What a glorious day

Today was the first of what I hope will be a long string of truly glorious spring days. Vermont can be so dreary during the winter and mud season months. This past winter in particular was especially unsatisfying, with not much snow to keep things from looking grey. It is wonderful and odd to see people in shirtsleeves on the streets, and college students in their flip-flops.

Say it ain't so!

Tucker, have you taken leave of your fashion senses?

Read Tucker Carlson's unbelievable April 12, 2006 announcement, "Goodbye, bowtie (Tucker Carlson)". I think the title of this post will take you there. If not, try

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11961531/#060411a

I'm speechless.

Bill's latest adventure begins

My 75th birthday is coming up in a little more than a week.

Some people might throw themselves a party, go on a vacation or buy themselves a lavish gift. I, on the other hand, have decided to go the nonconformist route and start my own blog. I guess it probably won't surprise those who know me: When I was nearing retirement age, I started my own business.

Yes, I admit my business of choice was a little bit self-indulgent. You see, I love bow ties. When I started to have difficulty finding them, I started my own bow tie catalog company, Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont. My wife, Deb, and I partnered to get the business off the ground and have kept it going for more than 12 years. It's great fun, we have an interesting and loyal clientele, and I get my fill of fashionable ties. It has been a fun "retirement" adventure.

Perhaps, in honor of my birthday, I'll search out the perfect fabric for a new tie. Our customers have been asking for one, but so far Deb and I haven't been able to translate our ideas into a design that we think our guys would like. Any thoughts?