Billboards along the highway reminded me of something on my "I want to do this someday" list.
What was supposed to be a half day road trip to Detroit and back turned into an all-day affair complete with an interesting little side trip to a business I had written about some years ago. The detour to Muleskinner Boots in Chelsea was well worth it, even if the boots were a little out of my league. If there is no price tag on the boot, it's a good sign you can't afford it.
Exotic leathers and colorfully stitched boots lined the shelves of the tiny shop where country and rock stars come to stock up on boots from the famous leather craftsman/boot designer/shop owner/old west enthusiast/certified character, Bill Conn.
The visit was a hoot. The boots were beautiful, but not something I might slip on to run out to the barn. Or for that matter, pretty much anywhere I might go. Rock star boots might draw some peculiar attention walking into a dealership for a part, or into the hardware or feed store. They probably aren't footwear conducive to comfort while getting groceries, running errands or having coffee with a friend, especially for a middle-aged woman.
There was one pair of work boots in my husband's hard-to-find size, but it wasn't his normal brand and therefore, didn't make the cut.
The plain old farm boot has evolved. It has arrived. Everybody wants to be a farmer, starting with the boots. However, it seems that many wearers of exotic boots fail to realize—shall we say—the impracticality of pointy-toed high-heeled boots when it comes to pulling a calf or loading hogs. Just saying. On the other hand, they may not be familiar with farm chores like pulling calves or loading hogs and have no idea that farming isn't like the television commercial. You know—hanging around all day near a quiet little fishing hole with a good looking guy or gal playfully skipping through a meadow. Again, just saying.
All the pretty boots made me think about farm footwear and the vast assortment of them sitting in my back entry/laundry room. There are the pull-on knee-high boots for sloshing through mud or manure. There are the lace-ups and pull-on leather boots for everyday work. Don't forget the winter versions of both the mud/manure boots, ordinary leather boots or shoes and probably a pair of heavy winter boots for those extra cold days. Throw in one or two pair of dress boots per male and even more for each female family member and the boot pairs can quickly add up to 20 or more in no time. Yikes!
Unfortunately, not one of the boots found in my laundry room could be considered big stage or big city worthy. But since I don't plan on being near either in the near or distant future, it shouldn't be a problem. But if ever the occasion arises, I know where I can find a pair, and hear a few really good stories at the same time. By the way, the stories and conversation are free.
Bev Berens is a mom to 4-H and FFA members in Michigan. Do you have a story to share? Email her at uphillfarm494@yahoo.com.