Venturing out: Going to grocery stores in quarantine times

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​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. 

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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. 

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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.

Mom & Dad’s
On the phone earlier, I explain to Mom: Don’t open the door.  If I’m a carrier of Coronavirus, you might easily get it from me.
So, instead I wave to Mom and Jerry who are watching me unload the car from their living room window.
First, I use a disinfectant spray & paper towels to wipe off some of the items, then put everything on a bench by their front door. I add a little surprise treat, knowing it'll give them a little spark of happiness.
We “meet” at their kitchen window. This is where they usually hang out inside their home--sitting at the table eating, doing crossword puzzles & reading.
We wave to each other; talk a little bit and I snap some pics.
Home, Sweet Home
Then, after almost 4 hours—a trip that normally might take two, at most—I’m back home again.
Kevin asks: “How was it?”
So, I recap. I didn’t mind standing in line, the freezing temperatures, the social distancing, the masks, the gloves, the bare store shelves, no toilet paper—again!
No problem.
What bothered me most?
The 2nd-hand cigarette smoke. Smoke was coming at me from all angles as I waited for Walmart to open.
Chances are—sadly--that might kill a person before the Coronavirus.
Meanwhile, leave it to Mommy to add a little levity to my day. God, I love her. She texts me later: “Thank you, Lynda for going to the store for us. And thanks for the chocolate bars.  Running out of chocolate has been a disaster, too!”
Chocolate. Yep, that was my surprise for Mom and Dad.
So, have you been to the store lately? Let me know what it’s like for you!

Make it a great—and safe & healthy-- day!