Tag: Boots

Be Prepared – Wear Boots

Most readers know I am an Eagle Scout. Many likely know the Scout Motto is “Be Prepared.” The meaning of this takes on many definitions. The more formal, as written by our founder in the Boy Scout Handbook, is you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty. Of course, being prepared can also mean you have the tools you need to do your duty.

One of the tools needed, whether in scouts or anywhere else, is a good pair of boots. No, this story will not be about the Boot. That’s an inside joke. It will be about the importance of protecting your feet. I have owned a few pairs of Timberlands. I currently own the classic boot and a more recreational pair. Those boots are still waterproof and do their job. Of course, I have my Docs. I love them, too.

A few years ago, I spent about two weeks in Iceland. The weather was great. We did lots of hiking; the freshly caught salmon and cod were “lish,” another inside joke meaning delicious. The weather was typical Icelandic. It was warm, and suddenly it started to rain, snow, or hail. I was on many trails. Some people were wearing sneakers. Not I. I had my trusted boots. My feet stayed dry the whole time. At one point, I thought they were wet. That is not the case. My feet were a little sweaty. A quick boot sock adjustment cured it all. Those in sneakers were not happy.

I often take pictures of the Coney Island Polar Bears. One day, I hope to go in. One of them has told me I should. She said it is exhilarating. I often walk right into the water in, yes, you guessed it, my boots. As usual, my feet stay dry. I only went a little deeper than the length of the Timberlands.

I spent about two weeks in the Republic of and Northern Ireland a few weeks ago. Wonderful place. I highly recommend it. A co-worker did a similar trip two weeks before I did. She said to make sure you have appropriate footwear. I flew out in my boots and wore them nonstop. I had my Skechers sneakers in my suitcase. I put them on at night when we finish our day trips. Many were beautiful hikes along the spectacular Irish countryside. We had periods of mist and rain. Some people were in sandals or sneakers. Were they happy? No, their feet were soaked. One morning, we didn’t have any significant hikes planned. I was up at the crack of dawn. I always am. It was one of the days we had a later start. Some people chose to sleep in. Not I. I walked and walked in my sneakers. I saw a lighthouse. The road was dry. The path of the building was wet. About 20 minutes into my walk, my feet were drenched through my socks. I never made it to the lighthouse—no big deal. I saw many. I returned to the hotel and changed into my Timberlands with fresh boot socks. 

Iceland and Ireland have unique hand-knit wool products. In both nations, I purchased several pairs of socks. Nothing beats them on a cold, wet day. Since I came home from Dublin, we’ve had heavy rain. You know the drill.

Well, it’s time for a hike. See you on the trails. 

Anat Returns

Anat’s brief employment as a hotel chef in Aruba concluded. She only worked for a few days. She didn’t accomplish her goal. So she came home to wreak havoc.

Marc was pluggin’ away and wishing for better pitching. Alana was fairly calm.

Anat strolled into her apartment and went right for her dried fruit. She ate tons of it. She was powering up. She did so some soul searching in Aruba. She wondered if she really had to take out Jen? Or if she caused enough damage? She was tired of being alone. She played she didn’t need friends or a boyfriend. But deep inside she would love to have both.

She couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her. Let’s face it. She went to a great school, earned high grades and had money. She is a bit odd. But who isn’t?

She wondered about her parents. They haven’t spoken in years. They missed her college graduation. That was about 20 years ago.

She took a look in the mirror. She knew she wasn’t Drew Barrymore. But she certainly didn’t think she is ugly.

She tightened the laces on her boots and walked out of her building.

Alana is attacked

A woman was sitting in Prospect Park reading a book on her Kindle. Dogs were running around. Kids were laughing and playing. Nothing was unusual on this typical sunny late morning Sunday afternoon at the beginning of the spring.

Alana was skating through the park. She hadn’t been on her skates in many moons. She was gliding by. Her earbuds were pumping Love & Rockets’ “Ball of Confusion.” Her mind was clear. She knew she had to talk to her rebbetzin and her parents. She would get to them all in due time. She wanted to enjoy her morning.

She took her skates off, stretched and sat on a bench for a little while. She all heard the usual sounds basketballs dribbling, kids screaming, bats connecting to balls and music blaring out of people’s mobiles. All was well.

The next sound she heard was a blood-curdling scream from a woman. Her head quickly turned in the direction of the yell. She saw an unkempt woman wearing boots swinging at bat at someone. People gathered around and were shooting shots. No one tried to help. Alana raced over and called out to the assailant. No response. Alana started saying lady chill and drink some wine. Alana even said the blessing for it.

The woman dropped the bat. People went over to the victim and gave her water. Someone took ice out of their picnic cooler and put it on the knee that was smacked with the bat. Meanwhile, the attacker looked at Alana who was still screaming out a blessing. Alana concluded and shot wine out her fingers. She hit the attacker in her eyes and nose. She was miffed for a minute. But seemed unharmed.

All of a sudden the woman’s eyes started flinging dried fruit at Alana, who was beginning to unleash a wave of figs. Some landed in the lady’s mouth and momentarily choked her. The two went at it.

They got closer to the lake. Alana tried to kick her. But was blocked. The dried fruit lady raised her left boot and tried to connect with Alana’s head. Alana ducked. Alana started screaming at the boot-clad woman. Her screams were returned with a deafening silence. The woman’s eyes opened wide and stared right at Alana. Alana shot wine into her eyes. She blinked and nailed Alana with fruit and gave one last look and walked away.