Midsummer Along the Coast

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

 

A Reader Question: Hand written letters? Fountain pens?

 A question from a reader:

Hi Muffy,

May I ask a question which I hope is pertinent to the blog.

Do people, other than me, use fountain pens? My father gave me my first fountain pen when I was eleven years old and I've used one ever since. I always carry one to appointments in case I need to sign my name and at home I use one exclusively as I did when I was working prior to retirement. Obviously most correspondence is by email nowadays, but I still prefer sending hand written notes and letters.

Am I alone in this?

Kind regards

A Question from a Reader: Best Trousers for a Business/ Business Casual Workplace?

I received a note from a reader asking:

What are the best trousers for a business or business casual workplace?

Reader Question: Favorite Outfit When the Temperature Reaches 90+? (repost)

From a Reader:

I have a question for this intelligent community. When the temperature reaches 90++++ what is your favorite outfit? I prefer white and creme linen and cotton with flip flops and a straw hat. I'm wondering if both males and females have other useful suggestions. Hats and foot gear suggestions appreciated! Love the warmth but enjoy being comfortable

A Blue Brown Betty

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

Made in Pristine, England.

L.L. Bean Catalog, 1994

I had scanned in some pages from a 1994 L.L. Bean catalog that was hidden in our bookcase a handful of years back.  And as I came across these scans today,  I thought it might be interesting to see if any of the items from 32 years ago were still as good today.  I grabbed some links of the same, or similar, items for comparison.

• Women's Premium Double L Polo, Short-Sleeve Relaxed Fit
• Premium Double L Polo
• Men's Premium Double L Polo, Banded Short-Sleeve, Tipped
• Men's Premium Double L® Polo, Hemmed Short-Sleeve with Pocket
• Men's Premium Double L Polo, Long-Sleeve Without Pocket

Steele Canvas - 250th Anniversary Edition

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

Steele Canvas launched this summer their new Icon collection, celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary, and did it brilliantly.  It is made of an especially good shade of Navy, and of the tough all cotton canvas for which they are known. I honestly cannot imagine a tougher canvas duffle bag, with a big rugged zipper, a duffle that will indeed last decades. 

All made in Massachusetts.

• Medium Canvas Tote Bag, 250th Anniversary Edition

• Canvas Duffle Bag, 250th Anniversary Edition

• Full Icon Collection

They also offer this style in two of their popular and useful trucks, including the 3 Bushel truck below. 

• Canvas Elevated Truck, 250th Anniversary Edition 

 

Branford, Connecticut's Thimble Islands (repost)

All Photos of/by Muffy Aldrich

Branford, Connecticut's Thimble Islands, a collection of islands adjacent to Stony Creek, is worth experiencing for its unique geography, structures, and culture.  

Those Lazy, Hazy Summer Days

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich