On a recent shopping trip to Red Deer I entered a shoe store and immediately a young lady inquired as to what I was interested in. Since most of my life I have been the recipient of many jokes concerning my shoe size, I am somewhat reluctant to confide to a younger person when it comes to my shoes.
I have hardened somewhat over the years, so I bravely blurted out, “I would like to see some size 11 shoes.” This brought an immediate response, “We only get size fives and elevens in the spring and fall.”
Now this would make one presume there is an option presented to you.
• It would be acceptable to go barefoot during the summer months.
• Winter could easily be taken care of by shearing, washing, and carding wool from the nearest sheep. Following this pulling the wool in strips suitable for knitting heavy warm socks. Of course there is the low rubber boots to be worn over the socks and held secure by a rubber jar ring.
This young lady was extremely interested in my welfare though, and gave me some advice. One could not doubt her sincerity when she said, “Why don’t you soak your feet and see if they will shrink?”
It was so refreshing to find someone who really cared that I hesitated to tell her my feet had seen a bit of water during my soon to be 80 years.
So I thanked her and trudged onward to a department store where I was treated with courtesy and respect, without even having to soak my feet. I left Red Deer with a pair of shoes and a pair of boots purchased at that store.
And so, Miss Sales Clerk, there is hope, although it may take a long, long time.
Yes, the young lady was a blonde.
Mert Nicholson
Sylvan Lake