It’s difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that I started this post on May 7, 2026. It is now June 27, 2026. So Wha Happened? The leaky fridge happened. This post was put on hold. And I did write about the issue with our kitchen–and now, everything is back to normal. Or as normal as can be.
We have a new ceiling downstairs of which I am too lazy to go down and take a pic. We also have a new fridge. I turned off the ice maker. We have new flooring too. And might I say, now that everything is put back in its place, I was able to purge items we didn’t need or use and it’s all neat and orderly. For now!
Looking good here. New Fridge. New Floors.
And all is back to normal at the Chateau!
Other than that, the entire kitchen debacle left me in a very odd state of mental unwellness. But thankfully, I am able to vent and discuss these feelings with my husband. We had a good discussion on how I’m very anxious and unhappy with my job. I am underpaid and my motivation is low. The fact I’m working purely for medical benefits is a disgrace. But I don’t want to broach the subject of politics right now. Besides, I am sure my feelings are relatable to many of us in our seventies, and older and even our sixties. So, without much further ado, I am finally posting this very much belated rant regarding one of my favorite subjects–SHOES!!
Thumbs up and back to the subject of……….No More Heels!
Shoes. I have had a lifelong love affair with footwear. And I’m not talking about having a fetish. I write as a true admirer of shoes. I love how they elongate my narrow feet. I adore how toe cleavage makes me feel so damn feminine (and at my age, with all those chin hairs popping up out of nowhere, I need to feel more feminine). There are preferences that I have and preferences that I will never have. But……….
Let us start at the beginning. Ozone Park, Queens, New York. The earliest recollection I have of marveling at footwear began with my mother. Some women inherit a love of cooking and nurturing from their mothers. I inherited the sage advice of my mom; “Never wear cheap shoes. Ever. They can make an expensive outfit look horrible” “Buy good shoes and you can look like a million bucks in a cheap dress and good shoes”. I took her words to heart. I was five years old.
Anyway, my first recollection was walking from our house to Liberty Avenue, gaping up at the elevated subway, the sounds of the rickety A train overhead. The fumes of exhaust from the Green Lines bus. The car horns. The shops that lined this borough street. I loved it. And upon crossing the threshold of the Buster Brown shoe store, I was enthralled. It was an experience.
Ahhh. Liberty Avenue and Crossbay Blvd. The good old days before moving to Long Island. We walked everywhere. My mother’s favorite activity was to take me, and whichever sibling was born at the time, for walks to this wonderland shopping stretch underneath the elevated subway. And it is where I began my love of footwear!
The store smelled of leather—that new shoe scent was captivating! The chairs lined up so neatly. The foot ramp in front of each chair—like a footstool in front of a throne. And that foot measuring apparatus—in silver and black. I felt as though I was in a spa. And as my mother spoke with the shoe salesman, she said four simple words “Patent Leather Mary Janes”.
My foot was measured in my freshly bleached and laundered socks, and in no time, he arrived with a box. And when he opened that box, staring up at me when the tissue paper was placed aside, and the shoes were ready to be placed on my foot like Cinderella, was Buster Brown and his dog, Tige. That little imp with his Dutch boy hairdo and beret with his not-so-cute pup would have me stepping upon them for at least the next six to seven years. I loved those shoes but they were limited to Mass on Sundays and family events.
How pathetic was it that my first crush was on Buster Brown, and I stepped all over him! I learned early!Hmmm..maybe Buster Brown was responsible for my love of the bob hairstyle!
It didn’t stop there either. Next was the seasonal sneakers. Keds. White. Always Keds. The Keds with the wider vamp. To this day, I am not a fan of sneakers. Then when it was time to attend school, Catholic school, I was fit with saddle shoes or other oxfords—most notably a cordovan pair by the now-defunct brand, Lazy Bones.
The old school keds. Oh how I loved them. And the Lazy-Bones Oxfords were a uniform shoe until I discovered Bass Weejune! The top pic is from Poshmark and the bottom from Etsy. I’m shocked that people even have these shoes to sell!
I was content until we moved to Long Island. And discovered a place even more wonderous than Buster Brown. H.A. Kalt the greatest shoe store of all time. Vendor of Bass Weejuns. Capezio and Pappagallo ballet flats. It didn’t stop there either. Mr. Kalt knew his customer. Mostly teens, young adult women, their mothers and grandmothers. He also had a great assortment of Bermuda Bags. But I’m not going to go off track here. This post is about shoes!
Between my mother, me, and my sisters, Mr. Kalt struck gold and gave my dad a line of credit. To this day, I still wear Bass Weejuns. They are my favorite loafers of all time. I recently had a 30-year-old pair fall apart on me at work. I cried when I placed them lovingly into the trash. Luckily, I had a pair of flip flops in my desk drawer.
The 30 year-old pair of Weejuns that fell apart. I still think of these shoes. But I have more!
And the Capezio and Pappagallo flats? Dear God, how did either company stop making them? They were divine! The Pappagallos in bright neon colors with the flowers adorning the top of the shoe? Who could resist? I certainly couldn’t.
Then time went on and I left my teen years to start working on Wall Street at the prestigious Morgan Guaranty Trust Company. A very conservative (inasmuch as a dress code went) financial firm. My choice of shoe had to change. Now was the time in my life when heels came pulling at my heart strings. Let me tell you, mastering the thin, stiletto heel, whether high or kitten heel, in NYC was a challenge. The number of leather heels that were ruined by stepping on subway grates kept shoe repair guys in business. Luckily, the trend of wearing sneakers to get to the office had commenced, and as much as I despise sneakers, I followed suit and purchased a pair of Reeboks only to change back into my heels at Broad Street!
The majority of these heels have been donated to Goodwill. I couldn’t drop them off at the hospital because the women patients would use the heels as weapons or try to snack on them. I’m not kidding either.
Even through my “mom” years, I always had a thing about shoes. Going to the playground with the kids was Weejun time. Dinners out and nights out—heels!
And life moves on. After my divorce I had to head back to the workforce which meant buying more heels. Yes. Heels. My heel days weren’t over. Yet. I kept those heels through unemployment and more office positions.
Heel Mary full of Grace, I have NO idea of how I was able to wear these all day. I wore these so often that the suede on the toe tip was worn. But oh–that toe cleavage!
Then something happened. It happened when I started working at the hospital. It’s part of the dress code and I cannot make this stuff up. Basically, I can go to work in anything but tight clothing and babydoll pajamas. And I can’t wear heels. Or flip flops. (Even though I rebel and have flip flops in my desk drawer).
And my excuse is “These arent’ flip flops” “These are Archies”. Archies are flip[ flops with arch support. They are so stinking comfortable that I purchased another pair in Nevy!
I brought out my old ballet flats and other flat shoes. And I wore them. And I got used to them. And I got so used to them that I found myself not even giving heels a thought anymore. Flats are my now go-to shoes. Especially pointy-toed flats. Flats are always comfortable. I can run in flats. I can prance about in flats. I can go up and down stairs in top speed in flats. Flats in the winter. Flats in the spring. Flats in autumn. Flats……………………. sometimes in summer. Summertime is sandal time. But the sandals are still flat.
My Beloved Repetto Ballet Flats. I’m not wearing them in deep heated summer weather. They are reserved more for AutumnWinterSpring!
My Summer FLAT sandals and FLAT espadrilles. The sandals have been purchased over the years at Rondini and the espadrilles last summer at Auchan for ten euros each!
My new favorite brand of flat is C. Paravano. The pointy toes send me. And, I still have my original Tory Burch Reva Flats from 2011. They are ridiculously comfortable nowadays.
The point (pun intended) is, we change as we age. And that’s okay. I always envisioned me as that old lady who will always wear high heels. But I can’t do that anymore and I’m not willing to break a bone over it due to a fall. I can run up and down the stairs and bend down without damaging my knees but I just cannot survive in the heels anymore.
And there was a time when I couldn’t wear wedged espadrilles. Now the middle pic is the highest I an go. Those are my new heels!
The other funny thing is. Despite wearing flats, I still drive barefoot and don’t ever wear shoes of any kind in the house. Does that make sense??
In addition, “Barefoot Passengering” is another thing I do. Sometimes, you just need to be barefoot!
What’s your choice? Can you still manage to wear heels (I’m envious) or have you become drawn to flats as you’ve aged? Do tell!
Your mom and mine must have been consulting with the same shoe man! Every fall we went to Halstead Shoes in West Toronto for new shoes to start school in.
Black patent leather MJ’s for church, parties and visits to grand parents. Ugly brown lace ups for school or the saddle shoes. My brothers got lace ups for church and Keds for schools. Two brothers were alter boys and the priest was dead set against ‘running shoes’ worn under the gear…one day my brother forgot his leather dress shoes ( it was 7am mass…) and had to wear the old Father’s shoes which were a bit too big and looked like clown shoes!
One fall I REBELLED against the ugly brown shoes and was allowed to get red leather MJ’s I was soooooo happy! I wore those things to death.
Convent school we had to wear black or brown lace up uglies…one day I spied a senior girl wearing Weejuns she had bought in the States…such envy in my heart, so many acts of contrition were said!! Anyway a cool girl in my class had a pair of monk buckle Echo shoe which were curiously allowed. Saved my babysitting money and splashed out 60.00 for those black Echo shoes ( that was a heck of a lot of money in 1970) wore them for years…when I started working at the hospital years later I bought another pair and put a lot of mileage on them. Paid 175.00 for them in the early ‘1990’s.
Weird how shoes bring back memories!
Hi Al, OMG. The shoe memories are incredible–aren’t they? I remember my first day of school at St. Patrick’s when we moved out to Long Island from the City. Green Jumper. Green tie. Green Beanie. White shirt. White ankle socks and saddle shoes. I graduated to the Lazy-Bones in third grade. Talking about costs–in high school I think my Bass Weejuns were never over $35 USD. NOW the Weejuns are 195 USD. I can’t believe it. But am eagerly awaiting the cool weather when I can wear them again!
Writing about a love affair! You remmber those shoes as one would remember their first boyfriend. I too attended a Catholic school. White ankle socks when knee high was all the rage. Loafers of course were the norm. My mother always shopped at high end stores so of course I was able to buy what I liked for “off time” days. And I too look back on those beauties and they bring a smile to my face. Ah,memories
Hi Jane, Funny but true. I remember my shoes as though it were yesterday! Our memories are great movie theatres of the past!!
Love your posts! As a (former) New Yorker of a certain age, your stories bring back so many memories. Having finally retired from a corporate position during COVID, I’ve been slowly purging all my lovely heels – loved the way they made my legs look, but not the ingrown toenails and lack of stability. Arch support is in! Heels on European cobblestones are out! But is it too much to want one (or two) nice black or neutral pumps with arch support? 🤣
Hi Phyllis. Oh. those heels did wonders for making legs look so beautiful. My issue was getting my heels stuck in the subway grates. My poor leather heels. I’ve actually had to take FLATS off on cobblestone streets in the South of France and walk barefoot. That’s how clumsy I am!
I happily wore heels, wedges and shoes of all kinds until I broke my ankle and had to have surgery a year and a half ago. My recovery coincided with my planned retirement. I’m going through clothes to give away, the stilettos and wedges had to go — can’t wear them at all. But oh, it was sad! I kept a couple of pairs for old times sake. I now wear flats of all kings and low platforms. My feet and ankles are happy but my spirit is still a little sad!! Happily there are always new shoes to shop for and to provide solace!!
Hi Diana. Head online and check out C. Paravano. The brand’s pointy-toe flats are very pretty. Its sad to say good bye to our heels but safety comes first. I’m glad you’re okay!!
Now I understand why you post so many feet and shoe pictures..Also are you too young for Medicare and a supplement? Sorry you are so unhappy with your job..chance to transfer to another position within the organization?
Hi Nancy. I have Medicare as a second insurance but it’s the supplement that puts me over the edge. It really makes me so angry. We older people should not have to work for medical benefits. I feel another blog post coming on…………..
Yes, good supplements are very expensive. I was spoiled by the cost of our insurance through my employer (a private university). When we met with an advisor to discuss Medicare & supplements, the first thing he said was nothing would be as good as what I had through my job. He was 100% correct both in terms of cost and also coverage.
Right? My husband got his supplemental insurance years ago and was grandfathered a few years back when things got ridiculously expensive. He has stellar medical insurance through Medicare/and supplemental. I get so effing pissed off when I think of how much money the health insurance companies are making when we have to struggle. It’s disgusting and I hope in the future, we have Universal HC!
I didn’t grow up Catholic, but in Montreal, the public schools all required uniforms. During the last two weeks of school, coloured blouses were allowed—such an excitement! But yes, I remember getting a new pair of Mary Jane’s every September in either navy or brown. And I reluctantly gave up stilettos just this year. Sob. Kitten heels are as high as I can go, so I get your pain. Still, at least our feet still work, right?
Hi Bonnie. Yes. Kitten heels are as high as I can go but they need to be completely closed. I can’t wear mules or sling back kitten heels because my feet slide right out!!
I have the opposite problem—wide feet!
Your new floors look beautiful-enjoy 😊
I know you love your Repettos, are they comfy? Can you walk for a couple miles in them? I was thinking of buying a pair when we’re in Paris in September, but I don’t want to have buyer’s remorse. Chanel classic flats are an option too or Ferragamos..I know they’re more $$ but comfort is key. I wear wedges, have some low heels, and a pair of Rockport heels that are major comfortable so I kept them. Sam Edelman loafers are the best for me, I love them and can walk miles in them. Clark’s sandals, I can’t bear thin straps in summer heat here..
Hi Susan. Repetto has changed their sizing slightly over the years. My older ones took a while to break in but once they were broken in, they were comfortable as all get out. With the newish sizing I wear a 40 and the shoes were comfortable from the get go. I love them and even though on the pricey side, they are still more affordable than Chanel and Ferragamo and even Roger Vivier!
I love shoes, too. Over the years I’ve been removing high heels from my collection. I can still wear a block heel, but those skinny ones on pumps are OUT. There is a pair of sparkly pointed toe flats I almost got rid up but I didn’t. They were designed by Ivanka Trump and these days I enjoy stomping around on her name.
My favorite brands include M.Gemi, Fluevog, Minna Mina (bunny sneakers), J. Crew, and Sevilla Smith. Also I have several Frye boots, Blundstone boots for winter. IrI sneakers are fun, too, with the wavy sole in fun colors.
Vava. I have to tell you something. I have two pairs of Ivanka Trump shoes from years ago and I love stomping on those shoes too. It’s daunting. Before I knew she was as evil as her dad, I thought her shoes were rather nicely designed! I love the old-school J. Crew Made-in-Italy shoes. One of my fave pairs is a pair of ballet flats I found in a thrift shop about ten years ago!
“I’m Buster Brown, I live in a shoe. That’s my dog, Tige. He lives in there too!” “Ruff”. Can you believe I remember that! I’m 78.
Hi Nancy. Of course I can believe you remember that jingle. LOL. I remember every word to every song Shirley Temple sang in her movies!!
Oh, how I wish I could have worn heels like those at any point! I am just enough younger than you that we wore platforms! I wore some really high platforms and am quite surprised I never fell off them and broke my neck! It is just another insult from aging, isn’t it? Having to give up things we love…shoes, contacts, etc. But, I would much rather be aging and discovering new things to love than the alternative! I wish I had narrow feet, but mine are big for as short as I am. They’ve also become wider with age. That is definitely one of the things I dislike about aging. When I was in high school, I worked in a small department store, and we sold Buster Brown shoes!
Hi Marsha! My aging feet have produced bunions. I suppose it is from all those years of squeezing into pointy-toed heels. Regardless, they aren’t too bad for me to have to see a doctor. But I just cannot get over how high heels as well as platforms were. Orthopedic surgeons must have made a fortune back then!!
Always sensible leather shoes through school years but boy did I rebel when starting my working life!! Same mantra as your Mother, always leather and never cheap even to this day, so many beautiful shoes have been my obsession!!
Memories as follows, are you ready
– 70’s walking from Lingfield to Caterham in Dolcis platform shoes in beige/ brown, lots of platform shoes bought in London at Russell & Bromley also yellow Mary Quant ankle strap summer sandals plus matching handbag, thought nothing of racing around in six inch heels later in the decade
– 70’s/80’s working in retail as a Buyer of ladies fashion, hosiery and accessories so expensive heeled court shoes mostly Bally and Gabor, most memorable were the grey kid leather heels that got repaired so often that I cried at their eventual demise
– 90’s/2019 last career spent in a office as PA/Secretary to MD and Head of HR, corporate dress code so still heels, Geox mostly
Since retiring the only shoes remaining are two pairs of classic courts in navy and black, nowadays it is sandals as soon as the snow has gone and then boots in the winter season.
At present it is Birkies two strap, wedge espadrille’s and walking sandals, have just ordered my first flip flop Archies so looking forward to trying non-leather footwear, UK reviews have been good and your comments have helped also, thank you.
Jan
Jan. I had the Kork-Ease platform shoes. In hindsight, I have no idea how I was able to wear them–but I did. And the shoes of corporate days. Ahhhhhhhhh. Memories! BTW, I purchased Geox booties in Paris maybe ten years ago and LOVE them. The heel is kitten so I’m able to wear them without toppling. It’s a shame that Geox isn’t sold regularly here in the States. It’s a great brand. My Rondini’s are my summer go-to but have you heard of Archies flip flops? I currently have two pair and they are comfy as all get out!!
PS forgot to say am now a big fan of Fly London sandals and boots, they are so comfy!!
OMG. Everything in this is me-childhood memories of Sillmans Shoe Store with the perfectly lined chairs with the cool ramp, the smell when you walk in, the new Keds for summer (so exciting!), then the Pappagallo flats to not wearing shoes driving or in the house. I LOVED this entry, it was a fabulous trip down memory lane 1960’s. Thank you Catherine : – )
Hi Colleen. Those perfectly lined chairs. Why don’t we have regular shoe stores now? There was something so special about going into a shoe store–and you’re correct–that scent of leather was mesmerizing. It’s daunting to me that we are no longer able to purchase Pappagallo flats–those bright colors with the flowers. I always thought they were timeless but their time did,unfortunately, come. You are so welcome. This was a fun post to write!
Im a chelsea boot type of person – but I am pretty causal. My feet have to be comfortable and nope Im not for slumming it in cheap shoes. I will wear and wear and wear my shoes until they are begging for the bin, Im also a clutz so I could only dream of high heels and looking fab. School uniform dictated a very narrow range of shoe options, but like your mother there were standards to be upheld (I so wanted a pair of Charlie Browns – oh heck no according to my mother)