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Boots I Have Walked In

By Chris Dyer

My name is Christopher Steven Dyer–named after the great story character Christopher Robin. I was born in Lubbock Texas. My life started on a small farm, and since that time, my journey has kept me traveling—starting with leaving home after graduating from high school.

My first pair of boots came from answering a calling in the United States Navy. I served as an electronics technician radio operator (14ETRO), submarine communications specialist, on the USS Toledo. After the service, I tried college and received an Associate Degree in computer science. Soon after, I decided an inside office job was not the place for me.

With the birth of my first daughter, my boots became the walk of a correctional officer with the State of Texas. While it was satisfying in terms of financial security–the work environment was dark, depressing, and unhealthy for family life. Ever since, my boots have been that of a landscape designer and personal contractor.

In my most recent decade of life, I have worked and walked at many things…more than I have time for in this blog. I’ve seen what I thought was the best of days and experienced what I hope to be the worst. A few years ago, I married my life-long best friend. She saved my life. We started dreaming and plotting on what has now become our family-owned business. Now I have added the boots of a food producer to my wardrobe and journey of experiences.  Slowly, our gardens are in the process of becoming a family homestead. Also, the hopes of our own 100-acre woods have started taking shape.

With any luck, one day we’ll be swinging on the front porch swing, drinking sweet tea…watching our grandkids chase the chickens. And still believing in a simpler life.