REMEMBERING 9/11

BROOKS BROTHERS PINE BOW TIE

A few weeks ago some friends and I took a weekend trip to Chicago. I was able to visit some of my favorite places, eat at a couple of my favorite restaurants, and discovered a new restaurant that I absolutely loved.

I also was able to do a bit of shopping on North Michigan Avenue - no surprise there. While I was shopping I decided to stop into Brooks Brother - also no surprise - to see what items they were carrying that my local store didn't. I found a couple of shirts that I loved, but had to order them later online as they didn't have my size in stock.

The other item I found was Brooks Brothers Pine Bow Tie, which I fell in love with immediately. I purchased the tie in gold (it also comes in Burgundy) and I think it is the perfect tie as I begin transitioning my wardrobe to fall shades. The tie is made right here in the U.S. (in New York) from 100% silk, and has a wonderful weight and texture to it. This combination of weight, texture, and color is what makes it the perfect tie for fall, however, I'm sure I'll find ways to work it into my tie rotation throughout the year.

If you're looking to update, or add to your fall bow ties, I highly recommend the Pine Bow Tie from Brooks Brothers. You won't be disappointed.

DINNER WITH RENEE

Dinner with friends old and new!

HAPPY LABOR DAY

No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts

humanity has dignity and importance and should

be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

HOLDING ON TO OUR HEADS

One thing I've noticed since moving to Minneapolis several years ago, is what a vibrant art community exists here. The work produced by this community consists of a variety of styles and mediums, and always finds unique subject matter to portray. One of my favorite genres, is the larger sculptures of heads that are sprinkled throughout the city.

   

Even our Graffiti incorporates large heads.

FAMILY

My Mom (as a baby), her brothers, and my maternal grandparents, on their front porch at the family farm, circa 1925.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

Summer is a great time to catch up on your reading, and there is nothing more relaxing than sitting under your favorite tree with a good book. Finding the right book is even easier now, thanks to the number of Little Free Libraries that have popped up throughout the city over the last few years. Thanks to this wonderful program, you can find several of the libraries in any given neighborhood. What I love most about this program, is that it's a great way to recycle your old books so they can become someone else's new treasure. Here's to good summer reading.

THE 29th ANNUAL POLO CLASSIC

(Cliff Robinette contributed some photos to this post)

For the past few years, friends and I have been attending the Polo Classic, sponsored by Polo For Philantropy. The Polo Classic, a charity polo match, is held each year at the Twin City Polo Club, in Maple Plain, MN. This year the Classic raised money for the American Diabetes Association.

The Match Begins!

Polo has been played in the Twin Cities for almost a hundred years now. It was first played in the 1920's at Fort Snelling by the U.S. Army, then continued through a number of locations before settling at its current home at West End Farm in 1964.

Flowers always brighten the day.

Changing horses between chukkers.

Polo For Philanthropy was founded in 1989, and this year we celebrated the 29th Polo Classic. The event is usually held on the first Sunday in August, and in addition to the Classic, the day hosts a number of other fun events including, a classic car show, auctions for charity, a hat show and best outfit competition, and of course, the half-time divot stomp.

Part of our group resting at our tent between chukkers.

The "Pretty Woman" divot stomp.

Nick and J.D. at their first divot stomp.

Even the dogs enjoyed the divot stomp.

Danelle cheering the day.

My friends and I always enjoy the day, and the Polo Classic is a one of the summer events we try not to miss. 



Members of the Long Lake Hounds were on hand to promote their hunts:

Danelle made a new friend.

The classic car show:

What to wear:

Polo attire for the Polo Classic:    
               Seersucker Shirt:  Brooks Brothers
               Bow Tie:  Brooks Brothers
               Blue Chinos:  Vineyard Vines

               Belt: Polo Ralph Lauren
               Shoes:  G.H. Bass
               Bracelet: KJP
               Watch:  Breda
               Watch Strap:  Fossil