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Oh, how lovely! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

Gaiters are a kind of waterproof protective wrap that goes over and around a pair of walking boots and the bottom of your trousers to fend off mud and water. I have a pair of ankle gaiters for summer specifically as a barrier against spiky grass seeds landing in my socks, but when it's muddy, wet, or both, I wear knee-high ones. They save a lot of boot-cleaning time!

Here's the kind of thing I have: https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15997583/peter-storm-hike-gaiter-15997583

In contrast, I think that galoshes are waterproof overshoes - but it's a similar concept, I guess!

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(Actually, so did I - because I had to look up galoshes just to make sure I was on the right track!) 🤣

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Er, sorry, Rebecca, do I know you? I don't often receive letters from strange women, or indeed any women. I shall reply on Sunday then. Thanks! <Aside: Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.>

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I enjoyed writing this letter to you, Terry, and I'm looking forward to receiving yours in response. 😃 Nice quote!

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Cool idea....

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Thanks, Jack! So far, so fun! 😃

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Oh, this was delightful to read, and sounds like my experiences when I studied in London 23 years ago!

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Thanks, Sarah! It's a shame to complain, because sometimes it's beautiful - I mean today, for instance, it's been rather gorgeous! Still, it's a standing joke round here that we Brits would have nothing to talk about if it weren't for the weather, so I mustn't let the side down...! 😃

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Ha!

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Weather, tea, and public transport. Any other topic is a bonus .

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I'm wondering (dreading?) what you've got up your sleeve to complain about, Terry!!!! 😉

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Funny you should ask that, Rebecca. It's about receiving unsolicited mail from mad women....

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Dec 2, 2022·edited Dec 2, 2022Author

You STARTED it........ oh no, that was me. As you were.

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Dec 1, 2022Liked by Rebecca Holden

I felt cozy just reading this. Loved this line especially: "a crisp-outside, cosy-inside Christmas, like the best kind of roast potato." Also: I too find myself disappointed that I'm no longer 8 years old!

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LOL - I had fun with that line, Jillian! Thanks so much! Yeah, Christmas isn't the same now I'm not 8 - but it's still good, just different. I mean, I don't stay awake all night on Christmas Eve any more! Does that make me a grown-up at last, I wonder....?

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Yes, I loved that line too. One of the best I've ever come across in fact.

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Thanks, Terry - that's so very kind!

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Ha! That line got me, as well. I have been so immersed in the launch of a new foodletter lately that I feel like anything food-related, even the “roast potato” analogy, is whispering to me 🙃

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Oh wow, Amie - you've piqued my interest with the word 'foodletter' so I've just had a look at your Linktree! Can't wait for 'Cook and Tell' when it's launched next month!

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I loved it! First one was a success.

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It's so kind of you to say so! Thanks, Matt!

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I think we should quit while we're ahead

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🤣

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I smiled, laughed, and smiled again. What a fun letter Rebecca. I laughed when I read conservatory as the kids and I have been playing clue for the last several weeks! We love that game.

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Thanks, Julie! That's SUCH a great game - it's called 'Cluedo' over here! What do you call a conservatory across the pond? In Germany it's a 'Wintergarten', which I think is beautiful!

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I have no idea what we call a conservatory! LOL...I will research this. :) I love Wintergarten...that is beautiful.

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This sounds fun! I had to laugh at the bit about getting your gaiter straps hung up on stuff, as it reminded me of all the times I've tripped over my own spurs :-|

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LOL, Jacquie - and now I want some spuuuuuuuuurs......!!!!

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Dec 3, 2022Liked by Rebecca Holden

This brings back memories to me from all sides. My first trip to Scotland ( 1998) I remember sitting in my guest house room looking out the window and saying to myself, "Soon as the rain stops I will go out for an explore." Hah! What did I know? It didn't take long to learn, that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes! I have since walked in the rain of Scotland every year for the past 23 years. Boots dry out just fine if you leave them on top of the radiator all night. Also, the magic of Christmas in Edinburgh. Nothing like it. Thanks, Rebecca

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LOL, Sharron! In Scotland, if it's raining in the morning you know it'll clear up by the afternoon, and vice versa! Wow for your walking in Scotland every year for 23 years - that's amazing. That's what I'd used to do with my boots, put them on a radiator - but I'd get through them so quickly (well, also because I didn't look after them properly). When I last replaced them (two months ago, my THIRD pair this year) I had a stern pep talk from the sales chap - no more hot radiators for my boots - he made me promise.....!!!

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I love this exchange. xo ~Mary, who also writes about literature and life. ... And wondering if you'd like to do a guest post for me? When you have time. Terry, check me out. Rebecca did a terrific guest post here: https://marytabor.substack.com/p/lets-journal-the-writing-process She's a wonder!

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Sorry, Mary, I didn't see this but Rebecca pointed it out. Thank you very much. I'd love to. Did you have a particular topic in mind, or should I write about my writing process?

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Hi, Terry. Lovely. Write me at mltabor@me.com so we're in touch and I'll explain how I do this. Then I'll schedule you. ~Mary

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