Removing Boots with a Boot Jack

Bootjack01Sometimes the most fundamental boot-related things are such a part of my daily life that I forget that others are still learning. A loyal reader of this blog wrote to me to suggest that I explain what a boot jack is, and how it is used by guys who regularly wear “pull-on” boots.

I am sure you have seen “boot pulls” which are simple loops of leather found on many pull-on boots. Simply point your foot into the boot and grab the boot pulls and pull on your boots.

But how do you take them off as easily?
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Big Thing In My Kitchen

It’s finished, on time and on budget, I finally have completed and installed “that big thing for my kitchen.”

I really am delighted with it, as is my spouse. This is what I have been working on for hours and hours and hours, filling in time when I needed to be at home in case my spouse needed me during the worst of his prolonged illness.

I have had a shop full of “man tools,” like a professional router, band saw, table saw, and much more. I finally put these tools plus a large dose of patience to work.

I built…
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Obligatory Blogotory — Negatory

Hey, loyal BHD’s Musings readers… yep, I’ve reached that point where I have nothing to write about. I’m just plum out of content or ideas.

I am very busy at work, caregiving for my spouse, and the other 0.0009% of my time … well, you get the picture. However, Monday, three strong strapping dudes…
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“Hey Mr. Sunshine” Says the Cop

Sunday started out as a typical day for me. I rose before dawn, tied on my Chippewa hikers, and went for a long walk with my senior walking pal. When I returned home and after I showered, my spouse was still resting. I let him sleep.

By 0800, he was awake, and I prepared his favorite four-flour gluten-free waffle. After breakfast, assured that he was okay, I picked up three senior pals to take them grocery shopping.

All of my pals are concerned about me. One of them has a son who is a local motorcop. Apparently she called him, and soon thereafter he called me. “Hey, Mr. Sunshine (reference to my usual bright disposition) — I’m coming over in 30 minutes on my Harley and you’re following me on yours to the most awesome place. Don’t say no, and no questions. Just be ready.”
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With This Ring

Ring461 days ago in the county seat of the county and state of my birth, I was given this ring and had it placed on the third finger on my left hand. I returned an identical ring to the man I married.

With this ring, we married. Such a simple, uneventful, private ceremony, yet so profound…
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You Even Wear Boots in Summer?

A colleague from work walked with me yesterday to a meeting in a building about a half-mile away. The weather was warm, humid, and sunny.

My colleague was complaining about the heat and wearing a shirt & tie (like I was) and feeling sweaty. Then he looked at my feet, saw my boots and asked,
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