Him:  “Oh, yeah, Mom.  I need some tall maroon boots for the play.  Like old-time boots.”

Me:  “Ummm?  You wear a men’s size 11.  I don’t think we’re going to find tall maroon boots in that size.”

Him:  “I really have to have them.  I need them for the play.”

side note:  The play is a take-off on Snow White, and he’s the henchman.  Those kind of boots.

Me:  [long pause]  Well, maybe I could make something.  From wool?

very important side note:  I can sew a straight line.  I make things like bean bags for birthday parties, not boots for people to actually wear.

Him:  “Yes, yes, thank you!!”  [overly enthusiastic to make up for outrageous request and to encourage very hesitant mother]

We trudged over to Joann Fabrics and, lo and behold, the miracle of maroon wool appeared.  We bought it and took it home.  I measured, and guessed, and drew on the wool with a piece of chalk.  That’s right:  chalk.

I got out my trusty sewing machine, the one my mother bought for me in 1992.  Yes, that’s correct.

I cut.

I sewed.

I was feeling mighty proud.

Him:  “Oh, great!  And can you add some laces?  And buttons?  Like old-time boots?

Me:  “Huh?”  But I got busy.

And for a drama class play, I think they’ll be just fine.