After much debate with myself (do I really need another pair of sandals?), I answered in the affirmative and bought a pair of sandals from Piper Sandals based in San Antonio, Texas.

They arrived this week and they are just as I remembered. Not the Piper brand, but very similar to the sandals I wore in the mid-60's when I was a grad student at Berkeley (yes, the Free Speech Movement and anti war demonstrations).

These Piper Sandals are just like them, only better, because the footbed is softer and gradually over the week has conformed to my footprint, so it's customized to my foot. Highly recommended. See them online (www.pipersandals.com).

Handmade sandals, straps replaced free for life (even if the dog eats them). Just ask Kramer (www.astrofish.net/xenon/) and he'll confirm.

I know they're expensive, but I expect them to last me until the end of my walking days, they are so well-made and comfortable. Divide the price by the number of anticipated years and they're a real bargain.

Odd to think in terms of this being my last pair of shoes. A sea change in life perspective.