Why My New Boots 🥾 Made Me Feel Like a Grumpy Old Man

I have to ask—are there any products made to last these days? I mean, aside from our lamb meat, of course! 😊

This summer has been one of those wild ones where you can’t quite put your finger on why everything feels a bit like chaos. Maybe it’s all the rain, keeping us busy with haymaking, or perhaps it’s the growing number of lambs we’re raising and selling. Whatever it is, it’s been non-stop.

A few weeks back, I noticed my feet were perpetually wet. It seemed that my less-than-a-year-old work boots had simply given up on me. The soles were separating from the leather uppers, and water, dirt, and even the breeze were making their way to my toes far too easily. Now, I thought I’d bought a good pair—Canadian-made, they said. But here I was, with soggy socks and a growing sense of frustration.

Anne and I talked about it, and we agreed it was time for new boots. But, as is often the case on a busy farm, weeks went by before I could even think about shopping. So, I carried on, waterlogged feet and all.

Then, a few days ago, we found ourselves at Ace Hardware in Glencoe, picking up some supplies. Side note, if you’ve never been there, the folks at Ace are just the best. While there, I happened to spot a display of Blundstone pull-on work boots—beautiful, sturdy-looking things. I’d heard they were top quality and thought, why not? It was quite the investment, but I was lured in by the promise of no more broken laces and dry toes.

After lunch, I was set to meet Young Farmer Adam Anderson, who’s now also Excavator Adam, with his new business. I had asked him to fix some field drain tiles at one of our farms, so off I went with my shiny new boots.

When I got to the field, Adam jumped out of his excavator, and wouldn’t you know it—he was wearing the same boots. “Hey, you’ve got the same boots as me!” I said, with a bit of excitement. Adam’s response? “Yeah, they’re junk! Only nine months old and they’re falling apart.”

Well, that was the fastest transition from the joy of a schoolchild with new shoes to the cynicism of a grumpy old man that I’ve ever experienced. For now, my new boots are doing their job, but I can’t help but wonder how long that will last.

It does make you think, though—how much of what we buy these days really stands the test of time? Maybe it’s just the way of the world now, but I miss the days when things were built to last, and you knew you could count on them. At least we can all still count on good conversations and shared laughs over life’s little disappointments.

Until next time, keep your feet dry and your spirit light!

Warm regards,

Farmer Rod

(Picture - Adam, his Old Boots and New Excavator)