Shoe Sale

As much as I hate to say it, you need more shoes (or boots). If you are a walker, hiker, runner, cycler, etc., you need proper shoes, and specific shoes for the activity. Now is a great time to assess the quality and quantity of your footwear. I add quantity to that because it never fails, any shoe I buy, it fails at least one requirement, so I'll buy 2. I need something comfortable, waterproof, skid resistant and warm... oh, and in a size 5 1/2 wide. The rare time I find the "perfect" boot, I will go back and buy 1 or 2 more to have in case the first gets worn out or wet and because it's so hard for me to find something that fits.

Shoe stores are clearing out and moving in new stock. Take advantage of those sales. Many stores have frequent shopper discounts as well. Many of us are getting our tax refunds back too. Did you get a gift certificate at Christmas and not use it yet? If there's not a sale, have you thought about asking a manager to knock a few respectable dollars off? Even if it's only $10, you can use that to buy some new socks. Having the proper socks also will aid in the comfort of your activity.

The wrong footwear can lead to all sorts of injuries, including falls. Safety first. You want to have fun on your weekends and vacations. Hospitals are nice and all, we just don't need to include them in our destinations.

Spring Is Here - Kinda

The calendar says it's spring, but as we all know, here in Michigan spring isn't here until the snow has melted from under the pines in the Upper Peninsula.

Anyway, right now is a great time to start planning trips to those wonderful trails we have in this beautiful state. It's also time to check on your gear. When I say gear, I mean camping, walking, biking, hiking... whatever your pleasure may be. It's perfect for dealing with that spring-fever even if you can't go right away.

You'll need to restock any emergency supplies like aspirin, aloe, bug spray, epi-pens, etc. etc. Check to make sure things that require batteries weren't stored with batteries in them and have since corroded. You may have to buy new items if this is the case. Rubber deteriorates. Bugs eat holes through things. Stuff even comes up missing. It won't hurt to get one of those pay-as-you-go cellphones for a backup.

Since the economy is what it is, some of the things you may need to purchase might cost you a pretty penny when all added up. All work and no play isn't the way to live, so work on that supply list as soon as you can. This way all summer long you have nothing better to do but enjoy!

NOTE: The download for the county index is currently unavailable. I will replace it ASAP.