I needed something comfortable that looks good with jeans. I’m sick of Nikes and the whole expensive leather basketball or running shoe type of shoe. They are hot. They are heavy. They wear out way too soon for over $100 a pair.

Didn’t want boat shoes, but they were Plan B.

Ended up with a pair of Sketchers. Bungee laces so nothing to tie or drag around and trip me. Lightweight, machine washable, cool colors. Under $50.

Got them. Love them.

I’ve been trying to ski since I was 10. My parents took me to a little mountain in Pennsylvania, put skis on me and gave me a shove down a hill. “Have fun, honey!” They failed to mention how to stop or how to avoid running into trees.

Since then I’ve been to ski resorts in Utah, Maine, New Hampshire, West Virginia and Colorado. I’ve always had fun but I always fall down, get wet and feel cold. I think I like the hot tubs and the dancing on tables in the bars better than the skiing.

Maybe I should try the snowboarding.

If all else fails, there’s tubing.