Jeankit, about the only leather thing I’ll buy is shoes; it isn’t always possible to get synthetic shoes that “work” for arthritic feet. I don’t have many shoes, buy expensive ones (on sale if possible) and keep them for a long time, having them re-heeled and re-soled. Nowadays, it is much more possible than before to buy fabric shoes for the warmer seasons that are comfy and either have or accept supportive insoles. I’m wearing an old pair of those working at home now. My shoulder bags are “healthy back bag”, Bagallinis, Ameribags or something similar – made of fabric, but with a plain, professional look.
I guess it is a prestige thing, like animal skins and furs for the chief of the tribe… aka conspicuous consumption.
Our co-op is made up of two sixplexes and one fiveplex, typical Montréal buildings with spiral staircases, about 100 years old (early 20th century). There was not much in the way of yards or gardens behind (or in front of) working-class houses here, or even some more upscale ones such as in nearby Outremont or Lower Westmount farther west. What yards there were existed for sheds as many storeys high as the flats, which were used for storing coal or oil tanks. These were a terrible fire hazard, and there was a big push to demolish them and convert to hydroelectricity. Owners even got a significant subsidy for this. This left small, shallow yards that were sometimes as pretty as English gardens if the occupants tended them. So our garden is the width of the four buildings but not very long. It is also relatively shady.
We are happy to have it though and Livia loves it, especially the tall tree.