13 April 17

Nine years ago today I took up my sons' challenge to chronicle my daily necktie selections! Each day (Sundays and work days except Fridays) I try to match my tie to some special occasion, cataloging my choices at "Tied Up Today" and on Facebook. Today's blog entry is number 1778, which means that I've worn ties on 54.1% of the days since 2008. In my closet I now have about 275 ties, on four rotating racks. Most people think this obsession is perfectly harmless and keeps me out of trouble. Today's tie was customized from a photo of the tie racks, giving a miniaturized view of many of the choices.

(Other events for 13 April include the premiere of Handel's "Messiah" in 1742, and the birthday of Thomas Jefferson in 1743.)