I am frequently poked fun at for my dull and unchanging clothes. When I left the corporate media, I took all my suits and ties and burned them in a bonfire in my backyard, swearing never to go back.

And I didn’t, and I won’t.

Maria ribs me all the time because I only wear blue shirts and blue jeans.

I do change them every couple of days, but I never buy other colors or other kinds of clothes. I decided the fashion was silly for me, so like Mao, I decided to wear my own uniform.

I also have this idea – having seen too many photos of old golfers – that older men should be subdued, even discreet. They should carry themselves with some dignity. so I stick to the blue.

But lately, I’ve decided to come out about a secret campaign I’ve been on to get colorful socks. Maria is shocked and pleased, and I love my new socks. I’m even mixing the pairs up, as I did this morning. One of these socks is a zebra sock, the other is a bumblebee sock.

I’ve secretly bought six or seven in the last few months. They are not only colorful, they feel good on my legs.

They are compression socks, made for marathon runners to control their blood flow, and it’s a good idea for old men with heart disease to do the same thing. I’m loving these socks, and I admit I love having something colorful on my body.

I’m not giving up on blue shirts and blue jeans, but I have some wild and very lively socks now. It’s a compromise. I love color, but I don’t want to be walking around in pastels just to not look old. I’ll show them on once in a while.