This year I finally sent the boots back to Bean’s to be re-soled, which they did beautifully.
The boots have had a pretty amazing run, but the vest has done even better.
I have worn that vest every year since I got it. I took it to Spain with me and wore it there. It has been washed and worn and survived everything from horse slobber and Neatsfoot oil to being used as an invisibility cloak for safe navigation of a field full of bulls. (That story will be another blog.)
This year, the vest has taken a hit: the top seam on the left pocket has a small tear. One tear in thirty-seven years? I will be very careful sewing it back up.