Winter, spring, autumn and even through parts of our cloudy summers in Seattle, I wear ankle-high boots. For several years now I've been wearing a pair of Coach boots which I found in a thrift shop, brand new, for $3.50. My very best thrift shop buy. I walk fast with long strides and can't imagine trying to do that in heels. Besides, I spend quite a bit of my time consulting with contractors and trades people so I feel part of the team if I'm wearing boots - especially important since I'm often the only woman.

I used to love wearing expensive high heeled shoes, they made me feel elegant, but I don't go to the kind of events where I'd need to wear fancy shoes or clothes any more so I'm well out of practice in wearing them.

You are right, Karen, and it's something I notice all the time, characters such as medical examiners wearing 4 inch heels. It's really ridiculous.