(Lynda squatting—so to speak-- on the deck at home)

Charmin Squats!
Yay! Finally, toilet paper in the house! Bought some for us and for Mom & Dad!
I’ve been shopping for my parents—making sure they stay safe, healthy and inside during this social distancing.  It's incredible just how often and how many of us are buying toilet paper.
And, on Mom's list each time I’ve gone to the store? TP. But shelves have been empty.  I went to one place, stood in line just to get inside the store, then encountered another long line just to buy toilet paper. As I headed to that line, workers announced: “The toilet paper is now sold out.” Darn! So close!!

(Mom, 87 & Dad, 91- last summer, downtown Gilbert, AZ.)
Happy Parents
But today I went to Costco. Score!  And boy were Mom and Dad thrilled. When I arrived at their house, carrying the huge load from Costco, they cheered—from a safe distance behind the screen door, of course. They were so cute, really full of joy. You know you’re feeling blessed & grateful when you break out in applause for toilet paper!

Exercising with my Cushy Stash
So, before I “crack” open my toilet paper, thought I’d try it out for use during my overhead sumo squats! I kid. I just thought it’d make for a good pic. Felt cute, might delete later!
Panic Buying
All kidding aside there is an interesting reason TP has been the item to buy. We are “panic buying”.  One psychiatrist says we’re essentially using “retail therapy” as a way of coping. And get this—because some stores sell it in large packaging, like this Charmin—well, then stocking up is a way in which we can feel even more secure with control over our lives.
1973
And this isn’t our first run on toilet paper. There was one back in 1973.
We were in a gas shortage. In October of that year, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Companies (OPEC) proclaimed an oil embargo. In March, 1974 a barrel of oil had risen by 400%.
Johnny Carson
The toilet paper stock was fine, that is, until Johnny Carson delivered a joke about the run on TP. On his show on December 19, 1973: “There is an acute shortage of (shakes his head, grimaces) of toilet paper.”.
What do you find comforting?
Listen we are all scared. This pandemic is unprecedented in the United States. None of us knows when it will end. We all have to do whatever it is that makes us feel better. If that means buying personal hygiene items--then do it! But just know we will get through this soon and just imagine how incredibly grateful we'll all be!
Aside from toilet paper, what would give you the most comfort these days to bring home from the store? Candy, cookies, a good meal, a puppy!? Please share your ideas below. I really want to hear them! I’ll start. For me, it would be chocolate candy!
Make it a great--and safe & healthy day!
 

​
​Winter in Arizona
Went from wearing a winter coat and gloves to a long-sleeved t-shirt & shorts. That’s Arizona weather—at least that hasn’t changed.
So, it’s Friday when I opt to leave the house.
First, a walk in the ‘hood with the girls, Millie & Roxy.
Then, stores, gas station and parent’s house.
On the seat next to me, I bring along a trusty passenger--a box of rubber gloves. 

Wow!
​The experience is challenging, even a bit frightening.
I arrive at Walmart—a 24-hour location—I’m bummed—a huge line. It’s only 6:30 AM. The line stretches the entire length of the front of the store—equal to a huge city-block.
I’m perplexed, curious. I can’t figure out why we’re all standing there.
Crowd control inside the store?  Senior-time only? Then I see a hastily scribbled sign: “Temp. hours: 7-7”.
Shortened hours, I guess, due to less merchandise and to allow for stocking.
So, I wait in the freezing temperatures, happy I bundled up and put on my winter coat.
I have no other choice but to wait. You see, Mom needs (gasp!) toilet paper. 
Thirty minutes later, the doors open and ahhh, I’m inside. Yay!
Workers are pointing to yet another line:
“Get in this line if you want to buy toilet paper.” It reaches out the door and to the back of the store. But just as soon I scurry over there, another announcement: “The toilet paper is now sold out!”.
I buy what I can, check myself out and head to Sprouts where I’m not sure what to expect. No line but most of the customers here are wearing masks, gloves, keeping their distance and even avoiding eye-contact.
I smile at people. Knowing that if I get one back, I will feel a better, a little more at ease. I do get a few. 

Easy Breezy
Then Costco for gas. This is a breeze.
But the store itself which opens in two hours has lines already, hundreds and hundreds are waiting. At least five parking lot aisles are packed with people standing in line to go in the store. I snap some pics.