Easy and Elegant Life

The Search for Everyday Elegance and the Art of Living Well.

All Work and No Play

Mrs. E. and I have stumbled across a solution to the often unpleasant task of traveling for annual cancer checkups. Yes, we could have hers done here, but she’s part of a clinical study at Duke University Medical Center as she is so unusual in so many ways. (A fact that will come as no surprise to her many admirers.) I imagine that business travelers do this a lot. We treat ourselves.

In our case, we choose to stay at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Course for an extra nigh. A place that makes me want to learn to golf and that is of special interest to me as it has ties to the family which had two of the best dressed men in its lineage.

We are, of course, hard pressed to find anyone who is as well-turned out as Amb. Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Jr. these days. Although I will try when we dine this evening at the Foursquare restaurant.

If you can, have a little fun doing the less pleasant tasks which fall your way. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy indeed.

8 thoughts on “All Work and No Play

  1. When faced with travel for something such as that, I wouldn’t even think of that as a “treat,” but absolutely essential to take the bite out of the trip itself.

    Sending good wishes to Mrs. E & your family. 🙂
    xoxo

  2. So important and also have Mrs E do something special for herself every week. A new nail color, book to read, a walk through the arboretum etc.

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

  3. Couldn’t agree more. I attend seminars throughout the country on occasion, which are usually appropriately planned for the beginning or end of the work week. My wife joins me and we stay the weekend, as well. Well done.

  4. The room looks great!
    I wouldn’t bother taking up golf. As a beginner you’re bound to hit a few ‘interesting’ shots that will encourage some very inelegant language. Just park yourselves in the 19th hole and relax.
    All the best to Mrs E.
    Warmest regards,
    Ian from Downunder

  5. There is no better choice than the WaDu, and I hope you enjoyed Foursquare. Although raved about in elite publications for several years now, Durham’s reputation as the “under the radar” home of the some of the best chef’s in the country is still a bit of an insider tip (though “Garden & Gun” is giving away the secrets). I heartily recommend the Magnolia, Nanas, Rue Cler for continental, Blu for seafood, and Metro 8 for steak. After hours try “whiskey” for a drink, and if you introduce yourself to the guy in seersucker he’ll buy you a drink.
    -Capt. Mike

  6. Sorry I missed you Cap’t. We did have a ball and throughly enjoyed Magnolia this trip, too. I’ll make a note of your other recommendations for next year! Hope you weathered the storm in fine fashion.

  7. I had the pleasure of staying at the WaDu a few years back during my cross-country “please accept me to your graduate program” tour. A great spot with terrific history indeed, and the promise of $20 rounds of golf with Duke student ID made the specter of living in Durham considerably more enticing. In the end my love went unrequited, but the memory remains… thanks for jogging it.

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