I love the word natty, meaning elegant and debonair…fashionable in dress, carrying that certain extra something with dash and poise, so when I saw this spiffy looking, elderly man making his way to Park Avenue, I took an admirable pause.
He was of average height, wavy gray hair brilliantined, just enough. He wore a full length camel hair coat with gray woolies peeking underneath, while a plush navy Burberry scarf billowed in the wind. But what really got my attention were his shiny, cordovan laced up shoes, picking up the first shards of the early morning light. He was a classy, well-heeled…natty man who alas, walked like a snail.
It was the changing of the guard taxi wise so the avenue was packed with exhausted, impatient drivers not too thrilled to see this man turtling along.
I was worried he might get hit, especially after a guy already screamed at him before he even reached the corner.
What I’ve learned about helping the elderly is to do it tactfully, to not make them feel old and incompetent…so, I slyly sidled up and said, “Excuse me sir, I’m feeling a little faint, so could I take your arm crossing? It would really help if I could.”
“Of course young lady, will be my pleasure, ” he said, extending his camel haired sleeve showing, he was not only chic but also, clearly a gentleman.
I looked right and left, just waiting for some tired, turbaned twit to shout out something about our speed, which was pretty slow, but were allowed to take our time till we reached the northeast corner of Park and 79th.
“Thanks sir, I really appreciate you helping me.”
“Not at all, not at all. Will you be okay?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine. You have a great day.”
He saluted me like an old Colonel, and with great style, slowly, went on his way.
SB
Reblogged this on LIFE STORY'S FROM LINCOLN.
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Thank you. 🙂
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your welcome, nice post
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I’m on your site as I write.
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I hope you find something interesting to read.
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You re-blog essays you like. That’s nice. And I see you follow some I really like too. Patricia for instance. I’m a big fan of the simple, spare way she writes. An art to be sure.
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Definitely a dying breed. Most men don’t have wool coats anymore wearing a ski jacket with a sports team emblazed on it even for dress up events. I always was a sucker for a natty dresser.
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You said it. He was so well put together. I can only imagine what a heart breaker he must have been in his youth. He sure turned my head…:)
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When my last company went business casual, it was the end of attractive dressing. Somehow people thought it was ok to wear their gardening clothes to work.
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Go figure. It’s quite ego boosting looking nice.
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It is for me. Maybe not so much for a generation that was raised with constant self esteem affirmation.
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I certainly wasn’t. But I do like getting all gussied up, just for me, and people respect you more when you’re wearing a nice dress or suit. Learned that one the hard way.
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It’s generational. Our parents did not want us to be “spoiled.” I don’t think that’s as much of a concern these days!
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Spoiled? I’m lucky they didn’t smother me in my sleep. It’s why my ego walks with a limp.
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🙂
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He was a gentleman indeed. You should have grabbed a photo of him because lord knows his kind is facing extinction. The fact that this did not end with an invitation to be his nurse proves that he is the definition of natty through and through.
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He still had it Top, it was rusty, but he still had it…:)
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There is a need for well-placed lie…
Scott
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You are brilliant! What a marvelous way to help the man!
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Sneaky is more like it. 🙂
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Refreshingly resourceful.
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Nothing like a good aliteration to kick off the day. 🙂
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I have a natty story. John was teasing our grandson when he was little, suggesting all kinds of silly nicknames. Each outlandish name got the same response, “No, Grampa!”. He laughed when I said, “You are Natty Jim.”. His real name? Nathaniel James. Little did I know that he would decide to wear suits to school every day!!
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There’s nothin like a fella in a suit. 🙂
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Susannah, I bet you made him feel like Superman coming to the aid of a thin faint lady. I hope he didn’t slow up even more, so you’d be able to keep up with him, ha ha. After you parted company he was probably walking on air with a spring in his step. You did good!
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I know you like the word, debonair. He was quite the gent. And he smelled good too. Think it was the Lime Aftershave Brooks Brothers makes. A scent one never forgets.
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Hi. I just posted a Building Blocks concerning New York City that mentions and links to you.
https://simplicitylane.wordpress.com/2018/04/23/building-blocks-new-york-city/
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Ok. 🙂
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Maybe it’s just nostalgia for something that never really was but I share your enthusiasm for that precise dress sense. I used to work in a suit and tie every day. I would feel like a City fan at the Stretford End if I did that now. 😉
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What never really was?
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I don’t know really. I guess it’s a throw-back from my working-class upbringing. Is that kind of dress elitist? I’m not sure. It looks great and I love the old-world charm of it. I’m just mixed up!
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These are just essays to be hopefully enjoyed not challenging anyone to a duel.
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Got to say, it’s great to be able to read your blog again. I think I was going through withdrawal this last week or so when I had no time to do my normal reading. 🙂
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You’re very kind to say that. 🙂
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Susannah, YOU, are clever—and absolutely wonderful! I truly love what you did (and continue to do) every single day. Kindness never runs out of style. ‘O)
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I knew it was you. I’m often slurred, if you will, for my random acts of kindness…but does that stop me..nope. I have to make myself walk past so much more that I see, you have no idea. New York has turned into a freak show on so many levels. Homeless on every corner. Non-Homeless pretending to be on alternate sides, like shifts of a local circus. I followed, not intentionally, a 16 year-old who sits in front of the 86th Street subway daily, asking for train money. She could be in St. Louis ten times and back with the money she earns. I saw her meet her boyfriend who also hustles counting their take for the day. I’ll tell you Paul, my old colonel at least was authentic in his needs. sigh
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I don’t doubt it, I don’t doubt any of it. All the same, I’m glad you’re cautious…and kind. :O)
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And nuts.
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Reblogging to sister site “Timeless Wisdoms”
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Thank you.
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😊
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