God has his ways of slowing me down when I need it. And I’ve been blessed to be laid low for the past week with an absurd respiratory thing. Blessed in that I got it while off from work and LFG was with her mom and grandparents in Florida.
And I needed some slowing down obviously. The other week while my Saab was still in the ICU I rented a car from Avis. A full sized four door is always waiting on my arrival wherever and my local rental was no different. Butcept they put me in one of those police cars. Crown Vic kinda thang and it’s got a wee bit more power than the Swedish muscle car.
Having not gotten a speeding ticket in twenty years I figured hell, it’s about time for one. The good news is that the nice motorcycle officer who got me red handed kindly reduced my reckless driving caliber infraction (49mph in a 25mph zone) down to 44mph so that I could avoid being arrested. I fear incarceration. My work here in the outside world is not yet done.
I might have exited the house four times in the past week and that’s far from my norm. But finally, and this lets you know that I wasn’t quite myself, I decided that I needed another pair of pajamas to be respiratorally compromised in. And I started thinking flannel so I put flannel sheets on my lonely, lonely bed. Yes, I’ve been a sick man. When my thoughts focus on donning flannel pajamas as opposed to scheming on how to shimmy out of a pair, sumpin’s askew.
So I rolled over to Brooks Brethren to snag a pair at 25% off. Butcept the nice Brethren associate wouldn’t let me stop right then. Amidst my wobbly constitution, the reality of classic Brethren buttondowns at just north of a buck and a half for three, made manifest. Made in America manifest too. So I pounced on the best collar roll still, in the world. The pink oxford is still unique but my first pink BBOCBD back in the early 80's was a richer pink. So was I. Shut up.
As I disentangled myself from the mother church trad tentacles, another test was throwed my way. This one involved ancient madder. Stunning trad examples of ancient madder neckwear at 40% off. All involved promised me that I could go home and don the p.j.’s if I’d simply select two ties and pay up. So I did and I did.
That’s all I got time or energy for tonight. Got a big first day in the office and then an afternoon date with a gal named LFG. Science project stuff and a poetry assignment. Bliss I tell you. But stay tuned ‘cause after I return from Dallas I’ve got some stories up my sleeve for you. Including…
An apology for not giving this little books it’s due.
And then…
- An update on my day trip that I’m gonna take this week to see Larry McMurtry’s hometown of Archer Texas for my damn self.
- Odd Vests…why wear them?
- Brooks Brothers Button Down Collar Roll…The John O’Hara—George Frazier Perspective.
- Trad Shoes for Women.
- Panties or Not?
- Bringing Back the Poll Tax—Pros and Cons.
I’d be open for suggestions on what y’all want me to lie to you about. I’m beginning to run a little low on ideas.
Onward. Driving a Stoli V8
ADG II
42 comments:
hope you're feeling much, much better! you were sounding kinda raggedy the other day.
question: when you wear flannel PJs on flannel sheets, how can you move? don't ya just sort of stick? flannel on flannel doesn't flow well.
I think some sort of combo on "Trad shoes for women"/"panties or not" has definite Max-out potentialities.
I recall Brendan Gill's take on O'Hara, a great capsule: "I went to Yale and was in Skull & Bones, while he desperately wanted to have gone to Yale and been in S&B"
So sad that you felt so bad, and glad you felt well enough to shop. At first I thought you'd made some sort of CVS-bloody that finally got you back on your feet and I was worried, because I prefer the vodka ones, too. (Have to admit I go for Tito's, because it's semi-local.)
And, since I did not know where Archer, TX is, I looked it up, and here's some info that might come in handy. Let us know if you see any UFOs over there.
12 miles west-southwest of the city lies a 1.5-mile antenna, the Lake Kickapoo Field Station, operated by the 20th Space Control Squadron, and part of the Air Force Space Surveillance System, used for observing objects passing over the United States. It is the primary anchor transmitter for the Space Command southern "fence" (or "Space Fence") network for monitoring the space defense system. It extends east-to-west across America at about the 33rd parallel north.
Hope you will enjoy a brief Sojourn into Archer County. I have hauled many a trailer load of Palo Pinto's finest Bovines up and through there...
A bit of advice, mind the speed limits... This is not in reference to your experience with the Crown Vic. Archer County and its surrounding counties are very well known speed traps. Other than the Book Nook and the Dairy Queen, it might be their only other source of income.
Have a safe trip down Texas Way.
Since you have a court date, why don't you assemble three (or so) different ensembles and let your readers weigh in as to which you should wear so that you might avoid incarceration.
Feel better - enjoy your time with LFG!
Awwww - Maxminimus - so sorry you're under the weather. But if you're like me, the rush of adrenalin from your purchases surely helped you. You are drinking the famous Hot Toddy regularly I hope. It is a sure cure - well, it may not cure you, but you don't care. Poetry project sounds yummy to this Ret. English Teacher. I can also turn out a pretty fab Science Project. :-) I'm excited already! I absolutely love the new pj's + all your purchases. Feel better soon! xoxo
Note to self: more diligence in 2011 needed-- coordinate book jackets to shirting fabric
Sorry to hear about the traffic citation, ADG. Could not have happened to nicer guy. I just bought a copy of Black's Law Dictionary today, so I will pose as your attorney.
The defense: you had taken medication for a cold, thus your judgement was impaired (a plausible explanation).
I will give it some more thought.
Are you partial to the traditional fit in the BB OCBD?
Hilton...I pleaded out and paid the fine but thanks anyway. Your defense was a flawed one anyway my friend. That explanation equates to DUI. I buy the BB OCBD in the tradtional fit more for nostalgia than anything else. I wear them casually, rarely with a tie.
AnonBookJackets...Cannot believe that you've admitted to NOT doing so in the past.
Preppy101...Indeed, the school stuff will be the highlight of an already sure to be blessed day.
LimeGreenOne...I plead guilty and paid the fine.
AtticusC. ... The whole Archer City McMurtry "feud" intrigues me. As well as the absurdity of opening his bookshops there. And from what I've read, it is the only thing in the town economy.
Yoga....Lake Kickpapoo...the name is scary enough. Titos...finally tried it and it was great. But I use the cheap stuff for bloodys and for tonic mixing. Titos/Stoli is reserved for martinis.
NCJack...a stellar idea for a post. Surely I'll have trouble finding photos to go with it though. And the O'Hara thing reminds me of the tension between F. Scott and Hemingway. Even though Scott never finished Princeton, he at least attended and I think Hemingway always marked that in his scorebook.
Hey -- sorry you're feeling so sluggish - and ooops is about all one can say about the traffice ticket. Nice BB shirts - the only BB we have down here are the outlet malls - and I'm heading there this week.
Lie to us about your high school antics (or maybe even fess up).
Get well soon. Drink water. Keep your feet warm. Drink more water.
LPC...Prunella, I thought I WAS better but I just got off of a conference call and now I'm wondering. Not only because of how I sounded but more so due to what I said.
Silk Reggie...My high school antics might indeed make for a good post. I'll be in Jax next month again on business. How far are you from Jax?
I dunno about those ties....not a monkey or tutu in sight!
Love the shirts tho! MY husband asked me the other day if he thought he should get a 2 inch cuff on a pair of cords...now I know who he reads in his spare time!
One of the best perks of womanhood is that the po-po lets you by with a warning when you're young, because you are cute, and they let you by when you're old because you remind them of their mama or their Sunday school teacher.
Those ties are EXCELLENT. What a great warm and cheerful choice for the Jan. blahs!
You must have really been sick, otherwise why bring home a pair of ties that'll go with everything?
That has to be the most conservative shopping trip you have ever taken...Call 911 immediately!! I am highly concerned...
Southern Prol...conservative shopping is all one can muster when one is under the weather. No one can be creative when the head is stuffy, the eyes are watery and the nose is doing an impression of the faucet in a cheap motel.
David V...thanks for defending me man. I was still sick and the onliest thing I went to buy was pajamas. They ganged up on me and made me buy the rest of the stuff.
SouthernProle...see my comments to David Von V.
FloHoHo...these ties are legacy, handcrafted, signature, small batch,,,
CecMacPoPogetterouter...it ain't fair.
Suburban...two inchers or nothin'
"a poetry assignment."
Please come back and let us know the poem and author, how you helped, and more about the finished product. LFG doesn't know it yet but her Dad is a poet, s____ u_.
Ya know why they make those little Nyquil bottles out of plastic? So you do not cut yerself when they break under you on the bathroom floor after that stuff knocks you out cold....
Please get well soon. Even though I've a 'kinder/gentler' persona this year, with you being 'ill' it feels like I'm battling wits with a person with both lobes tied behind their back. Just kidding - sorta.
I have been ill since the 23rd, and I stayed home today, and slept til' 1 pm after a 7Am pseudo-nyquil wake up beverage. I had no idea so many nasty respiratory try to kill me buggy ailments were still out there for an old fart like me to contract. If I even attempt to talk (my livelihood) then I start hacking, cannot stop, then get a wicked headache. I have gone through two bottles of the day/nyquil schtuff already (and my taste buds are officially dead now). Sorry on the Ford POS police retirement fund contribution mobile incident. I hope you feel better soon.
Oh ADG, you know how to take the fun out of everything by paying the fine and not going to court. I just can't believe that you own a solid white robe - or is that simply the robe you wear when you are under the weather? Please tell me you own at least one go-to-hell bathrobe - please!
LimeGreener...my white terry robe is for winter days when I feel like shitake. Enough said. And re the ticket...I do strategy for a living. I know when to fold.
Scale...this is some wicked stuff man. Today was my best day...I was almost giddy about the fact that I could breath through my nose. But now, at 841pm I'm back in the bed. I'm speaking for 2.5 hours to 70 people on Thursday...drugs...better living through chemistry.
Lisa...I'm still better than most...even with lobe compromise.
MainLiner...They don't sell the good stuff anymore. Not even behind the counter with ID required.
Flo...you did not call me a suck up.
I just picked up some codeine laced cough be gone via my Doc., and generic zyrtec. I hate this bug bro, what a tenacious beasty! Good luck to you!
MegTown...Just discovered the flannel v flannel obtuseness.
"I'll be in Jax next month again on business."
Can't you put that trip off 'til March so you can take in these goodies while you're working NE FL?
https://www.ameliaconcours.org/EventInformation/default.aspx
To be honest, I can shed no light on the whole "Archer County/McMurtry" feud. However, from the stories that I have read and from the many essays he has published about Texas Culture and History, it seems to me that he has the same conflicted relationship with his hometown (and State) as many other artists.
I am a big fan of the following books. The first is arguably one of his most well known and at least comparable to the second title. Reading the third will give you a chance to judge his feelings about Archer City for yourself.
"Lonesome Dove"
This story is a personal favorite due to the fact it is based largely on the careers of two prolific cattlemen (and Masons) who at one point called my hometown home.
"Last Picture Show"
"Leaving Cheyenne"
The second and third books are both based in Thalia, Texas, his "fictional" hometown.
I look forward to hearing about your experiences here in Small Town Texas. Remember to watch the Speed and stop by the Dairy Queen for a Beltbuster and a Blizzard...
I hope you will indulge my comment a moment more...
Another Writer had something interesting to say about my Home State and though I have purposely removed it from context, it is one of my favorites.
"I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans." J.S.
Sorry you're under the weather. Get well soon!
Wow--those are a couple of fantabulous pink shirts you got there! Would that I could afford even outlet BB... (sob, sniff) Well, Lands End is good enough for a crotchety curmudgeon like me, anyhoo.
Did you really buy an orange tie? Orange? Tintin seems to think that's what color his complexion is--perhaps it's a gift for him?
FogeyYoung'un....I'm mending. Had the greatest therapy yesterday afternoon and early evening...an afternoon of homework...science and poetry with LFG and then,and then....we had chili for dinner. Bliss I tell you. And how many times do I have to tell you. I AM The Trad. I ghostwrite it for TinTang.
AtticusC. ... Thanks man. You are feeding my focus on McMurtry and Texas. That's how I roll, reading wise. I was on a Flannery O'Connor tear for a month or so last year. Then a Cheever-Updike thing. After I wash McMurtry out of my noggin, I've got some F. Scott Fitz revisits already sitting on the table. And thanks for your suggestions. I shall read them in that particular order.
I read a little bit online about the Archer City/McMurtry angst. Seems that there ain't any middle ground re Larry. People either like him in Archer City or they don't. Some of the shite it seems, comes from people still being ruffled about how Archer was characterized in the Last Picture Show as well as other stories. And some just flat out don't get the guy...because those remaining in Archer City aren't exactly the most "book driven" people walking. It is said that very few people in Archer City Actually in his stores. And another thing...McMurtry says that the diaries of James Lees Milne are the books that he most cherishes and re-reads. Well that right there is enough evidence to let me know that he and Archer City ain't ever gonna exactly love each other in every way--all the time. Milne...a British architectural historian and devotee of aesthetics who could turn words into beautiful characterizations. And McMurtry...the son of true-genuine Texas pioneers and cattle people, some of whom actually worked for Mr. Goodnight (Goodnight-Loving Trail fame). No wonder Archer Citizens are mixed about the man.
Texas...the other reason I want to do the five hour round trip tomorrow is to see something other than Dallas, Houston and Austin. The Texas stereotype I ahve in my head is manifest mostly from my business travel experiences to usually Dallas but sometimes Houston. And I know there's more to it than what I've not so positively concluded. McMurtry's books will also help me with that too because certainly one day to Archer City ain't quite gonna gel it.
McMurtry has made a ton of dough writing screenplays so I know he's got some resources. But if you read his autobiographical trilogy, you'll learn that he at heart, is a bookman. A lover of used, new, antiquarian books. But the businessman in me says that he knows that his bookstores in Archer City are not going to survive. They almost closed last year. Thanks AtticusC.
Flo...I might create a business reason to come back in March. We'll meet up. And your new husband is buying dinner.
FogeyYoung'un....I'm mending. Had the greatest therapy yesterday afternoon and early evening...an afternoon of homework...science and poetry with LFG and then,and then....we had chili for dinner. Bliss I tell you. And how many times do I have to tell you. I AM The Trad. I ghostwrite it for TinTang.
AtticusC. ... Thanks man. You are feeding my focus on McMurtry and Texas. That's how I roll, reading wise. I was on a Flannery O'Connor tear for a month or so last year. Then a Cheever-Updike thing. After I wash McMurtry out of my noggin, I've got some F. Scott Fitz revisits already sitting on the table. And thanks for your suggestions. I shall read them in that particular order.
I read a little bit online about the Archer City/McMurtry angst. Seems that there ain't any middle ground re Larry. People either like him in Archer City or they don't. Some of the shite it seems, comes from people still being ruffled about how Archer was characterized in the Last Picture Show as well as other stories. And some just flat out don't get the guy...because those remaining in Archer City aren't exactly the most "book driven" people walking. It is said that very few people in Archer City Actually in his stores. And another thing...McMurtry says that the diaries of James Lees Milne are the books that he most cherishes and re-reads. Well that right there is enough evidence to let me know that he and Archer City ain't ever gonna exactly love each other in every way--all the time. Milne...a British architectural historian and devotee of aesthetics who could turn words into beautiful characterizations. And McMurtry...the son of true-genuine Texas pioneers and cattle people, some of whom actually worked for Mr. Goodnight (Goodnight-Loving Trail fame). No wonder Archer Citizens are mixed about the man.
Texas...the other reason I want to do the five hour round trip tomorrow is to see something other than Dallas, Houston and Austin. The Texas stereotype I ahve in my head is manifest mostly from my business travel experiences to usually Dallas but sometimes Houston. And I know there's more to it than what I've not so positively concluded. McMurtry's books will also help me with that too because certainly one day to Archer City ain't quite gonna gel it.
McMurtry has made a ton of dough writing screenplays so I know he's got some resources. But if you read his autobiographical trilogy, you'll learn that he at heart, is a bookman. A lover of used, new, antiquarian books. But the businessman in me says that he knows that his bookstores in Archer City are not going to survive. They almost closed last year. Thanks AtticusC.
Flo...I might create a business reason to come back in March. We'll meet up. And your new husband is buying dinner.
FogeyYoung'un....I'm mending. Had the greatest therapy yesterday afternoon and early evening...an afternoon of homework...science and poetry with LFG and then,and then....we had chili for dinner. Bliss I tell you. And how many times do I have to tell you. I AM The Trad. I ghostwrite it for TinTang.
Flo...I might create a business reason to come back in March. We'll meet up. And your new husband is buying dinner.
AtticusC. ... Thanks man. You are feeding my focus on McMurtry and Texas. That's how I roll, reading wise. I was on a Flannery O'Connor tear for a month or so last year. Then a Cheever-Updike thing. After I wash McMurtry out of my noggin, I've got some F. Scott Fitz revisits already sitting on the table. And thanks for your suggestions. I shall read them in that particular order.
I read a little bit online about the Archer City/McMurtry angst. Seems that there ain't any middle ground re Larry. People either like him in Archer City or they don't. Some of the shite it seems, comes from people still being ruffled about how Archer was characterized in the Last Picture Show as well as other stories. And some just flat out don't get the guy...because those remaining in Archer City aren't exactly the most "book driven" people walking. It is said that very few people in Archer City Actually in his stores. And another thing...McMurtry says that the diaries of James Lees Milne are the books that he most cherishes and re-reads. Well that right there is enough evidence to let me know that he and Archer City ain't ever gonna exactly love each other in every way--all the time. Milne...a British architectural historian and devotee of aesthetics who could turn words into beautiful characterizations. And McMurtry...the son of true-genuine Texas pioneers and cattle people, some of whom actually worked for Mr. Goodnight (Goodnight-Loving Trail fame). No wonder Archer Citizens are mixed about the man.
Texas...the other reason I want to do the five hour round trip tomorrow is to see something other than Dallas, Houston and Austin. The Texas stereotype I ahve in my head is manifest mostly from my business travel experiences to usually Dallas but sometimes Houston. And I know there's more to it than what I've not so positively concluded. McMurtry's books will also help me with that too because certainly one day to Archer City ain't quite gonna gel it.
McMurtry has made a ton of dough writing screenplays so I know he's got some resources. But if you read his autobiographical trilogy, you'll learn that he at heart, is a bookman. A lover of used, new, antiquarian books. But the businessman in me says that he knows that his bookstores in Archer City are not going to survive. They almost closed last year. Thanks AtticusC.
"your new husband is buying dinner."
Buy? He'll MAKE you a propah suppah, why last night for instance he took the best ever pork tenderloin [marinated in Reverend Marvin's Hot Sauce] off the grill and we went AT it, with a shameless mound of buttered haricots verts alongside.
However.
You need to know in advance that new husband has been indoctrinated. He now joins me in saying no chaise, no dinner.
Flo...you no wanna da chaise. TRUST ME ON THIS!! It has a history that wouldn't be good for y'all. On the other hand.
Please lie to us about the panties or not!
Would you please do a post on sport coat fit and tailoring in general? I've developed a phobia of tailors of late. I can't seem to locate one with a modicum of credibility or talent.
"you no wanna da chaise."
It's going to look SO GOOD in the living room. I've cleared a place so I can set it on an angle just so. In March.
Flo...you don't want the chaise....trust me.
Hilton...it would really do no good for me to write a post on how a coat should fit. Go to Suh on West Street in Old Town.
AnonPanties...why would I lie about the panties or not...there's plenty of troof to be told.
Thanks, ADG.
Do you mind if I mention that it was upon your recommendation?
Hilton...tell Suh that Dustin sent you.
Roger, thanks again, sir.
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