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BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks
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Subject: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:25 PM This is half-serious, believe it or not. I'd like to know what any of you phoakies do with your old Birks. Yeah, you know, all phoakies have to wear Birks, right?**BG** Anyway, I have about 5 pair purchased over the last 20 years and I am having a hard time deciding whether to get some of the older ones rebuilt with new footbeds, cork soles, etc. I am having a harder time deciding on whether to throw any of them away or not. Have any of you done so? Or, do you just keep re-soling them and wearing them forever? I did give up and order a new pair, today, so at least I don't have to decide on the rebuilds until later. Thanks! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Matt Woodbury/Mimosa Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:50 PM Ok, first, to turn it into a musical thread, Wonderful shoes I've had my arizonas resoled once, through a place I found via the "Footprints" catalog. They did a good job, but the cork beds are falling apart. If I get those replaced, I've essentially replaced most of the shoe.
I suppose when I run out of storage space, or stop wearing an old pair, That's the time to retire them to compost or something. Can you compost in Casper? Mimosa |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Sorcha Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:50 PM I've NEVER owned a pair of Birks, but I had my barefoot Roman style sandals re-soled until the heel straps broke--I think about 6 times in 8 years. Finally found a leathersmith to make me a new pair this summer!! Whoopee! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Matt Woodbury/Mimosa Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:53 PM Oh, and if they've retired the style you like, rebuilding is the only way to keep them. Mimosawhodidn'twearbootsontheranchmostofthesummer |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:54 PM I've never thrown any of mine away. When they're really old and ratty looking and not presentable to wear to town, they're just perfect for old, soft, bedroom slippers. Another pair of "oldies but goodies" I use to wear when it's raining or I'm working in the yard. I'd have a hell of a time trying to decide: should I? or shouldn't I? Sorry, kat, I guess I'm not much help. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:18 PM Oh kat you touch on a timely subject because I was starting to question the life expentancy of my Birks. I once mailed them away 6 years ago to the Birks doctor in Nelson BC who recorked them. But I am not sure, I think they need to be 'put down' Is there a Birkenstock cemetery I am not aware of? Maybe I should buy a plot. I am so attached to my Birks that when I come home, I have to find them first or I can't do anything else. Kind of like people who can't do a thing without their eye glasses on. I have a friend who is so attached to his Birks he now has duct tape holding the few stands of leather left on them together. Bonnie
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:30 PM Bonnie ... I've seen more birks duct-taped together than any other shoe on earth. Shoe Goo works around the edges between the footbed and the cork. And little rubberized plastic heel "taps" work great. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:34 PM I don't know moonjen, I figure if it got to the point I had to ductape or Shoe Goo my Birks it kind of reminds me of putting people on life support systems when you should really let them pass on. But I do appreciate the suggestions, just seems like a horrible way to end one's shoe life. Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:52 PM Now I don't want to get into an argument here or nothin'.........but,uh.....I want to point out to you guys that these are shoes you're talking about here. I mean it ain't like deciding on what to do with Uncle Buford's ashes. Now I don't wear ANY sandals myself so I'll just move along here. Just wanted to be sure you knew you were talking about shoes. Happy Toenails to You, Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:17 PM I can not believe how insensitive you are being about this issue Mr. Catspaw. Maybe you have never bonded with your shoes or something. Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Micca Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:19 PM What are Birkenstocks??? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Mbo Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:23 PM My question exactly, Micca! Because I have flat feet and bad ankles, I've always worn high-top sneakers. And I won't wear anything else. I wouldn't be caught DEAD in ANYTHING resembling a sandal. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:31 PM Oh no Bonnie.....I understand about bonding with clothing. I've had several shirts that I bonded with....or rather they bonded with me because I didn't wash them and wore them for several days. Even worse was a jockstrap that developed a serious attachment to me back in high school. Very painful. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Fortunato Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:45 PM Miss Bonnie. Glad to hear your virtual voice, I've missed you. How are you, all sandals aside? Please PM me and tell me how you're doing. Clearly people feel emotionally attached to their sandals. I wonder if they feel as close to their mates? Bon Soir Mes Amis, fortunato |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 22 Sep 00 - 07:25 PM Well, they aren't ALL sandals, you insensitive sods!**BG** Thanks to those of you understand the attachment.*sniff, sob, smile* There is a fantastic place in CT, where I bought all of mine which does a grand jo of rebuilding and has the largest selection available I've ever seen. Micca, darlin'...if you click on this you will see what I am shod in, all of my up and at 'em time.:-) Bonnie, I wonder if a Birkenstock cemetery would be profitable? I am always looking for new ventures. LOL katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Mbo Date: 22 Sep 00 - 07:31 PM You folks are bee-zarre! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: MartinRyan Date: 22 Sep 00 - 07:54 PM Have you phoaks considered shoe-i-cide? Regards. p.s. As a very late convert to Birkenstocks (or Rickenbachers, as I call them), I'm fascinated by their indestructability. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 22 Sep 00 - 08:36 PM So what did you do Catspaw, bronze your jockstrap? Or did it solidify on its own. I use to wear an Esso mechanics suit when I was 12 years old with the monogram Bill. Guess he was a fine mechanic. I loved that suit. I would not part with it. It didn't smell too good but I loved that suit. I feel the same way about my shoes. Well kat if you want to start a Birks cemetery lets talk, it could be a worth while investment. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Art Thieme Date: 22 Sep 00 - 08:45 PM A great quote from the novel Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry--one character speaking about another says: "He never was one to get rid of a garment just because it had some age on it." Kat, Carol wore hers forever. She used to paint the cork with a product called "BARGE CEMENT" that Birkenstock suggested to her when the cork started to decompose. Worked real well. When they finally gave up the ghost, she did, at long last throw them away. When she did remove her feet from them we found at least 50 grubs living in the toe and heel depressions. The ones we got her after that left a lot to be desired. But just a couple o' months ago, I saw an ad in the Chicago Reader weekly newspaper for a shop on Armitage Ave. in Chi that sold ONLY Birkenstocks. Secretly, I traced the souls of her unsatisfactory sandals, got those to our son in that town, specified the style, and he got 'em for her. (I paid.) I'm happy to say that she is extremely happy with her new ones. And, no, Birkenstock is not the name of a town in New York where there was a music festival a long time ago. Art Thieme |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Micca Date: 22 Sep 00 - 09:03 PM They sound like the footware equivalnt of a Tilley hat!!!! lasts for ever, leave it to someone in your Will kninda thing? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 22 Sep 00 - 09:22 PM Yeah, that'd be great Micca.....if you want to leave some smelly-ass pair of shoes to your heirs. And to my nephew Hugh G. Rection, I bequeath my Birkenstocks in the hope that he can get the smell out of them after removing the maggots from the cork and coating it with Barge cement. Also my favorite hat, recently blocked by an Albanian Flea Circus proprietor. Yeah....thanks.........uh, right then......... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 22 Sep 00 - 10:28 PM You lot are BRILL, I am LMAO!!! Thanks!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 12:07 AM Art ... I've used that quote from Lonesome Dove, often! bonnie, kat, et. al., be careful, we'll be accused of starting a birkieclique. I bought my first pair in 1975, from a little hole-in-the-wall store in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C., which was owned by a group of Sikhs. There were two styles, brown or black, leather or suede. My father said I had just rounded-out my collection of "the ugliest shows in the world." (Added them to my collection of Earth Shoes, Clark Wallabys, Famolares.) When you encountered someone else, on the streets, wearing birkies, there was a sly wink and a secret handshake. "We" knew ..... You learned to be tuff, whenever anyone asked the question "Where the hell did you get those ugly things." I wear mine all year 'round. Even in Alaska, I wore them all year 'round and just added wool socks in the winter. Fairbanks has very dry, powdery snow, so there was no need to worry about slogging about in "snirt" = snowdirt. The only problem comes when, for some reason, you have to put your foot into a regular shoe, like a pump. It takes a shoe horn and lots of PAM. Are we fanatibirks? You betcha! But we also tend to have better moods 'cause our feet don't hurt. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: SpitWhistle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:02 AM Well... here's a site for the most comfortable sandals I have ever worn... and they last a long time too! http://www.pipersandals.com/ |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:16 AM I wonder what kind of sandals this guy is wearing??? Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:19 AM You are so twisted! LMAO!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: GUEST,jaze Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:24 AM Love Birks, but I really miss Earth shoes. Does anyone know if they're still available???? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:28 AM No, I don't think so. The president of the company died tragically when he tilted over backwards received a nasty whack on the back of the head resulting in a cerebral hemmorage. I think I heard that somewhere............... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 02:41 AM g-d! I had three pairs of Earth Shoes, trying to find some that were comfortable. They were the most uncomfortable shoes I've ever worn! And I literally felt like I was going to fall over backwards, whenever I wore them. Why would anyone think that having your heels lower and your toes sticking up would be beneficial to your back, is beyond me. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 02:43 AM spaw ... you are totally demented! But so funny ... |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 23 Sep 00 - 03:32 AM Apparently one can still buy Earth shoes at such places as WalMart and Macy's! I liked the ones I had, when I had them. Probably would not get along well with them now.*BG* Anyway, for a fun look at shoe nostalgia, I found this at this site: "I had a pair. Size 9. William S. Burroughs wore them, too. Contrary to popular belief, earth shoes were not invented in the 1970's, but designed in 1957 by a Danish yoga instructor named Anne Kals. They were first sold in the United States in 1970 under licence by Raymond and Eleanor Jacobs of New York City. The Jacobs changed the name from Anne Kals Minus Heel Shoes to Earth Shoes in honor of the first Earth Day. Besieged by banking distputes, the Jacobs once multimillion-dollar company went bankrupt in 1977. The unique characteristic of Earth Shoes was their negative heel, which meant that the heel was lower than the toe. This design was said to imitate the feeling of walking in sand and improve posture. I remember the first time I ever wore them; the fronts were tapered and I felt like I was falling forward with every step."
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 23 Sep 00 - 06:43 AM When you guys were younger, in your teens, did you use to walk barefoot until you build up so much callus that you could probably walk on hot coals? I remember it was 'cool' to be barefoot. Catspaw I think Jesus use to walk barefoot. Doesn't really benefit the shoe industry though. Can you imagine duct taping your orthotics to the arches of your feet. That would be pretty funny. Little Neo |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Ferrara Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:08 PM Well I do try to avoid the BS threads even though they are often the funniest thing on the Cat ... But realizing that there are kindred spirits and Birkenstock graveyards in other closets than mine was irresistible!!! Bill say, "When you people die, do your soles go to Heaven?" Jen, I was so glad to hear that someone else wears them (with socks) in the winter! -- Have done that for about 6 years. Can you have them resoled after you wear down the right heel right into the cork from wearing them while you're driving? (I have a little pad that's supposed to protect my shoe heels when I drive. It may actually help but they all come to ruin in the end.) Bill just said he had a pair of earth shoes. Bought them in DC in Georgetown at the Earth Shoe Store in 1975 (really!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:11 PM Rita ... tell Bill that's where I bought mine! I have never liked to go barefoot, even in the house. I think it's from living on islands for so many years and the sand grit that was everpresent. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:41 PM Yes! Rita, you can! Nice to see you in here!*BG* If you go to the website I put a link in for, you will find info on having yours repaired. I cannot recommend the place in CT enough. Birks are all they do and they are superb at it. Bonnie, we used to go barefoot, in the house, but living in the country it was important to have on shoes when we were outside, esp. if there were snakes around. Even with shoes, when I was 13 I ran up a slight hill and stepped on the nail of a rusty hinge. Ran it all the way through my foot. Screamed bloody murder, with the peacocks chiming in. Much as I love my Birks, I am not sure I could ever go hiking in them. My dad and mom drilled it into us so much that we must have on hightop boots to go hiking, just because some scared old snake might take a strike at us.:-) Maybe Aine could make this a new song challenge. What would you write in a song about your Birks? Moonjen, you had me falling out of my chair with laughter...actually several of you did, shoe-i-cide, indeed! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:58 PM There was an old woman who lived in a shoe She had so many pairs, she didn't know what to do She complained about blisters and all of her hurts She hobbled around in pain, in fits and in spurts Then one day she got smart, she threw them all in the dirt And said "From now on, my friends, it's just me and my birks."
line breaks added |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Bill D Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:09 PM I think I still have a significant number of all the pairs of shoes/boots I have owned in the last 15-20 years, including a pair of Earth Shoes clones!!...and a few that I have had longer. I have a pair of really 'generic' "tennis shoes" (low sneakers) that I bought in Lawerence Kans, about 1972..(yes...they ARE ratty looking ..but once or twice a year they are just the thing for some yard job when my feet are hot and I don't have sandals... I also own a pair of WW2 Woolen US Army Arctic boots...which require felt liners...they are HUGE with the extra space required...but warm!..(I used to work in a surplus store which had a few pair...plus the liners.) Now MOST of these shoes do NOT get worn...but the mind says.."gee...if I ever have to walk thru some tar on my street, I could wear THESE!".. Yeah, yeah...make jokes, I can take it. *grin*... (maybe it started when I realized my mother STILL had my bronzed baby shoes!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:13 PM Thanks, joeclone ... but I do other things good, don't I? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:28 PM I remember buy a three pack of Fruit of the Looms at Weilbacher's Suburban Shop, 6827 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 43068 on March 24, 1973 just after 6:45 PM, EST. Then there was the time I picked up a nice set of earmuffs there too. I believe this was December 3, 1974 at 5:27 PM, EST, although it may have been a bit later. ............Do all of you catalog this stuff or what? Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:38 PM Because all fanatibirks have their feet planted firmly on the ground, our brains are more level, and that allows space for remembering events dating back, oh, 30-40 years. Like ... I was deflowered on a fiberglass door that had just been sanded, on April 8, 1966. A moment that will forever be forever implanted on my boyfriend's butt. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:04 PM Gawd but I love words. Deflowered. Was this guy Luther Burbank? Couldn't you replant? Have you checked in the Park Seed catalog or from Ferry-Morse? (:<)) Of course there are so many lovely others. Debauched. Right, what's a BAUCH and why is it valuable? How about the good old "cherry" lines.....lost cherry, took her cherry. I have seen plenty of female genitalia and not one of them has resembled a cherry in any way, shape, or form. "Slept with" is always entertaining although I have never known anyone who could fuck and sleep at the same time. I've heard some guys are real bad, but has anyone actually fallen asleep? Oh well.........back to the Birkenstocks............. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:13 PM I can. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Bill D Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:38 PM there was once a statutory rape case in the south..(Kentucky, maybe?)..because the defendant was DUMB, and the court could not bear to use the explicit language the defendant 'might' have understood. "Jed, did you have carnal knowlege of this girl?" "Huh?" "Did you sleep with her" "Not a wink, your honor!" |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:49 PM Good old joke Bill!!! BTW though, I think only folks like Jeffrey Dahmer have "carnal knowledge" of their sexual partners. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: rangeroger Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:54 PM I threw my Birks away when the cork finally disintegrated.Never did get another pair.If I wear sandals too long my heels dry out and crack. rr |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: JenEllen Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:58 PM LOL Don't say g'bye to them!!! 5 pairs? Do like Morty's underpants and write the days of the week on them?? Save the weekends for bare-footin'!! ~Elle **Anyone serious about getting them fixed can PM me. A bonus to marrying the Mister, I got a Birkenstock repairperson in the family now...(gift from the gods???) Great work done cheap.** |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 10:10 PM Geez, Elle ... I never thought about adding that to my criteria ... but it's a damn good idea. Let's see ... wanted: single man, no priors, able to turn cork, cheap. Is that how you did it? I'm waiting with breath abating ... |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 24 Sep 00 - 12:38 AM Jenellen, you serious, gyrlfriend??!!! BONUS!! Spaw, haven't thought of Park Seed Co. in years. We used to love getting their catalogue every year and planning my mom's gardens, buying the seeds and plants from them.
What about for-ni-cate? Why 4, why not 2 or 3 and why Cate, why is she always the one??!!! I can see two-ni-cate becoming popular around here.
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 24 Sep 00 - 09:12 AM I think the big question that remains is.......... Have you done it in your Birkenstocks? Little Neo |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 24 Sep 00 - 09:40 AM Oh Bonnie dear, there's another winner!!! "Do IT." The implication here is that the IT you refer to is the only IT there is and by being the solitary, top-gun, and eliminating all other ITS, has secured the place of honor in our vocabulary. But to do that would actually require eliminating the word IT from all other meanings. Try writing a few paragraphs that way....no IT to be found. Tough, isn't it? Why not just say "fuck?" Has anyone fucked in their Birkenstock's? Ahhh......much better. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 24 Sep 00 - 09:47 AM No I have not fucked in my Birkenstocks but I have stepped in shit. BB |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 24 Sep 00 - 10:30 AM I haven't either. But, I suppose if you're wanting to "dig your heels in" or "get a good toe-hold," birkies would be the answer. Pliable dirt or wet sand would be your best venue for "birkiedoing." Now, sand ... that is a whole 'nother thread ... moonjen (whose last venture into "sand" was in 1967 and is still finding grit in her underclothes) |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Noreen Date: 24 Sep 00 - 11:41 AM Great, often wondered what you were talking about! Thanks for the links. Anyone seen them available in UK? I'd like to try 'em. Noreen |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 24 Sep 00 - 12:00 PM Noreen, they originally come from Germany and this site says this shop in London has been selling them for over 25 years. Usually Birk dealers are all too happy to do mail order. Hope you like them! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Art Thieme Date: 24 Sep 00 - 01:52 PM Burroughs would often keel over, but not because of his sandals. Art |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 24 Sep 00 - 02:41 PM LMAO!! Hey, Art, ya know, now that you mention it, I seem to recall some festival in a long ago time, I am sure it was called Birkenstock; that's what Schultz named Snoopy's sidekick after, too!**BG** |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: CamiSu Date: 24 Sep 00 - 04:04 PM *grin* Don't know why I ever bother with anything but Birks and Stegmanns. Nothing else feels quite right. Oh yes, the Sorels in winter. Just pull 'em on, and they feel like bedroom slippers. You can clean out the barn or side a house in the nastiest of weather and you are WARM!!! Rangeroger- if you coat your heels with bag balm and then put on socks, the cracks go away. If you do it before they appear, they don't (though I usually don't remember to). Once I was at a concert in Montpelier, and heard one woman tel another, "You wear socks under your Birks? NO ONE does that anymore". I just walked up and picked up my foot to show my sock and sandaled feet. the one woman grinned and the other shut up! CamiSu |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 24 Sep 00 - 04:27 PM CamiSu, I totally agree with you about the Sorels, but now the big question.....(Catspaw, turn off your moniter) Have you done it in your Sorels? Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 24 Sep 00 - 05:49 PM I've thought about it, LilNeo, but I don't own any Sorels, unless the old sorrel horse we used to have counts? Uh-oh, really don't want to go there! I wear socks with my birks year-round. Air conditioning makes my toes freeze; heat makes my feet sweat, so, the socks either keep me warm or wick away the sweat. Hmmm...sounds almost like commercial copy! Haha! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 24 Sep 00 - 06:44 PM Hate Sorels!!!! They're too big and bulky for my feet (5 1/2) and I trip over them. In Fairbanks we didn't need them because the snow is so dry, therefore, no snirt (snow dirt). What I did wear was Lobbens. Made in Norway of boiled wool, with a very thick rubbery sole. Around the top and around the lacing gusset, is rick-rack, blue/black or red/black. The come up over the ankes and with a pair of wool socks are the warmest shoes imaginable. When I was making sales calls and the temp was 60 below, I wore regular socks with wool socks over them. Got to keep your toes toasty when it's that cold. Frostbite can occur in 10-15 minutes. And, no, Bonnie, I never DID IT in my Lobbens, either. Don't you just hate men who wear their socks to bed? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 24 Sep 00 - 07:13 PM Jen, my sister wears her socks to bed. Come to think of it, I don't think anyone has ever seen her feet.
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: JenEllen Date: 24 Sep 00 - 08:07 PM I wear socks to bed....big fluffy fleece numbers...The Mister says it looks like I went hunting on Sesame Street.... Yup. Baboo's cousin owns Silverheels. He builds Birkies and repairs them. He also did great things with a pair of Doc Martins that I've had since high school. ~Elle |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 24 Sep 00 - 08:10 PM elle ... FINALLY!!! You've justified your existence on mudcat!!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Ferrara Date: 24 Sep 00 - 09:53 PM Oh, JenEllen, "went hunting on Sesame Street" indeed. Best laugh of a very happy day. CamiSu - thanks for the hint - Bag Balm huh? I've been using Cetaphil cream with no improvement whatever. But I haven't been sleeping in socks either and don't know if I can, it drives me nutsier than I already am. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 24 Sep 00 - 10:01 PM Isn't that a hymn or something?
There is a bag balm in Gilead .........something like that anyway........... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: CamiSu Date: 24 Sep 00 - 10:39 PM Ferrara, put it on in the morning when you're going to wear socks anyway. You'll be fine in the night, cause it will last 24 hours. Neo, Ive done LOTS of things in my sorels...and the mister and I have worked as carpenters together, but I think the funniest we did was when we were refinishing floors and our outer duds were too dusty, we'd actually put the finish on in our underwear... of course the customer was NOT home! NO COMMENTS Spaw! CamiSu |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 24 Sep 00 - 10:44 PM My son-in-law is very proud of me since I've started wearing cotton socks to bed, like he does. It's the only way I can keep from my extra-dry feet itching like crazy. I cannot use Bag Balm because of the lanolin, so I just coat them with a bunch of Keri Lotion Fast Absorbing Sensitive Skin formula. :-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 24 Sep 00 - 10:50 PM Cami darlin'...Would I say anything about finishing floors in your underwear? I WOULD however like to hear all about your polishing technique. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 24 Sep 00 - 11:04 PM I can't use Bag Balm either, I'm allergic to something in it and it makes me itch like crazy. In Fairbanks, where there was no humidity, I used the equivalent of Eucerin Cream, which comes in a big tub and looks like Crisco. I used the equivalent generic made by Kmart or WalMart. It's much, much cheaper, and is the same stuff. It doesn't have fragrance, so no itchies. I used it "full strength" on my feet, elbows, and knees, and mixed it with regular lotion for the rest of me. My skin was so dry that I even, occasionally, used it on my face. Well, I'm using it again, even in Florida. I cannot stand to have anything on my feet, except another pair of feet, in bed, so it has to fend for itself. But I also put it on my feet, when I'm going to wear socks or whatever. The boys probably think we're nuts for talking about stuff like this, but they could use a little TLC on their feet, too! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Mbo Date: 24 Sep 00 - 11:55 PM I'd be more than happy to provide some TLC for you ladies' feet! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: richlmo Date: 24 Sep 00 - 11:56 PM I work outside all year long and Udder Balm is the Bomb!! And BillD, I don't believe I'da told that about the '72 sneakers! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 25 Sep 00 - 12:12 AM moonjen, when my son was about 13 he had a terrible bout of excema on his feet one winter. Eucerin was the only thing that helped. It's the lanolin in Bag Balm makes me itch, anything related to wool, actually. Speaking of the *boyz*, when my ex was in the Navy SeaBees, he had a friend who was religious about taking good care of his feet. Coated them with Vaseline everynight, with a good massage, then socks. You know what they say about horses? They are fine until their teeth or feet go. I can well believe it. I've a touch of arthritis in my feet which has been kicking up this week and it's been making me feel like an old gray mare before my time! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 25 Sep 00 - 12:29 AM Geez, kat, I think it's time we headed to Disney Spa to be rebuilt! Can you just see it ... Stepford Cats ... The Movie ... katlaughing and moonjen return from a funfilled week at the Disney Spa! But, alas, there's something wrong here ... give a listen: katlaughing: Yes, catspaw, you are absolutely right, I do spend too much time on the computer. May I bring you your slippers and how about I spend the next 8 hours in the kitchen making your favorite snack, drech mit leprekies. Don't run away, Dear, here's your newspaper and let me rub your feet. Oh, no, it's no trouble, I can debone the chicken while I'm rubbing Bag Balm into your tired feet ... Oh, my, there's something terribly wrong in mudcatville. Let's listen again: moonjen: Rick, of course I'll restring all your instruments. You know how I live to restring! F Chords? I've been practicing all day and even threw in Barre chords, so you would be so proud of me. Of course I can play Barre chords while I cook your dinner. I just strap my guitar to my chest with bungee chords and while I'm playing F chords and Barre chords, I can whip up a cheese souffle and put panties on the standing rib roast. Your fingers are sore from playing so much? Oh, my, my can't let that happen. Next time you play, you can use my hands to play and give your fingers a rest. kat, catspaw, rick ... you know I love ya dearly! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler Date: 25 Sep 00 - 11:50 AM Kat, I've always imagined you in thigh high leather boots with 6" spike heels (but enough of my problems!). Something I saw in a craft/garden shop this weekend might me a serious solution:old shoes and boots used as planters for herbs etc. Especially for just outside the kitchen door. RtS "don't step on my blue suede shoes" |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 25 Sep 00 - 11:59 AM LMAO!! HeyaRoger, if you'd come into HearMe, during one of the session, I'd crack my whip for ya! Out here the old cowboy boots wind up upturned on fance posts. Don't have a clue as to why; looks stupid if you ask me. Guess the cowboys aren't into growing herbs and suchlike. katlaughingforsure |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: GUEST,Mark Cohen, in Massachusetts Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:17 AM Oh, Lord, where to start? Well, let's just dive right into this and straighten all you folks out (except for 'Spaw, of course, who can do just fine on his own)... Thanks, Mimosa (way back at the beginning), for the link to "The Wonderful Shoes". But Moonjen, if you're serious about F-chords, you need to check out The Perennial Beginner, or the F-Chord Song (which, by the way, is still misspelled in the DT, but who's counting?) And kat, I believe a tunicate is a marine invertebrate, which makes that reference kind of icky, but to each his or her own. Now let's get one thing clear. The so-called "Earth Shoes" sold at Wal-Mart are NOT Earth Shoes. They are, in my opinion, reasonably comfortable, and inexpensive, but they have regular old heels. Now, you all may have a low (sorry) opinion of the old Earth Shoe, but let me tell you, they got me through my third year of med school in 1975-76, when I was on my feet continuously for hours and hours and hours....I bought mine at the Earth Shoe store in Philadelphia--Chestnut St., I believe, and I'll defer to 'Spaw for the exact time. And I wear my Sorels all the time...they're great for walking over hot lava rock at Kilauea volcano. The tourists do give me some funny looks, though. Aloha, Mark |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:34 AM Damn, Mark, where ya been?!! Good to *see* you!! Sorels on hot lava, huh? That would be a sight! As for the other, well, I guess I could use the original spelling: twonicate...I hope nobody would suspect that of being to ichy!**BG** Although...one site I went to had this to say about "tunicates" and it seems they and Birks may have some things in common: "They appear to have few predators, due in part to the thickness, consistency, and chemical makeup of their outer protective covering, the "tunic" from which the group gets its common name." Maybe we could come up with a new style for Birks, the "Birnicate." kat...really good to hear from you, mark! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: GUEST,Mark Cohen, visiting in Mass. Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:48 AM Thanks kat...where I been is dealing with the X2B, trying to sell my house, and also keeping up with a recent upturn in my practice (welcome but time-consuming...) Oh, and I forgot to mention another thing about Birkenstocks. About ten years ago I developed a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis -- it was completely healed just by wearing Birks. (This message not intended as medical advice or treatment. See your doctor before initiating any treatment program. Side effects may occur. Not affiliated with Birkenstock, Inc., the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Podiatric Association, or Rehab Hawaii, Inc.) Aloha, Mark |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 28 Sep 00 - 12:09 AM Thanks, Mark, that is good to know. Good luck on all of your dealings for getting things settled, esp. with your daughter. I hope you have time for Hearme sometimes, still. Congratulations on your practise, too, I just hope you still have time to relax and play.*BG* Just thought ya'll would like to know, I have put off any decisions about my old ones for the time being. My new ones were delivered by FedEx, yesterday, and I have scarcely taken them off! Can't believe how worn my old Birkies were! My feet are in heaven, again. Howl-Ay-Loo-Yah!!! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: GUEST,jaze Date: 28 Sep 00 - 01:45 AM Speaking of loving our old shoes, does anyone remember "Charlie Browns', Clark's Wallabees and Treks(loved those) and how about "Wafflestompers? These were all before my beloved Earth Shoes. I'm a nurse and wore Earth Shoes for years (white!!)and still miss them. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: CamiSu Date: 28 Sep 00 - 08:55 AM Kat-- are the boots on top of the fence posts to keep the weather out of the grain ( the way we do with tin cans here, so the posts dont rot--though I would guess that there is not much problem with rot out there)? OR are they there so the cowboys can find them the next time they ride by? (Sort of like the way people hang hubcaps near where they're found) Cami Su wishingBirkinstockmadebarnboots |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 25 Jul 01 - 03:49 PM CamiSue, I went to resurrect this thread and realised I never answered you! That could partly be because I don't know! We never, ever, did that with our old cowboy boots. Now, I am thinking if we had, Bill Sables may have helped himself to a few pair.**BG** And, no rot isn't a problem in the too-dry West, but getting too dry and falling apart is! Anyway, I brought this thread up to say, today I have done it! I took all of my very odl Birks out of the closet, where they've been in a bag, and I put them in a give-away bag to go to one of the charity shops here in town. They recylce stuff that isn't saleable and who knows, maybe one of them will want to get new footbeds, etc. I know it's kind of a chicken way out, but I still couldn't just throw them out! There, that is another chore, done!**BG** kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: MMario Date: 25 Jul 01 - 04:19 PM I'm in awe. Aside from a pair or two of hand made moccasins and the custom boots I had made 5 years ago - I have never in my adult life had a pair of shoes last longer then 6 months. some don't last more then a week or two. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: karen k Date: 26 Jul 01 - 12:08 PM Kat, Didn't read the whole thread so if you answered this already just say so and I'll go back and find it. What is the name and where is the place in CT where you bought all your Birks. Thanks, k |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 26 Jul 01 - 12:45 PM Hi, Karen, I can't remember if I did or not, so maybe it bears repeating if I did!**BG** Here ya go: BirkenstockCentral.com in Taftville, CT. Thanks, kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Marion Date: 13 Aug 02 - 12:41 PM Hello Birkie brothers and sisters. Question: do you wash your Birks, and if so, how? I suspect that immersing them in water might hasten their departure to the sacred burial grounds. Maybe an electric toothbrush? Related question: does anyone besides me have the "microfibre" (i.e, non-leather) insoles, and if so, do you find them kind of smelly? I don't know if this material has a greater capacity for accumulating dust and sweat than the normal ones, or if it's the synthetic material itself that smells funny. Do you think putting baby powder on the soles now and then would fix them? Thanks, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: EBarnacle1 Date: 13 Aug 02 - 01:50 PM I am thrilled to find that males are not the only people who keep old things around even after they have gotten a bit tired. My current pairs of LL Bean Boating Bluchers last only about 8 months per resole (they are my daily shoes.) but they are currently in their 4th resoling. It is traditional for students to tape and glue old boat shoes until they are beyond help. Birks are comfy, I am told but my feet spend a lot of time in or near water. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: RichM Date: 13 Aug 02 - 03:12 PM birkies should be treated respectfully, when they have served their purpose. Like old viking chiefs who were laid out in a fine boat, they should be set on fire and let drift down a stream to their fitting end...Make sure tho, that you are not wearing them at the time! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 13 Aug 02 - 03:25 PM LOL...where were you and your elegant solution when I needed them, Rich?! Alas, my old birks are probably wandering in a never-ending purgatory without the closure of a good send off...merrily down the stream! Marion, if you go to that site I referenced, they say that IF your birks get wet to let them dry out slowly, away from heat: birky-clicky. I've never used water on any of mine. My current pair is non-leather and I love them. They seem to be lasting longer. I think the footbed is birko-something or other. They seem to be just the opposite of the leather for me, when it comes to odor from my feet sweating. I have less odor with the birko than the leather; in fact there is virtually none. However, I also wear lightweight cotton socks, even in the summertime. I complained to my doctor about my feet being itchy. He said it was probably from them sweating then getting too dry. I f I wore a light sock it would help. It has and it also keeps my toes warm!*bg* So...you might try wearing socks...:-) kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: rich-joy Date: 16 Aug 02 - 06:46 AM The only pair of Birk sandals that I've ever had - (and STILL cling to, though they look pretty decrepid now, having been much-patched up by The Partner!!) - are THE most comfortable footwear I''ve ever owned!!! However, I was once wearing them during a tropical downpour and they were never quite the same after that - tend to smell a bit in hot weather. I usually then have to wipe them over with metholated spirits, followed by neatsfoot oil, which helps for awhile ... I don't think they can cope with any more re-heeling though, I've worn the synth-cork stuff away this time ... Time to ask The Universe for a new pair!!! Cheers! R-J
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 16 Aug 02 - 08:49 AM Haha...not true, R J! Click the magic birky-clicky and check out their repair site. You can get everything replaced, as long as you still have the uppers to attach to! These people are amazing, although I can understand if you are looking for an excuse for another pair!**BG** The same place has great online sales all of the time. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: GUEST Date: 17 Aug 02 - 02:42 AM LL BEAN AND BIRKENSTOCKS THERE ARE SOME RICH FOLKIES HERE MY K-MARTS ARE LESS THAN 20 DOLLARS AND LAST THREE YEARS |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Mudlark Date: 17 Aug 02 - 12:57 PM I bought my first pair of Birks from a chiropractor in Eureka Springs, Ark. and all my Arkie hillfolk neighbors thot they were the strangest footwear they'd ever seen.
I, too, have a hard time offing terminally ill Birks, and save them for wet or dirty jobs, even tho the soles, especially the heels, are nonexistent. I lost a pair like that at the beach, tucked them under a driftwood log, sure that noone in their right mind would even touch the decrepit things...WRONG. They were long gone when I came back for them after wanderig the beach at the water line for an hour or so. I still have fantasies about who might have taken them...
They are the most comfortable, and equally therapeutic shoes I've ever worn but there is one difficulty in the country...the rim of the footbed makes it difficult to shake out all the dirt and rocks that accumulate when working in them on rough ground. I've perfected a little Birkdance shuffle to rid my shoes of such stuff wi/out having to take them off, which is quite amusing, I'm sure, to anyone watching...
On the other hand that rim allows me to sort of scoop up a tennis ball and lob it over the corgis' heads, whereas straight kicking they intercept every time. Next best thing to barefootin' |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Genie Date: 17 Aug 02 - 10:04 PM Gee, Kat, I was so proud of my self-restraint in NOT starting an OBIT. thread for Melanie, my dearly (and very prematurely) departed kitty. (Trying to comply with Max's wishes and all.) And here you start an OBIT thread for your SHOES? Gotta love this place! Genie ¤;- ) |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: GUEST Date: 22 Aug 02 - 12:52 AM |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: leprechaun Date: 22 Aug 02 - 03:27 AM You could use some shoe goo to fill in that annoying dent in the heel. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Genie Date: 23 Aug 02 - 03:25 AM "Bye, bye, Birk-hees..." |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Venthony Date: 23 Aug 02 - 11:11 AM I know I'm going to get pilloried, but exactly what are Birkenstocks? I've always been a Wal-Mart tennis shoe and workboot man myself. Is this a brandname, or just a style? Tony |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 23 Aug 02 - 11:21 AM Tony, there are two or three links in this thread which will take you to a site which explains all and has photos of them. And, you don't even have to spend any time in the pillory!*bg* Genie, I would have started one for you and your dear departed but I thought you wanted to keep it private. Sorry!:-) kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Genie Date: 23 Aug 02 - 03:07 PM Kat, I'm just teasing you about your "OBIT: Birkenstocks" thread. *G* I wasn't trying to keep the loss of my dear moggie private. I just thought (and still do) that the forum would be overrun if everyone started a thread for every personal loss. Since I had started a "cat presents" thread when Melanie left me a dead bird in the bathtub, I thought I had sort of used up my "non-music threads quota" for a while. Genie |