Three things you should have at home

Dear young homeowner: Allow me, as I approach the coot stage of life — older, wiser, somewhat eccentric — to suggest three implements that no household should be without.

You might not think of these until necessity stokes your genius, as it did mine. But listen, and I will save you some time, aggravation, sore knees and wet feet.

Feet first.

Several years ago on vacation in Red River, New Mexico, I picked up a pair of Kamik winter boots, 100 percent waterproof, 15 inches tall, light but insulated and warm as a puppy, temperature rated at sub-sub-zero.

Perfect for trudging snow in Red River, there in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I’m no mountain hiker. You needed them to walk anywhere that trip. I bought ’em in self-defense because you never know.

Coming in, we’d gotten the Ford 500 stuck in snow on Bobcat Pass about 5 miles outside of town. Thankfully, a couple of locals in a 4WD pickup rescued us, using a chain and goodwill to tote us over the crest of a hill.

I don’t recall the exact foot gear I had with me, but it was either cowboy boots or tennis shoes, or both, and neither would have kept my feet from freezing maybe literally off if I’d been fool enough to try to hoof it into town.

I figured I would never

have cause to wear them outside of Red River or Estes Park, Colorado, where we also go some. Maybe for a 10-year blizzard in Edmond.

Wrong. When it rains more than a couple of inches at a time at home, I go out and open a side gate so the water that pools in the backyard can drain through the side yard onto the street. The mud and muck backs up and rises several inches.

If I forget, water gets a few inches deep in the sun room.

Keep the galoshes. Summer, winter, spring or fall, nothing beats those incredibly comfortable, slip-on, waterproof boots for getting out and dealing with either, or anything else in water up to a foot high.

This will not be a surprise to some people.

I’ve owned lots of boots in my life — cowboy, steel-toe, lace-up and pull-on — but never anything 100 percent waterproof until these. They’re worth it. Get insulated ones while you’re at it. You will be glad you did.

Head next.

If you don’t have one, get a clip-on flashlight made for a hat or cap. They don’t cost much. There’s a reason miners wear headlamps instead of carrying flashlights:

Two hands are better than one, whether you’re peering down into the disposal to see what’s blocking it, up in the attic looking for something in storage, or just negotiating around the furniture when the power goes out at night. Finally, save your knees. Hard floors are made for walking, not crawling, but as a homeowner you will find yourself on your knees on the floor more than you might think.

Go buy a pair of knee pads, the kind certain construction workers and serious gardeners use. I had never heard of anyone using them to work on the floor around the house. I just had a brainstorm once at the hardware store.

You’re welcome.