A New Set of Threads

As my move to the Southside becomes imminent and I evolve from a daytime visitor to a permanent “occupier” I have been informed by my son that an important part of my move is a change of wardrobe, which has led to some rather interesting conversations and observations. As a joke I asked him if I should get one of those knitted woolen hats with pony tails. His answer, “Dad if you don’t know what it’s called, don’t wear it.”

I had one of those European sailor caps back in the 70’s and now wish I had not donated it to Goodwill. It was well broken in, like a well worn pair of jeans. Which speaking of jeans..... what color? I understand my favorite pair of shoes, a pair of cowboy boots, are acceptable so I can hold onto them and wear on special occasions. I am wary of going over the top, I laughed at far too many of the make believe hippie’s back in my day, ridiculed because those of us who were, were sure we were and they were not.

So I how does an old man look “hip” without looking like a wanna be? 

Seven personal rules you need to be aware of:

1. I will not wear anything that reminds me of a crocheted pot holder on my head, or for that matter anywhere else on my body. 
2. All of my shoes are one basic color and I haven't the talent, or desire, to paint any of them.
3. I will not shave my head.
4. Facial hair is out, I never could grow a decent mustache and my beard is multicolored much like Jacob's coat.
5. I long ago learned to laugh at myself, but being a laughing matter is an altogether different thing.
6. I only talk like a pirate on International Talk like a Pirate Day (September 19th). I don't want to look like one either.
7. I divested myself of several dozen tie dyed items when my son stole my Dave Mathews tour shirt (and by the way son, where did the Pink Floyd shirt go, it was a collectible), so when it comes to tie dye, been there done that.