Directions: From Ottawa southerly on Hwy#416 past Kemptville, Oxford Mills and Spencerville to the St. Lawrence River then westerly along the Ivy Lea Parkway through Johnstown and Wexford to “Katarina’s Coffee Shop” in Prescott on Kellys Bay (almost directly across the river from Ogdensburg in upstate New York) east of Blue Church, Maitland, Brockville, Butternut Bay, Mallorytown, Gananoque and the Thousand Islands (directly north of Interstate 81 to Watertown and Syracuse, NY).
Interstate 81 (I-81) is a part of the Interstate Highway System that runs from I-40 at Dandridge, Tennessee to the Thousand Islands Bridge at Wellesley Island in New York beyond which the short 2.7-mile (4.3 km) Ontario Highway 137 (Highway 137) links to Highway 401.
That at least was the plan. Our housekeeper was scheduled to overtake our apartment this morning to conduct her customary refreshment. We therefore intended as is our wont to remove ourselves; and on this occasion to drive to Ms. Hudson’s at “Katarina’s Coffee Shop” in Prescott for an improving espresso coffee. Then return home in the afternoon. It would qualify as a summertime outing. For whatever reason anything of a broader scope no longer distracts us.
But things changed.
On the way from the apartment we first settled upon a harmonizing car wash at Halo® in Stittsville. Then we directed ourselves to a health food store on Hazledean Road in search of the latest strain of Kéfir.
Kefir is a type of fermented milk that may help manage blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and boost digestive health, among other benefits. However, more evidence is needed to back some of these claims. The name kefir comes from the Turkish word “keyif,” which refers to the “good feeling” a person gets after drinking it. Although both kefir and yogurt come with several health benefits due to the good bacteria they contain, kefir is widely considered a better option since it has a larger variety of healthy microorganisms. Kefir is also a better choice for those who are lactose intolerant.
Once defeated in our sleuthing of yeasts and bacteria, and while yet motoring in the direction of Hwy#416 (which would have connected us to the St. Lawrence Seaway) I posited for consideration the outstanding matter of silk scarves. Though it may sound astonishing to those of you, dear Reader, who are currently consumed by thoughts only of corn-on-the cob or marshmallows roasted on the cottage campfire, the retail prospect of autumnal fashion is already underway. Today after all is the last day of July. And when it comes to silk scarves it is best to profit by early snooping of the merchandise. By the way I have learned (as lately as this morning) that the evaporation is already underway at Aspinal of London. Silk scarves admit to no priority.
Accordingly it was without a moment’s hesitation that we contemplated a drive to Shepherd’s on Trainyards Drive in Ottawa.
Since Shepherd’s Fashions first opened as a little kiosk on Ottawa’s Sparks Street, we’ve grown and discovered even more about the women’s fashion industry. We’ve introduced workshops, contributed to charities, mentored designers, expanded our product lines, and more! With our flagship location at the Ottawa Train Yards, and recently launched (and quickly growing) online store, we continue to see success in our mission to provide women with expert advice and unique pieces for their wardrobe.
Though the proprietors of Shepherd’s clearly haven’t any data regarding the popularity of their store among men, it is a modesty which doesn’t temper my historic purchase of silk scarves. You see, the thing is, I’ve been wearing silk scarves since I was 13 years old. I distinctly recall having received a brilliantly red coloured Viyella shirt for my birthday or Christmas. And an ascot. Somehow I knew about ascots, probably from having seen one on television. Remember there was no internet in those days! Or it may have been something I read. Though I cannot imagine how such a foppish subject as ascots might have aspired. Anyway, the ascot I had was assembled as a gentleman’s necktie. I mention this to distinguish it from the silk square for scarves. The ascot was of course silk. But it is especially memorable for its sapphire blue colour. Whether it were truly that colour that enlivened me or merely the obvious contradiction with the red Viyella shirt I do not know. But I vividly remember wearing silk about my neck!
In defence of this painfully personal history, might I add that I wear silk because I react unfavourably to wool. It just becomes annoying. I cannot recall the last time I wore a woollen scarf against my neck. With business attire it presented a bit of a challenge because most of the pure silk scarves for men are white or vanilla (I have both) which means presenting a somewhat formal appearance for a customary business enterprise. But for casual wear I adopt the silk square which I fold into a ribbon then tie about my neck. Rather like a bandana. Wearing a silk scarf in the fall or winter keeps my corpus remarkably warm and protected from the most inhibiting chill.
The silk scarf I bought today at Shepherd’s is made by Echo New York. Oddly enough one of the salespersons casually mentioned Hermès Paris silk scarfs. They are another world entirely. I would feel guilty abusing an Hermès Paris silk scarf.
Hermes is an Olympian deity in ancient Greek religion and mythology considered the herald of the gods. He is also widely considered the protector of human heralds, travelers, thieves, merchants, and orators.
I think you’ll agree that the open-mindedness of the eponymous gentleman (above) cultivates the purity of silk. Perhaps the one he appears to be wearing.
Today’s tonic retail venture was amusingly highlighted by my having shared with the Manager of Shepherd’s that a friend of mine, Heather, once worked for Shepherd’s. When the staff collectively responded, “You know Heather?”, I replied ,”Yes. Very well. We were in law school together.” I didn’t add that we were engaged to be married. I thought it best to ignore that irrelevancy. Instead I observed that Heather had seen the light and abandoned law. And me too, I might have added!
Having thus fulfilled my lingering mercantile obsession; and having nothing further outstanding of a sartorial or other nature, we headed homeward.
We content ourselves for the moment to watch a paddle boarder on the Mississippi River. My brother-in-law sent a photo of the lake. The summertime air is about us.