So, remember in the summer when I found a pair of classic black riding boots that were on sale enough to allow me both to purchase them and to pay for a calf alteration? They're not available anymore, but they were these in solid black.

I took them to the cobbler in August. Weeks went by. Months. I finally shamed him into finishing them, and I picked them up this week. AAAAAGH. The left one can be zipped up only with heroic effort (if my calf holds its breath) and the right one is full inch smaller than the left and can't be zipped under any circumstances.

I took them back yesterday and he said he would "stretch them." Hmm. Can a boot shaft be stretched that much? I hardly dare to hope.

Will not become hysterical. Will not...