Yes, Please

Late last winter, I developed a hankering for a pair of river boots. They didn't actually have to be Dubarry, although I wouldn't have said no to them either. The Dublins would have been fine. Since it was late in the season, and I knew I wouldn't get much wear out of them during our scorching summer, I decided to wait until fall before I bought them.

Brace yourself for a litany of First World Problems.

Dubarry Galway Boot - No, they are not in my closet.

I realized at the beginning of the summer that I desperately needed some new clothes. My horses' wardrobes never lack for anything which means my stuff gets threadbare and even a bit dated before I'll buy new clothes. I didn't get much, but I spent over $300.

Not that I didn't enjoy myself, but my husband and I took a short vacation to beautiful San Diego. Even then I knew my wallet was leaking money. I knew my husband really needed a break, so I spent what needed to be spent.

Fun in San Diego, but expensive.

​Not long after, something splashed on my (nearly new) car's hood that ate through the paint. Given that I keep my vehicles until the wheels fall off, I couldn't live the next 10 years with no paint. If it had been a small spot, I would have sucked it up, but it was a big spot, more than several in fact. That was how I said goodbye to another $500.

Back when it was brand new.

Just about the time I thought my bills were paid, Izzy complained about sore hocks and other body soreness. How could I buy a new pair of boots when I could pay for hock injections instead? And of course, the sarcoid also needed to be removed. That vet bill was considerably larger than fixing my car's paint.

Say no to this face?

Over the summer, I had a never ending series of headaches. I finally decided that it might have something to do with the hours upon hours that I was spending reading. I called the optometrist. Even with good vision insurance, I walked out of the office with new glasses and a $250 bill.

Once Speedy clued in that money was being tossed around, he decided that he wanted in on it and sliced up his coronary band to get it. Not only did he earn a visit to see Dr. Tolley, he also got bandaging material and a guaranteed second vet visit next week. He's quite proud that he outdid his younger, bigger brother.

There's no way I am saying no to this handsome face.

Big sigh. That is why there is not a pair of river boots waiting excitedly in my closet for our first frosty morning. Instead, there are some cute discounted flip flops and some very old boots that I'll continue wearing. If you happen to run across $219, I think it fell out of my wallet sometime this summer.

The much cheaper Dublin boots.

In case Santa is reading this, Riding Warehouse carries these boots (size 8), and if he uses the code 17A12, he can save 20%. First World Problems suck, but Santa is awesome!