Spring showers

Spring has sprung, and with it comes spring showers.

Once upon a time a gentleman carried an umbrella as a matter of course. It was part of his daily uniform, along with hat and briefcase. A throwback to days of yore when a sword was appropriate day wear for a man's battle in the city.

It's tough to find a man with an umbrella these days. For suburban Masters of the Universe the automobile and underground parking have put paid to the necessity for such stylish accessories, along with hats. Consequently, it's tough to find a well made brolly.

Shantung Silk, long the preferred fabric of choice, has joined the rotary telephone on the dustbin of history. Today's better bumbershoots use a Jacquard silk, wool and cotton blend, coated with a bit of teflon to keep the drops off.

So what'sa guy to do? Give Maglia Francesco a shot. One of the few remaining bespoke umbrella makers, as well as manufacturers for James Smith and Sons, London's famous purveyor of brollys and walking/working sticks.

Regretfully, an umbrella made to suit your unique requirements isn't cheap or quick. There are lots of options to choose from. Alternatives do exist however. You can pick up a serviceable Maglia Francesco model off the rack. The greatest selection is at Rain or Shine, next try Paul Stuart or Barney's in New York.

Toad

I picked up a new summer wardrobe

I am ever so grateful that traditional men's clothing rarely goes out of style. I'd be sunk.

While putting away the summer clothes last fall, I got a glimpse of what was in the back, all that I could have worn if......

And it really pissed me off.

So I decided to do something about it.

Around the time our SIL invited Mrs. T to join her at WW, I returned to the gym. 5 days a week. I began by taking baby steps. 3 years ago I couldn't walk due to a knee injury, and I never want to repeat that.

Eventually, I began to crawl. I told myself I was a more virtuous person, just by showing up. Male ego is fragile and needs constant stroking.

Now I'm at least standing up, and still showing up. 5 days per week.

Funny thing though. I haven't lost an ounce, but have lost beaucoup inches. I lost a suit size, and while I should be proud of that, I factor in the necessary shame that goes along with putting on the girth. It all evens out.

So since the weather was lousy all weekend, and I had Sunday to myself I went back to the summer clothes storage closet to see what turned up.

Thus far I have recovered all that you see here. An extra 6 pair of pants, a BB seersucker and a Cable Car poplin suit.

And a couple of spring sport coats.

Another suit size and the world is my oyster. Summer without the shopping. How novel.

Toad