tea.  The second unsw...

  A fast moving, torrential thunderstorm knocked out our power for several hours this afternoon.  And along with it the air-conditioning to keep the house comfortable.  Since I was unable to continue working on my computer until the problem was fixed some four hours later, it seemed like a good time for an afternoon lie-down with a handy cat nearby.  Just one more variation of the summer uniform here. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  Another variation of the green and tan that work so well together.  Today's attire taken for a very warm and humid spin around the neighborhood following the evening meal and coffee. I spoke this afternoon via a Zoom call to my maternal uncle, who lives outside of Providence, Rhode Island.  A retired professor of Theology and Philosophy (one of the family's genuine ivy leaguers), he is well into his late 70s now and struggling with a variety of health issues.  But he continues reading subjects that interest him. Of particular note, Uncle David is teaching himself Danish to read Kirkegaard in the original, takes the occasional online graduate course in Philosophy, and somehow manages to maintain a  positive attitude about everything happening in the world.  And on a more personal level.  The fact that he was in younger days also an Episcopal (Anglican) priest in the U.K. and here in the U.S. might have something to do with that. At any rate, we be...

  A nyone who has had a child in, oh, the last 5000 years or so, will recognize the drill.  Said child -- teenager don't forget -- has a routine appointment.  Parent must interrupt day to take child to appointment. Child told to be ready by certain time in advance of appointment.  Child asked several times and finally told to put on shoes so the two of you can leave for the blasted appointment.   Sigh. Two photos of yesterday's attire shot while hanging around waiting for the Young Master to get his shoes on to leave the house and journey 10 minutes up the road for an appointment Wednesday afternoon.  A slightly more casual variation of the typical uniform around these parts.  I am especially fond of the way this particular jacket goes with this particular pair of khakis.  Parenthetically, I came across the latest Ben Silver catalog while gathering a few things from the floor on my side of the bed later in the day, and deposited it quietly in...

  A quick stop by the library's Mermaid for a coffee before the later coffee.  A pleasant 30 minutes.  Quiet jazz and only one other patron working on his laptop.  A far cry from the chaos of the academic year. O ne of about 25 faculty and staff to meet the new dean of our college this morning over coffee and some kind of dried out pastries.  Relax.  It's not an exclusive group.  There are actually several such opportunities during July for faculty and staff across the college to meet the new guy.   My impression?  Nice enough, and he talks a good line as someone friendly to the Humanities.  Time will tell.  But I suspect our new dean is someone who has, ultimately, been chosen to make steep cuts given the entire institution's ongoing budgetary shortfall.  A situation made more urgent given the last six months. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  A n oppressively warm Sunday here by all accounts, relieved late in the afternoon by a passing thunderstorm with s ome heavy rains.  Helped by the quiet hum of the air-conditioning in the background, a perfect opportunity for a 90 minute lie-down before the evening meal. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  H aving just returned from our family vacation up north, things are relatively low key here in the Grand Duchy today, but still dressing with intent.  Wine and some Scrabble, Yahtzee, or Gin Rummy with the Grand Duchess after fireworks this evening. -- Heinz-Ulrich

    J ust returned from a delightfully relaxing week "Up North" as they say here in Michigan, where we enjoyed cycling, sailing, kayaking, and yoga on the beach among other activities.  We stayed at our usual house outside of Traverse City on the Betsie River.  Not quite Salt Water New England ;-) but plenty of "big water" as the Grand Duchess remarked in conversation one evening over the Scrabble board and a glass of wine.  -- Heinz-Ulrich        

H ome from the previously mentioned appointment in time to change clothes, set the table, pour a mug of fresh coffee (courtesy of the Grand Duchess), and join the Young Master while he enjoyed  breakfast with Sunday's comic section just after 10:15am.   Children of any age are funny creatures.  You get a pleasant smile, and in the blink of an eye, as you press the "shutter" button, the expression disappears.  He did NOT want to try again. -- Heinz-Ulrich  

  A pleasing shot of the recently purchased J. Press blazer that better conveys its true shade of navy.   U p and at 'em this morning for an early appointment with my ophthalmologist.  A perfect excuse to dress for the hour or so to make the trip there, wait around, hobnob with some kind of physician's assistant, wait around some more, see the doctor for a few minutes, schedule another appointment for the end of the year, and drive home again.  Another variation of the usual theme here, but it's easy and, dare I say, fun when one can assemble a reasonably put together ensemble without too much thought.  Good thing given the early hour of said appointment.  Why do I do this to myself? -- Heinz-Ulrich

  T he Young Master at work behind the griddle for the Young Aviators Fathers' Day Breakfast this morning.  And with a pleasant smile rather than a maniacal leer.  At 15 1/2 he is already very close to my own height (5' 11"), and it will be interesting to see how tall he becomes.   The Grand Duchess and I have very tall Danes, Swedes, Germans, and Englishmen on both sides, well over six feet, so he might very well tower over us when all is said and done.  Now, if only I could get him to use that Norelco electric shaver from two Christmases ago. The past week has been a big one for the Young Master.  Fresh from his 9th Grade year, he has finished his fourth quarter with high grades, started volunteer work at the area food bank, and logged another official flying lesson yesterday, taking the controls of a small two-person trainer aircraft for a time.  It looks like a banner summer is in store for him.   Happy Fathers' Day everyone! -- Hein...

  S adly, I always seem to miss this one since we are over a month into the summer lull by the date, I am home most of the time, and have shifted to shorts and various short-sleeved sport shirts of one kind or another.  Although yesterday there was apparently some kind of BIG seersucker event at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac (pronounced 'Mack-i-naw) Island in Northern Michigan, of all places, sponsored by Haspel. Go figure. While nowhere near as dandy as yours truly sometimes is, my late father had and wore a similar suit during the summers when he was an exec for the brokerage house that at one time was bullish on America as the TV commercials used to say.  This was, of course, back when many more men wore suits and in colors beside navy, charcoal, and (shudder) black.   At one time, you actually would see nicely dressed men attired in taupes, tans (during the summer), subtle patterns, subtle stripes, and the occasional tasteful brown in addition.  Mind ...

  A slightly more casual look today for the second of four writing group sessions on campus this summer.  Organized by one of our associate deans, several of us have committed to joining each other once a month as accountability partners.  In other words, we set up shop with our laptops around a huge table in an air-conditioned room and work in silence for three hours (lunch provided) on our respective projects. Uninterrupted by children, pets, spouses, UPS deliveries, shiny doodads on the desk, or anything else that might interfere with prolonged concentration.  It's amazing what you can get done with a chunk of time like that. Attire-wise, another variation of the typical uniform but with a distinctly summertime vibe this time around.  I didn't shave this morning (I know, I know. . .), so I decided to forgo the usual necktie of some kind and go with an open-necked shirt instead.  Mercer & Sons this time with a vintage Brooks Brothers jacket, Land's E...

  I decided to skip the final half-day of the conference and spend Sunday with my sister instead.  Following a late breakfast, we spent the day together talking family, taking a couple of wonderfully long walks around the Cathedral District, followed by dinner and later coffee with popsicles (iced lollies?) up on the roof of her building, one of many spectacular refurbished apartment buildings in the area, which were built during the 1920s and 30s.  Fear not, I packed a couple of pairs of chino shorts, a casual belt, leather boat shoes, and a few short-sleeved sport shirts for our late afternoons and evenings at home. Monday (yesterday), it was up and at 'em early for the flights home to Michigan and the fourth version of the preferred travel-conference 'kit.'  Once again, the attire for the day included a third broadcloth shirt from J. Press as well as the same blazer pictured in previous 2025 conference trip posts.   Back to the olive green chinos, which ...

  T he third iteration of this year's travel-conference attire, featuring the same J. Press blazer and another broadcloth shirt.  The first thing I did when the blazer and shirts arrived earlier this spring was take the former to my tailor for the usual minor alterations.  I also asked him to move my university buttons from the previous 20-year old blazer to this one, personalizing it a bit in the process.   While there were a number of other men in evidence sporting the occasional suit, odd sports jacket, and even a nave blazer or two, I was the only one among almost 700 participants dressed thusly.  And boy oh boy, what others have advised is true.  If you're gonna wear a full suit, don't forget the necktie.  It looks decidedly odd without one.  Far easier to pull off a tie-less look with a blazer of sports jacket.   By and large, however, and keeping in mind this was an academic conference, most of the men in attendance presented...

  A nother variation of my preferred attire for conference travel and attendance although, depending on season, I dress similarly Monday through Friday during the academic year here at home too.  Although I like wearing suits when I meet with my students for classes, but that's a subject for another time.   The broadcloth shirt and blazer are J. Press items purchased in March or April of this year.  The thinking was that, while I have plenty of cooler season gear, lighter weight items for the summer and even early fall were in short supply.  So, I bit the bullet and made a few different purchases with that in mind.   Not inexpensive by typical standards, but quality items that will provide many years of wear and look good with proper care maintenance.  It's that very sensible idea of quality over quantity. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  T o my mind, there is no more perfect male travel-conference uniform than a navy blazer, penny loafers, and chinos. We always called 'em "khakis". . .  even when they're not. With this particular combination of garments, its easy to combine various other items as and when necessary with almost no thought at all.   Topped off by a Panama hat, the ensemble made for a comfortable, yet distinctive appearance that garnered compliments and special perks throughout the five-day jaunt to and from Washington, D.C. for the 2025 Teaching Professor Conference.  My own contribution was a poster session on the use of podcast audio to support students in a hybrid course setting.   In addition, I attended a number of other very interesting sessions, and made several new contacts.  Exhausting, but enjoyable made more so by the fact that I stayed with my sister, who lives less than five minutes from the National Cathedral and Embassy Row.   -- Heinz-Ul...

  E very now and then, the Grand Duchess and I manage to sneak away for a few hours in Ann Arbor to have lunch, visit our favorite cafe, and do some window shopping plus drop by a few bookstores.  We always marvel at how different the vibe is between East Lansing and Ann Arbor even though both are home to R1 institutions of higher learning. -- Heinz-Ulrich

  An image of the Buck Mason navy blazer borrowed from the J. Press website. O ur son the Young Master showed up at home yesterday (Friday) afternoon with his navy blazer in hand and the following story. His history teacher had the kids in the 9th Grade class giving oral presentations about the subject they are currently examining earlier in the week.  Extra credit was offered for "dressing up."  He had the presence of mind to open his closet and take his navy blazer (with red plaid cotton pocket handkerchief) to school -- quietly and without fanfare -- on Tuesday for his own solo presentation that morning.   And apparently, both teacher and classmates were bowled over by both the presentation content as well as the Young Master's attention to sartorial detail (blazer over the rugby jersey of the day with jeans and the ubiquitous sneakers).  Ok, maybe not exactly what some of us more traditional oldsters might combine with such a jacket, but he was in the b...

  S oft air, partly sunny, and quiet following the Young Master's departure for school aboard the big yellow bus this morning.  Perfect for another cup of coffee and then a trip down the road to the supermarket for the week's groceries.   Normally, the Grand Duchess handles this particular chore, but she is away at a conference in South Korea this week, so yours truly is picking up the slack.  In any case, a good excuse to get moving today, brush my teeth, dress presentably, and take care of things before lunch.  That frees me up for re-mulching duties this evening after dinner once the Young Master plants himself in front of the TV for an hour or so before bedtime.  I'll don some older clothes for that particular task of course. Classes have been finished for just over two weeks, final course grades were submitted last Monday, and the Spring 2025 semester/term is now well and truly over although one failure contacted me just a few days ago to ask abou...

  W ith the possible exception of lawn care activities, cleaning out the garage, or changing the oil in your car, there's never any reason not to look reasonably presentable.  People can argue to the contrary all they want in 2025, but I will stick to my guns on that one.  Looking as if you have perpetually rolled out from beneath Oscar the Grouch's garbage can two minutes ago is not how to go through life.  The mindset and habit neither make (nor maintain) a decent impression, do not instill confidence among others, and do not encourage people to take seriously anything that one might have to say. Of course, I recognize and revel in my outlier status. With this particular contrarian approach to personal appearance in mind, I took the opportunity to attire myself as usual for the first session of a summer writing group on campus Monday morning.  About 10 of us will meet once a month between May and August to work in each others' proximity on campus, have lunch, ...

  Vivian Surratt Stokes-Williams (1945-2020) Vivian Jesse Bennett Roberts Stokes (1917-2007)   The Grand Duchess, December 2024 Clowning with my sister in Washington, D.C., late June 2022 M y sister sent me the top two photographs via text of our mother and maternal grandmother early today, both which were taken sometime in the early 1960s.  I believe the top photo was my mother's high school graduation photograph, or taken just before she started at Washington University that September.  To the women in our lives who somehow keep everything glued together by hook or by crook.  Happy Mother's Day 2025. -- Heinz-Ulrich