How would you handle the following situation?

I wanted to buy a new pair of hiking boots, and went to a local shoe store. Walking through the store, I saw a pair of boots costing $200, and a similar pair costing $80. Both pairs looked very sturdy and felt comfortable. Why the difference in price? Was there some hidden item in either boot or was the quality of the boots the reason for the price difference? Why pay the higher price?

The rest of the story will soon be revealed.

Have you wondered why you played a sport or a musical instrument in school? Well, I played basketball, but am not sure why that interested me. Maybe it was because my dad put up a basketball hoop on the farm garage after I had received a basketball for Christmas. Whatever the reason, I enjoyed playing the game. Yes, there was a ton of learning to do and a lot of blood (Yep, blood!) and sweat that poured from me. The blood came when I tripped over a player’s feet and hit my head on the floor. The sweat came from the many practices and games.

A major reason I played was because it was enjoyable being with my fellow basketball mates. Was I good player? That’s still to be determined! Whatever the price, it was worth it. I have many wonderful memories of playing the game. Today, I get to play with our children and grandchildren. The memories continue.

Here’s a question for you — is a $25 bottle of wine better than a $5 bottle of wine? While visiting one of my siblings, I was offered two bottles that each cost less than $5. Hmm…I thought. This should be interesting.

The tasting surprised me. First, we tasted a glass of Charles Shaw Chardonnay. It was very tasty with a touch of green apple with a soft and smooth finish. That glass was followed by a glass of Portuguese Red Blend by Casa Santos Limo. Again, very tasty. There were soft strawberry tastes followed by a pleasant vanilla finish.

Well, back to my original question about if a higher priced wine is worth more than a lower priced one, I am always impressed by both types. The quality of the beverage is a deciding factor, and the history of the wine is noted in the pricing. Both of the $5 wines received a very good rating from a wine magazine. So, is a higher priced wine worth it? The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind and it is for you to decide. Either way, enjoy!

Now, back to those boots.

Should I buy the pair for $200 dollars or the $80 pair? In case you didn’t notice, I stated both pairs were similar – yes, they both were the same boot! Naturally, I bought the pair that was on sale.

Should we pay the price for being chilly while out taking a hike at this time of the year? In case you haven’t noticed, tulips are pushing their leaves above ground right now. That sight alone makes the price of being chilly worth it.

May you always pay the price that makes you happy.

As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!