An Honest Hitch

Slipping inside past the front door out of the night chill, I stepped right onto the heavy rubber shoe tray in the mudroom. Resting there was a pair of rugged, oiled leather work boots smelling rich of saddle soap and honest miles. One of the thick, yellow-and-brown braided laces had spilled out across the ribbed mat. Heh, dependable gear always looks best when it's kept tidy. I grabbed the heavy cord with both hands, hauled up the slack, and hitched the loop neat and snug over the lowest brass speed hook. Leaning back against the stiff leather heel counter, I crossed my boots with an easy chuckle. Solid footing and a quiet house make for a mighty fine wind-down.