DRESSING UP AND STEPPING OUT IN STYLE

Robert DeFrees steps out in style

You, who are 'au fait' with the old geezer need to cherish this moment.  When is the last time you have seen the old geezer dressed to the nines?  NEVER...

Last night was a special night.  A very dear friend suggested that I dress up to attend the Reno Philharmonic.  The tickets for this event were provided by another friend and it had been ever so long since an evening of music was enjoyed.  It had been a long time since I dressed up and thought it would be nice to show the 'locals' how one does these things...

With care the suit was picked, the shirt freshly pressed, shoed shined to a mirror finish and even a little rub down of the cane.  The only thing left to decide was the tie.

One has to give a great deal of thought to the tie.  It is that fashion statement that sets the whole outfit off.  I have a thing about ties.  They have to say something about 'MOI'...

The tie picked was an ITALIAN, hand painted, SUNFLOWER.  Blue background to set off the Sunflower.  Looking into the mirror when finished placing round me neck, I rather thought it was dashing.  Whimsical but dashing.  But then I would think that.

My dearest friend, Alan, had never seen me in such a state.  He was impressed.  Even commented on the tie.

We caught an early supper and arrived early enough at the Concert Hall to watch the other attendees arrive.  There were a few gentlemen who dressed for the night out but in the main, men and women in Reno simply do not dress up for these special moments.  Feel as if they are missing out on part of the fun.

Alan had dressed up as well and will have to change the mental image of him held.  Dapper he was, in a sort of Lutheran Minister sort of way.  Very somber, but in a dashing sort of way.  I will have to get him a better tie...

As I was standing in the lobby, waiting to find seat, quite a few folks commented on my dress.  Actually, it was the 'tie' that got folks chatting.  What can one say, it proved yet again my superior fashion sense.  Was there ever any doubt?????

The evening was a hit, on many levels.  If there was a downside, it was the lack of planning on the part of staff.  The hearing device offered was not working.  Would have if the batteries had been examined and changed before being offered.  Given that one was in the balcony and not likely to journey down to replace, the music was not as well received as it could have been.  Hearing devices only work so well and was so looking forward to having the proper device available.  Rather think that in a 'hearing world' it is not a big deal.  More's the pity that...

The snap says it all.  It was a grand evening.  I have a brilliant evening.  One will have to repeat the experience.  Soon...