Tickle me ... ice!?

It was the summer of '90. Rollerblading was still for straight guys and Ninja Turtles were on top of the world (they still are pretty cool in my book). Mel Gibson never looked hunkier in 'Bird on a Wire' (Mom's favorite VHS that she'd fall asleep to each night). Posters of Marky Mark, Dante Bichette, and Chuck Finley hung from Heather's room.
My life was simple then. Everyday's objective the same--scrounging loose change from every nook and cranny in the house (i.e.; under the couch cushions and, if necessary, Dad's gold change tray) until I acquired just enough for a pack of Score baseball cards and the greatest summer treat known to man; 7-11's 'Ice Tickle.' There was no greater escape from that scorching, relentless heat inside the air-conditionless 2750 Royal Oaks Dr. Cherry, bubblegum, lime, watermelon ... whatever the flavor, it always did the trick! Friends would rave about their skinny, flavorless 'Otter-pops' and I'd just laugh in their face.
Tragically, one day the 'Ice Tickle' was discontinued. The years have flown by, but the memories of those chilly, slushy sticks of joy never faded. Over the years I'd glance in the freezer boxes of 7-11s all across the globe with hopes of their reappearance, but to no avail. Until last week! Having succumbed to a Slurpee craving I entered a local 7-11 and felt prompted to take a peek into the freezer box. Lo and behold, there they were! 'Ice Tickles' are back into my life and hopefully here to stay!