Listening to Big Yellow.

Hobsbawn (not his real name) no longer plunges into deep depression when he flips on the Weather Channel.

Betty, once incapacitated by feelings of vulnerability, now seeks out the most challenging muck.

What does it mean when vulcanized rubber can alter what we think of as personality? Should we question our concept of the self?

Big Yellow Galoshes (No. 3703), with the fortitude of a Caterpillar tractor and the cheerfulness of a school bus. Just-below-the-knee length. Slip them on over shoes or boots (there’s lots of room to tuck in your pants), then clinch tight. Cotton jersey lining.
Heavy-duty tread. Totally and absolutely waterproof.

Wearing them through rain, snow, slush, mud, mire, and muck is like eating a bowl of McCann’s oatmeal topped with butter churned from your own cow’s milk.

Men’s whole sizes: 9 through 16; women need to go down 2 sizes.

Color: Yellow.