Reading this thread about Tandy's Leather has made a significant impact on my life and I am really grateful for it.
I'm not joking, I'm really serious. Here's the story:
For more years than I can remember, whenever I needed a new belt I would go to Tandy's and buy an 1-1/2 inch black belt blank. I would recycle my buckle and loop if they were OK.
Then a few years ago my local Tandy's stopped carrying black belt blanks. They seemed to be concentrating on kits for cub scouts and other craft items. I was just about to buy a natural one and dye it or use it plain, and the store disappeared. I thought Tandy's had gone out of business.
My next belt came from Wallmart. It has served me well for several years and even though it's about eight sizes too small now, I still use it as it's all I have. I can put up with the discomfort, but recently the buckle hole has ripped out. It's still usable, but is really a bummer taking it off of my jeans because it catches on every belt loop.
I have been shopping around, but can't find anything long enough. I refuse to go to the fat man's store and pay fifty bucks for a strip of compressed Chinese cardboard. I had pretty much resigned myself to the idea that from now on my pants would probably have to be held up with a piece of rope and a square knot, when I stumbled on this info about Tandy's Leather.
I thought they were gone for good, but now I find they not only have a web site I can order from, but have opened store again in my town. I didn't see any 1-1/2 black belt blanks but they have natural ones and that will do just fine. I might even go to the trouble to dye it, but probably not.
I'll even go to the fat man's store and buy me a new pair of jeans to go with my new belt, because my jeans are also eight sizes too small. Luckily they stretch a bit when I put them on.
If anybody can't understand how significant this new development is in my life, just try living with a size 56 gut strapped into size 48 jeans and you will appreciate my joy and excitement.
(Exercise, diet, loose weight - Yes, I probably will - about the same time Bill stops smoking and drinking Hienekens)
