Socks

It's the little things in life, right?

The other day my date came home from work and said, "I have a present for you." He rummaged in his back pack and presented me with -- a pair of socks.

Whoa. Whoa.Whoa. Stand down, soldier.

Before you get all SOCKS!! WTF!!!?? please know that in my little corner of paradise, the accursed beloved land of festering snow berms and frigid office cubes, good socks are more precious than gold.

I thought I had some good winter socks, but these Thorlos make them look like summer footies.

(Does anyone remember footies? or I am the only one Lost in the 60s today?)

Plainly put, Thorlos takes sock technology to a whole new level. AND they have some serious sock swagger.

I don't know of any other manufacturer that touts its product as "the most extreme sock on the planet." OR refers to its sock competitors in quotes, ie, "ordinary socks."

Ouch. The sock world is vicious and catty. Who knew?

Truth be told, my date gave me hiking socks, which by default, have some extra heft, but in addition to the strange, yet wonderful ability to mold warmly and perfectly to my less-than-perfect feet (surgery February 22 -- booyah!), they come with cushions, yes cushions! that pad the toe and heel areas.

Imagine little down sleeping bags encasing your tired dogs. Or walking on marshmallows. Except not. Because that would be really weird and sticky.

Of course, with privilege comes responsibility. You don't just toss your Thorlos in the old Maytag and let 'er rip. Oh noo-ooo-oooo. They must be turned i.n.s.i.d.e. o.u.t. to retain their optimum padding awesomeness. And you are commanded strongly advised to use l.i.q.u.i.d. f.a.b.r.i.c. s.o.f.t.e.n.e.r. (no tissues!) to sooth those hard-working sock fibers during their weekly bath.

Yes, weekly. Haven't taken the Thorlos off since Monday. I'm tempted to shower in them. That would be, well, awkward, wouldn't it?

But you know what? I don't mind one jot. It's all part of the journey, right?

That's what warm feet will do for ya.