My Winter Cap

As the weather turns, those of us a little thin on top reach for a hat of some sort to keep the little gray cells functioning. For as long as I can remember I've been a hat guy. There is some kind of easily folded chapeau deep in a pocket in each of my fall and winter jackets. My tastes are wide ranging, as I keep deer stalkers, Irish fishing caps, tams, and wool stocking caps within easy reach.

Last fall, I fell in love with this Balmoral, but felt that by the time I found who made it, ordered it, and had it shipped, the season would be over before I had a chance to enjoy it. So I waited.



The gods shined on me last week, and I got off my mcduff and finally ordered my own copy from the most helpful and attentive staff of Robert Mackie of Scotland. It arrived today, a full 5 days after ordering. I asked Mrs. T to wrap it up for Christmas.



I had a little trouble with the clan badge. I am not Scottish, and do not belong to a clan, save for an invitation from my daughter's father in law admitting me to theirs, which is tenuous at best. Many clan badges also signify a military or at least a warrior standard, and I'll not wear military decorations other those which I have been awarded, so the clan badge was out.

Choice 2 was to use a county badge of the old sod, a viable alternative but one that felt wrong for many of the same reasons.

Finally, I chose a badge I am entitled to wear. That of an US Air Force enlisted person.

Soon enough it will turn cold, I'll have my Scotch bonnet, mayhaps a little whisky flask and warm gray cells.

Toad