Three weeks ago, I traveled up to Long Island to visit my girlfriend. Two days later, I was in the emergency room with a serious kidney infection. It was a near thing; I crashed three times that night. Had I been at home alone, I very likely would not have survived. But my ever-practical Daryle was quite firm, and got me to the ER in time. (I believe her exact words were, “We’re going to the ER. Now. This isn’t something we discuss.”) I’ve spent the past few weeks recuperating in New York, with excellent medical care and with a network of amazing friends and colleagues taking care of business back home. I expect to head back to Maryland this week to take care of some things before returning for the second of two surgeries that should clear up the problem. I’m feeling much better, and have finally regained my stamina. This may seem like too much information, but there is a message here. Pay attention to your body. If something happens that you don’t expect or understand, if you’re inexplicably fatigued or in pain, don’t “man up.” Don’t wave it off. Don’t ignore it. Get checked out by medical professionals. And if you live alone, especially if you’re a senior citizen, make sure to talk to friends and family every day. Make sure someone is checking in on you. You’re the only you there is. You’re one of one. We’d all like you to stick around as long as possible.

Despite the terrible AI voiceover, this is worth the 27 minutes to watch. https://youtu.be/zGvIcRUOPDE?is=1C9N-WFSzaJPvVvj

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. “ — GEN Colin Powell, USA

The man who is ruled by comfort will eventually be ruled by circumstance. The man who is ruled by principle remains free. Discipline is not about punishment; it is the price of self-respect. — Hugh Fairfield Smith

Well today I actually grabbed the right pair of brown trousers. I had only worn the pink shirt to church yesterday, so I thought I would reconstruct yesterday’s intended outfit. But then I thought that might be boring so I changed coat and tie and pocket square. OOTD Brooks brothers linen coat CT Pink Oxford Brown wool pocket square Ancient Madder silk paisley tie MTM (hand me downs from pop) herringbone wool trousers Pantherella socks Martin Dingman shoes and belt Ernest Borell automatic watch late 1940’s