Time to head south to the land of the Trolls again, this time for a couple of functions this weekend. I hope I remember all of my clothes. First off there is a reception this evening, which is the usual Black Tux, Black bow tie, tux pants, black vest and accessories. Its pretty straight forward dress. Saturday is a Lodge re-dedication which we swap out to our Long cutaway grey coat, known as an English Stroller, along with grey stripped pants, grey or pearl vest, grey 4-1 hand tie, black shoes and the accessories. Along with the Wardrobe, I want to make sure I don't forget the Masonic Apron, Collar and Jewel, the appropriate Colored gloves, gray or white depending on dress, and oh yes, the Top Hat of the Grand Master. It can be a little trying when your packing, since you also have to worry about looking normal when your not in the company of Masons. Oh, and the box of pins, charms, veterans patches, speaking notes and the list goes on. Its a wonder a guy can remember half of these things, and then someone thought it would be funny to change out your formal dress between Memorial Day and Labor Day, to with coats. So with that, and events happening before 6 pm or after 6 pm, you are in a clothing frenzy, and really need an assistant just to make sure you look the way you are supposed to. For a Grand Master, that would be his Grand Marshal, to me known as Bob Cooper, who I'm packing up to go visit this evening. It's his day, his reception, a time to honor him and welcome him into the progressive line of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, where he too one day will be Grand Master and have a Grand Marshal of his own. Congratulations Coop and Sharon. I could not have wished for a more attentive man to be my Grand Marshal.
