Monday, December 6, 2010

Letting go of citified ideas

It has been more than eight years, and we are heading into our ninth winter here, and I just bought my first pair of insulated overalls. Yes, you read that correctly. Now that I have a pair, I can't believe I didn't buy a pair before now. And I want more. My whole family wants them now!

It was two degrees Fahrenheit when I woke up this morning, and the temperature has risen to a balmy 16 now, and I just came inside from mid-day chores. I'm sweating. That is hard to believe, but I was not cold at all. Katherine borrowed them last night for chores, and now she wants a pair. Then after her raving about how great they are, Jonathan wanted to try them on when he went outside later. Yes, we're a pretty boring family when it comes to sizes, although the overalls were a little short on Jonathan, because he is three inches taller than me. Still, they covered enough of his legs that he wants a pair now. And this morning, Mike and Katherine almost got into an argument over who was going to get to wear them. So, I need to head back to Tractor Supply and buy more for everyone.

So, why has it taken me eight years to even try them? Well, this is kind of embarrassing, but every time I saw someone wearing them, I thought they were really ugly. Most people around here wear Carhartt's, and they are the ugliest yellow-brown imaginable, in my opinion. When I was in Tractor Supply last week, I noticed these really pretty pink insulated overalls and went over to look at them. I immediately started to think about buying them, but then a bit of common sense kicked in, and I realized that they would look horrendous after one day of chores. But right next to them were these chocolate brown overalls. Perfect! They are nice and dark, so hardly anything will show up on them.

The first time I put them on and walked outside, I was in shock about how warm my legs were. Blue jeans or sweat pants with long underwear do not even come close to keeping my legs warm, but I am totally toasty when I put the overalls on top of what I'm wearing in the house. (Yes, I know I'm a wimp. I need three layers on my legs and four layers on top to stay warm.) Katherine went outside to milk this morning by putting the overalls on top of her pajamas, so she didn't have to get dressed for chores then redressed for school. No doubt that is one reason she is so excited about them. Now I know why the farmers out here walk around looking totally unaffected by the cold weather. It's because they're so warm in those insulated overalls! It's not about looking good. It's about staying warm!

10 comments:

The Apple Pie Gal said...

I love it! So glad you don't mind joining the warm folk even if we look just a wee bit silly! You'll be able to hang with the best of them now!

So are you Christmas shopping for these now?

Donna said...

I know that I'll look like the Michelin Tire man, but I think I'm with you on this one! I'm tired of changing 2 times every morning...pjs and and a pair of overalls work for me! I think I know what I want for Christmas...

Michelle said...

I think you just lucked out and have Christmas gifts covered! And they will be the best kind -- wanted AND useful! I need to get another pair; the zipper broke in the ones my husband bought me years ago (in that nasty yellow-brown color) -- perfect excuse to get a better color! ha

Mama Pea said...

If anybody so much as looks at me funny, I just say, "I'm not trying to make a fashion statement here." And warmly shuffle on my way. ;o)

Mary Ann said...

My husband bought me a pair of these from Tractor and Supply last winter (actually, I got the knock-offs, Schmidts rather than Carharts). I thought I would never wear them but they are awesome and I jumped right in them and kept warm in NW PA--where it always snows! I also got a hooded work coat and with both, I am toasty in the coldest of weather.
Mary Ann

LindaG said...

I don't worry so much about how they look. But I'm short so I can rarely find overalls that aren't 2 feet longer than me.

Glad to hear you're warm(er) again! :)

angie said...

I don't even live at my farm yet and I have 2 pairs!

I love them - (and yep I have the overalls in the ugly tan color) - you can work ALL day outside.

I recently bought just the pant version in the lovely dark brown color. I can't imagine winter without them!

Michelle said...

Okay, thanks to you I bought myself a Christmas present. Found a like-new pair of the pink Schmidts on eBay (after viewing the excellent reviews they've gotten thanks to the link you provided); they are on their way. As for the pink not staying pink very long, who cares? I don't plan to wear them off the property. I think the bib style will be much more comfortable and wearable than the "full suit" style I have now, too.

Unknown said...

This cracks me up. When I went to college, Carhartt's were a requirement. Seriously. it was listed on our course supply list. I got a chocolate brown Carhartt Barn coat, but they had JUST come out with those, and hadn't made the bibs yet. So I had the regular colored bibs, and you do know that the different colored linings are different cold ratings? Right? LOL.

My husband and I each have two carhartt coats... still. :)

Abiga/Karen said...

OK That's what we all need too, thanks for being our test person for everything. Merry Christmas form Abiga/Karen

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