Shoe shopping

Emer has new boots.

I went into John Lewis and asked for winter boots. The first ones we got were all over-the-calf style -- Emer is two years old. Just. So I first asked "I dunno about the zip, are they supportive enough?" and then turned the boots over and showed the fitter the sole and said "She can't really climb in those, it wouldn't be safe - I want school shoes, playing shoes, to keep her feet warm and dry." He looked as though he understood. "She has some very important toddleringto do," I said. He suggested boys' shoes his own self. I was so pleased.

He brought up a few pairs in different sizes and we started with a plain blue boot in leather and suede. "Oh, that's great," I said, "she could wear that with a dress. "I think it's a boy's shoe, really," he said, "because it's called Hassle, and boy's shoes are named..." "Mm," I said, "offensive things, usually, like trouble and mischief and hassle. Well, it's lovely anyway."

We did buy her a girl's boot in the end, Small Talk.

I'm very pleased with them - they are sensible and sturdy and comfortable and pretty, and will be easy to keep looking reasonably smart for at least a week.

They have pussycats in dresses as part of the textured soles.