Thoroughly enjoying my time in Ireland. Made a special trip to Donegal to pickup a “authentic” cap. This blue-gray tweed flat cap sits nicely — good proportion, not too high or low, and the texture adds interest without being flashy. It pairs well with my silver facial hair and the olive vest + burgundy layer underneath. As an added bonus, the color also works nicely with my eyes…at least that what the sales lady said when I was deciding between an Olive and Brown option.

Recently spent some time in the Ozarks. Heading off to Ireland in a couple of weeks…should have some interesting photos to share.

The person you want to become is likely on the other side of a season of discomfort.

I missed you guys in RMRS, BoS and Watch Lover. I am amazed and happy to see the growth of all three communities and can't wait to get caught up with you all! So, any recommendations on where I should start? Maybe some HOT topics?

This is just a vent, nothing more than a few paragraphs of whining! Does anyone remember when you got dressed up before going to a steakhouse? Maybe it's just a Texas thing where people don't worry about appearance before going out. I don't mean blazers and shined shoes; but the outfit of choice had at least a touch of gentlemanly style. This Sunday (before Labor Day) I decided to treat myself to a moderately nice steak. I go to the local Longhorn Steakhouse and am advised there would be a slight wait. As I wait in the lobby, I start checking out the people around me--mainly those who were obviously together on some sort of date. The ladies were all dressed well: heels, semi-formal evening wear, care is put into the hair, make up is on point. You get the picture. They looked stunning. Then I look at the man they are with. Why is it some men look at the lady they are with and they think to themselves, "She looks amazing! I'm going to put on my best slides with black crew socks, a stained pair of cut-off camoflague shorts, a sleeveless shirt showing off my favorite metal band and my bushy arm pit hair, and then top it off with a grimey ball cap turned backwards. I'll even prop my favorite pair of sunglasses on the bill even though it's night." This was the majority of men who were paired with an elegantly dressed lady. There were some men who took some pride in their image. What has happened in society where it is an accepted norm for a man to put zero effort into his image, especially on a date? Why are the ladies putting up with this? I'm sure the immediate answer is "he's got a big, thick wallet." But if that's the case, couldn't he afford basic clothing that look presentable? I'm about to turn 51 in a few days. Maybe I'm just a grumpy old man who's starting to say, "Back in my day..." Yes, I need to just mind my own business and worry about myself. I'm only sharing a lamentation about the decline of gentlemanly presentation. Thanks.