I grew up in Florida. As you may imagine, I spent many winters strolling on the beach, hunting for the best sea shells or just playing outside with my friends. Snow was not a part of my vocabulary nor was any of the paraphernalia that comes with it.

In 1986, upon graduating from college (Go Gators!), I moved to Boston to start my life. As winter approached I kept putting off buying snow boots. Then I went with a group of friends to a cabin in New Hampshire in early winter, pretty much guaranteeing that I needed boots. To prepare, I went to a small camping store near Charlestown and purchased a pair of very sturdy Timberland boots. They were awesome in the snow and I went on to wear those boots for the next 21 years. Most of my snow days were spent in Colorado where those boots proved very handy. Can you believe they lasted that long?! Truly a great bargain, as I remember only spending a mere $15 on them. Timberlands go for way more than that now, and the selection is far more varied.

About a month ago I was cleaning out my closet. I actually struggled with the decision to get rid of my Timberlands. They had served me well for so long. But the interior of the boot had finally deteriorated enough to make them a little uncomfortable. Besides, I live in North Carolina and it really doesn’t snow enough here to warrant my needing these boot or any others for that matter. The last time my Timberlands had seen a good snow storm was nearly 6 years ago when we lived in Colorado. So off to Goodwill they went.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 we got about 6 inches of snow….here….in Cary, North Carolina. My shoes to choose from consisted of Birkenstocks, Crocs, an old pair of sneakers, pumps, flip flops and a pair of mule slip ons. I guess I really needed those Timberlands after all.

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