Shingles Vaccine

Just a picture of my rescue fail Roxie. 

I got my second Shingles vaccine today. I felt emotional afterwards. That's one less thing I'll have to worry about suffering from in my older years. I never thought I would be able to get it because they're so expensive! $370 for both shots but I swear it was at least double that last time I checked. It had depressed me that being poor could keep me from better health. Then I saw my health department had received a grant to give free shingles vaccines to those over 60. I couldn't dial their number fast enough!

If you need the shingles vaccine call your health department. My fingers are crossed your's can bring you peace of mind too.

Shoe Shopping

Spring is here! Also my new foster-fail puppy who I'll talk about another time chewed up my favorite pair of sandals. They were getting old but I figured they had one more season in them before I had to replace them. 

Of course I was mad, but more importantly that meant I had to go shoe shopping. Ick. Now don't get me wrong, I love a brand new pair of shoes, but it's such an ordeal now that I'm older. When I was in my twenties I'd twirl into the shoe section/store, see a pair that I liked, maybe squeal if they were super cute, try them on, and twirl back out with new shoes. NOW I have bunions and cranky arches that need extra support. Last fall I was in Shoe Carnival for over an hour wandering isle to isle mumbling to myself as I compared the merits of one boot to another. The best part of that trip is wandering past another "mature" woman having an argument with herself holding two different shoes and feeling that I had found a shoe-sister. 

After prepping myself with a stop for a soft drink, I headed to the shoe store prepared for an all afternoon expedition. On the second isle I saw them. My first thought was "I'm sure they won't fit" but I picked up the Bob's by Sketchers slip-ons and tried them on. I was immediately confused because they fit perfectly! Great arch support, wide enough, and adorable! Honestly I didn't know what to do! I walked back and forth down the isle staring down at my feet. Finally I put them back in their box and hugged it protectively. After what had to have been five minutes I grudgingly tried on a second pair of some kind just... because? Nope. Finally I went to the register and purchased my miracles. 

A month later I'm still in awe. I also plan to buy a second pair because, get this, they're machine washable! Now how adorable are these?! My best friend said they really fit my personality.

Cravings

Probably three months ago I got a craving for waffles. I have a waffle maker but I didn't want homemade, oh no. I was specifically craving the frozen waffles you put in a toaster from my childhood. 

Whenever I was at the grocery store and I suddenly realized I was standing in the frozen section staring lovingly at the boxes of textured hockey pucks I would admonish myself. I'd say "Self! You know you'll eat maybe half of a waffle and realize how disgusting they taste and then you'll have all these frozen waffles taking up space in the freezer. Then after a while you'll be forced to give them to the dogs as treats or toss them."

I'd reply "I know! I know! I just can't get the thought out of my head! Why can't I quit thinking about them?"

I kept dragging myself away but then one day in Dollar Tree I saw this box of six waffles for $1.25. I finally gave in using the reasoning that the craving wasn't going away and at least this was a small box so less waffles sitting in my freezer.

Almost the moment I got home I threw one in the air fryer to crisp up the outside. Then I smeared a little butter and a squiggle of syrup on it and sat down to prove to myself how stupid cravings could be. It. Was. Delicious! OMG! I couldn't believe how enjoyable it tasted! 

I don't know why turning 60 has brought such waves of nostalgia. I know it's normal, and I'm not saying I'm not enjoying revisiting childhood treats. I guess I just wish this would have happened sooner. I wish I had revisited 20 years ago or just always through my life. But here we are and I honestly hope I don't Debbie Downer myself next time and just dive right in and embrace my sentimentality.

DeNovo

A few weeks ago my son walked up and gave me a photo he had found on the floor. It was one of my dog DeNovo taken when she was a puppy and I honestly have no clue how it got there! She had been on my mind lately, so maybe she was letting me know she's okay and is still looking over me.

Twenty-eight years ago I took in a very pregnant Malamute named She-Ra. I knew it was just until a friend of a friend of a friend was able to take care of her again but through that I was gifted with a litter of puppies to squeal over, and a very special pup to enter my life. I named her DeNovo after a character in a Rex Stout Mystery and it meant "to begin again" or "to start a new". I had had cats for many years, and was still mourning the loss of all three that had died in a short time. Dudette had feline leukemia and died in my arms, I found Cecilia in my back yard. Possibly she was hit by a car as she showed no symptoms of F.L., and my little Tinkerbelle just disappeared. I looked everywhere and put up posters, but never found out what happened. I hope she found another person to take her in.

But DeNovo, who was Malamute and Akita, was special. We had a bond that was stronger than any dog I had ever had or have had and to this day I miss her terribly. 

I know I need to put the photo in my photo box before it gets damaged, but I sat it on the coffee table and through the day glance at her. It just makes me happy if not a little misty-eyed. I like the idea that she watches out for me and I strongly believe we will be reunited. Why I feel so strongly is for the first 30 days after she passed at the age of 13 I dreamed of traveling to a field of flowers where I would get to see my DeNovo. We would lay in the field and I would tell her how much I loved and missed her. On the last visit I was told by a woman who never seemed happy to see me my special girl had moved on. 

I woke myself crying.

I lost my Heeler mix Shady last Spring after 15 1/2 years so maybe DeNovo was telling me Shady is with her now. That would be wonderful!  I could fill up several pages on this subject to be honest! 

It has taken several months to write this post. I miss DeNovo and Shady so much. Pets hold a special place in our hearts.