We had eight inches of snow over the past two days. Then we had a cold snap and we are in for even colder weather as the week progresses. No fedoras or overcoats today, friends!! Time to get my "Moscow" on! The snow is beautiful on the bluffs but the wind chill is wicked!!

Americans are often posting their days and wishes, so let me do the same. Today we celebrate the day of children’s rights in Finland. All the flags are up, raise the colours! Always there is this nice warm feeling when the cross is up.

I hear many Europeans denigrate America due to misunderstanding, naivete and ignorance. The difference is Capitalism vs Socialism. It's Opportunity vs Security. In America we work for what we want. Here we can work overtime or have more than one job. Progressive Leftist people don't want to work, they want everything to be provided by the government. With such, in a nanny state, there's no need for ambition or work. Even showing up isn't required. Is socialized health care superior? Not hardly. I know that from experience And observation. How many Americans are beating down the door to live anywhere in Europe? Why does the people from around the world try to get here, legally or illegally? The only population I see moving into Europe are Muslims and Mideasterners. They don't assimilate or contribute. They want to replicate their culture, or lack there of. Europe is beautiful. Loaded with history. But European culture is evaporating as we watch. Although I can never be described as wealthy, I do have a wonderful life and retirement that I Worked for. I earned my military pension. I suffered to earn my military Disability. I Paid into Social Security for 50 years. As a result I live comfortably in a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house on 3/4 of an acre in a gated and guarded community. I eat very well and don't have to worry that I can't afford my groceries or utilities. Most of my life I worked more than one job. I've been an entrepreneur because I had the freedom and opportunity to do so. I could Never sacrifice my opportunity for security. Intelligent comments are Very welcome. Thanks.

Gents. I have a great fondness for Fedoras and have been eagerly learning how to work with steam and cleaning techniques. Re-blocking is the process of reshaping the hat crown on good fur felt. I purchased this sad and very delapitated hat with excellent fur felt from online goodwill and decided to see if I could bring it back to splendor. It is from the 1930s I believe. Cleaned and re-blocked it myself.

Greetings gents, here is an interesting headline in case you missed it: https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/business/musk-trillion-dollar-pay-package-vote Which makes me wonder, is any single job worth $1 trillion US dollars?