Reader Questions: Do Cape Madras Shorts Hold Up; Ideas for a Wife's 30th Birthday

Dear, Muffy:


I discovered your blog a few months ago and it has quickly became one of my favorites.  Not too long ago you did a couple of entries on Cape Madras shorts.  I love how they look, but because I am packing for a month long trip, I have to be very careful what I bring.  Do they hold up to more active pursuits?   Thanks.  


Your note was well timed yesterday, in that both it made me realize that I had been treating my Cape Madras shorts gently, and also I was just heading out the door down to where it would be hot, the wind brisk and the seas not exactly calm.

I wore these instead of my default Patagonia Stand Up Shorts. 

The day required lots of quick, and sometimes big, moves.

I choose my Cape Madras Bermuda Shorts over the Camp Shorts for their longer inseam of ten inches.

They absorbed  plenty of salt water.

A little deck caulk was the only damage, but that came out in the wash.

In the end I found them to be completely comfortable, affording plenty of freedom of movement, durable, cool and quick drying.  In fact, I will probably reach for them later in the week when we head out again.

While totally unrelated, I just couldn't help putting up this picture we took of the yacht The Blue Guitar while sailing past.  It was one of the best looking we saw all day.

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Muffy,  My wife is turning 30 in five weeks. I have been trying to come up with an excellent present for her. I keep a file of things she likes, clothing brands, fragrances, etc. But, I feel like for her 30th birthday, plus with our first child on the way, this should be something special. Something of heirloom quality. We have only been married for 2 years. Last year I found a beautiful vintage sterling locket. I found one of the only hand-engravers in the state and had it monogrammed and put our wedding pictures in it. She loved it. I want to do something like that. Maybe silver or pewter candlesticks or serving tray? I am in grad school, so I am limited to about $150. Do you have any ideas for a very traditional birthday present for someone about to leave their 20's behind, and embark into motherhood, something that will be worth passing down? Thanks.

It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job on your own. That is a lovely gift, and your other ideas are just as good.

While obviously everyone has different likes and dislikes and it can be difficult to predict what someone will really love, I am happy to share what we have done.

For the past twenty or so years, every Christmas, birthday and Mother’s Day, my husband and son select something that I would never go out and purchase for myself in several areas.  You could start such a tradition yourself.  Here are some examples. 

• I very much enjoy proper tea and prefer to use loose tea in teapots. So sometimes I will receive a new teapot with a sugar bowl and creamer, or maybe one from a pattern that is no longer produced, like my Spode Gloucester.

• Although I often find eclecticism more charming, there are several “working” Wedgwood patterns I have that afford them years of easy decision making!

•  I love the sturdiness of Waterford Crystal and they have over the years given me many beautiful items including stemwear, highballs and lowballs, vases, pitchers and letter openers.

• Antique silver is another category. Although most of what we have came from family members, additional teaspoons, sugar spoons, etc are always wonderful.

I cannot say what category I like more. It is just so special that they do this for me on their own.

I do not wear a lot of jewelry.  With the exception of my rope bracelets and pearls, my jewelry is antique and has been handed down by loved ones.

Perhaps others will have suggestions as well.