Apres Solo Ski Trip Style. . .

Back to Earth with a thud this morning following a three-day solo cross-country skiing excursion to our favorite Nordic center less than 2.5 hours north of us. Amazing conditions, a skate ski lesson, and solid feedback from two coaches. My eventual goal of attaining Level One certification as a Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) coach seems to be within reach with more practice on the snow next season and careful study for the written exam.

Yes!

Planning on a similar escape this coming weekend, with the blessings of the Grand Duchess, which might be the last such jaunt for the 2024-2025 ski season here in Lower Michigan. Snow and snow conditions get iffy in March with the approach of Spring, but you never know. I managed to ski locally last year right up until the tail end of the month. The 28th or 29th if memory serves.

As far as today's attire is concerned, pretty typical winter fare. But the darned bow tie simply refused to cooperate this morning, though I was finally able to get it tied once on campus. But just barely. A reasonably rumpled, laid back overall look however that still manages to come across as something in the neighborhood of pulled together.

Two separate male undergrads expressed their approval at different points during the day, one even asking where I find my gear and how I learned to dress thusly. Blame my father and maternal grandfather although I am a bit dandier than they were. In any case, the young man in question seemed terribly excited when, in response to his query about a jacket to dress up his own attire, I suggested a navy blazer as an essential and easy piece to dress up, or down.

I added that with careful shopping he might be able to turn up one via Ebay at a decent price. Dry-cleaning and minor alterations, I further advised, will give him something he can enjoy wearing in various contexts for a number of years. He seemed terribly pleased with that information as we left the classroom, and I wished him a happy and safe Spring Break.

How nice it is to bump randomly into young men who aspire to something a bit more elevated than sweats and hoodies. There may yet be a glimmer of hope for us.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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Mid-June Thursday Style. . .

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