Peregrinus expectavi pedes meos in cymbalis

For my birthday in 2008, good old B bought me a pair of hiking boots. Despite my bad pronation, the outside heels have been only lightly worn down. They are terrifically comfortable and provide excellent support. Make walking in the woods or parks a pleasure.

The purchase was interesting. The difference between a polite middle-class culture (mine) and a canny working-class look at the world (his). We went to REI, an excellent outdoors store. We got a salesman to try on some boots, do an assessment of my needs, etc. And after a half hour or more, finally tried on and really liked the Vasque Breeze GTX. At this point, B said, Well, this is our first stop today, so thanks, we'll get back to you. And off we went to the Sports Basement, where he found the very same shoes for $20 less. I would have felt beholden to the salesman for the effort he put in. B did not. Once you get past the playful exterior, he is one tough cookie. No apologies.