I may have mentioned in a previous post the challenges faced by those of us who try to be polite as we make our way through a world sometimes populated by other people who couldn’t spell the word ‘polite’. It’s one of those things that we are required to do, and most of the time … More Manners Among The Masses
Reluctant as I am to give an inch to prevailing trends, I do acknowledge that sometimes people do wear T-shirts…without a polo shirt or dress shirt worn over the said T-shirt. I am also painfully aware that sometimes words or images (or both!) are printed on the exposed T-shirt. The intent is to convey a … More The Inevitable Old Money T-Shirt
July 14th is Bastille Day in France, the date which the country celebrates its independence. Unlike Americans who threw fought to gain their freedom from a foreign ruler an ocean away, the French struggled to gain their liberty from home-grown rulers (royal heirs and self-appointed emperors) who often lived down the street. And it wasn’t … More Bastille Day: An Appreciation
He did his duty. He did his best. He gave more. He took less. His actions spoke volumes. His words carried weight. He was educated. He was considerate. He did right, even if no one else would have known differently. He opposed wrong, even if it cost him just the same. He had purpose. He … More The Very Definition
Hey there, boys and girls. Welcome back to the New Normal. As the term implies, there are things that remain as they were prior to the pandemic: your friends are still your friends. The guy from the IT department is still one taco shy of a combination plate. And getting your daily exercise requires just … More The Post Pandemic Etiquette Primer
As Paris reopens, I encounter more people from abroad. It’s refreshing for the most part, but tinged with a little dread: summer is here. Tourists are here, but hardly in the numbers of years past. Yes, I’m happy the pandemic has subsided. Still there is that sigh, that ennui that is so French: the interlude … More Old Money: Reinventing the Fundamentals
In The Old Money Book, I talk about the importance of prioritizing Financial Independence: stacking up savings and investments before spending money on consumer products. Of course, this is not always easy. The cost of living seems to outpace salary increases. Kids need braces on their teeth. Automobiles need repairs. Houses need maintenance. Uncle Sam … More How To Address a Retail Addiction
Those of you who’ve followed the blog for an extended period will be familiar with my passion for quality socks. I think they’re essential, especially for those of us who live in pedestrian cities. For years, I loved and adored my LL Bean wool socks. I still consider them a good product and a good … More Old Money, New Socks
Today marks the French government’s official ‘open for tourist business’ day, as the country welcomes vaccinated Americans to its shores beginning June 9th. My understanding of the process is that US travelers can present proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of their flight at the boarding gate and, … More Old Money Travel: Why Paris May Be Your Best Travel Destination Post-COVID
Do your best. It minimizes regret.