Wearing Pearls

Classic Knotted Pearl Necklace and Bracelet in White

For me the most quintessential piece of jewelry is the single strand of pearls.  While I don't wear a lot of jewelry, I do often wear my pearls.   They have an unparalleled range, going with just about everything,  and can effortlessly and instantly take an outfit up a level.  I wear them over sweaters and under blouses.

And one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, where can I find an affordable pearl necklace?  I am very pleased to have found out about Demoiselle.  Using Austrian crystal pearls from Swarovski, this jewelry - a range of necklaces, bracelets and earrings - is handmade in a home studio just south of Boston.

I wear pearls almost as often as I wear lipstick, across all seasons.

Pearls and Cotton Cable Knit Crew Neck Sweaters

Pearls and a Lilly Shift.

Demoiselle uses this sterling silver clasp.

Paired with a Very Old J.McLaughlin Navy Blazer

With Lambswool Cable Knit Sweaters

Paired with a Twenty Year Old  Brooks Brothers Black Watch Tartan Waistcoat with Velvet Collar and Buttons for Holiday Time.

A Set of Three Stretch Bracelets in Ivory

With Tattersalls and Barbour

Over the years I have worn my older ones just about everywhere:

A Maine Yard Sale Find

One never knows what might be in the attached barn of an old Maine farmhouse.

I rarely stop at yard sales, on average about once a year.  But I do if the house is old enough and if there is enough of its white paint peeling off the clapboards.   I am guessing that this mirror I just found on Saturday is from around 1880 and the frame was probably originally around a portrait.  $50.00.

Happy Father's Day

My father, wearing his J. Press oxford cloth button down shirt, knit tie, and tweed jacket

Happy Father's Day from The Daily Prep

My father, wearing not much at all

Dispatches from Brad Cole: Annapolis to Newport Race, 2013

Brad Cole, who just finished racing in the Annapolis to Newport Race, kindly allowed me to post these dispatches.

5/23/2013: Navy MKII 44 is out of the water getting wet sanded in prep for Annapolis to Newport and then Marion to Bermuda. 

1338, 6/6/2013: We are watching tropical storm Andrea as we get ready for the race, which starts at noon tomorrow.  Doesn't look like we’ll be treated to a real pleasant ride down the Bay.  Nothing in the forecast that is alarming though.  Enough to make the Dark & Stormys taste a little better in Newport…

 One of the DEFIANCE crew getting the boat spiffed up.  

The race is sponsored by the New York Yacht Club, Annapolis Yacht Club, Ida Lewis Yacht Club and the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron.  The Midshipmen who participate as members of the Naval Academy Offshore Sailing Team do so as part of their summer training.   

1310, 6/7/2013: Ahh, yacht racing... Waiting out a four hour postponement. Pouring down rain and then Andrea passes through. This is an example of William F. Buckley's saying about likening yacht racing to “standing in a cold shower tearing up hundred dollar bills." ... Well, can't always be sunshine, fair winds and following seas...

1538: About to head to Newport! Snarly out here...

Committee Boat

1615: Start.  "DEFIANCE" to leeward...

1506, 6/10/2013: The Midshipmen members of the Varsity Offshore Team are remarkable young adults and it is a rewarding experience to be in their company.

Racing in the Rain

0713, 6/11/2013: We finished at approximately 0712. That is Castle Hill Light behind the Swan.

"Welcome to New England; Enjoy Our Fog"

0929: I am proud of the crew's performance given the crazy weather and a significant equipment failure. That's yacht racing...

Would be nice to get some sunshine while visiting Coastal New England!

1108: The drinks taste better and stories get more interesting after the races with more in the way of punishing conditions. I actually prefer wind and rain a lot more than flapping sails on a no wind sunny day.

"DEFIANCE" and "INTEGRITY" are leaving early this afternoon to transit up to Marion in prep for that race. No rest for the weary...

Looking forward to that sun this afternoon though!

1823: Harbour Court!  A picture is worth a thousand words...

The jacket is made by Helly Hansen. It is actually both comfortable and functional.

0718, 6/12/2013: Gary's Handy Lunch is a vestige of " back in the day" Newport.

1004: In Marion now. Cloudy, windy and cool here. Talk of a postponement due to a developing low approaching Friday. Crazy/interesting weather this year.

1039: After talking with a race officer, no official talk of postponement as of yet - just keeping an eye on the weather.

1458: Now at Ida Lewis Yacht Club...

Relaxing at ILYC Before Getting Ready to Attend the Awards Ceremony

1714: There were 5 Navy entries: the TP 52 “CORSAIR,” J 122 “DOLPHIN,” MK I 44 “FLIRT,” and MK II’s “INTEGRITY” and “DEFIANCE.”  “DOLPHIN” was 2nd in IRC II, “FLIRT” was 1st in PHRF II.  “DEFIANCE” and “INTEGRITY” are entered in the Marion to Bermuda Race and the other three boats will race in the NYYC regatta this weekend and then Block Island Race Week.

Trophies received by the Midshipmen 

1922:   ...A photo of some happy looking yachtsmen might help illustrate one of the reasons we punish ourselves out there from time to time.  Collecting silver at the end can be fun.

Highland Games, Stamford, Connecticut, 1965

The Round Hill Highland Games celebrated their 90th year of games last weekend down in Norwalk, Connecticut.  Here are some photos taken of the games when we went back in 1965.

One appealing aspect of some of the events (hunts, ski jumping, diving) of 40 or 50 years ago, or more, is the lack of permanent infrastructure.  There were little or no metal bleachers, concrete concession stands, loud speakers, or bright scoreboards.  They were held in fields where spectators either brought their own seating or found a stone wall (fence) or other convenient rocks.   Thus when the event is over you still have unsullied, natural environment, appropriate for new uses or no use at all.