The Coat

As I get older, I find time becomes compressed and tasks become stretched beyond comprehension at times. A short search out in the world for a replacement jacket takes over a weekend then spreads into a multi month odyssey. The printing of two months journal entries takes on a life of its own when I switch to acid free paper and run out of ink just after I start. When G cannot replace the ink cartridges easily either, the struggle begins.

Now the pre tax preparation folder has arrived from the accountant. Stubbornly, I am determined to complete my last job before diving into the new one. All the while I am dealing with lifes assorted tasks, I would far rather be going to the thrift stores and looking for a replacement windbreaker.

My problem is I wear these windbreakers all the time, everywhere. Youve seen them. They are lightweight, have a zippered pouch on the front, and a flimsy hood on the top. They fold into themselves in a pouch.one of the features I dont use. But lightweight, thats the most important thing of all. I wear them in the winter with layers underneath and all my worldly belongings in that pouch. In the summer, they are the only top layer.with all my worldly belongings in that pouch.

I learned the hard way to zip the pouch, and now that I have that technique mastered, I dont want to switch. Head injuries are hard cases anyway. Once they master one technique or life saving tool, they dont want to switch. Nothing can stir them.except wearing out the tool. Thats what is happening to me.

Im on my second windbreaker now, and this second windbreaker is on its first major mend. I knew the end was nearing a year ago so I began the search for a replacement then. What I thought would be an easy search has turned into a far stretch of the imagination. For these simple windbreakers are no longer made.

Oh, Lands End makes a cast iron version. I now own one. The pocket is Velcro and the fabric is so impervious you stick to it. Then G and I found one that might do. Might is the operant word here. Made by Ralphie, it was almost one hundred bucks and the only thing in its favor was that the pouch zipped. Oh pickie me.

So Im back to the thrift stores. Since I love them, this should be an easy task. Not so without my G. He too loves them, and a trek to one without him is always fraught with guilt. Ill be brave. I can do it. Anything for an obsession. Even depriving my love of a trip to a thrift store can be done for a windbreaker. Im gonna have to work at it though. Hard.

Ill let you know how it goes.

SoCal Frank

January 13, 2004

RYN: What book is that? My dear Piglet is is never without her windbreaker or her baggie of cotton for her ears. She is very sensitive to the cool ocean breezes. She gave me as a Christmas gift a Dockers jacket which is more than a windbreaker and only has a at best three month out of the year applicability because it is too insulated for most days at the beach. Ciao,

gel

RYN: Monday is Martin Luther King Jr day-that’s why I have the day off. If I get out to any thrift stores this week-end, I’ll keep my eye open for a jacket for you. I know exactly what you’re talking about because I used to have a black one just like you describe. xoxo

I’ll visualize you finding The Perfect Windbreaker (or three!) at the thrift stores, but if that doesn’t work you might try Footlocker. My son has several from there that seem like you’ve described. They’re also online at footlocker.com, I think, but that would make it hard for you to check the weight of the fabric.

If your search fails, try going to a seamstress with one of your old wind breakers and say “make me a few of these.” It might cost you a bit more, but you’ll get what you want.

The Rickster

I get very frustrated when I find out something I love dearly either because of its convenience, or whatever, is discontinued and no longer made. I just hate it. Hope you find a windbreaker with which you can live, and which will have a long life so you don’t have to replace it so soon. 🙂

RYN; I’d have left it, but I figure even unwanted publicity is, after all, publicity, and that’s what the noteleaver wanted–and I wasn’t about to give it to them–nor was I in the mood to start a note war. I’ve seen enough controversy here at OD to know I don’t want to be part of one if I can help it, and on top of that, I don’t like the feeling of having a nasty note just sit around being….

…nasty. It feels like a blemmish, and kind of creeps me out, so I had to erase it from existence. The “spam note” was at least not malicious, so I left it, as an example of what I don’t like. Besides, I do think I kind of over-reacted just a tad. Immaturity can happen at any age, I guess. 🙂

Me Explorer

This sounds like a job for L. L. Bean!!! Sending perfect windbreaker vibes and hugs. (Just because.)

Chalandra

I seem to have lots of “stuff” but only a few items that I love to the point of wearing out. I wish I could identify what those things will be when I come across them new. I would buy a dozen. Unfortunately, time takes time. That’s a long way of saying, I understand about the windbreaker. Good luck.

I think Gemma’s idea is pure brilliance! LOL!

i will look for you here in vegas.

Good luck with the jacket finds. Whatever you choose, you wear it well : ) Hugs

SilentSignal

Oh, when you do find that perfect windbreaker…. buy two. *grin* Never hurts to have a backup. 🙂

have you tried ebay? there are photos of them for sale and for far less than Land’s End. try ebay.

RYN: H-m-m-m-m I took a lick at that when I compiled the anniversary book for my dear Piglet. I can’t imagine what kind of market there would be for my 6-year-old journal. I am talking tomorrow with the author of a technical book who wants me to review her book and I want her thoughts on prepositioning with a publisher for a book based on one of my classes. Ciao,

Maui Jim

Aloha… I haven’t worn a coat… nor a windbreaker… since moving back to the island… However… I have a wonderful “S.F. 49er” jacket in storage… (smiles)… Aloha oe…

BonnieRose

January 14, 2004

I went to ebay, browsed to men’s clothing and specified ‘windbreaker’. There were 416 listed! I scrolled the first page and saw a couple like you described. Could hold you over until you find one you really like.