What Budget?

“I got new boots today for Christmas!! They just happen to be hanging out at a store we just happened to be in today. I tried them on and they fit. But then Baume said, "That eats a little of your Christmas Budget up". Budget? I thought budgets were for things like groceries and kid's braces and car payments. But a gear budget? I've never heard of such a thing.”

“Budget smudget. We always blow way too much this time of year, especially when it comes to new toys (gear!) This years' a little different. The only thing I want even remotely related to gear is fog lamps for my subaru impreza. The last few drives through the Smokies have been brutal, with MAYBE 10' visibility.
Boots aren't a splurge anyways, they're an absolute necessity! Get 'em and love 'em!”

“Just get out there and use 'em!!
Have Fun!”

“If someone could be in charge of making sure there is fair weather, I may make it to Linville.”

“talk to the big man upstairs 'bout that”

“hi girty. i don't think we have met. i am running girl, wife of baume. madre of boy.”

“good evening my lady, i am girty. or in other circles i am better known as manitou. it's a pleasure to befriend you.”

“good night.”

“Running girl,,,I hope you enjoy the boots,,,the one piece of gear that the "budget" should not control.”

“Impreza, hmmmm? Have you checked out the WRX Sport Wagon? Kindof a Splurge at $25 G's but hey... *VBG*

I'm thinking I could weld the back doors shut and have an updated Nomad.”

“Want me to help ya pray for snow?”

“They're like tires for your car. Make sure you get the best and to heck with the budget. You can always cut corners elswhere. Never scrimp on the boots!”

“on the other hand if you find something cheap that works for you ... stick with it - grinning at my cheap but comfortable boots”

“It seems that no matter how much gear I acquire, I seem to need (want) something new and better. I have a feeling I am a victim of advertising and Madison Avenue gang.”

“we all are victims of advertising and the Madison Ave. gang”

“"...the one piece of gear that the "budget" should not control."
chili36

"on the other hand if you find something cheap that works for you ... stick with it ...
HogOnIce

My last pair of boots cost $13 at PayLess. No break-in was necessary and I've used them plenty for 4 yrs., now going on 5. Previously, I've used Wal-Mart's Coleman boots at $29. Same story, no break-in required and they wear great. I laugh at hikers who pay a fortune for boots. Of course they brag about them, they've been hooked and don't want to fess up to it.

You've got it right, HogOnIce.

[The $13 boots had been marked down at least twice.]”

“Never heard of such a thing. lol”

“...course, I have UNLIMITED FUNDS”

“But nowslimmer - were they and Editor's Choice in Backpacker? Can you imagine in their annual gear review - a section for Wal-mart and Payless.

I must admit - this Christmas season I fell prey to pricier boots - they were so shiney, with Gore-tex! Oh well, next time I may give Wal-mart a try.”

“biz!! you got it! i posted this trying to be funny...you know, never heard of such a thing as a "gear budget" but nobody seemed to think it was funny. thank goodness for biz.”

“WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It has been 31 years since a U.S. astronaut last walked on the moon, but China's space ambitions have signaled a possible American return to the lunar surface as part of a renewed space program.

Aides to U.S. President George W. Bush say he is on the verge of calling for a return to the moon as part of a dramatic new mission for NASA.

Sources tell CNN the target for returning to the moon is about 15 years from now. But a lunar date is not yet embraced by a White House still debating key policy and multibillion dollar budget questions.”

“Just add it to the deficit.”