A Trip to the Grocery Store
I ventured out into the world today for a trip to the grocery store. Yes, I could have waited. I have lentils, rice, beans, eggs, flour, oil, over-wintered chard, new spring radishes, and arugula out in the garden, and milk in the freezer that hopefully will make yogurt. But, I decided to go out.
There was a dual purpose. A friend had agreed to put a new screen on my iPhone 7+. After breaking the screen a third time, I purchased a smaller and less expensive model that fit my hand, but since that big phone has a much better camera, I’m hoping to put it back in service to use as a second camera when Virtual Pie Camp goes live next month. So, off we went, Gretapie (GP) and me.
First stop was the farm store to hand off the phone and new screen to my friend and shop. The parking lot was full and so were the lines of people standing 6-feet apart waiting to get through the check-out stands. My friend was in the first line and recognized me despite my masked face and gloved hands. It kinda felt like a drug deal when I handed the envelope with the phone and screen to him. We exchanged a few words and then I got on with my first round of shopping.
Bananas, lemon curd, a new cheese cloth, cauliflower, and mushrooms. I saw cornmeal and whole wheat flour on the shelf. I put a bag of cornmeal in my basket, but left the flour for others as I have some at home. There was a beautiful purple and white African violet on display and I came close to bringing it home, but in the end decided to leave it for some one else, too. On to the check-out line. When I was nearly done, I screwed up punching the numbers in on the card reader. The clerk (thank you to all the essential workers!) was kind and patient. I said to her how it seems we are learning to smile with our eyes. She replied that people really are looking directly at each other now—over their masks—and asked if I wanted her to put my items in the bag I had brought. I said yes and waited for the machine to finish the transaction. Then on to the big box store.
There was off and on sun today so I found a shady spot to park the car, cracked down the windows for GP, checked my gloves and mask, got a push cart, showed my card, and entered. I was already feeling stressed like I do when going through TSA at the airport. There were more people inside then I have seen in well over a month but instead of feeling connected to humanity, I just wanted to get on with my shopping and out of there as quickly as possible. It seemed to me that about a third of the customers inside were not wearing masks or adhering to the 6-foot distancing request that the speakers broadcast out in a calm voice every 5 minutes.
When I got to the cheese case there were two men (one in one of those motorized carts) having a conversation right in front of the cheese I wanted. I waited at a distance. Then waited some more, trying not to eavesdrop on their conversation, yet hoping that they would see me and move on. They didn’t, so I decided to circle back later for the cheese. Out of curiosity I headed to the TP aisle and saw it fully stocked, then pushed my cart up to check out the staples–sugar, flour, oil, rice, and beans. There were plenty of bags of flour at “one to an order only.”
While I was paying, I heard a customer at the next check-out stand very vocally complain about our state not opening up yet. After they left, I mentioned to the clerk that both my grandparents passed away within hours of each other in the flu epidemic of the last century, then pushed my cart over to the line to have my receipt checked so I could exit.
GP was happy to see me when I got back to the car to load up. I pushed the cart back to the entry area, and headed home. As I drove, that African violet was calling to me, but not enough to stop again. With each store I felt myself getting tenser and more stressed, and all I wanted to do was get back home where I feel safe. I imagine that at some point in the future my feelings will change, but it may be quite some time before I feel at ease heading out into the physical world to do something as basic as shopping for groceries, an outing I used to enjoy and take so for granted.
We have been using our local farm store for all of our needs so far, but a trip to a big store is in the near future. Glad you survived your travels today!
I did. Yay for farm stores, Jane.
I agree that buying farm-direct is the way to go right now. As much as the stores are trying to manage people well, the other customers are human. That’s not good for compliance with rules or guidelines that protect others.
So true.
Feeling the same. Almost a fight or flight. I hate the feeling of anger that wells up inside of me , when I witness others lack respect of and what this virus can do. Yes home, showered, change of clothes is my safehaven.
Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.
Remember the quote from Jane Austen: “Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”
So very true, Stevie!
Gary braved Costco today too! Sorry you didn’t see each other’s friendly, masked faces!
Me too, Sheila!
Just a thought—stores in our area are discouraging the use of reusable bags for now, or requesting that customers who prefer to use them bag their own groceries to diminish touch exposure. Your checker may have been trying to encourage you to bag your own, as in pre-Covid days, she would have assumed you wanted her to bag your groceries in the bags you brought. Just when we’ve gotten comfortable remembering to bring our bags…
Thanks so much for the heads up, Cherie.
I figured out to go to local big box hardware-lumber-garden store that 6 a.m. when it first opens is the best time — nearly everyone who is there shopping has on masks and gloves. AND — very few people overall. I can get in and out in a jiffy —back home by 6:30 or 6:45 just in time for a fresh cup of coffee.
I feel the same way,
Kate
It will be a long time before I go to the store
I’ve lost the email address
There is no place like home Dorothy had that right, too
Love
Barbara
Indeed she did, Barbara. xo K
I found my trip to be so stressful too and I typically love to go shopping for groceries. I live in the middle of the country where many people are not taking it seriously. I’d say, at most, a third wear a mask. We had to take our car in to the shop and I was the only one in the crowded room wearing one.
My first trip to a big box store in 6 weeks was on Tuesday. I came home sweaty and anxious from the people who brazenly displayed their disdain for caution. As I left the store, a very pregnant young woman with no mask or gloves was striding in boldly with a smug, defiant look on her face. It made me scared…and sad…for her and her baby.
I haven’t gone into any store for two months, and have no plans to do so for another two or three. I am at an age where if I get this virus it will not go well for me, so I order online, go to the store, pop the trunk, they load my order, I holler thank you, and off I go. Some might say I am over-reacting. I say I’m still healthy and plan to stay that way. Too many people disregard the simple safety rules, and I can’t afford to get sick-I have two canine companions to take of!
The Washington State Historical Society will be collecting stories of real people’s lives during this pandemic. In a more aware sense–sometimes not– we are living a piece of history. Humans are demonstrating both cooperation and obliviousness…as we always do. I hope cooperation wins.
You tell your stories very humanely, Kate. I pre-ordered a copy of your new book through Allen…good to support all our wonderful local farmers and small businesses.
You ‘re such a prolific writer Kate and u have the ability to transport me to wherever u r and “see” whatever you’re seeing U bring me warmth and joy with each note. Tu.
You are so kind, Joy. I know this may not be an easy time for you and many, so if my words can help in a small way, I am grateful. xo
That sounds like a horrible story, Kate. Can’t you just buy in little stores locally? It is so important to support neighbourhood businesses. Farmers Market, butcher, I don’t go into supermarkets for years. Well, not all true, sometimes when we are going to have a big party to get the drinks. Don’t be scared. Keep your distant and wash your hands when you’re back home. You are not alone in this, we are all in the same boat.
Big hug from Mallorca!
Brigitte, 90% of the time I do shop in my tiny local stores so no worries there. Stay safe! 🙂
Stay safe and don’t worry too much. Give Greta a big hug from Benji and Oscar!
Good night from Mallorca.
Kate I so appreciate both of your books and most importantly your approach to making pies, thank you.
Now I would very much give you something to ponder while drinking your coffee in the AM. Do not be afraid to live, to vote, to shop to see your friends it is now time for Americans to get on with their lives as best as we can in these times. I know what part of Washington you live in and as my memory serves me it is quit and not very populated look at what the media is feeding us and I say this because I just read they may not let us vote in Maryland or anywhere else. IF WE ARE ALLOWED IN WALMART WE CAN VOTE and get America back on her feet.
Your experience sounds just the way I would have expected it. I haven’t been off our property for 62 days. I live in Seattle, so I can order groceries brought to my door and left on my porch. Farm produce was not within my easy grasp anyway – the only farmer’s market close to me has no parking. I used to always frequent pop-up fruit and veggie stands, but it’s too early in the season for that, yet. And, truthfully, I am fearful. I’m in a very vulnerable group – over 65 and underlying health issues, the most severe being breathing problems, so I will be staying inside and not wanting to push that envelope any time soon.
I appreciate very much Governor Inslee’s caution on opening things up. I do know so many people need to work, and I wish our government was doing more to really help the people who will not be able to recover from this economic crisis.
I have to have frequent blood tests for my health, and when I let my docs know I was fearful of coming to the lab and sitting in a waiting room with who knows what kinds of germs all around, they sent out a technician to take my blood at home. I am so grateful.
I am, likewise, so grateful to the people who do my shopping for me and bring it to my door. Who understand that I don’t want to get too close, and will wipe down door handles with disinfectants after they leave. It’s a strange new world right now. I hope we will get through it, but I know we won’t get through it without loss of some kind, and that’s very sad.
Hi Kate! Glad you were brave enough to go out shopping. My better half was doing that for awhile, mask, gloves and eye protection in addition to social distancing. Since mid March, we have been ordering groceries from Costco and Metropolitan Market (sometimes Safeway, too) though Instacart. It’s easy, once you get the hang of it, and all the shoppers we’ve had have been wonderful. We wipe down everything that comes into the house and rinse the fresh vegetables, then wash ourselves up with antibacterial soap. It’s been a boon since we are both in the age range where we’re more likely to get this. I love to grocery shop, too, but right now we’re leaving that to the wonderful workers who are willing to do this for us! Stay safe and keep making those pies. Pie is always good! Chicken pot pie in my future
Stuart usually does our grocery shopping…he hasn’t noticed an y big problems. Time of day is everything, of course. Trader Joe’s last week netted me a church friend right in front of me in the “3 foot marked” senior line! That was the best…someone to chat with while we waited to get in to shop. TJs really seems to have it down…lots of people to control the lines and all with a small and a great attitude. We don’t order our groceries…If the store is that dangerous, I don’t want to make anyone else do it for me. (Of course, neither of us has any health issues that would cause us to be more at risk…just age. If we did have underlying conditions, we would definitely NOT shop for our selves either.) Our Farmer’s Market is still open on Saturdays but we have been avoiding it….way too many people in attendance.