A windy day

We are in the midst of a really wild windstorm here in Middlebury. The wind has been howling since late last night. It's so strong that it actually blew the birdfeeders down. I wonder how long it's going to continue.

We have been quite busy lately. Deb has finally returned to the office, feeling much better after her recent gallbladder surgery. (I wish I could say I wore my gallbladder-themed tie to welcome her back, but no such luck.) Holiday season is in full swing and we have lots to do. The sewers are working hard and doing a great job keeping up with orders.

Burl Veneer's blog

Thanks to Justin, I'm back in business on Blogger Beta. That means it's time for another post.

Take a look at this necktie blog: burlveneer.blogspot.com.

I wonder if this man knows of the Beau Ties four-in-hand selection? Nice of him to link to my blog.

??????????

Well, I don't know what happened, but some of my posts have disappeared again. So much has been going on these past few days, I didn't really even notice until now. Recently we celebrated our seventh anniversary of moving Beau Ties Ltd. into our own building: Originally, the company started in a spare room at our house. I must admit, while I love my employees, it certainly has been nice not to have them walking through the master bedroom!

I think I'll ask Justin to help me move over to Blogger Beta. Meanwhile, I'll try to get my posts back. Maybe they're still out there somewhere.

Halloween party

We had a very entertaining Halloween lunch party here at the office on Tuesday. Several surprise guests, including Queen Bess, the Cat in the Hat, some leaf peepers, and a ghostly apparition, were in attendance. I came in an elaborate disguise: a 75-year-old entrepreneurial businessman who favors bow ties!

A new bow tie trend?

During a recent meeting, a staff member told us that she'd seen Mario Lopez, on Dancing with the Stars, wearing an untied bow tie. Just a few days later, I picked up the November issue of Vanity Fair. There, on the cover, was George Clooney in an untied bow tie.




Is this a new trend we're seeing? Is it possible that these celebrities just don't know how to tie their own? Untied bows seem to be cropping up more and more. I don't think it's the look for me, but I'm curious about your opinions.

The Koop tie question

I haven't heard any customer comments about similarities to the Confederate flag before yours, Family Doc. Here is an explanation of the design elements so you can discuss them with curious friends.

Dr. Koop helped design his tie with certain symbolism in mind. The blue stripe with white stars represents his government and military service, and is reproduced from the same pattern shown on his commemorative coin, presented to him by the Navy. (Dr. Koop's stripes do not cross at any point, as they do in the Confederate battle flag.) Red was chosen for the background since Dr. Koop only likes red ties, especially with dress whites. The gold caduceus symbols represent the medical profession. Together, these three elements are intended to be simultaneously patriotic and medical.



Dr. Koop is very pleased with his tie, and I hope you are, as well!

One of life's great mysteries

I looked down at my keyboard just now and noticed that the painted letter "N" has nearly completely worn away. All the other keys have their letters intact.

What is it about "N" that makes it wear out first? Do I use it more often? There are two "N"s in Kenerson, which I type quite frequently, so perhaps that's the problem. But there are two "L"s in "Bill", so why isn't the "L" worn out, as well?

Don't even get me started on "E".