Dressing Up

You can see by the reflection in the windows behind me, the rain was about to fall.

Mr. Mickey and I were on our way out to dinner and then to the Johnson City Symphony's performance.

I wore a Polo Ralph Lauren soutache-trimmed wool jacket from Dillard's with a simple V-neck tank top by Clara Sunwoo supplied by ShopMyFairLady.

Chico's Travelers pants are more than ten years old. They are made from a heavier weight knit with a bit wider leg than what is offered today. I wore them with my "rain boots," an old pair of Nine West boots that I wear when the weather is wet. I don't wear my nicer shoes and boots when it is snowing or raining, and I know I have to walk a long way in the weather.

As we were shooting these photos at a bank near my home, a fabulous blue Jaguar sedan roared into the otherwise empty parking lot. This beautiful lady called out to me, "I LOVE your blog!" Her name is Sally, and she was just returning from the gym. I really enjoy meeting Fifty, not Frumpy followers! They are always the most pleasant people.

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When I posted the "What's in Your Pantry?" video last week, some of you were concerned that I don't go to the gym anymore. That doesn't mean I don't exercise at all! I am very active all day, every day. I do lots of stretches and leg lifts. I have small weights that I use to keep my arms strong, and I often do Pilates at home in the winter. I walk three miles very fast every day when the weather allows. Keeping fit and healthy is very important to me, but it isn't necessary to go to a gym to achieve that. It's your regular daily lifestyle, not what you buy, that makes your health better and your body stronger. I have a friend who often goes to the gym, but she believes that it gives her the right to stop on the way home for french fries before she goes home to sit on the couch and watch TV until bedtime.

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In case it was as cold as the weather forecaster said it would be, I took this Opera coat with me but didn't need it. The wool jacket was warm enough for the evening.

The soutache trim is on the front of the jacket, but it isn't showing up very well in these photos. I will always wear this jacket open because the neckline becomes much too high and round when it is closed.

Dinner, Symphony, and Ballet

It was a perfect holiday evening for us. We had a long leisurely dinner while visiting with friends at our favorite restaurant, Gourmet and Company.

The tree was set up right behind our favorite table, so this was how Mr. Mickey saw me this evening.

Mr. Mickey was looking dapper as usual! His 1940s Hickok cuff links are part of his vast collection of Mickey Mouse antiques and collectibles, of which there are more than 3,000 rare pieces. In his previous home, he had a museum to showcase some of the collection. This lifetime collection is being offered for sale in its entirety.

 

Each time I see this friend of a friend, we talk about shoes. This time we were wearing a very similar style.

Mr. Mickey was a happy man when he heard that this bread pudding made from croissants was on the dessert menu. Bliss!

The Johnson City Symphony has been performing for forty-five years. Their Christmas performance is one of the most popular. The words to many favorite Christmas carols are projected upon the giant screen above the stage so that the audience can sing along. During intermission, the poinsettias are removed so that young ballerinas can dance for us and the final performances.

The stained glass windows in Mary B. Martin Auditorium, Seeger Chapel, were decorated with wreaths and candles.

Retired Judge John L. Kiener was appointed to the judgeship years ago by Mr. Mickey's efforts while active in East Tennessee politics.

That's my sweet friend, his wife, Belinda Kiener.

My look for this evening includes a double-breasted wool jacket from Talbot's a few years ago. Tailored slacks and clutch via Saks Off 5th. The shoes are by DVF from a few years ago. The statement necklace is from Chico's last year.