During the holidays, I ventured out to do something that I don't enjoy doing.
I went shopping. I would rather go to the dentist than shop.
I know many of you guys and gals enjoy a nice day of shopping and we certainly have plenty of great stores in the area. I pity my poor wife having to put up with my groaning as I accompany her on our expeditions into Traverse City.
It might not be quite as dismal a picture as I paint, but let's just say that my attention span and longevity in the stores is rather short-lived. Soon I find myself looking for what I call the "husband bench."
You know what I mean. Just about every retail establishment has a bench or chair close to the entrance. That's where weary husbands sit after telling their wives to go on without them. They see the opportunity to rest their tired feet and escape what they consider the tedious job of making shopping decisions.
Well, the particular shopping trip I am referring to was a little different than normal. We were doing some Christmas shopping and the spirit of the season was tugging at my heartstrings as well as my wallet.
After all, there were grandchildren to shop for. Besides that, I was looking for something for myself. I needed a new leather belt. Actually I have been looking for a new belt for some time because my old one was looking rather worn and shabby. I was certain that I would be out in public and the stitching or the buckle might give way. That would not be a pretty picture.
I knew what I was looking for and was certain that it wouldn't take me long. It had to be brown leather, casual and of a width suitable for jeans or khakis.
Oh yes, it has to be made in the United States of America. You see, I have this thing about all the imports. It bothers me that we can't seem to find clothing that is made in our country anymore.
With positive thoughts, I bounded through the doors of the mall and began my quest.
Has anyone else tried to buy an American-made belt lately? I started out at the discount stores only to find that all of the belts were made in China. I then reasoned that if I went to the higher-end stores, maybe where they sold more "name brands," I would have better luck.
Some of the belts had recognizable brand names, but upon further inspection, there it was, "Made in China." I even found one belt that was labeled, "Genuine Italian Leather -- Made in China." Figure that one out.
I went to every major department store in town. My wife, who was getting frustrated with my quest for a "Made in America" belt, suggested that I just buy a nice belt imported from China. Reluctantly, I did and I am now wearing it.
Oh, it's a nice enough belt, but as I drove home I wondered what would ever happen if we got into a war with China. Would our soldiers have a problem keeping their pants up?
Ed Hungness can be reached at edhungness@yahoo.com or care of the Record-Eagle.
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