Dean,
My wife doesn't understand the character these well worn garments take on either. I don't often have new pants, vests, shirts, and caps as the well worn ones just seem to feel better after they are broken in and a little frayed and frazzled with the normal tears that come with time. The pockets in the pants usually wear out first, and then my seamstress skills come out, then the straddle about the time my pockets wear out again. By the time it's all worn out I'm just getting to like them.
Mike

You nailed it Mike. Now why can't the outdoor apparel manufacturers make something like this. They're really missing the boat. No holes understand, just well broken-in and comfy.

Ya..but there ain't nothin quite like doin it yourself.....Memory's

You're right Dave. Tattered chaps and boots that look like they were gone over with a coarse belt sander along with forarms and sleeves that look like you tried to break up a cat fight are testamonials to the true, hard-core upland shooter. A "badge" so to speak.

Badges? We don' need no stinkin' badges!!

I'm havin a hard time typing here my hands are full of cookies......:whistle:

That Sam is a good looking, big eared, Pointer Calvin. He'll keep you all in good shape keeping up with him. I'm kinda partial to that breed.

Fred

The "stinkin' badges" end up here. I must go there again, as many posts along that fence line have a boot. Not sure why I didn't shoot the whole line. Maybe just to have a good excuse to wander over that way again. Many, many roosters over the years came from this area to our table. And that is how I have always hunted - on foot. Vehicle is parked and I'll hike for hours, unless I shoot a limit in the first bit of cover - just dreamin' :rolleyes:
Cheers,
Jack
Found another day, same spot - very heavy morning frost.

When we were relatively newly wed, Kay did me a favor and washed all the gear cause it looked a little dirty after a day afield. She treats me well :)
Jack

There goes the 'patina'. To remove patina, however well-intended, diminishes value.

I noticed you said when you were "newly wed." what about now....:rotf: Eric