I was given an amazing gift for Christmas from my wife and in-laws. The Lego set of the HMS "Endurance." If you're not familiar with this ship, she was the expedition ship of Sir Ernest Shackelton's voyage where his aim was to be the first to cross Antarctica from coast to coast. However, before they made landfall, the "Endurance" became trapped in ice and later sank. The mission the became one of survival. Sir Shackelton led his men to the uninhabited Elephant Island so they would at least be off the frozen sea. Then he and five others sailed one of the ship's lifeboats over 800 miles to seek rescue. The entire crew survived. Every year I choose a theme for the year rather than a New Years resolution. In 2026, my theme will be Endurance. This build and doing some research about Sir Shackelton and the "Endurance" helped me come to this decision. Through Endurance We Conquer. Shackelton family motto.

I give my company this week off each year, which often enables me to catch up on some longer-term projects. That said, trying this last week in the house and in casual clothing found my attention and focus lacking. Back in the home-office now and dressed in a way that tells my brain it's time for work! Outfit details Shirt - Charles Tyrwhitt puppytooth pattern in mocha brown dress shirt with barrel cuffs. I like these barrel cuffs as they have a forward and rearward pair of buttons for both to be fastened. Slacks - JW Nordstrom dark brown wool slacks, recently tailored again and feeling great Vest - Perry Ellis linen 5-button vest in a creamy tan (if I can make up that color) Tie - Fort Belvedere crunchy Swiss cri de la soie mottled silk knit tie in golden brown and dark brown Belt - Hanks Belt in a lighter brown with suede material and a silver buckle Shoes - Casual Nordstrom open weave slip on shoes in navy Socks - Il Regalo OTC cotton shadow-stripe dress socks in dark brown and khaki Pocket Square - Royal Silk square with mauve colored geometric pattern on a field of navy (a Christmas gift from my mom... who called Fort Belvedere thinking their website was broken because how could someone sell pocket square for $100... so they kindly referred her to Royal Silk... oh, mom)

Today is the Fourth Day of Christmas in which we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents. The Liturgical color is red. I started today with a red shirt, a red, pink and white tie, an Italian three roll two jacket, burgundy pockets square folded with three peaks, grey trousers, chili wing tipped dress boots and Silverbelly fedora with red band and trim.