Another button fell off my North Face pants. I got a needle and some sturdy thread, and started sewing it back in its place. My beloved insisted to do it for me, but I would not let her. I was adamant about it, too. “Whose mother was a seamstress?” she teased me as I went along. “Who was in the army?” I responded as seriously as I could without looking up. It did not take me much time to complete the job, but she teased me all the way. “Sooo slow,” she kept shaking her head in mock disbelief. All the distractions notwithstanding, this is the last time I go for the North Face clothing. Years ago, they were among the best in the climbing gear I go for. And now I have to battle with my beloved over silly buttons. One after another, as well. Come to think of it, why are there any buttons on the North Face pants? Is the button not history already?