Yesterday I insisted on showers, even though it was not a “town day.” When I finished, I carefully trimmed my toenails, even though they didn’t really need it. I wanted everything just right, because I intended to wear a new pair of socks that Michelle had just finished knitting for me.
Brand new, homemade socks, people! (Photo: Mark Zeiger.)
Socks are a really big deal on our homestead. Few things contribute more to health, comfort, and well being than warm, dry feet. With no heated floors, and with all the hiking we do, foot comfort looms larger in our lives than it might in most others.
Our devotion to hand-knit socks seemed threatened for a while by the arrival of the first shipment of tactical gear for us to test. It included several packages of high tech socks. They contain silver thread in their construction, giving them amazing odor-eating ability. While these have become our most-worn socks, they’re not warm enough to see us through the winter, like these homemade, wool socks will.
On top of the increased warmth, there’s an unmistakable psychological edge to wearing homemade socks. Besides their physical properties, the love, care and dedication they represent will keep me warm this winter every bit as much as the wool.
Hi Mark
I have just recently discovered your blog and love what you and the family are doing. Fair play to you all for having the courage to make the move to self sufficiency. While writing this a storm is raging outside, I’m sitting in front of the fire listening to 80’s radio and dreaming of your lifestyle.
Hi Martin,
Heh! I hope they’re playing Hungry Like the Wolf! Glad you found us, hope you’ll stay a while!
Mark